Bringing a child into the world is a great joy. It’s also a decision that will change your life in many ways, such as in the amount of sleep you get and your career path. Even though you can’t plan for everything that will happen in the future, you should at least have a game plan for how you want things to unfold.
Many women find that they want to re-enter the workforce after giving birth. While this may not happen right away, there could come a point when you realize that you want to hold down a part or full-time job once again. If this sounds familiar, here are five things you can do to prepare yourself:
- Consider All Your Options
Maybe you want to go back to your old employer (and maybe even your old job). Or perhaps you have something else in mind, like starting your own business.
With no shortage of options to consider, it makes sense to keep an open mind. Doing so will position you to make a decision that you’ll be okay with over the long run.
Tip: don’t forget that your child of today won’t be the same as your child of tomorrow. For example, there’s a big difference between a six-month-old and a 12-month old.
- Prepare Your Body
You know better than anyone that there’s nothing easy about giving birth. And you also know that your job becomes even more difficult after your new bundle of joy arrives. So, you must prepare your body for everything it’ll go through as you re-enter the workforce.
Take for example someone who returns to a job where they’re standing most of the day, such as in retail. Not only should you prepare your body (with a focus on your feet), but you should also have an idea of how to relieve your pain at the end of the day.
Know which parts of your body will get the most strain and make a list of things you can do to prevent injury and treat any problems that you run into.
- Take Your Schedule Into Consideration
A new child means a new schedule, so you should think long and hard about the number of hours you take on as you re-enter the workforce. Are you okay with the idea of working full-time? Are you better off starting in a part-time position? Could you become a contractor in the meantime?
As you answer these questions, it’ll become clear as to when you need to be available for your new child. This will dictate the type of position you take on.
- Know What You Need in Terms of Pay
How much money does a nail tech make? What about a hairstylist? How about a receptionist? Make a list of jobs that interest you and then learn more about the pay you can expect. Of course, you should also take benefits and other perks into consideration.
You probably have needs in regards to how much money your new job pays. This is particularly true if you’re taking on expenses, such as daycare, to re-enter the workforce. Once you know how much you want and need to make, you can decide if it’s a good decision to go back to work at present.
- Be Patient
It’s easy to feel financial stress as the costs associated with a new child begin to mount. However, don’t let this force you back into the working world before you’re ready to do so. Making this move can cause both physical and emotional harm.
Be patient as you consider your options, apply for open positions, and accept interviews. You don’t have to make a rash decision. It’s better to be safe than sorry when making a choice that will impact you and your loved ones.
Final Thoughts
It’s common for working moms to take a career break, so if you go down this path you’re not alone. There are many others out there who have made the same decision as you. And now, they want to re-enter the workforce.
If you’re considering this — even just a little bit — prepare yourself to the best of your ability. This will help you find a job that best suits you, your new child, and your new life.
Leave a Reply