After spending time as a stay-at-home mom, the thought of going back to work can be daunting. On top of the prospect of returning to the professional world, you also are considering how the pandemic will affect your re-entrance into the workforce.
Returning to work after time as a stay-at-home mom is a freeing and rewarding experience. However, it’s important to consider how going back to work will impact the whole family and to be smart about your reentry into the workforce.
Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom actively looking to reenter the workforce or are just considering the possibility of entering the professional world as a working mom, here are the best tips to successfully go back to work after time as a stay-at-home mom.
Build Your Personal Brand
After time away from the professional world, it might be shocking how much has changed. Even in the past few months, the move towards remote work has shifted professional culture dramatically. While remote work does open up many more opportunities for working moms, it’s also important to think about the other ways the professional landscape has changed.
A non-negotiable for professionals nowadays is having an up-to-date LinkedIn profile. Since so many jobs are found through social networking, having an updated LinkedIn is key to expanding your career prospects. However, the social network can seem a bit confusing at first. To get up to speed on LinkedIn and get past that 500+ connections mark in no time, follow my next tip.
Network With Other Moms
Other working moms have been in the same situation as you, and are likely willing to lend a helping hand so you can successfully navigate the workforce. Although looking for a job can be an isolating experience, there are resources for working moms to network, find jobs, and provide insight on going back to work.
It’s always a great idea to seek out other women in business. Women are exceptional leaders and bring innovative new ideas to the workplace, so having other women and working moms in your corner can help jumpstart your reentry to the workforce.
Go on Informational Interviews
Informational interviews are a great way to be proactive about your return to the workforce. A great way to get an informational interview is to go on LinkedIn and reach out to people who work at companies you’re interested in. In an informational interview, you can pick their brain about what it’s really like working at these companies so you can make sure the company lines up with your needs and values.
As a working mom, it can be scary to think about going back to work. However, going back to work can allow you to grow your professional skills and aspire to achieve your dreams.
Being a successful woman also sets an amazing example for your kids. You are their superhero, and showing them that you can balance it all (while being a great mom!) is a great way to set them up for success. For a complete guide to reentering the workforce as a mom, check out the graphic below.