Tips for Moms Preparing to Reenter the Workforce
How Stay-at-Home Mothers Can Position Themselves to Go Back to Work
Nov 15, 2009
Some women leave the workforce when they have a baby and remain stay-at-home moms forever. Other women choose to be stay-at-home moms for a season of life and then later go back to work. Some stay-at-home moms who never thought they would go back to work at some point have to out of necessity. Life changes such as an unemployed husband, death of a husband, or divorce are all things that may require a woman to go back to work.
Though it can be difficult to for a stay-at-home mom to become a working mom, with proper planning, a smooth transition is possible.
Stay-at-Home Moms Should Maintain Computer Skills and Education to Remain Employable
It's important for stay-at-home moms to keep up with the latest computer programs and other skills and education related to their desired field of work.
Thankfully, the primary computer skills are easy to maintain simply through regular computer use. Stay-at-home moms may choose to maintain computer skills by using computer software such as spreadsheets, word processing programs and so on. Moms may also stay current with technology by using the Internet regularly, online menu planning software and so on.
Some professions including nursing, teaching and others require ongoing continuing education credits to be earned and may require at least limited work hours each year. It's important for stay-at-home moms to be aware of any ongoing educational and work requirements in order to maintain certification in their field. Keeping current with requirements to maintain certification is important for stay-at-home moms in case they ever decide to go back to work.
Some stay-at-home moms may use their time at home to get a college education if they have not already done so. Online education is a good option for stay-at-home moms who want to get a degree without leaving the home.
Volunteer Work Helps Stay-at-Home Moms Prepare to Reenter the Workforce
Volunteer opportunities for stay-at-home moms abound many places including but not limited to churches, schools, libraries and museums. Volunteer work is ideal because it often requires only a few hours of work each week and is much more flexible than an actual job.
Although volunteer work doesn't carry the same weight as regular employment, it's far better to have volunteer work on a resume than nothing for several years. Additionally, those who have supervised volunteers are often more than happy to be used as references and to provide letters of recommendation which can be used by women hoping to reenter the workforce.
If at all possible, it's best to volunteer in a setting similar to a desired future workplace.
Stay-at-Home Moms Should Maintain Business Contacts
Once a woman makes the decision to stay home with her children, it may seem like she no longer has anything in common with her former associates. In spite of that, it's important for stay-at-home moms to continue to cultivate relationships with those in the business world. Occasional lunch dates, passing on referrals, and maintaining contact through little gestures like sending holiday cards are all ways a stay-at-home mom can maintain business contacts.
Since stay-at-home moms may at some time in the future want or need to return to work, they should take steps to make sure they are employable. Moms can increase their odds of smoothly reentering the workforce if they maintain skills and certification, pursue educational opportunities, do volunteer work and maintain business contacts.
Resources:
Romans, Cristine. CNN. Moms who Left Work Force Find Extra Hardships Trying to Go Back (accessed 15 November, 2009).
CBS News. "Job Squad" Helps Women Returning to Work (accessed 15 November, 2009).
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