Tips on How to Reenter the Workforce After Pregnancy

Most women have to take some time off work after getting pregnant and giving birth in order to look after their baby. The gap in employment years can make it difficult to reenter the workforce once more. This article discusses a few tips that can help you out.

I. Analyze your readiness to get back to work.

a. Assess your current situation and decide whether or not you are ready to be employed once again.

b. If your child is only a few months old, see to it that you have family members, friends, or baby sitters to look after him or her while you are away.

c. If you could not afford to leave home, you can try seeking online jobs so that you can still be there for your baby.

II. Know why you need to seek reemployment.

a. If your husband has sufficient income, you really do not need to get back in the workforce.

b. However, occupational psychologists explain that women seek reemployment not just to earn more money – they also do so to regain self-esteem. Having a separate income source boosts the person’s morale and can contribute to healthier family relationships.

III. Know what you want to do.

a. Decide whether you want to go back to your old job or seek a career change.

b. Make a list of the kind of industries that you want to enter.

c. Determine the position that you want to achieve.

d. List down convenient working shifts and office locations.

e. Assess whether you want a full-time or part-time schedule.

IV. Regain confidence.

a. According to a recent survey conducted with stay-at-home moms, the top reason why mothers find it difficult to reapply to different jobs is because they lack confidence.

b. The gap in their employment period and lack of practice makes them doubt their skills and working abilities.

c. You can boost your confidence levels by updating your experiences through volunteering in your desired field, taking classes, attending seminars or conferences, conducting researches, and doing self-directed learning to gain more knowledge.

V. Prepare possible requirements.

a. Prepare your resume, bio data, or curriculum vitae. See to it that all the details that you provide are accurate and concise.

b. List down persons who can make letters of recommendation to validate your skills and credentials.

c. Also prepare supporting documents such as copies of your birth certificates, social security numbers, and so on.

VI. Start the application process.
            a. Apply to different jobs that suit your passions and credentials.

b. Seek the assistance of career coaches if you find it hard to look for prospective employers. They can help present you with the available career pathways and opportunities in your area.