Survival Tips for Moms Returning to Work

Survival Tips for Moms Returning to WorkSurvival Tips for Moms Returning to WorkSurvival Tips for Moms Returning to WorkStay-at-home-moms (SAHMs) and work-at-home-moms (WAHMs) have a lot of obstacles to overcome when they want to or have to transition back into the workplace. As a former WAHM for 10 years, Ive lived with those powerful fears that seem insurmountable and keep us from going back to the office, hospital, school, factory, restaurant, or shipping dock. No matter how much you want or need to make the transition, it requires a major cognitive switcheroo and thats never easy.After X number of years convincing yourself that being home is the best choice for you and your family, you have to start reversing the rationalization process, persuading yourself that being away from the kids and the pets and the house all day will be just fine. And rest assured, it will be fine. There are many, many right ways to be a good parent, and whats right at one stage may be wrong at another a nd vice versa. So lets address some of the common concerns that are probably floating around in your headWho will take care of the kids before and after school? And OMG, summer? What happens when theyre sick? What about dental appointments, snow days, teacher conferences, holidays, or when the Maytag repairman is due between noon and 400? How can I be in two places at once?Every family finds its own combination of babysitters, family members, nannies, flexible work schedules, professional daycare, summer camp, and so on. And most of todays employers are flexible when you need time off (if theyre not, dont take a job with them). Somehow, it usually works. And occasionally, it doesnt. I guarantee there will be days when the wheels fall off the cart. Thats when you call in crazed (not sick), and you stay home and cry it out. Or, you show up at work with a kid in tow and two different shoes on your feet.When will there be time to do the grocery shopping, laundry, house cleaning, cooking ? Things may not be pretty at first. Assigning chores to your kids is an awesome idea They wont do them, but its still an awesome idea. Youll quickly learn to run errands on your way to or from work or at lunchtime, and use evenings and weekends to get caught up. Crockpot meals, cooking in bulk, having scrambled eggs for dinner, and other creative ideas can get you through the annoying fact that your family members still expect food every damn dayAnd when things get completely out of control which they will youll be glad to know there are angels out there who (for a worth-every-penny fee) will wash, dry, and fold your mountainous backlog of dirty laundry deliver your online grocery order or (wonder of wonders) clean your house. Bless their hearts. And rest assured Although you might feel like a failure if dinner comes from a drive-through window, the kids will love you for it.Will I have to start back at square one in my career? Do I even know how to do my job anymora? Its unlikely youll have to go back to entry-level if you were well-established in your profession. But frankly, many of us find it easier to aim a rung or two lower on the ladder, until our skills and confidence get back up to speed. A temp or transitional job can also be a great way to cross that bridge. And yes, silly, you still know how to do your job. As a matter of fact, you still know how to learn, too. I promise It all comes back very quickly.The web can offer you lots more help surviving the transition, including organizations dedicated to helping women get back on the career track. Women for Hire and Back to Business are two excellent places to start. Use all the tools and resources you can find to push yourself through the quicksand of fear. The commuting world, with its adult conversations and regular paychecks, awaits your arrival