New accounting career adds up for return-to-work mum Ann Part1

1. New Accounting Career Adds Up For Return-to-work Mum Ann Part 1

2. If you’ve taken a long-term absence from the paid workforce, it can make getting a job seem all the more daunting. But rest assured you are not alone, and many of my clients are return-to-work mums who have waited until their children are older before taking the plunge.

3. Recently, I was speaking to Ann, who found herself in just this situation, and has since gone on to reignite her accountancy career. In this week’s blog, we share her story to give you some great ideas and simple steps you can take on your journey back to a satisfying career.

4. Having taken a ten-year parenting break to raise her two children, Ann initially struggled to find a pathway back into her profession. She had intended to go back to work as soon as the children started school, but for a time they still needed her, and she also needed some time for herself.

5. Perhaps you are doing too much at home. It can be great for your children to take on more responsibility, and can also free up your schedule. Spend some initial time teaching them how to do things, and watch them thrive with newfound independence. Often our families aren’t even aware of all the things we do to keep the household running. Our handy CareerSmart Mums’ Household Task Audit can really help as a conversation starter to get the whole family sharing the load. It’s also great practise for when you get back into the paid workforce!

6. When she did decide to go back, like so many mothers, she found herself lacking in confidence. Ann needed to work on her mind-set to get back to her old self, and so she allowed herself some time and space to do this.

7. Ann made sure she took regular steps towards her goal. Sometimes these were really small, but each one of them helped her to get there. When returning to work after such a long time, the end-goal, and the barriers to reaching it, can seem overwhelming. Ann used mindfulness to quieten her negative inner voice. She started daily meditation, journaling, did a lot of reading on mindfulness, and even took up colouring in. She found this really helped to reduce stress and keep moving forward towards her goal.

8. The other key factor in her success was the support she received from her husband, family, friends and professional referees. It’s so essential to tap into your network when you embark on your return-to-work journey.

9. At first Ann found it difficult to approach previous colleagues to be referees on her resume. There were some that she hadn’t spoken to in ten years. LinkedIn proved extremely valuable in re-establishing contact. She even took this one step further by meeting with a past colleague who was able to give her valuable career advice.

10. Then it came time to search for a job. Some of Ann’s great ideas included approaching recruitment agencies to get interview experience and hone her job application skills. She also spent a day in the city to see what everyone was wearing, and used this information to update her professional image.

11. Get out of the house (and away from the laundry basket) to do the work. Your local library is an excellent option. • Enjoy the pWhen you are not paid for your time, it can seem like it is not important. But your time is precious, and it is ok to priorities your needs over others’. Investing time in you is always worth it! • Donna Thistlethwaite is a professional career coach who provides career help for mums. Donna helps clients develop the practical skills and motivation they need to pursue a career they love. You can sign up to the CareerSmart Mums monthly newsletter for information, resources and inspiration at www.careersmartmums.com.au. • Progress towards your goal. Investing this time is part of your personal growth, so be proud of achievements.