The simple answer is: it is not easy at all. To elaborate a little further, we’ll tackle a few of the most vital ways moms can devote their time to developing both personally and professionally, without feeling as if they’re neglecting their kids. Truth be told, as moms, we often feel overwhelmed by the idea that it’s time to split our dedication towards more than our kids.
However, in reality, devoting time to exploring your career options and discovering your purpose and passion means that you’ll be a strong role model for your youngsters.
When you let your little ones see you in multiple roles, including the one where you make a decision to change your career, you portray real life to your kids. You give them a glimpse into adulthood, into the possibility of changing their lives, and the simple truth that nothing is set in stone. When they see you boldly taking on such a colossal challenge, they’ll not just be proud of you. They’ll be eager to follow in your footsteps if they feel, in the future, that their calling lies elsewhere.
As a mom, you need to make it work by embracing flexibility and alternative ways to learn. Let’s see how you as a parent can switch a career without too much stress or hassle.
Do some soul-searching
Why do you want to change your career, for money, purpose, or something entirely else? How willing are you to learn new skills? What can you apply your existing skills to in your new job? Are there any fields that you can easily transition to? Answering these and similar questions can help you narrow down your choices.
The goal for narrowing down your options is not to limit yourself, but to focus on something that will bring you joy as well as stability. It’s a way to give you direction that combines meaningful work with boosting your quality of life.
Start networking and updating your resume
Once you’ve decided on one or a handful of options you want to explore, it’s time to turn to your existing network of contacts, online as well as offline. Reach out to your previous colleagues, college friends, even employers for a good recommendation that will focus on the skills you can use in your new job, too. For example, “working well under stress” is something that can apply to cybersecurity as well as medicine.
Heading back to work often means reminding your network that you’re open to new opportunities. Go on LinkedIn, Facebook, and other official outlets to check out what’s out there, to update your bio, and to share what you’re looking for now. Maybe there’s an online event or a workshop you can attend that will help you make new connections.
Leverage online learning
If your newly chosen field of work is entirely different from your previous calling, you might be looking at new education, too. After all, a degree in software development can hardly help you become an emergency technician or a nurse. For moms eager to work in healthcare, look for positions that you can qualify for with online courses.
For example, obtaining ACLS certification to be able to care for patients on life support is the best decision you can make before you look for a job. Make sure that you can also qualify for basic or advanced CPR and other medical training to complement the ACLS skills you’ll build. This is a noble calling, but it requires ongoing education.
Prepare for job interviews
A new career means that you’ll need to talk to people from a new field, which might not come so naturally to you, if this is a major shift in your life. If you’re accustomed to different roles, the one you want to apply for might require a different set of communication skills, or a slightly different etiquette.
It’s wise to prepare for the interview by practicing with your spouse and your friends. They can give you specific pointers on how you can improve and what you can adapt. Then again, if you want to become an entrepreneur, then you’ll need to figure out how to impress investors and negotiate prices if you’re going to need financial support for your endeavor. Absolutely, you can have it all as a working mom, but you should come prepared!
Consider a side-gig first
No need to take a tremendous leap! It’s possible and even much easier to handle to transition slowly once you choose your desired career. For example, you can start off with a few hours a week or per day, to see how you feel in your new role. If it’s a medical profession, an internship or a part-time position is a good place to start. If it’s an IT role, you can try taking on a single project before you commit to the job full-time to work for a company.
A side-hustle can quickly turn into an occupation if you so choose. As long as you know how to manage your time and organize your responsibilities, which is precisely what you can get better at when you start off with baby steps, so to speak.
Exploring your options is a healthy way to evolve your professional life and to be a better parent in one fell swoop. It’s far from easy or simple, and there’s no single path that you can follow, preferably the kind that promises financial security or any kind of security.
It takes courage, investing time and effort, and getting genuine with your possibilities to find the right career for yourself as a mom, but also to transition to that new career more smoothly. Hopefully, these tips will help you get there!
About the author
Marie Nieves is a lifestyle blogger who loves unusual trips, gadgets and creative ideas. On her travels she likes to read poetry and prose and surf the Internet. Her favourite writer is Tracy Chevalier and she always carries one of her books in her bag. She spends most of her free time at home walking her Labrador Retriever named Max. She is an avid lover of photography and a regular author at High Style Life. You can find Marie on Facebook or follow her on Twitter and Pinterest.
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