No kidding! You can work after that long break
ALL THIS while you have been enjoying your motherhood taking a long break from your career. You have seen your little one crawl, wobble and toddle! But remember better things are in store, it's time for you to leave your little one and get back to office. Staying at home as a mother changes everything - your daily schedule, your priorities, responsibilities, in fact your whole lifestyle would have undergone a transformation. Getting out of this life is pretty difficult and can be emotionally straining too.
Most women usually take a long break from their career once they attain motherhood. They might stay at home for the first few years, until the kids are of manageable age and then again try to reinvent their careers.
The woman is ready to look for a job, attend interviews and start afresh. The job market though might not be in favour of accepting her. Most companies avoid recruiting new moms with an employment gap. They foresee problems like absenteeism and slackness. Nevertheless, don't be disheartened.
You have done it before. Haven't you battled through interviews and emerged victor? You can certainly do it again. Gear up for the second innings of your career. Some tips:
Prepare yourself: Prepare yourself mentally to get back to those cloistered cubicles and long working hours. You are definitely going to miss your kid as you have got used to being with the child all the time. But tell yourself that you need to do this to re- sculpt your career.
Make yourself fit: Start regular exercise.
Re- Connect: In your busy schedule, you might not have had the time to keep in touch with your old colleagues and friends. Start networking once again and spread the word that you plan to start a career again. So if they happen to know about any openings they will inform you.
Make your voice heard: Let your resume convey your passion for work. During an interview when you talk about the gap in your employment, convince them of the circumstances under which you left your career and that now you are back with renewed energy.
Convince the recruiters: Present your previous record and assure them that you are still capable of hard work and commitment. If the recruiters are convinced about your commitment to work they wouldn't want to let go off you.
Assert yourself: Don't let the recruiters take you for a ride just because you took a long break from your career. Negotiate well for your salary and claim whatever perks you are entitled to. You can even ask for flexi-timings. Many companies now have that option for working moms.
Make domestic arrangements: Look for a good crèche for your kid in case your company hasn't got the provision. Ensure it is close to the office or home so dropping and picking the kid won't be difficult. Discuss your intentions with your husband and convince him to share household duties.
Always remember that you `still have it' in you. It's never too late to start working again. Build-up your confidence, regain your enthusiasm and get back to your career. Welcome back to work!
SANDHYA U
faqs@cnkonline.com
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Opportunities
