Getting Back into the Workforce as a Mom

Many parents have to choose between staying at home with their children or returning to work. If you made the decision to leave your job and stay at home with your child for a few years, returning to the workforce can seem like a challenging task. There are ways to balance motherhood and a career, but first, you’ll need to get your foot in the door somewhere.

Luckily,  returning to work after being a SAHM is extremely common.  Here are some benefits of returning to work and tips on how to begin your search.

Benefits of going back to work

If you have the choice between staying at home and returning to work, returning to work is not always an easy decision. And if you’re in a position where you absolutely have to return to work, the idea of being away from your child all day can be heart-wrenching. Returning to work comes with a number of benefits though.

Income

This is one of the biggest reasons moms make the decision to return to work. Working allows you to earn an income so that you can support your family.

Socializing

Some moms struggle with staying at home all day because they feel lonely and disconnected from the world. Returning to work allows you to meet new people and have conversations that don’t revolve around your children.

Build Your Own Identity

If your self-identity primarily revolves around you being a mom, returning to work allows you to have a way to begin adding new elements to your identity. Going to work can provide you with a sense of purpose that extends beyond the walls of your home, which can help make you feel more fulfilled as an individual.

Job fields you could go into

There are countless options for you! Researching some of the most recruited roles on LinkedIn is a good place to start. This will give you an idea of what industries are hiring and what skills you need. As you’re looking at possible opportunities, you’ll also want to consider if you want to work part-time, full-time, or remotely.

If you’re worried about not having enough work experience, stop worrying! Being a SAHM gives you transferable skills, such as patience, time-management, conflict resolution, and more. Think about what skills you have learned from parenting and how you could use them in the workplace.

If you’re still feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, here are some roles recommended by other moms.

Childcare Worker

All of the skills you’ve gained as mom would transfer well to a job taking care of children! There is almost always a demand for childcare in the form of daycare attendants, nannies, or teacher assistants. Some childcare positions will even let you bring your child to work with you.

Office Assistant

Many moms enjoy working in an office because there is flexibility in assigned hours. Some office positions are only part-time, which allows moms to work while their children are at school. Working in an office also allows you to gain knowledge of a certain industry, which could eventually allow you to climb the corporate ladder.

Freelance

Freelancing allows you to work remotely from home and to have flexibility with your hours. There are remote opportunities out there for teachers, writers, editors, graphic designers, and more! If you have a specific skill to offer, you can earn money right from your house.

Tips for your job search

Refresh your Materials

Before you begin applying to positions, review your application materials. Look over your resume and see what needs to be added or removed. Make your LinkedIn profile as compelling as possible. Refresh on how to write a good cover letter. Consider having someone else look over your materials before you start sending them to potential employers.

Use your Network

Networking can be a great way to find your perfect position. Talk to your friends and family to let them know that you’re looking. If they hear of a good position for you, they can help get you connected. Don’t be shy about your job search, because there are people out there willing to help you.

Prepare for Interviews

If you haven’t been in an interview recently, it doesn’t hurt to review common interview questions and rehearse how you’ll answer them. Remember to research the employer before the interview! If you have a gap in your resume from being a SAHM, be prepared for employers to ask how you spent those years. This is where you’ll want to talk about all the transferable skills you’ve gained as a parent and how those skills can make you an asset to the company.