24 Nov RETURNING TO THE WORKFORCE – AN EXTRA CHALLENGE FOR PARENTS

No matter how ready you are to jump back into work after a period between roles, time spent studying or even taking a sabbatical, returning to the workforce after an absence is a prospect that provokes some level of trepidation in everyone.

No matter how ready you are to jump back into work after a period between roles, time spent studying or even taking a sabbatical, returning to the workforce after an absence is a prospect that provokes some level of trepidation in everyone.

In our experience, this is especially true for people resuming work after having children. While it is recognised that the post-child return to employment is difficult, the entire scope of the challenge is rarely considered.

The psychological toll can be particularly damaging. Some of the parents we’ve coached have shared that, despite the time off being an extremely rewarding experience, when they think about returning to work they feel lost, unfulfilled, deflated and even depressed a anxious.

After a period of total commitment to raising a child (or children), oftentimes for many months if not years, feeling those things about working again is perfectly normal!

Here are a couple of things worth challenging when making this decision.

I WANT TO WORK VS. WE NEED THE MONEY

The additional financial injection into the household is of course a key factor. We encourage people to look beyond just the financial consideration for other drivers. Employment decisions made on a financial basis alone rarely bring fulfilment, and without that, interest, motivation and enjoyment tend to wane. Fast.

I WON’T GET A CORPORATE EXECUTIVE ROLE BECAUSE I HAVE CHILDREN

This is the traditional thinking, but the reality is that a growing number of organisations who “get it” are extremely progressive when it comes to parent-friendly workplaces and employment conditions. Forward thinking companies are flexible with work from home arrangements to accommodate school pickups and carer days, with some offering this as an alternative during Christmas and New Year based on an understanding that childcare and schools are closed during these periods. Some even offer a budget to employees for emergency childcare for unforeseen circumstances.

STOP AND ASSESS

Let’s say that, on average, you will have two decades left in the workforce after returning from having children. The natural inclination is to go back to what is familiar and look for the same type of job or a similar derivation. However, this time is a fantastic opportunity to stop and reflect upon what it is that you really want to do and find a career that aligns your goals with your personality and unique attributes.

GET STARTED!

Knowing where to start and how to actually take the first step can sometimes be the primary obstacle in making progress. One method of starting the journey that has brought success, is working from the inside out in order to identify what it is that you REALLY want to do.

Ask yourself:

·     What do I truly enjoy doing?

·     What are my unique strengths?

·     When am I at my best and most productive?

·     What are my core values?

These elements are the foundation of finding what it is that you are built to do. This is an enormous step forward, as a fulfilling career and enriching family life are key factors in a holistic state of wellbeing.

Richard Burton – InnerZone Founder and CEO