When Moms Return to the Workforce

If you have ever had an extended period of time away from working, then returning to the workforce can be a daunting prospect. Whether you took time off to have a baby, or looked after an ill relative, or even go traveled for a while, thinking about returning to the workforce can seem scary. You know that the business world moves fast and things can change quickly.

If, for instance, you left the workforce to have a baby, and you have perhaps taken a couple of years off until your toddler has reached kindergarten age, then you may be worried that you have a lot of time to try make up. Most women agree that the biggest concerns they have when trying to return to the workforce include:

• The work experience they had built up is no longer current
• Confidence may be lower due to extended time away from people
• Business software and systems have changed rapidly since the last time they worked

Although these can certainly offer some obstructions, that doesn't mean to say that they will prevent you from returning to the workforce. All you need is some ideas to help get you back into the flow of things.

Work Experience:

Although you may feel that you are lacking relevant work experience due to the fact you’ve been away from the workplace for a while, you might be surprised to find out you couldn't be further from the truth – you just need to know what to focus on.

For instance, you may wish to go back to work as an administrative assistant or office manager but are afraid that your skills aren't up to scratch with the current climate. However, just think about what you've done while staying at home to raise your child – budgeting the everyday household costs; birthday party planning; using your computer to help with bills, etc. All this is classed as time management, and is exactly what office managers and administrative assistants are hired for!

If you include this information on your resume under the heading "Summary of Qualifications", you'll be pleasantly surprised how many employers take notice of this. And if you do charity work, include this too, as it shows someone who is a self-starter.

Lacking Confidence and/or Self-Esteem

One of the biggest problems to overcome when trying to return to the workforce is overcoming a lack of confidence. If you feel that you no longer have the skills to do the job you once did, or a new one altogether, it will dent your confidence, and in turn affect your self-esteem as you ignore job adverts that you'd otherwise go for.

However, if you agree with how your home experience translates to the workplace, then overcoming that low confidence will no longer be an issue.

To help you even more, when putting together your new resume, take the time to list all your strengths and positives; the more successful you realize you have been, and still are, the more confident you'll feel about yourself.

Knowing About Current Software

Even if you use a computer at home every day while you are away from the workplace, it still won't really prepare you for the newer software that businesses are using these days, but don’t let that put you off. There are thousands of online courses, as well as training opportunities at your local college, that can bring you back up-to-date with what's current. And the great thing is, you'll be more qualified to go back into an even better job you had before.

Whatever qualms you might have about returning to work, accepting that you're more knowledgeable than you think will help you get into a job you really enjoy.

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