How to Return to Work?
14 April 2009
Read by 1385 persons
Employer reluctance, organizational difficulties: it's hard to return to work after raising children. Advice from a specialist to succeed in entering the job market.
Why choose to work again?
Women who decide to return to work do so for several reasons. For financial reasons, for example, in case of divorce or widowhood, if the spouse is unemployed or has health problems. The family may also need money when children are in higher education. The second reason is the desire to have a social role, because the status of a stay-at-home mother is still poorly regarded in our society, and women sometimes feel useless. Finally, a mother may feel lost and bored when her grown children leave home. But this is not the best reason, as there are many other ways to keep busy: volunteering, humanitarian work...
How to go about it?
The first thing to do is to ask yourself how much it will cost. Indeed, returning to work involves many expenses: childcare, school meals... Not to mention that you will also pay taxes on your salary. So you have to calculate carefully before starting to be sure you will be a winner, unless money is not the primary motivation. Then, you have to think about the psychological and family aspect: the change is hard for the spouse and children who are used to being pampered by a stay-at-home mother. The family situation will change: since their mother and partner works outside the home, they will be involved in the running of the house. It is therefore necessary to ensure that the whole family supports her. Before any job search, it is also necessary to see what childcare possibilities there are. In short, it is necessary to study the feasibility of the thing to avoid being disappointed if in the end you lose time and money.
What difficulties are encountered?
Employer reluctance. They will wonder if, after a more or less long break from professional activity, you will be up to the task and efficient. It is mainly male bosses who ask themselves these questions. They are not sure of your adaptability, your flexibility: when you have been your own boss at home for a long time, can you accept working hours and a hierarchy again? You must therefore show the employer your motivation. And if you are moving into a new field, it is best to consider training before looking for a job.
How to highlight your career break?
In your CV and cover letter, but also during the interview, you must highlight everything you have done during this time: volunteering, parent-teacher representative, organizing school trips or fairs... You must show that you have developed qualities and taken on responsibilities.
Posted online September 30, 2008
linternaute.com
Why choose to work again?
Women who decide to return to work do so for several reasons. For financial reasons, for example, in case of divorce or widowhood, if the spouse is unemployed or has health problems. The family may also need money when children are in higher education. The second reason is the desire to have a social role, because the status of a stay-at-home mother is still poorly regarded in our society, and women sometimes feel useless. Finally, a mother may feel lost and bored when her grown children leave home. But this is not the best reason, as there are many other ways to keep busy: volunteering, humanitarian work...
How to go about it?
The first thing to do is to ask yourself how much it will cost. Indeed, returning to work involves many expenses: childcare, school meals... Not to mention that you will also pay taxes on your salary. So you have to calculate carefully before starting to be sure you will be a winner, unless money is not the primary motivation. Then, you have to think about the psychological and family aspect: the change is hard for the spouse and children who are used to being pampered by a stay-at-home mother. The family situation will change: since their mother and partner works outside the home, they will be involved in the running of the house. It is therefore necessary to ensure that the whole family supports her. Before any job search, it is also necessary to see what childcare possibilities there are. In short, it is necessary to study the feasibility of the thing to avoid being disappointed if in the end you lose time and money.
What difficulties are encountered?
Employer reluctance. They will wonder if, after a more or less long break from professional activity, you will be up to the task and efficient. It is mainly male bosses who ask themselves these questions. They are not sure of your adaptability, your flexibility: when you have been your own boss at home for a long time, can you accept working hours and a hierarchy again? You must therefore show the employer your motivation. And if you are moving into a new field, it is best to consider training before looking for a job.
How to highlight your career break?
In your CV and cover letter, but also during the interview, you must highlight everything you have done during this time: volunteering, parent-teacher representative, organizing school trips or fairs... You must show that you have developed qualities and taken on responsibilities.
Posted online September 30, 2008
linternaute.com
