If you find yourself heading to work this fall, here are some things to consider.
We believe women have a gift for growth. You consistently look for ways to become a happier and more fulfilled version of yourself. As the school year settles, many women may feel ready to start something new, like a new job. Whether you’re looking to dive into the workforce or hoping for an opportunity that allows you to start small, there are numerous pathways to explore.
Robbyn Scribner, with Tech-Moms, shares how to get started in the work force.
Exploring Career Options
Robbyn emphasized that there is no one-size-fits-all solution or approach to work. “There’s many options for moms looking to start a job,” she said. From turning a hobby into a money-making pursuit to engaging in the gig economy, the possibilities are vast.
“I used to sell ruffled scarves at a local craft fair,” Robbyn shared. “So, turning your hobby into a money-making pursuit, doing a little gig economy, picking up groceries and delivering them for people, anything to working at your kid’s school while they’re in school, or getting a regular part-time job or even moving on to a full-time job.”
Timing Your Career Move
Is there a better time to seek out a new job? Robbyn believes it’s all about when you’re ready. “There’s no wrong time to do it, but for so many of us, back to school can be a time when our schedules are changing. The kids are back. That gives us a little bit more time to focus on ourselves. It can be a great time to get yourself prepped back to work and get a little extra money for the holidays.”
Overcoming Intimidation
Many women who have paused their careers to raise their families may feel overwhelmed by the options and intimidated by the thought of re-entering the workforce. Robbyn offered reassurance: “You’re not alone. Everybody feels that way. That imposter syndrome, that feeling of fear is ubiquitous. We all feel it. It’s not that we’re not ready. It means that we are stretching and growing.”
Four Steps to Career Entry or Reentry
- Get Curious: “There are so many different types of careers out there, hundreds of thousands that we’ve never even thought of. It can be really great to do some research and open our minds to new possibilities.” Robbyn shared a story about her cousin who went back to work at 60 in a machine shop, a job she never imagined for herself but ended up loving.
- Get Talking: “Using our network and relationships is the most important thing we can do to get back to work, find the job that’s right for us, and even build a better career. Whether we’re on the soccer sidelines, working at our kids’ school, or talking to friends at church, just start asking people about what they do, learn from them, and ask if they know about any opportunities,” Robbyn recommended.
- Get Confident: “A lot of us feel that little bit of insecurity if we’ve been out of the workforce for a while. But when women are not working for pay, they are learning so much. We are running huge school carnivals, coaching soccer teams, and caregiving for loved ones. We have so many skills that we don’t understand.” Robbyn encouraged women to make a list of their skills and accomplishments and seek feedback from trusted friends.
- Get Real: “A lot of women aren’t really prepared for the change going back to work will make for their families. Whether it’s a part-time gig or a full-time job, everybody needs to get on board. Research has shown that kids benefit when their moms go back to work. They learn responsibility and can be super proud of their moms.”
For more advice and resources, visit the Tech Moms website and explore their online class on career reentry at tech-moms.org.
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