Career Women to Stay at Home Mom

Question

3 years ago, I stepped away from a good paying job with lots of perks and great co workers to start a family. It was the best decision I could have made. Now, I'm itching to re-join the professional work force. I've even been on interviews and actually got a job offer in a completely new field; but declined. We decided that our children benefit more from staying at home with me. Any suggestions on how I can stay 'connected' to the professional world, so that when I do return, it doesn't appear that I've been on vacation for years - which often times is looked down upon.

Beth Caldwell · Answer

Hi there, I know it sounds very cliche but these years will be over before you know it.  Please don't spend this precious time being hard on yourself. It is smart to keep yourself active in your business field so you are current and up-to-date with all that is going on when it is time to return. Be sure to read your industry business journals and look for short-term opportunities to be involved. I'm not sure what city you are in but in many places the United Way has a women's leadership group filled with women from all industries. That is a great way to do some good and keep your network up. Also, find other moms like you. There are a lot of them. Maybe you can create something and do projects together which you could list on your resume. Have you thought of starting a blog or podcast? That is also something that will fill a resume. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIN or post here if you want some good podcast recommendations. Good luck and keep us posted!

Erin Thompson · Answer

I'm sure it has to be tough to feel connected as a SAHM, especially when you kids likely take up so much of your time! And kudos to you for doing one of the hardest jobs there is. A few ideas on how you can stay connected and engaged:
1 - Definitely keep your network going. Have regular 'virtual' coffee or lunch dates with people to stay informed and keep your relationships fresh. Also, spend some time regularly on LinkedIn engaging with people. Read what they share, comment and congratulate them on promotions and moves. 
2 - Keep learning! A good way to stay relevant in the job market is to keep your skills up. There are lots of free or inexpensive online classes you can take to build skills that make you more marketable. 
3 - If you have time, volunteer or join a non-profit board. Bonus if you get to do some work in your actual field. This can absolutely go on your resume and show you have continued to learn and grow.

Finally, once you do decide it is time to go back to the workforce, look into companies that have programs for parents re-entering the workforce. I know Intuit has a program like this, and I am sure other large companies do as well. Best of luck to you!

Stephanie King · Answer

Regularly checking in to LinkedIn to stay and grow your network and being engaged through content and comments is a great way to keep a pulse on things.

I would also consider looking into relevant professional memberships, conferences, and/or continuing education. With the adaptation to virtual delivery in recent months you may find it easier to carefully pick and choose interesting events to attend while still being present with your family.

Joyce Wallace · Answer

Ability to negotiate,  juggle competing priorities, persevere despite resistance, self-manage....I'd hire a former stay-at-home any day. Don't diminish the valuable skillset you're cultivating. When you're ready to return, you can brush up on the hard skills through some certification courses or workshops.

Anonymous · Answer

Relationships
Networking
CPU or professional development like linked in learning, business magazines or articles, professional groups like FGB :)

Eva Jannotta (she/her) · Answer

What a great question! I like  what Erin Thompson suggested — keeping up relationships  is never a bad idea nor is learning. If you want to challenge yourself or really go hard on a project, starting a blog (could be on Medium or LinkedIn articles if you prefer not to deal with a website) about what you're learning or seeing in your industry would be really smart. It would position you as an expert and set you up to be an attractive candidate when you want to return to work. It could also bring in some consulting projects in the meantime. Plus, it'll hold you accountable and build you a 'body of work' that no one nor any circumstance can take from you.

Brooke Morrison · Answer

I think it's very important to keep your skills sharp. I would add possibly starting a business in your field (or not in your field), consulting, or doing some gig work as possibilities. This can really help you not only decide when you're ready to restart full-time work, but also may turn into full-time employment.

Kathleen Beeman · Answer

I ended up taking about three years off after I had my children and I did love it but wanted to get back into the industry and I was really worried about it! The thing that helped keep my resume relevant was my volunteer experience. I helped form a mother's group in my area and ran the finances and member outreach. I was able to put experience on my resume so it wasn't just a big hole but it showed that I was still active and learning. I also took a few different classes to add certifications to my resume and it also gave me something to feel really proud about. As a SAHM it can be hard to feel like you are still yourself (at least it was for me) so  investing in yourself and taking time to grow your resume is a wonderful way to stay current and also build up your confidence for when you do want to go back to the work force. Enjoy your time, as someone else said it goes fast!

Trina Schneider · Answer

I took a year off to assist my niece with her small children while see recovered from surgery due to lung cancer.  We are fortunate that most companies do not care why you took time off (BTW it's great that you had a job offer).  LI is a great community, but there are many subgroups that are just as important for you to join on LI.  Your co-workers with in your network, keep in touch with at least twice a year.  I've tried doing only once a year, but some how it always comes out as an annual Christmas new letter (you know the type your great-Aunt likes to send).  Your core group of parent friends, may be looking for business advice, and you can do pro-bono work, to keep up your skills and relevance.  Congratulations, for taking the time to weigh that for you, the best choice at this time is to be with your family.  An amazing full-time job.

Brittany Lynch · Answer

I have so many emotions when I read your post! Let’s first understand that the standard career trajectory in the US is modeled after a male ideal worker, where you are constantly available, work hard long hours between 20 and 40 to reap the rewards later in life. As we know, this is totally against what happens in real life! Many books have been published that research this issue, and how it is a hurtful bias toward women and we end up losing a passionate workforce. Please do not carry any guilt or shame about staying home and working endlessly to take care of your family. As for advice, I know that some companies offer an “on-ramp” back into the workforce. I can’t remember the specific names of the programs,  it they do exist! You got this!!

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