I know the news is depressing. Still, parents are asking if it is a good time to go back to work.
Yes. Start the process.
1. List what would be fun to do part time or full time
2. Interview someone in the field asking, “What frustrates you during the day. What has surprised you about this career?”
3. Brush up on your skills, like computer class, photo shop, writing skills, communication skills. Use your public library for resources, researching online, classes online, and your community college or high school.
4. Get a professional to help you with your resume. You are worth the money spent.
5. Enjoy an upgrade on your make up and clothing by visiting the stores and noticing what is on the racks, accessories. Ask one of the artists at the make up counters to do your make up for free. Let them know you are heading back to work.
6. Polish those nails and toes in a light color. Get your hair shaped.
7. Be confident by talking to yourself in the mirror at home. Address your worst fear question, “What have you been doing?” Let them know you have always wanted to work in…….but family came first and now you are excited to be part of their team. Tell them what you can offer after you researched their company.
8. Don’t fake your dates on the resume or lie.
9. Really listen during the interview and pick up cues by what they are saying and asking you. Then, ask them a question, for example, “What three skills would you want an employee to have in order to make your days easier?” People attend more to a short story so give them one about you. “I use to be the family organizer for my sisters and brothers. My mom told me I would be a great mom because I kept everyone together. I kept those skills strong during raising my three children, to a point where the talk at my children’s school was, if you want that job done today for the library fundraiser, call Kate.”
10. Talk to yourself like a coach would talk to you. Be realistic. You will be nervous. Just keep going. Ask people for help.
You never know who you will meet along the way.
Let us know how the journey is going.
Natalie
natalie@emptynestsupport.com
800-446-3310 – Los Angeles
Send in your story www.emptynestsupport.com
Natalie Caine, M.A. natalie@lifeintransition.org
Going back to work after years of being home is a challenging step. But it’s one that you can take – be gentle with yourself. Expect to feel a little uncomfortable or insecure. It’ll pass.
You might also want to consider starting a home based business. Then you can have the best of both worlds. You can earn some extra income(although it may not be as consistent as it would be with a steady job), do something that challenges you and you find interesting, but you have the flexibility of setting your own hours. You can take time off to go to lunch or take a trip.
I work from and love it! Can you tell??