Going back to work after having kids
You will never forget the sheer joy of holding your newborn for the first time. The sudden realisation that you were now responsible for a new real-life tiny human being was both daunting and exhilarating. Fast forward six months and you may be considering venturing back into the world of work. You adore being at home with your little one but you also hanker after a tad more mature company, and you want to feel professionally challenged once again. But do you want to swan back into your old role or do you want something else from your career? Take a look at these simple ways to get back to work with a bang after having kids.
Preparing for going back to work after having kids
It’s a good idea to keep in touch with the office while you are away from work. It’s all too easy to become consumed by nappies, baby food and breastfeeding and relinquish all ties to your life prior to having a baby in tow. Try to pop into the office once a month, show your face and make sure people know that you are still very much around. Many bosses expect their staff to eventually leave when they head off on maternity leave. If you want to return, pass by once in a while and ask about the newest projects going on, the latest lucrative contracts secured and meet the newest additions to the team that you’ll soon be returning to.
Work On Yourself
While it’s very easy to think that you’ll have plenty of time on your hands while you are away from work, in reality, this is very different. A baby takes up a lot of time. Who knew? And they require support and looking after pretty much all the time. You’re not complaining though – you could just stare at your offspring sleeping for hours. However, while they are having a nap, consider venturing online to enrol on a course that will ensure that you obtain a qualification related to your industry sector. A wide range of courses related to operations management, MBAs and ITIL are now available to complete fully online making it a great way for the new mum on maternity leave to brush up on their skills and make themselves more employable at the same time.
Do Something Different
Just because you fancy heading back to work doesn’t mean you have to return to your old role. Many new mums find themselves pursuing their passions while spending time with their newborns and they end up making this a new career. If you love crafts, writing or even buying and selling antiques, you can make a career out of it from the comfort of your own home. This could give you the best of both worlds meaning you can take care of your little cherub while bringing in a healthy wage.
Becoming a mum doesn’t mean you have to wave goodbye to your career. Sure, your priorities will inevitably shift, but you can still enjoy a meaningful, worthwhile and enjoyable career.
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Kate Davis-Holmes
Award-winning writer, blogger, social media consultant and charity campaigner. Social Media Manager for BritMums, the UK's largest parent blogging network Freelance clients include Firefly Communications and Save the Children UK. Works with brands on marketing projects. Examples include Visit Orlando, Give As You Live, Coca-Cola and Kodak. Cambridge Law graduate with many years experience working across three sectors in advice, media relations, events, training and project management. Available for hire at affordable rates.
10 Comments
Stuart
My wife struggled going back to work – it’s so important to have a flexible and understanding employer and like you say, priorities shift #DreamTeam
Heather Keet
I love your recommendation to work on yourself. I think many moms neglect themselves as they are grinding through the process of going back to work! #DreamTeam
Jenny Curtis - Kid Transit
I like the tip about keeping in touch with work- it can be easy just to push it to one side once your baby arrives but if you keep up with anything that’s going on it will be a little bit easier to slip back into your job again. #FabFridayPost
Tubbs
All this is so true. Your priorities change when you become a mum and you may discover new talents as a result.
Sara @ Magical Mama Blog
All of this rings so true. Your priorities switch to baby as soon as you become a mom and you end up neglecting yourself quite a bit. It is so hard to leave baby and return to work. All you can hope for is that it will be lucrative and it will be worth it.
Thanks for sharing!
#FabFridayPost
Sarah
sometimes going back to work can be a way of getting some self care in if it’s something you enjoy! you’re absolutely right, we neglect ourselves very often once we become parents
Sarah
I, for one, could not wait to get back to work! Sometimes you need reminding that you are actually a person, not just someone’s mum. Having days where you can touch back in with old colleagues will undoubtedly help you feel normal again
#FabFridayPost
mummy here and there
I think going at a pace and having time to rest after cab help ease you back into the work balance X #fabfridaypost
Su {Ethan & Evelyn}
These are great advice. I totally changed my career path. I just couldn’t bare being stuck in the office all day long! lol!
Thank you very much for linking up with us on #FabFridayPost
Our Seaside Baby
Great tips! Working on yourself and updating skills is so important 🙂 #FabFridayPost