Making The Transition Back Into the Job Market

Q: My little one is starting pre-school, and I’m thinking of getting a part-time job. I’ve been out of the market for about three years, and have no idea where to start. Do you have any advice for me?

A:You are not alone in your intent. It seems as if every day I hear of a mom who is considering getting a part- or full-time job. It can seem daunting to dive right back into the pool, but consider the following advice from Joanne O. McGhee, founder of Sage-ELT, LLC, (973-736-8900) who helps individuals and groups recognize the blocks that hold,them back from achieving goals and success, and Tara Harkins, co-leader of the Bergen Chapter of the national non-profit organization Mothers & More and founder of Working Mother Coaching (917-301-3479), whose motto is "balanced moms make happy families."

Joanne’s ‘Sage’ Advice:

You’re Already a CEO: If you feel overwhelmed by the prospect of finding work, remember you are already a Chief Executive Officer of Household Management. Some of the jobs you may have executed in this position are financial, administrative assistant, event planner, project manager, transportation coordinator, health care provider and
nutritionist. These skills are all valuable and quite transferable.

Maximize Social Media: Use technology to further your reach and
create new relationships. Establish your profile on Facebook and/or LinkedIn to power-up your network.

Leverage Your Contacts: Good old-fashioned face-to-face networking is still one of the most effective techniques you can use. Reconnect with old colleagues, friends, and avail yourself of your alma mater’s career center.

Get Your Group On: Either sponsor or join a group on Meetup.com to help you connect with like-minded people on a local level.

Volunteer without Fear: Seek challenging assignments with
organizations that align with your career interests. You may also choose to chair a committee for a professional organization, run for president, or serve on the board of directors. It will create opportunities to polish your management, public speaking, strategic and long-range planning skills

Tara’s ‘Coaching’ Concepts

Create a Clear Vision of Your Ideal Position: Is flexibility important? What are your salary requirements? How many hours do you want to work? How far are you willing to commute?  Do you want the option to work remotely? It is really important to know what you can live without and what is an absolute must.

Optimize your Resume: If you have been out of the paid workforce for a period of time, consider organizing your resume by positions instead of chronologically. Remember to include experience gained through volunteer opportunities or courses you have taken. Create several versions of your resume tailored to the different types of jobs you are seeking.

Create a Positive Focus:  Above all, remember that the world is full of opportunity and the possibilities are endless. Eventually you will find the right job, or you may even create it! Keep your mind open to
alternative work situations such as self-employment, contract positions, or even a new career path.

Realize You Haven’t Been ‘Unemployed’: In fact, you’ve been quite busy growing and shaping the next generation, and that is significant and challenging work!  Although society tends to undervalue the role
of motherhood you don’t have to buy into that mindset. Know and feel proud that you have been employed in the most important work of all!

Parenting Help from a Hotline

Q: Sometimes I have questions about raising my kids that I don’t feel comfortable discussing with family or friends. Is there a national hotline I can call?

A: The recently launched National Parent Helpline ® operated by Parents Anonymous ® Inc., an organization dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect, provides emotional support, assistance and information to parents and caregivers, as well as parenting resources and a bulletin board for community dialogue. Trained Helpline Advocates are also available at 1-855-4A PARENT (1-855-427-2736).

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Editor’s note: If you have questions related to parenting, raising kids or just generally being a mom, feel free to submit them to the author at estellewriter@aol.com, like the author at http://www.facebook.com/estelle.sobel.erasmus email the editor atorerik.wander@patch.com.
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