So you have made the decision to return to paid employment
after some time away from the workforce raising the children,
NOW WHAT?
For those feeling apprehensive, unsure of what steps to
take, here are some tips that may be of assistance.
Clarifying what you want in a job is your first step
towards finding one. Identifying your primary reasons for
returning to work, the type of position you want, the days
and hours you would like to work, the seniority of the role
and what impact these will have on your family will help
you focus on your objective. Once you’re clear on
these issues, you’re on your way.
Time to remind yourself about all the great things you
achieved prior to exiting the workforce. Think about how
successful your time was and what lessons you learnt during
that period. Then move on to the time you have been out of
paid employment and what you achieved during this time.
Don’t underestimate the courage it takes to leave a
comfortable position to pursue your own interests or to be
a full time parent. Think this through and list all of your
achievements.
Need help? Talk this through with your partner or close
friend, you will be surprised at how many of your skills
they value as special.
We often make the mistake of assuming that raising
children is different to paid employment or running a
business. Let’s change our focus for a minute and put
that assumption to the test with some of the key attributes
required by employers.
Organisational Skills
As a parent, our household would not function smoothly
if we were not extremely organized and efficient. Consider
all of the activities that go into keeping your home
together - from housework to taking children to different
activities, preparing meals, homework, shopping, paying
bills, the logistics of a family holiday… need we go
on?
Art of Prioritising
As a parent, you are constantly changing and juggling
priorities to ensure that all of the household needs are
addressed and that the children’s needs are equally
balanced.
Communication and Negotiation Skills
As a parent, you are constantly communicating and
negotiating with your children, your partner, your friends,
the Parents’ & Teachers’ Association at
school and others in your social community. Think through
all the times you had to negotiate with your child about
the new bike they wanted or the extra ice cream.
Let’s not forget the great communication required to
keep in touch with friends and keep household members on
top of their daily responsibilities.
Financial Abilities
As a parent, you are required to run the household
budget to ensure that all the financial commitments are
covered. Sometimes you have to juggle the available funds
to ensure that the mortgage is paid on time or that phone
bill is covered.
Multi Tasking
An essential skill required in any type of paid role you
choose, as a parent, multi-tasking is something you do
every day. Picture a morning in your family home - get
breakfast, feed the children, help dress the children, get
yourself ready, feed family pet (if you have one), make the
beds, get the lunches packed, maybe throw a load of washing
on, and get the children to school or day care before their
bell rings. Sound familiar?
Now that’s you’ve clarified your many
skills, it’s time to use the various tools and
resources provided on this website to assist with your
re-entry into the workforce. Part Time Online provides help
with structuring your resume, writing impressive cover
letters, practicing your interviewing skills and other tips
you might need in finding your next job.
Good luck!
