Being a stay-at-home mom is a privilege not every mother gets to or ever wants to experience. For some, returning to work months after having their child is a must in order to keep their finances afloat. Others return to work quicker and utilize daycare services. Some stay home for a bit, then return to work once their kids are a little older. While both working and raising kids come with their own set of pros and cons, being a stay-at-home mom can sometimes feel like a financial conundrum.
After staying home for 6 years to raise my autistic son, the time felt right for me to return to the workforce. However, after staying home for many years, I had serious doubts in myself about whether or not I was still capable of doing or even getting a job. So much about me and the world had changed. Applying for jobs is now completely digital. How do you do an interview these days? My son is nonspeaking, so the only person I talk to daily is my husband. Do I even remember how to interact with other adults in a professional capacity?
The thought of this next chapter in my life was absolutely terrifying. No longer 100% accessible to my son if/when he needed me. Trying to find a job, let alone the right job. I had quite a large gap in my resume from staying home for so many years that I didn’t think I seemed like the most desirable candidate. Could I even find something that would fit my needs?
Fast forward to today, and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been at a job I absolutely love. They understand my circumstances at home and are willing to work with me, which is something I do not take for granted. However, this joy did not come overnight, though. It came from hard work, dedication, and a change in my mindset. So, if any of you moms out there are thinking about returning to work, I have put together some of the things I did that helped get me to where I am today.
Below are a few tips and tricks that helped me transition back into the workforce:
Ask for help.
It had been such a long time since I had worked, so I needed to ask for help fixing my resume. Thankfully, my best friend in the world knows exactly how to do just that. While we as moms have a hard time asking for the help we need, it’s important to use any and every resource we have available to help us move forward in this world. It really is all about who you know.
Filling the gap.
Having a 6-year gap in my resume was an extreme concern of mine when the job search officially began. In order to fill this, I took a low-paying job in retail that had the exact hours I needed. When I accepted this job, I knew it would only be temporary. I could make a little cash while slowly getting used to working again, all while filling that hole in my resume. When the time was right, I’d leave and find a better job that pays more. I did, it does, and I’m so happy!
Confidence is key.
Positivity attracts positivity. Once I changed my mindset from “I can’t” to “I can”, I felt a major shift in myself. Instead of being scared of going on an interview, I’d think about how I was going to nail that interview. Believing in yourself will get you far in this world.
Be honest.
Honesty is so important. Not only with your future employer but with yourself. If you are only available 9-2, don’t apply for a job that requires you to be there 8-4 just because it sounds good. Something better will come along that suits your hours of availability.
Returning to work was one of the best things I’ve done in a long time. For my family, but more importantly for myself. I’ve regained so much self-confidence back along with financial stability and independence. I’ve also seen a shift in my relationship with my son since he now has a chance to miss me. He gets so excited to see me now when I come home from work. If you are just getting started on this journey back to work, you got this! Don’t give up on yourself, especially when it gets hard. The right job is waiting for you. You just have to go find it.
