Yvette Salvaris
Life changes when you become a parent. And sometimes, those changes can cause you to feel overwhelmed by the need to find a balance between being a good parent and staying employed. But it’s important not to lose sight of your career during this time, so don’t forget that there are steps you can take—even before having a child—to prepare yourself for going back to work after maternity leave.
Review your resume and cover letter.
The resume has always been one of the most important tools in a job search. When you return to work after having a child, it’s even more important to have an updated resume that represents your skills and experience accurately.
A lot can happen in two years! Your skills may have evolved or changed, your experience might be different than what was on your last resume, or maybe you have new certifications and credentials that weren’t listed before. Whatever the case may be, update your resume with any changes.
Plan for childcare.
- Make sure you have childcare lined up before you start work. You should look into the costs of daycare and preschools, and find out which ones are within your budget. If you’re considering child-care options other than a full-time nanny or daycare center, consider how reliable they are, what areas they serve .
Redefine your daily routine.
A daily routine can help mums feel more in control of their lives by giving them a sense of structure and predictability.
A new routine should be easier to manage, and if you’re feeling overwhelmed with all of your new responsibilities, now is the time to start restructuring it.
A new routine should include time for yourself as well. When you’re first adjusting to being a mum it may seem like there isn’t enough time in the day, but it’s important not to burn yourself out before you even get started on your new career path!
Decide on a workplace that works for you.
You may find that it’s a lot easier to work from home than you thought. There are many benefits to working from home, including saving money and avoiding traffic jams. However, there are some drawbacks too—such as not interacting with other people or having the chance to work in different environments. If you don’t think you can handle working from home yet but still want to be close by your baby, consider sharing an office with another parent or coworker (or renting out another office). This way, neither of you has to feel isolated while interacting with others on a daily basis.
Start slow.
One of the best ways to ease into working after you have a baby is by starting out slowly. I know that it seems like a great idea to leap back into work full-time, but if you can get your employer on board with even a few hours per week at first, that will help tremendously. It’s also worth considering working from home or having a flexible schedule until you feel more comfortable going in full-time.
If none of these options are available and you do have to go back full-time right away, try setting up small goals for yourself each day: “I’m going to make it through this meeting without crying” or “I’ll answer all my emails before 11AM.” Whatever works for you!
I hope these tips help you get back to work after having a baby. It’s a big change, and it can be scary at times. But remember: you are still awesome, and there are so many ways to do what’s right for you and your family!
