Crucial Guidelines On Confidence Boosters For Mums Returning To Work

It’s never easy taking a career break, but sometimes ‘you’ve just got to do, what you’ve got to do,’ as the saying goes. This is particularly appropriate when you have to make preparations for – and welcome into the World – a new arrival. Mum can be very focused indeed when it comes to the significant challenge of raising a child and it is understandable that her main focus may not, for the time being, be on her career, which will be on hiatus. Our society rightfully accommodates the mum-to-be during these times and thankfully, she doesn’t have to worry about finances too much.

While some women put a great deal of effort into planning their entire working career around their life aspirations, planning in intricate detail what will happen from the moment they find out that they are expecting a child, all the way through a transition back to regular work, for most of us this represents a process of discovery. It is, after all, very difficult to plan your entire career and personal life in advance, most especially given the financial and economic uncertainties that we have encountered in recent times. Such economic turmoil is enough to throw anyone’s plans off track, but for the mother getting ready to return to work after her break, it can be a particularly stressful time.

There are a large number of reasons why mum needs to be super confident after baby arrives and she wants to return to work:

First, she should never forget that she was hired because of her personality, ability, education and skill sets. This is a great combination that most human resources department heads are looking for and are equally aware represents a fairly rare find. Quietly and subtly, she should draw attention to these valuable assets!

Next, she needs to remember that she has nothing to feel guilty about. Childbirth is a natural right for women in our society and the vast majority of employers recognise and accept their liabilities as a consequence of doing business. It is sure to be quite disruptive for any employer, but everybody can take this in stride and deal with it and it’s certainly not a reason for the mum to feel guilty.

Third, don’t forget that you will have picked up some excellent managerial and planning techniques, as you moved through the process of childbirth and family planning. These are not to be under-estimated, as you will be able to convert them into valuable assets at work, when you go back.

Fourthly, as half of the entire workplace is made up of women, almost all of whom should be really sympathetic to you, remember that many of them have been in your position. This almost guarantees a sympathetic approach from them, when you reappear.

Lastly, the fact that you now have a family to take care of is a marvellous achievement in its own right. You should feel justifiably proud of your achievement and if you can go through the process of childbirth, then you really are ready for anything you will face in the workplace!

Don’t worry if you think it’s too much for you, as professional coaching can help you get through it. These days, online coaching is a truly valuable resource for our hectic daily lives, as in most cases, professional coaching for women returning from a career break can help to smooth over any potential difficulties you might envisage.

Amanda Alexander is Director of Coaching Mums and a highly acclaimed ICF-accredited coach who delivers professional coaching programmes to working mums who yearn for success, balance and fulfilment. Are you a juggling mom? Download our free eBook for working moms that will give you 5 simple and instant ways to balance your life right now!