Tips to Restart Your Career After an Extended Maternity Break

The growth of women in the American workforce replicates female empowerment. According to the US Chamber of Commerce, the current number of female employees stands at an impressive 79 million. That surpasses the pre-pandemic number by almost 2 million. Also, women make up as much as 47% of the workforce in the country. 

While the numbers appear great, the struggle of female workers cannot be undermined. From poor work-life balance to gender bias and high burnout rates, they face many challenges. An even bigger hindrance comes their way when they try to re-enter the workforce after a maternity break.

Returning to work after an extended maternity break means you may deal with workplace challenges, family responsibilities, and emotional struggles. We have a few actionable tips to help you navigate this transition smoothly.

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Set Realistic Career Goals

Nevada Current reports that the US falls short of providing enough maternity breaks to its female workforce. The country does not mandate paid parental leave in the first place. Coupled with the high cost of childcare, this leaves women in a fix with no option other than rejoining work before they want. 

Whether you plan to get back soon after childbirth or can afford a longer break, accept that a new start is needed. Before diving back into the workforce after your sabbatical, take time to reflect on your career goals. Consider what changes you might want to make. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Will you be comfortable with full-time or part-time work?
• Are you open to switching to another industry or role?
• How do you plan to manage childcare?
• What does success look like for you now?

Discuss these thoughts with your partner, family, and friends to gauge their support and insights. With this clarity, you can align your career with your current lifestyle and aspirations.

Plan Your Personal Life for the Long-Term

According to the Center for American Progress, 3 in 5 American parents who are not working full time would do it if they could access affordable childcare. Arranging childcare is not financially viable for mothers in many cases, making it hard to rejoin the workforce after a maternity break. 

Consider a personal arrangement before restarting your career to ensure a smooth ride. The last thing you want is to seek another break because you don’t have anyone to help look after your kids. You can share the responsibility with your partner or ask your parents to help if paid childcare is not viable.

At this point, you must also bear in mind the chances of future pregnancies, particularly if you want to build your career for the long haul. The right contraception method can keep you stress-free and help you focus on your career. Depo-Provera, for example, is an injectable contraceptive with effects lasting for three months. 

However, it has significant side effects, including the risk of meningioma brain tumors. In fact, the recent Depo-Provera lawsuit has brought the risk into the limelight. Pfizer, the manufacturer of Depo-Provera, is facing legal claims for insufficient warnings about these risks.

TruLaw notes that a class action lawsuit has been filed to seek medical monitoring of women using this contraceptive. Settlements can run high, considering the high risk and expensive treatment for the complications Depo-Provera can cause.

Update Your Skills and Qualifications

Bankrate notes that upskilling can give professionals a leg up in their careers. It also quotes a 2021 Gallup survey that cites an 8.6% increase in annual income for people who participated in upskilling programs. The trend is not slowing down as a growing number of Americans are keen to advance their careers. 

Upskilling can be a game-changer for women rejoining the workforce after a parenting break. The job market may have evolved during your absence, making it crucial to stay updated on industry trends and technologies. 

The good thing is that you don’t need to go back to school to bring yourself on par. Taking online courses relevant to your field is a good start. You can also attend workshops or seminars and rejoin professional organizations. Besides helping you refresh your knowledge, upskilling demonstrates your commitment to potential employers.

Leverage Networking Opportunities

Being away for a long time means you may have lost connections in the industry. This can be detrimental when it comes to finding a new role or even getting back into your previous organization. Networking is vital for re-entering the workforce. 

Start getting in touch with your ex-colleagues in the first place because that’s the easiest way to rebuild your network. Attend networking events and participate in professional groups to be visible in the right places. You can utilize platforms like LinkedIn to expand your connections. Let these people know about your job search as many opportunities arise through personal referrals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I overcome feelings of guilt about returning to work as a new mom?

New parents often struggle with feelings of guilt about leaving their children for work. However, you can overcome them by acknowledging them in the first place. Keep in mind the positive aspects of resuming. You will be able to provide for your family and be a role model for your children. 

What should I highlight in my resume when starting after a long break?

You must refresh your resume to show that you are still employable and relevant. Highlight any skills gained during your break, such as online courses, volunteer work, or freelance projects. Also, emphasize transferable skills like communication, organization, and problem-solving abilities.

How can I get through an interview after an extended absence from the workforce?

Preparation is the key to gaining confidence when making a fresh start after an extended break.  Practice responses to common questions about your career break because they will surely come up. Be honest about why you went on a break and talk about how you've kept your skills relevant and updated. 

Going back to work after an extended maternity break is never easy. You may struggle with mommy guilt and have a hard time finding good opportunities. Being patient, consistent, and confident will help you carve a road back and take your career to new heights again. You’ve got this, mama!