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With the rising cost of childcare many of us are choosing to take a career break when we have children. It gives us that special time at home while they’re little and means we’re not working just to pay nursery or childminder fees.
However, eventually most of us want to return to work in some capacity. It can be a daunting thought, returning to a work environment when you’ve been in a parenting bubble for a few years. You might try and put it off for a while, thinking that the time doesn’t feel “right”. The problem is though – there is never a right time.
If returning to work outside of the home is something you want to consider at some point then take a look at these tips below to help you make the transition.
Highlight Your New Skills
When you are updating your CV make sure you highlight your new skills. Stepping away from your career doesn’t mean you have to have a gap in your CV. Voluntary positions within organisations, like the running of a toddler group, have transferrable skills such as time management, budgeting or creative problem solving. Make sure you highlight these skills on your CV and be ready to give working examples of them at an interview.
As with any CV, it is all about how you write it. Telling your potential employer that you are really good at getting 2 kids dressed and out the door on time for a baby sensory class, or that you can breastfeed a newborn while keeping one eye on a toddler at soft play and still maintain a conversation with your friend, won’t quite cut it. Relate your skills back to the industry you are applying for and explain how it is relevant to the role. Your CV is your time to shine – make them see what you can bring tot the table.
Use An Agency
Finding the right job for you can be hard. The application process is forever changing and it can be hard to keep up. If you are looking for work in a specific industry it can be really helpful to use an agency to help you find an appropriate position to apply for.
Most agencies operate digitally these days, so you can use the likes of i-teachers to find a role as a teacher or teaching assistant across the country.
Work Out The Flexibility You Need
Everyones needs are different, and it is worth sitting down and working out exactly what you want in terms of flexibility. Flexible working comes in all different shapes and sizes, whether it is a compressed working week (completing 5 days work in 4 days through longer hours), late starts or early finishes so you can drop off or pick up kids from school, working from home or part time hours.
Flexible working doesn’t mean you can only apply for part time positions. Many full time positions have flexible options.
Consider Your Childcare Options
Managing childcare can take a bit of juggling, but there are ways to make it work. Many schools have breakfast clubs and after school clubs at relatively affordable prices which can make drop off and pick up times more manageable. Alternatively you can use a childminder or family members. Having a rough childcare plan in place will give you peace of mind when you are applying for jobs.
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