Get Back into the Grind: When Moms Go Back to Work

You love being a stay-at-home mom, raising the kids, and taking care of your husband. But the kids are growing up and will be starting school soon. This means, you will need to help out with the additional expenses. And besides, you miss the work you left six years ago and are eager to pick up where you had left your promising career. But after six years of unemployment, you don't know where to begin.

When choosing a job to apply for, be realistic. Recognize that things are different now. You have family responsibilities now that need to be balanced with your career. Look for a job that will allow you to still have quality time with your family. A work-from-home opportunity would be ideal. Avoid positions which will entail a lot of traveling and late hours in the office.

One of the difficulties of getting a job is the intense competition. Just to get that interview spot, you will be contending with job-seekers whose resumes present continuous years of work experience. Tailor your own resume to address your disadvantage, i.e., the long gap in your work history. Structure your resume in such a way that it focuses on your strengths and abilities, and downplays the long break you had from work.

To minimize that gap in your work history, it is suggested that you take up activities that will keep you "hirable". While being a homemaker, take up courses related to the career you left or attend seminars on leadership and self-development. You may also want to take up computer classes, as computer literacy will surely be an advantage when you decide to go back to work.

Once you land that job that you want, you will have to perfect the balancing act between work and home. The most important principle in juggling between the two is knowing your priorities. Sacrifices will have to be made, and a clear set of priorities will facilitate your decisions. Would you prefer helping out your child with his school assignments in the evening, instead of taking home some work from the office? Would you cancel an important business meeting because your child's running a fever? Knowing early on which things are important to you will help you balance your act.

Your children will notice the change. Mommy isn't always home anymore. When they begin to express separation anxiety, you will have to explain to them that you're working, just like daddy. Keep in touch with them throughout the day by calling while at the office. You can also bring home small gifts to make them feel that being away from you isn't so bad. When your office and schedule permit, bring the kids to work and show them what mommy does. You'll be surprised at how understanding young kids can be. They'll be very proud of you, and will soon be bragging to their playmates about what mommy does in the office.