Entering the workforce after being home with a new baby for an extended time period is bitter-sweet. It’s exciting to get back out in the world again and be around adults, but you may feel overwhelmed thinking about adjusting to work life. Here are a few tips for young moms starting new jobs, shared below by WebFreen.
1. Revamp Your Resume
Before applying for a new job, update your resume. When it comes to writing a stellar resume, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, you want to make sure that your resume is clear and concise, highlighting your most relevant qualifications and experiences. Second, you want to use strong action verbs and avoid using generic phrases like “responsible for.” Finally, you want to make sure your resume is visually appealing, using clean fonts and formatting.
One great way to ensure all of these elements are present in your resume is to use a type of resume builder. Resume makers typically have built-in templates that help you create a customized professional-looking resume with ease. Without a resume generator, designing a great resume could take a lot longer than necessary.
2. Connect With Other Working Mothers
When you start a new job, get to know other working moms. They were once transitioning from being home with a child to being back in the workplace. They can offer advice or be a supportive ear when you have an off day. They may know some resources that could help you better balance your work and home life as well.
3. Never Stop Learning
Shift your focus once you leave the home. Your goal should always be to turn every experience into something educational. At work, look for opportunities to learn something that could help you grow within the company. When the manager asks if others are interested in tasks that could lead to promotions, take the initiative.
4. Treat Your First Job Like a Gateway
Getting settled in your job is not a bad thing, but being complacent is. Always think of your current job as a gateway to a better position. Change can be intimidating, but it is a great way to learn and grow as a person, a parent, and an employee. If this is your first time at an entry-level job, you have the chance to gain experience and use that as your chance to keep moving up.
5. Advocate for Yourself
Be your own advocate. There is a fine balance between being helpful on the job and allowing others to take advantage of you. There is also a thin line between being assertive and being rude. Research shows that the manner in which you speak when sharing your opinion should be positive and clear, or you risk drowning the message.
6. Take a Professional Development Course
If you’re jumping back into the workforce after being out for a while, you could take a professional development course in a field where you already have experience. Look for a course that offers a certificate of completion and assessment.
7. Work for Yourself
Sometimes, it doesn’t make sense to start a job working for someone else. Maybe you don’t have the resources, or daycare is too expensive. Consider starting your own business from home. Online storefronts are as popular as in-person shops, and people love supporting small businesses. Take the time to sit down and create a business plan to increase your chances of running a successful business. Your plan should describe your products and what you offer the market. Also, mention your business structure, financial projections, and your plans for funding.
As you navigate your first few weeks of work, remember to be kind to yourself. As a mom, you can easily let the guilt of leaving your baby and the unease of starting something new turn into self-doubt. Those are natural feelings. Stick with your plan, and you’ll adjust faster than you think.
