Years spent witnessing the wonder of the world through the eyes of your children is a priceless package of memories. It is far from easy. In fact most moms will tell you it’s the hardest job with the least amount of respect there is.

Eventually, there comes the time, maybe when the last child goes off to school, when mom may sit down and say, “Now what?” And that question, while simultaneously exciting and frightening, may lead mom to decide to go back to work outside her home.

This is exciting because while spending lovable hours with young minds is enlightening, time spent with grown-ups may have been missing. Thinking Transitional Return to Work previous years in a career may have been challenging and rewarding in confidence and self-esteem points. It would be wonderful to have that again.

It is frightening because, where to start? Can I go back to my old job, old career field? Do I even want to? If the answer is ‘yes’ to any of these, then your transition back to the world of paychecks and personalities is waiting for you. Enjoy.

If the answer to the questions is ‘no’, then a new challenge presents itself. Do I need to update some skills to be marketable in my career field? Finding courses at community colleges and continuing education centers might be the bridge to prepare the way. If you want to pursue a different career entirely, then starting with an idea, which gives way to a plan to achieve it, will be the road to take you there.

Regardless of your avenue of returning to the workforce, you likely have other issues to address before that first day back on the job. Child care - of course, you knew this would have to be provided, and you likely know where to look, but have back-up plans and be sure it doesn’t eat up all your earnings.

Resume - dust if off, spruce it up, and while you can find creative ways to show you were ‘working’ while child-rearing, focus on the skills and past experience you have that dovetail with the career you want now. Online resume services and resources are great at helping with this.

Wardrobe - take stock of what you have that will still work, and is not outdated. Add some classic pieces, black pants and skirt, comfortable pumps in your new post-kid size, white button-down blouse, neutral conservative sweater. And you can always add accessories to give personal style to your outfit.

Technology - if you have stayed current on computer applications needed for your field, and are equipped with the appropriate phone/messaging medium for your needs, great. If not, find a high-schooler in the neighborhood who can bring you into the 21st century.

Lastly, confidence may be an issue; it is for many moms when taking the plunge back into the career pool. Give yourself a break, and a pat on the back for many jobs well done. Not the least of which is helping to guide young minds to a life of productivity and creative endeavors. What could possibly be harder than that? You can do anything.





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