Going Back to Work After Having Kids? Five Tips for a Successful Transition

If you have missed a few years of your working life while you looked after your young kids, it might seem like a hard task to get used to getting ready at a certain time each morning and spending time away from your children. Getting back to work might come as a blessing, however, and you will discover that you actually missed adult interaction and responsibilities. Below you will find a few tips on how to make the transition from being a stay-at-home mum to a working mother smoother.

1. Allow Yourself Time

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It will not be easy in the beginning. You will need to get used to a different type of being tired, and managing your family and your job will create extra challenges in your life. Don’t be too hard on yourself, and make sure that you are allowing yourself time to adjust. Ask for help in the beginning, until you are confident that you can manage both responsibilities.

2. Start Gradually

Changing your lifestyle might be too much to handle with young kids. If you are going back to the same workplace, you could ask your employer to give you some flexibility, and allow you to start part-time. You will have to figure out the best routes to work and nursery and get used to commuting. If you start part-time, you could take care of all the things that matter, such as childcare and other arrangements for kids.

3. Update Your Skills

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Going back to work might be scary if you disliked your old workplace before you left, and this might be the right time to address your concerns. You can update your skills to fit in better or reroll to an accredited online MBA  course so you can get a better position at the same company. Plan every move, so you don’t end up being stressed in a dead-end job.

4. Look for a Flexible Position

Another option could be looking for a job that allows flexible working. If you cannot find a suitable position, you could be better off working from home as a freelancer or setting up your own company. This way, you can be around your kids, and make the most out of your time, eliminating commuting. Some companies will employ you full time and allow you to work remotely a few days a week.  

5. Consider Location as a Main Priority

If you are searching for a new job, you must consider the location first. If your workplace is far from the kids’ school and nursery, or the traffic is bad, you could spend hours in traffic. If you find a company that has its own childcare facilities, you can get a better work-life balance, and be sure that you are not late to pick up the kids.

Returning to the life of work after years of being a stay-at-home mom is challenging. Allow yourself time to consider your options, update your skills, and consider your work-life balance before you choose your next employer.