Helpful Considerations On Confidence Boosters For Mums Returning To Work
Saturday, July 31st, 2010It’s never easy taking a career break, but sometimes ‘you’ve just got to do, what you’ve got to do,’ as the saying goes. This is particularly appropriate when you have to make preparations for - and welcome into the World - a new arrival. Quite rightfully, the career must be on hold as the mum-to-be focuses on what’s ahead and places all her resources to work on the imminent arrival of the child, instead of the career. Our society rightfully accommodates the mum-to-be during these times and thankfully, she doesn’t have to worry about finances too much.
Relatively few women actually go through the effort of planning out a career in its entirety, taking into account what they plan to do in their life from a personal perspective and mapping out how they will handle childbirth, all the way through to the transition back to the workplace. It is, after all, very difficult to plan your entire career and personal life in advance, most especially given the financial and economic uncertainties that we have encountered in recent times. Such economic turmoil is enough to throw anyone’s plans off track, but for the mother getting ready to return to work after her break, it can be a particularly stressful time.
Mum needs to be very confident when she returns to work after a career break, for a number of reasons:
First, she should never forget that she was hired because of her personality, ability, education and skill sets. This is a great combination that most human resources department heads are looking for and are equally aware represents a fairly rare find. While not being overly promotional, she should shrewdly draw attention to these assets.
Second, remember that there is nothing to feel guilty about. Within the society that we live, childbirth is a right that all women can claim and employers build their obligations into the fabric of their business. It is sure to be quite disruptive for any employer, but everybody can take this in stride and deal with it and it’s certainly not a reason for the mum to feel guilty.
Thirdly, it’s important to remember that the actual process of childbirth and family planning helps you to develop some notable planning and managerial skills, anyway. Don’t underestimate these important skills and remember that you will be able to convert them for use within the work environment, as well.
Fourthly, as half of the entire workplace is made up of women, almost all of whom should be really sympathetic to you, remember that many of them have been in your position. You will have many a sympathetic ear, when you return.
Lastly, the fact that you now have a family to take care of is a marvellous achievement in its own right. Not only should you be proud of what you have done, but you should consider that, after the rigours of childbirth, anything that they can throw at you in the workplace should be relatively easy to handle.
Don’t worry if you think it’s too much for you, as professional coaching can help you get through it. Within our hectic daily lives, we have access to online coaching as a solution, where professional coaching for women returning from childbirth can really help to overcome any and all problems that lay ahead.
Amanda Alexander is Director of Coaching Mums and a highly acclaimed ICF-accredited coach who delivers professional coaching programmes to working mums who yearn for success, balance and fulfilment. Are you a juggling mom? Download our free eBook for working moms that will give you 5 simple and instant ways to balance your life right now!