Staying relevant in the workforce is essential for Stay-at-home Moms. You might need to return to work earlier than anticipated. It can be due to financial reasons or just having the desire to go back to work. Professional self-care tips in this article will help you update your skills and adapt to industry changes.
What is Professional Self-Care?
- It’s strategically investing time and energy in activities that contribute to your professional growth.
- It includes strategies and practices that empower you to thrive in your chosen career path.
- It’s about maintaining, enhancing, and nurturing your professional well-being
Why Professional Self-Care is important for SAHMs?
- You will stay workforce-relevant
- You will foster your personal growth
- You will build your professional identity
- You will expand network opportunities
Professional Self-Care Tips: Stay Workforce Relevant as a SAHM
1. Explore New Options
Going back to work after being at home for some years is a great opportunity to find a new career path. Take your time to explore your options and figure out what will be your perfect future position.
2. Get Familiar with Different Jobs Descriptions
Don’t focus only on jobs you used to do and explore new opportunities. Check out the responsibilities, requirements, and qualifications. Learn all about benefits and pay. Pay attention to what has changed during the years that you’ve been out of the workforce.
3. Create Your Resume
Having a well-crafted resume makes great first impression. Remember to tailor your resume to the specific job you might be applying for. Use quantifiable achievements when possible and consider incorporating a skills section that explicitly outlines the skills you’ve developed. Your time as a SAHM has likely equipped you with a diverse skill set that can bring significant value to the workforce.
4. Practice Job Interviews
It can be with your partner, family member, or friend. I don’t recommend scheduling real interviews, as without interest in getting the job it feels like wasting the interviewer’s time and resources. You can also find someone online who can help you practice. You can connect with local moms, go for coffee, and interview each other.
5. Get Ready to Discuss Your Gap Years
You can be certain questions about your gap years will be asked so prepare your answer ahead. Highlight the skills you developed as a Stay-at-Home Mom. Focus on any experiences like courses, volunteering, or freelancing, and make sure to express enthusiasm to re-enter the workforce.
6. Stay Current with Technology
In today’s world, you just have to be comfortable with technology. By knowing what’s new in the tech industry you position yourself as a forward-thinking professional ready to embrace the evolving landscape of the workforce. Nowadays a lot of jobs are changing due to artificial intelligence which is increasingly integrated into various industries. By being familiar with AI you are becoming more competitive and it also can open new work opportunities.
7. Volunteer
It will show potential employers that you’ve been productive during your employment gaps. Volunteering as a SAHM not only contributes to your personal growth and community well-being but it’s a powerful asset in your job search.
8. Find Side Hustle
It can be a strategic and fulfilling choice that not only benefits your role at home but also enhances your professional skills and prepares you to stay relevant in the workforce. It demonstrates to potential employers your ability to embrace change, learn quickly, and stay adaptable. Side hustles also provide opportunities to expand your professional network. Check out profitable sidle hustles for SAHMs.
9. Keep your LinkedIn Profile Updated
Add any new courses and certifications. It will help you maintain a professional online presence and stay connected with other professionals. Don’t forget to put new skills that you gained during your sahm’s journey like time management, organization, multitasking, emotional intelligence. It’s a powerful tool to help you create opportunities for new networking and potential jobs.
10. Take Online Courses
If you are not able to invest money there are a lot of options for free online courses. Check out the most popular online learning platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning. By having new certifications you expand your options. It will be a great addition to your resume and show potential employers your commitment to professional growth.
Takeaway
With a large gap in the resume going back to work might not be as easy and quick as you would hope for. But by simply practicing those professional self-care ideas you can make your process of getting back to the workforce smooth.
