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Few events can make you reassess your life like having a baby. Suddenly, all of the choices you make are doubly important, because someone special is counting on you. Having a job is directionless now; you want a career with a future to provide stability for your growing family. You also want to be happy.
"New moms must believe they can have a job they love that does not diminish their significant relationships," said Sharon Givens from Visions Counseling and Career Center in Columbia, South Carolina. "The critical concept is work-life satisfaction." Finding that balance means taking time to evaluate yourself and the current job market and learning how to choose a career.
How to choose a career path
Choosing a career path is the first step. This may be something you always wanted to do or something you just saw someone else doing that really attracted you. We change when we become mothers — our priorities shift focus on being mothers and caring for others.
Look forward by looking back
That perfect career may not be down a completely different road for you. "Don't close your mind off to where you were before," advised Colleen Smith, a licensed professional counselor at Insight Coaching and Counseling in Reston, Virginia. "People have usually established some depth in the field they were in before they had children. This could potentially have the biggest financial payoff."
Additionally, the quality you need most when you have a baby in your life — flexibility — is usually better achieved with people who are familiar with you. "Companies often respond well when approached with alternative arrangements," Smith added.
More and more moms are looking for work-from-home positions. Whether this is your own company or a remote position for a company, working from home can provide you with the level of flexibility that you need as a working mom.
Understand yourself
If moving forward is your best option, take personal inventory. "There are three key elements that must be considered when choosing a career," said Givens. "Those are your interests, your values, and your skill set."
The right career is about more than money and a benefits package, though those are important, too. It’s about understanding your priorities. “My heart was at home with my newborn,” explained Micah Klug to Mom.com.
Assessment tests can help pinpoint career fields that will both satisfy you and complement your family needs and personal ideals. You can use any number of tests that include the Strong Interest Inventory or the Meyers Briggs Test. Either of these help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, and when you do this while choosing a career, you are picking something where your natural tendendencies are allowed to shine.
Career: What to look for with expectations and experience
There is usually a difference between what we think a career is all about and what it actually entails. Take the time to really understand what you’d do on a day-to-day basis in a new career.
Get practical
Examine your expectations. Pamela Middleton, director of counseling and career development services at Trident Technical College in Charleston, South Carolina, believes in being pragmatic. "I encourage a prospective student to identify her work values and other key information, such as: Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Are you a practical or academic learner? Do you plan to live in the area? Are you willing to travel? What salary are you hoping to earn? Is that realistic?" Middleton said.
Determine whether continuing your education is a necessary step. If it is, think about how long it will take to complete your education, how you'll afford it and how you'll handle child care.
Be hands-on
The difference between what you imagine a career being like and the reality may surprise you. This is why Givens suggests exploring before making a commitment. "Find out the details and availability of positions," she said. "Talk with someone who is doing that job, particularly a mother."
She also recommends participating in job-shadowing: Follow someone in the career you're interested in for several days or weeks to get a real, day-to-day viewpoint of the job from the inside. This sneak peek may be the final determining factor in whether you take that career path or you head back to the drawing board.
Career advice: Finding those who can help you along the way
As you take the first steps into a new career, you’ll want as many people on your side as possible. This may mean finding a mentor or other like-minded moms to guide you on your journey.
Use social media
Social media can play an important role in helping you find a new career. If you don't have a LinkedIn profile, get one. Recruiters do use LinkedIn. You can also use Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to connect with professionals you admire who might help direct you on a new career path. Choose groups and topics that are of high interest to you, and get involved interacting with others in the groups.
Network, baby
When you're ready, it's time to get the word out. "Tell everyone you know you're looking for work," stressed Smith.
Network with other mothers looking for work; they may stumble upon an opportunity they need to pass on but would work for you. Even in the electronic age, "you can't replace old-fashioned networking," said Smith. "Tell your hairdresser, your nail lady, your postman, doctor, receptionists, all the people who come into contact with other people because they hear things. Practice your 'elevator speech' so you can tell someone what you're looking for and what you have to offer in four sentences."
