Sara Dobson
Rachel Henwood - Freelance WriterReturning to the Workforce
July 29th 2008 06:30
After a year, well 13 months maternity leave I have decided to dip my toe back into the workforce. I want to find something part time or flexible to keep in touch with the workplace while at the same time allowing me spend some quality time with my daughter.
In these times of skills shortages and the internet, flexible working is becoming more of an option, but where do you start? If you are currently employed it is much easier to negotiate work from home options as you are already a known quantity. It also saves your employer time and money to allow you to work from home rather than having to train up somebody new to replace you.
Enquire about doing temporary or freelance work to cover busy periods or holidays, as a way of easing back into the workforce.
If you are not currently employed, consider getting a part time job and demonstrating your abilities before requesting work from home options. If you are in a profession where you can easily work from home you may want to think about setting yourself up as a consultant.
Is working from home really for you?
To work at home you need to be very focussed, organised and disciplined. If household chores, or TV easily distracts you this option may not be suitable. If you are thinking about working from home as a solution to your childcare problems beware that toddlers need/want your attention all the time, you might end up trying to do snippets of work during the baby’s nap times.
Self-confidence
After being out of the workplace for a while, it can be quite daunting getting back out there and applying for new jobs.
While on maternity leave, try to participate in activities outside the home, even if they are not work related, such as volunteering, or community theatre. This not only builds your confidence up, it defines you as more than just “Sam’s Mum”. I have actually completed a postgraduate diploma in Journalism and a Writing for Children and Young Person’s course over the past year.
If studying is not for you, check out volunteer opportunities as a way to learn new skills. Keep in touch with ex colleagues and co-workers, not only will it keep you in touch with industry changes, you will find out about possible vacancies.
Your CV
Revamp your CV. Do not refer to your time out of the workforce as “stay at home mum”. Think about the experience you have gained from unpaid activities such as, tuck shop worker could be termed customer service experience or money handling. Include all voluntary work or work you have done for family a business.
Finding a Family Friendly Employer
For a list of family friendly workplaces check out The Equal
Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA) or government workplace websites.
I have found several websites, which specialise in part time or flexible working arrangements they are Priorities and Nine to Three
In these times of skills shortages and the internet, flexible working is becoming more of an option, but where do you start? If you are currently employed it is much easier to negotiate work from home options as you are already a known quantity. It also saves your employer time and money to allow you to work from home rather than having to train up somebody new to replace you.
Enquire about doing temporary or freelance work to cover busy periods or holidays, as a way of easing back into the workforce.
If you are not currently employed, consider getting a part time job and demonstrating your abilities before requesting work from home options. If you are in a profession where you can easily work from home you may want to think about setting yourself up as a consultant.
Is working from home really for you?
To work at home you need to be very focussed, organised and disciplined. If household chores, or TV easily distracts you this option may not be suitable. If you are thinking about working from home as a solution to your childcare problems beware that toddlers need/want your attention all the time, you might end up trying to do snippets of work during the baby’s nap times.
Self-confidence
After being out of the workplace for a while, it can be quite daunting getting back out there and applying for new jobs.
While on maternity leave, try to participate in activities outside the home, even if they are not work related, such as volunteering, or community theatre. This not only builds your confidence up, it defines you as more than just “Sam’s Mum”. I have actually completed a postgraduate diploma in Journalism and a Writing for Children and Young Person’s course over the past year.
If studying is not for you, check out volunteer opportunities as a way to learn new skills. Keep in touch with ex colleagues and co-workers, not only will it keep you in touch with industry changes, you will find out about possible vacancies.
Your CV
Revamp your CV. Do not refer to your time out of the workforce as “stay at home mum”. Think about the experience you have gained from unpaid activities such as, tuck shop worker could be termed customer service experience or money handling. Include all voluntary work or work you have done for family a business.
Finding a Family Friendly Employer
For a list of family friendly workplaces check out The Equal
Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA) or government workplace websites.
I have found several websites, which specialise in part time or flexible working arrangements they are Priorities and Nine to Three
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