Kiddipedia
By Natalie Ritchie
We speak to two mothers who successfully changed their careers after having children. They talk about the challenges they faced and how they found the job that is perfect for them and their family.
Here, we have advice on how you can also make the change.
Melbourne life coach and mother of two children, 9 and 6, Lauren Wills, laurenwillscoaching.com, works with mothers all over the world to help find their purpose.
“No two mothers are the same but I do see a lot of clients who feel they have lost their sense of self since becoming a mother. What does seem to be fairly consistent is the age of their children. I see a lot of clients whose children are about to begin school. It’s a real time of transition, not just for the child but, for mothers too. Many mothers begin to question ‘what’s next?’ They are looking to clarify how they want their future to look. And almost all mothers need help in carving out time for themselves in the chaos that is motherhood!”
She has these tips for mothers wanting to return to paid work:
1. VALIDATE
Give yourself permission to focus on your career; don’t feel guilty. You have just as much right to one as anyone else does.
In today’s competitive job market, finding the perfect career opportunity can be a challenging task. This is where a childcare recruitment agency can make all the difference. These agencies specialize in connecting passionate professionals like you with rewarding careers in childcare, ensuring that you can pursue your dreams without compromising on the quality of care your child receives.
2. SCRUTINISE
“I encourage all mums to get to know their core values,” said Lauren. “Those fundamental beliefs guide us in making decisions and living an authentic life. My core values are connection, family and growth and my career choice reflects this. There are lots of great tools available online to help you determine your core values.”
Many websites and blogs offer exercises and worksheets to help you identify your core values. These involve thought-provoking questions and prompts for deep reflection. Some online platforms offer workshops and courses on self-discovery and values assessment. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning have courses on personal development and values exploration.
Numerous books and articles discuss values and self-discovery. Brené Brown, Simon Sinek, and Stephen R. Covey have written extensively on these topics. For personalized guidance, you can seek the services of a life coach, career counselor, or therapist.
Engaging in discussions with peers or joining online forums and communities focused on personal development can be valuable. Hearing about others’ experiences and insights can help you understand your values better.
3. IMAGINE
Think of the career you want and then get creative to make it work for your lifestyle. “I see a lot of mothers who choose a job/career based on it fitting with school hours or family commitments and they aren’t very happy. Think about what you would enjoy doing when you are sixty and your children are grown.”
4. INVESTIGATE
Speak with other mums about their experiences, not just your friends (who will likely have similar views) but mums at daycare and school as well as women in your industry. “Most people love to share their hard-won knowledge. And the more perspectives you get, the more you will realise that you really do have more options than you think you do.”
5. SCAFFOLD
Get a good support system in place. Get your partner on board, if you have one. Make sure they understand that childcare is equally their responsibility; both paying for it and accommodating it.
Conclusion
Being a mum shouldn’t stop you from pursuing your dream career. You can reach out to your family, community, and professionals. It’s time to act and make the most out of your life as a career woman without compromising quality time with your family.
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