Job Options for Mothers Returning to the Workforce
I have been talking to quite a few moms in the past month who have expressed interest in returning to work. Their stories vary -- kids are now in school full time and they have more time on their hands; they are interested in following a passion rather than a job they were working before their kids were born; they need to bring some additional income in the home because their husbands lost hours or, in one case, his job.
These moms are facing difficult choices, and a large change in their lives. If they are lucky enough to find a job, there will be major changes in the home life. A good friend of mine has returned to work full time; her husband does more of the childcare now. The youngest has been put in daycare full time, and while my friend loves the job, she does express how difficult the change has been on everyone involved.
Due to the number of women I've talked to in the past few months who are interested in returnign to work, I have decided to write a series of blog posts pertaining to finding a job. The first set will focus on the types of jobs a working mother might consider. Today's post lists questions that you should think about as you consider your potential job paths. At times it seems only one way will work. You might think you have to work for a company, when in reality you may do just as well working from home. On the other hand, you might want to start a business but, lacking the necessary funds, need to get into the job bank on a full time basis until you have money set aside to follow your dreams.
If you are a mom currently considering seeking employment, you're probably looking at one of three things:
- Working inside the home, for yourself
- Working outside of the home, full time or part time, for another person
- Starting a company outside of the home
When determining the best career option for your situation, you'll want to consider a variety of things. This list of questions can help guide you to making the best choice for what you need.
- How many hours per week/day do you want/need to work?
- Do you want set hours or a flexible schedule?
- Do you want to be your own boss or work for someone else?
- Are you social and enjoy talking in front of crowds?
- Do you enjoy the idea of selling items?
- Do you need a set income each week, or can you work with a fluctuating paycheck?
- Are you organized?
- Do you have assistance with childcare, if needed?
- Does your spouse support your decision to return to work/work full time/work part time/work out of the home/work in the home?
- Do you have money to invest?
- Do you have money to potentially lose in this investment process?
- How much money do you have set aside to invest in a business idea?
- Do you know what it is you really want to do, or where it is you would really like to work?
- Do you want weekends and holidays off?
- Are you actively involved in your children's day to day lives, and if so can you see this changing due to employment?
- Is your family in need of your paycheck, or would you be okay with whatever extra you bring into the home?
