Life Dynamics Coaching Monthly Musings Newsletter

SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER MONTHLY MUSINGS

To muse:
To wonder and marvel; to become absorbed in mindful meditation provoking thoughtful inspiration to unlock doors, walk through them with ease, experience the world of possibilities, and create positive life changes.

Steps to Re-enter the Workforce

Life Dynamics Coaching, Career Transition.

Are you a stay-at-home mom who's ready to go back to work outside of the home? If so, you are not alone. According to the "Harvard Business Review," of the 37% of college-educated women who quit their jobs to raise children, 93% are ready to go back to work within about 2 years. Trying to re-enter the workforce can be stressful. Many women feel insecure and become tired of questions like, "So, what have you been doing for the past five years?" Those of you who've done it know that being the CEO of home and family is big, important, time-consuming work. No, it's not the same type of work that's done in a corporate office, but it is work, nonetheless.

Life Dynamics Coaching, Career Transition.

When you start your job search, remember to hold your head high and march out confidently into the career world with an organized plan and the determination to succeed. You know what you are made of. You know your skill set, and you define who you are. Put one foot in front of the other, maintain a positive attitude, and bring your gifts out into the world. Okay, I know what you are thinking right now. Sounds great, but where exactly do I start? How do I "get back in to the game?"

For starters, read the article from the September, 2007 edition of "O Magazine" written by Sara Reistad-Long. Found on page 233, it provides "Eight ways to get back in the game of work after the mommy years." Here's my summary of the 8 "O" hints.

"Network like a banshee." Write down the names of everyone you know. These are your contact names. Include names from your school alumni groups to the co-workers from the last company you worked for. Also, keep your professional memberships current.
Make a life map. Plan your logistics like who your babysitter will be or what you'll do to get dinner on the table every night before you start looking for a job.
Get up to speed. Update yourself regarding your career field. Read "The Wall Street Journal," take a continuing education class, and follow the trade publications.
Find support. Airing your concerns to like-minded people who share your goals can reduce anxiety and build up your confidence level. Start your own discussion group, join a board, or check out the Forte Foundation.
Stay involved. Doing contract and volunteer work are great ways to show potential employers that you still have a strong skill set. Include these things on your resume.
Get your pitch down. Prepare a 45-second commercial that appropriately sells you, your skills, and your qualifications. On your resume, record all contract, committee, and volunteer work, using action verbs that stress the skills you used. Back your accomplishments with numbers. In interviews, don't beat around the bush as to why you opted out of the workforce. Tell the truth regarding your well thought out, commitment driven choice.
Be flexible. You may end up joining a company that's smaller than the one you used to work for or you may end up changing roles or starting your own business. View all your opportunities as lead-ins to future possibilities.
Mind the gap. Make sure your first new job back into the workforce is a good match. Start sending out applications when you are ready to commit at least a year to a job that aligns with your qualifications and areas of interest.

Here's the deal...

Life Dynamics Coaching, Career Transition.

Human resource professionals want you to know that when you interview for a job, never ever apologize for choosing to be a stay-at-home mom. Be proud of your choice.

By the way...

Opportunities and possibilities are everywhere! Maintain a positive attitude and don't limit yourself. "Where there's a will, there's a way." When you are job hunting, don't discount any of your connections. Tell everyone you know what kind of a job you are looking for, what your qualifications are, and to please keep you in mind if they hear of any open positions in your career area.

Something to think about...

"It is never too late, in fiction or in life, to revise." Nancy Thayer, Nantucket novelist.

On a Wing and A Prayer...

"Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity..."
Proverbs 21:5, NLT