A Former Homemaker's Guide to Returning to the Workforce
Coping with the Unexpected
Weigh Your Options
Having a clear reason why you are returning to work may help combat your guilt and help you to see the big picture. Think carefully about those reasons. Is it a financial need for your return? That single income got you bogged down and stressed out? The lack of money is sure to make you more irritable than usual. This may have a negative affect on your overall attitude. Children are intuitive. Your child will definitely sense your mood. She may act out by misbehaving. It's difficult to work on one income, especially since the bills remain the same. Working may give your family some financial ease and eliminate some of the guilt you may feel.
Adding to the family income may boost your overall confidence level. This, in turn, will enable you to handle those "toddler episodes" much better. If you're not stressed, then your family won't be stressed. Your child will pick up on your good mood and perhaps behave better.
Give Me a Break
Do you just need some time away from your child that you didn't think you needed before? Will being away from him for a while make you a better parent? You'd be surprised because it might. During your time off, for example, plan to do something fun with your child. Maybe have lunch and go to the park afterwards. Or plan a trip to the library or the neighborhood playground. It may not seem like a lot, but it's the little things that count. It is that special time that you and your child can look forward to spending together.
Quality vs Quantity
Make it a point to include your child during meal preparation and house chores. Reading bedtime stories is another way to spend some quality time with your little one. You should use every available opportunity. Your child won't be bored. He is spending time with one of his favorite people. Spending "special" quality moments with your child during your time off will aid in squashing those guilty feelings.
A Family at Peace
More than likely, your return to work will improve the well being of your family. Try to stay focused on that point if you are having a hard time dealing with leaving the home for employment. You'll have more money in your pocket and subsequently have more control in your life. Knowing that you have control will help you to look at the benefits of returning to work and stir you to a guilt-free mind. You will be able to make things happen instead of having things happen to you. You should do what is needed to protect the integrity of your family. Don't worry about what others may think. The needs of your family are your main concern.
Budget is the Key
You may decide to return to work only temporarily. If a short return is your plan, save your money so that you can weather any future financial storms without having to go back to the workplace prematurely. Have a budget in place to help you accomplish your money saving goals. One of the ways you can stick to a budget is planning ahead. This is especially beneficial for grocery shopping. Always shop with a list and use a calendar to plan weekly meals. Avoid shopping on an empty stomach. This will keep those extra impulse buys out of your shopping cart. Every dime counts when it comes to budgeting.
A Refreshing Change
A break from your children may be more beneficial than you think. The workplace may be a nice change to the challenges of being a homemaker. You may value the time spent with your children even more since there is less of it. Interactions with other adults may be invigorating. Your child, whether he is in a daycare setting or with a single babysitter will also benefit. They can learn to interact with other children and pick up those important social skills.
Going back to work may not be as bad as it seems, even if it wasn't part of your original plans. You will thrive. Your children thrive. Your family will thrive. So, when you begin to feel guilty about your decision to return to the workplace, don't. Just remember the overall benefits in store for you and your family.
Published by Cheryl Loux
Cheryl Loux is a freelance writer with a wide range of experiences. She is married with three children. Her goal is to help others by sharing her life challenges. View profile
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28 Comments
Post a CommentGreat advice. We need to have more articles written by you. They're all very good!
Wonderful advice and beautifully written. You've hit many nails square on the head. Thanks!
This was a great read, and certainly eased my mind about potentially re-entering the workforce. I have an application going into my husband's place of work (up the street from my house) and my father is ready to care for our son while we work. Cross your fingers! This job will essentially double our income, and have us out of hot water in less than 3 months! :)
You said it quality vs. quantity and unfortunately with the cost of living too many moms have to go back to the workforce. Good article
I found this a very encouraging article. I'm sure that it will really benefit other working parents who are facing having to return to the workforce.
Sophie
Another good read Cheryl, I had to leave the workforce for 2 years for medical reasons and my wife had to take over. When I got better and went back to work it was a total bummer for me. You are right though sometimes the difference in quality of life by having more money can make up for the guilt
This article is very encouraging for people who have to make a tough decision.
Good thoughts about a hard time!
Very good points! Every mother needs to do what is best for her and her family. There is no right way or wrong way to do this and no mom should feel guilty about her choice. It can certainly be difficult, but both staying home and working have their own difficulties so you just have to find the balance that works for you.
Excelent article!