Tips For Success To Transition Back To Paid Work

When was the last time you completed a day of paid work outside of the home? It doesn’t matter if it’s been 3 months or 3 years, the transition from being at home and focusing on family back to paid work can be daunting. 

I was on an expat assignment with my husband, in both the Philippines and China, when we had our two daughters. Each time I took a career pause to welcome one of our daughters into the world, there was a transition that had to be made. Not just for me but for our entire family. I was overseas when I decided to focus my coaching career on my passion to help moms pivot back to paid work.

Expert Tips To Transition Back To Paid Work

Navigating the transition back to paid work, whether you are returning from parental leave or returning from a longer career pause, can be done well and stress-free with a little planning and support from your village. Here are a few tips (from moms who have done it!) on how to set yourself up for success in the first few months after your return. 

Practice the logistics ahead of time. When you return to paid work, there will be many moving parts to get everyone where they need to be. To set yourself - and everyone else - up for success, practice before it’s the real deal! Have your nanny come before you have to return to ease the transition for your little one (and you). Practice the carpool routine or drive to work during the normal drive time to determine how long it will take. Practice school pick up routes and times that will happen after you have returned to work. The more everyone is comfortable with the new logistics, the better it will go on Day 1. Less stress, less tears, and more smiles!

Talk with your employer about flexible arrangements as you get settled. You may agree to a 9-5 work schedule, but then realize school drop off takes longer than you expect and can’t make it into the office until 9:15. Ask for flexibility and understanding as you figure out the logistics.

Find a time management system that works for you. You won’t have much time to do your household chores after you transition to paid work, so time management tools will be critical to your success. One of my favorite things to do is batch cook over the weekend so that I just have to reheat during busy weeknights or pull a freezer meal and pop it in the oven. This Meal Solution Handbook from a fellow busy mom is filled with delicious recipes and amazing tips to make cooking easier for you. 

Start To shift your household responsibilities. Have discussions with your partner about how you might reorganize responsibilities when you return to paid work. Kid pick up, grocery shopping, laundry, and even walking the dog might need to be done differently. Setting expectations of how much you can handle with your new workload, and how others can help out, will eliminate a lot of stress.

Think about your values. Who do you want to be as a leader? As a parent? Identify values that you want to uphold in both areas and set goals that help you combine work and life. For example, I wanted to increase my social connections coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic’s lock down. I also wanted to deepen my learning for my coaching practice. I combined these two ideas into one goal and set up coffee dates with other coaches who I could learn from - it was a win-win!

Don’t neglect self care. It’s so important to not sacrifice your own health and well being while caring for everyone else, and that includes after you return to paid work as well. Check out this Ultimate Guide To Self Care For The Working Mom for a great list of ways to love on yourself during your transition.

Remember to continually reflect and adjust. You aren’t locked in to any one way of doing things once you return. If something isn’t working, adjust!

For more tips and best practices for pivoting back to paid work after a career pause, check out this blog. 

Need More Support To Transition To Paid Work?

Parents Pivot is available to partner with you during your pivot, no matter how long your career pause has been. We offer 1:1 and group coaching, as well as provide many resources such as a job search membership, free events, and more. Learn more about our offerings on our website, or contact us today to set up a consultation.

Mom’s Fear Of Missing Out

Baby’s first steps. Cuteness overload during playdates. Mid-day snuggles. First words.

Soccer practices. Medical appointments. After school homework sessions. 

When deciding to return to paid work after having a baby, or after being at home with your children for years, there can be major FOMO: fear of missing out. When this happens because mom is returning to paid work after a career pause, it’s called “Mom’s fear of missing out.” Or at least, that’s what I like to call it. It’s very real. Very stressful. And can bring endless tears to the best of us.

We don’t want to miss one tiny little thing when it comes to our children. When we leave the home for work, whether part-time or full-time, the reality is that it will happen. So how do you reconcile your desire to return to paid work with your longing to be with your precious little one around the clock?

4 Ways To Address Mom’s Fear Of Missing Out

There are a few simple things you can do to cultivate your career, while also finding fulfillment in your role as a new mother.

Adjust your expectations. When you return to paid work, you will miss out on things. It’s inevitable. Acknowledging that, yes, you will miss things here and there is the first step to overcoming FOMO. Then, consider all that you will be gaining by working outside the home. Here are my favorite two examples:

• According to Harvard Business School, children of working parents grow up to be high achievers and are overall happier. You are setting your little one up for success by returning to paid work!

• You’ll be regularly engaging in adult conversations and tasks, stimulating your mind.

What happens when you miss out? Since missing out will happen, you need a game plan for what to do when it does. A few suggestions are:

• Decide ahead of time that you will celebrate with your child when you hear the story about something positive that happened. Give them a hug, smile, and let them know you are proud of them!

• Celebrate big milestones by doing something special together. Depending on the age of your child, this could be a small treat, an outing to a favorite playground or ice cream shop, or even just a dance party in the living room!

• Ask your childcare provider to take photos or short video clips throughout the day and share them with you. Some daycares even have cameras set up so that you can log in and watch the fun whenever you are available.

Commit to gratitude. It’s easy to look at the downside of missing out - you can’t recapture that moment you missed. Choosing gratitude will not only help you to stay positive, it will also help your child to be positive as well. Make a list of all that you are thankful for: dependable and trustworthy childcare, a healthy and happy child, opportunity to work at a great company and build strong professional relationships, etc. It’s also helpful to view the childcare provider as a way to teach your child that they have more than just their parents to count on to care for them.

And don’t forget… gratitude can also help your career! Mom’s fear of missing out isn’t as strong when laid beside a long gratitude list. If your child is talking, you can also ask them what they are thankful for and add it to the list.

Take care of yourself. Self care is important for both your physical and mental health. Don’t underestimate the power of good sleep habits, healthy eating, and time to rest in the face of FOMO. Here is a long list of self care activities to get started. Good self care habits will help you to stay positive and feeling good about your decision to return to paid work, even if you miss out on a few things at home. 

Returning To Work With Confidence

Once you make the decision to return to work – and have overcome the fear of missing out – it’s time to put yourself out there in the job market! Return with confidence through 1:1 or group career coaching that will not only launch you to the top of the applicants pile, but also instill the confidence you need to reach your career aspirations. 

Whether you are looking for a new job in the field you’ve worked for years or transitioning to something new, Parents Pivot is here to make sure you successfully return to paid work. Learn more about the Parents Pivot Parent’s Roadmap to get started. 

10 Simple Family Activities to Do After a Long Workday

Blending work and family can be tough. After pouring ourselves into our jobs all day, we are often spent by the time we get home, leaving us wondering if we’re giving enough to our families. This is a common concern among working parents, so if you sometimes feel caught in a game of tug-of-war, know you are not alone! Rest assured this does not mean you’re a bad employee or a bad parent – it means you’re conscientiously giving your best to both.

The reality is that your family does need you, so it’s important to show up well for them, even after a long workday. But how in the world are you supposed to do that when you’re dead on your feet? The good news is, quality time doesn’t have to require a lot of energy! Here are 10 simple activities you can do with your family after a long day of work.

10 Simple Family Activities to Do After a Long Workday

As working parents, we’re often exhausted by the end of the day. And our kids are just as tired after a long day of school. It can be difficult for everyone to muster up much energy for family time. The following activities are perfect for busy families. They will help you connect as a family no matter how much (or how little) gas you have left in your tank.

1. Read a book out loud
   Reading is a great activity to do as a family. It develops cognitive skills, increases attention spans, and nurtures a love of books. Plus, it strengthens family bonds and stimulates conversation. The icing on the cake is it requires very little energy, making it a perfect family activity for the end of a tiring day.

2. Color together
   Coloring isn’t just for little kids anymore! It has been shown to be a great stress-reliever for people of all ages. So, grab some colored pencils and an adult coloring book, and let all the stress from your day flow out onto the page.

3. Work on a puzzle
   Puzzles are another fun stress-relieving activity requiring very little energy. Whether you have little ones or big ones, you can find something to match their skill levels. Or you can work side-by-side on your own respective puzzles.

4. Create your own at-home “spa”
   Relax after a tiring day without having to make a reservation or spend a bunch of money. Whip up an easy homemade face mask (or pick up some on your way home), get out your favorite nail polish, and create a spa experience at home.

5. Go out to eat
   Quality time together as a family plus no dinner prep or clean-up? What’s not to love about that? On those crazy tired nights when no one feels much like cooking (let alone cleaning up the aftermath), going out to eat can be a gift for everyone. 

6. Take a quick walk
   After a long day of work and school, exercise may be the furthest thing from everyone’s mind, but it’s amazing how much a little activity can actually boost your energy. Not only do walks provide positive physical effects, they also provide fertile ground for meaningful conversation, especially giving older children an opportunity to unload about their day. For younger children, keep them entertained by playing a game of eye-spy. Those feel-good endorphins do wonders for family morale-boosting!

7. Look through family albums
   Want to spend time together as a family without expending any energy? Bust out the family photo albums! Not only is it a great simple activity, it will foster stronger bonds as you reminisce about treasured memories, share laughs over funny moments, and celebrate the joys of family.

8. Play games 
   There’s a reason board games and card games are a staple on every Family Night list – they’re very effective for family bonding. And depending on the games you choose, they can be an ideal activity for low-energy evenings.

9. Cuddle on the couch
   What’s better after a long day of work than cuddling with your partner or kiddos? This is the ultimate simple family activity that also provides plenty of opportunities for connection. To stimulate meaningful conversation during your cuddles (or any of the activities on this list), try some of these family conversation starters.

10. Watch a movie or short YouTube video!
    And, of course, there’s no shame on those extra-exhausting days in turning to the TV. Watching a show or movie together can relieve stress, provide laughs, stimulate conversation, and bring you together as a family. It’s a great solution for those nights when you’re drained to the dregs.

Want to Improve Your Work/Family Integration?

Juggling the demands of work and the responsibilities of family life can be difficult. Fortunately for you, Parents Pivot is here to help! Our mission is to help make re-entering the workforce easy, and that doesn’t stop once you’ve landed your dream job. We also provide resources to help strengthen your work/family integration once you get there. Check out some of these articles from the Parents Pivot Blog for further support:

• 6 Ways Mothers Can Balance Home & Work 

• 5 Remote Work Tips for Working Moms

• Time Management for Moms

• 6 Tips for Keeping Burnout at Bay

• Flexible Working Solutions for Working Parents

Overcoming Return To Work Challenges

Lauren is a stay-at-home mom of five years. She has three kids, ages eight, five, and three. After returning to work shortly after her oldest was born, she decided it was time to pause her career and focus on family when baby #2 came along. She was grateful to be present for so much of her children’s early years. 

Now that all the kiddos have school during the day (even the littlest has part-time preschool!) Lauren is starting to get the itch to go back to work. 

As soon as the thought enters her mind, she pushes it back with a never-ending wave of reasons why returning to paid work would never, well, work. She feels rusty, out of practice, and unprofessional after years of doing the “dirty work” that moms do so well. She can’t imagine a life where she is able to balance her kids, the house, her community activities, and a job. It’s just too much.

The Fears That Come With Returning To Paid Work

Does Lauren’s story sound familiar? As a career coach for parents looking to return to work, I have heard every fear/reason you can think of…

…employers won’t want me after such a long break.

…I’m not good enough to compete in today’s job market.

…I don’t want to go back to my old career, which means I can’t go back to work at all.

…I’m going to have to start from scratch when it comes to learning to be in an adult work environment.

…how will my family adjust if I go back to work? Who will do all the things?

If these fears sound like things that you have been telling yourself, write them down. Write down every single reason why you think you can’t or shouldn’t return to paid work after a career pause. Identifying them is the first step to overcoming them!

The Biggest Challenges After A Career Pause

There are three challenges that show up on almost every parent's list, although you might have to read behind the lines to identify it.  They are:

1. A lack of confidence.

2. A lack of clarity.

3. A lack of community support.

These are incredibly common, but also within your control to overcome! 

Taking Control: Overcoming Return To Work Challenges

If you are facing one of these three common challenges, you're not alone. I’ve helped dozens of moms overcome these return to work challenges, land incredible jobs, and enjoy the success of a career while also enjoying their family. If you need some inspiration, read these amazing success stories from moms who had career pauses that spanned up to 21 years! 

Here are a few tips that I share with all of my Parents Pivot clients for overcoming the top three return to paid work challenges:

A Lack Of Confidence

If you lack confidence in your skills, you might have written down things like, “I can’t compete in today’s job market.” Or “I’m too rusty and out of practice. Or “I’ve lost my touch.” 

First, you have likely not lost any skills during your career break. I am passionate about helping moms change their perspective on “mom skills” so that they can showcase them as a value to employers. To do this, you can browse the many blog articles I’ve written on the subject: empathy, relationship building, research and problem solving, adaptability and agility, strategic thinking, communication, motivation, and organization. 

But even if you are rusty in a few more technical areas, there are dozens of free and reasonably priced online courses that you can take to brush up your skills and build your confidence. Coursera, Linkedin Learning, and Udemy are just a few.

A lack of Clarity

This challenge plaques parents looking to return to work, but also working parents who just want a career pivot. If you lack clarity, you might have written down, “I didn’t like my old job.” or “A career wouldn’t allow me to spend as much time with my family as I want.” Simply put, you don’t know what you want to do!

Take the page on which you wrote down your challenges and turn it over. Write out a list of things you like to do, what you don’t like to do, and things you would like to try but haven’t yet. Look for commonalities in the list, and do a little research. What types of jobs are out there that would allow you to do the things you like and avoid the things you don’t like? 

Let’s look again at Lauren’s story. She was a marketer before she left the workforce, but really doesn’t want to sit at a desk all day after being on her feet playing with her kids. She likes the project management side of her old job, and has become very detail oriented with balancing schedules at home. Maybe event planning would be a great way for her to exercise her skills while also getting to be away from her computer quite a bit running an event.

A lack of Community

Returning to paid work, while highly satisfying and a great choice for many families, it will not be an easy transition. Not only do you have to transition, but so do your kids, your partner, your friends, and family. If you don’t have the support you need from those in your community, it can be even more of a challenge to return. 

Parents Pivot’s Pivot Pack is here to be that community for you! We have made it our mission to be the one-stop online shop for all your return-to-work needs, no matter where you are on your journey. The Pivot Pack is an online community with a self-paced course designed to help you build clarity, confidence, and educate you on all things return to paid work, we have weekly live workshops and an engaged community of returners just like you. Check out more on the Pivot Pack here.

The Incredible Benefits of Taking a Career Pause

“Should I take a career pause?”

“I don’t know if we can afford for me to take time off of work to care full-time for our children.”

“Will I be destroying my chances for returning to paid work when I decide to return to the workforce after a career pause?”

Sound familiar? If you have thought any of these before, you are not alone. Taking a career pause can be scary. Paid work provides financial and career security. Giving up that kind of long-term stability is understandably nerve wracking. 

As a successful career coach for parents looking to pivot back to paid work after a career pause, I am here to tell you that the benefits of taking a career pause can absolutely be worth it!

Is Taking A Career Pause Right For You?

According to a recent study by the Ohio State University, a discouraging 66% of parents reported being burnt out. And burn out quickly leads to depression, anxiety, and can even lead to attention behavior issues coming from the children. 

There are many tactics parents use to address burnout: rearranging schedules, hiring help, and take a vacation are among the most common. But it’s not often that parents seriously consider taking a career pause as a solution to burn out.

“The treatment for all this burnout is rest, and it’s not restful to be taking care of kids, working full-time, and looking for a new job. From a mental health, self-focused perspective, the smart way to go about it is to stop, regroup, and evaluate what you want.” 

- Christin Drake, MD, a perinatal psychiatrist as quoted in Oprah Daily

If you find yourself in that 66% of burnt out parents, it’s time for a shift somewhere. Take time to reflect on the cause of your burnout and talk it over with your family. A career break may be just what you need to get back to your true self, while also rejuvenating your future career in paid work.

The 5 ‘R’s | Benefits Of A Career Pause

There are many benefits to taking time off of paid work to focus on yourself and your family. Focusing your career pause on these 5 ‘R’s will assure you are making the most of your time.  

Rest. The oxford dictionary defines rest as, “an instance or period of relaxing or ceasing to engage in strenuous or stressful activity.” Rest doesn’t necessarily mean sitting on the couch (although it can). Rest can be taking time off from any stressful activity (AKA your job).

If you are taking a career pause after having a new baby join your family, rest will look different for you than for others. But it is possible to get rest even while caring for babies and small children. The key is to schedule time for rest - which seems counterintuitive, I know! Whether it be regular 30 minute “me-time” breaks or a weekend away, take time during your career pause to truly rest. 

Rejuvenate. What is it that refills your tank? For some people, it might be a day at the spa, a long hike through the woods, or time with family or friends. For others it might be taking time away from the computer screen or reading books to your children. Whatever it is that gives you energy, do it as much and as often as you can. Sometimes you might have to flex the timing or arrangement (because, that’s what parenthood is all about!). But as long as you are rejuvenating, your career pause will be providing value to you and your family.

Reassess. What is it that you want to be doing with your life? Do you want to be a full-time mom for the foreseeable future? Great! Do you want to get out of your marketing job and try something new? Fantastic! There is no right or wrong answer here. Think, journal, dream, chat, share, and plan whatever your heart and mind is telling you. A career pause is the perfect time to reassess your life’s goals, direction, and focus.

Realign. After all of that reassessing, you may realize that you want to do a complete 180 shift from what you were doing before. And that’s OK! You’ll need to take some steps to realign your values, your goals, and even your family’s routine to sync up with your new direction. This is a great time to recruit the entire family in the alignment process so that everyone is on the same page and knows how to support you. After all, if you are getting the support you need, you’ll be able to support and serve the family even better in return.

Reboot. Everyone knows that when your computer starts freezing up or is working slower than normal it’s probably time to restart the computer and install any new updates available. We should be thinking the same way with people! Sometimes we lose our motivation, our speed, and even our efficacy because our heart just isn’t in it anymore. Taking a career pause is a great time to reboot. Power down and look for ways to update your skills. 

There are dozens of ways to work on your skills during a career break. For example, you can take a free online course, join a networking group, find a mentorship program, or focus on mom transferable skills such as such as research and problem solving, adaptability and agility, strategic thinking, communication, motivation, and organization. For even more mom skills that transfer to the workplace, click here.

Preparing For Your Return During Your Career Break

When you are ready to return to work after taking a career pause, there are steps you can take to prepare yourself for success in finding the perfect job that fits both you and your family. There are resources that are sure to set you up for success:

Join Anna McKay for a powerful and FREE masterclass where you will:

• Learn what you need to know about the current landscape for returning to paid work.

• Work through some of the most common struggles returners face.

• Hear from someone who has successfully returned to paid work after a 21 year career pause.

• Discover the 3 things you must have for a successful return to paid work.

"I recently accepted a job for full-time work and your presentation helped me get there after 16+ years as a stay-at-home parent. Thank you so much!” - Amanda M.

Learn More & Register Today

You don’t have to feel overwhelmed. Get full support with your job search from one of our trained coaches. You will be joining a group of like-minded return-to-work candidates through 1 1:1 coaching session, 9 group coaching calls, unlimited e-mail support, and access to our private Facebook group.

Find CLARITY around what’s next career-wise, build CONFIDENCE in your professional skills, with a COACH trained in the THRIVE framework for returning to paid work and support from a COMMUNITY of other returners just like you. 

Learn More & Register Today

Partner With Parents Pivot

It’s ultimately up to you if you decide to take a career pause, but the benefits are well worth it. If you decide it’s what you want (and need) to do, whether it’s for 3 months, 3 years, or 30 years,  Parents Pivot is here to help you make the most of your time away. And we’ll be here when you are ready to make a great return to the workplace!

Celebrating 3 Years Of Parents Who Successfully Return to Paid Work

Happy Birthday! Parents Pivot is turning 3!!!!!

A Beautiful Beginning

Three years ago, Anna McKay, mom of two strong and clever daughters, decided to pursue her passion for helping parents find career success. In June, 2019, she launched Parents Pivot, an online resource hub that focuses on helping people who have paused their career for parenthood reconnect with their professional selves and return to paid, meaningful work that they love!

Learn more about Anna in the video below.

Moms Who Successfully Returned To Paid Work

To celebrate this momentous occasion, we’re celebrating the moms we serve. The handful of moms below decided to return to paid work after a career pause and are a shining example of how all moms can be successful balancing paid work and motherhood.

Megan P

Megan was taking part-time jobs on and off for 17 years before deciding to return to the workforce full time. Previously she was focused on digital marketing and decided to switch gears. After working with Parents Pivot through 1:1 coaching, she is now a Performance & Transition coach for athletes! When asked what skills she honed during her career pause that benefitted her return, she responded with skills she learned while raising her kids and volunteering at their schools: project management, clear communication, multi-tasking, relationship building, digital marketing, and leading a team.

Megan’s advice to returners:

“Hiring a coach is extremely helpful in career transitions. A coach helps you gain clarity around what you truly want. It's also nice to have someone by your side to act as a sounding board as you explore ideas and when making important decisions around your transition. A coach keeps you motivated and accountable, especially when things get tough or you are afraid to take the next steps. Anna did all these things for me when I was looking to return to work. I found Anna's coaching so powerful, that she inspired me to become a life coach for athletes, and I am so grateful!”

Claudia V

How many years were you away from paid work?

Claudia V was a Freelance Graphic Designer before she stepped away from paid work for 12 years to focus on her family. Like all moms, she never stopped sharpening her skills. She shared that during her career pause she would volunteer to create event marketing materials for her son’s school and practiced prioritization in the home. After completing the THRIVE program with Parents Pivot in 2020, she landed a Branding and Marketing Coordinator position. 

Claudia’s advice to returners:

Be patient. Start somewhere. My first job as a returner was very basic, but I pushed myself to do more so that I could add skills to my resume.

Anne D

A teacher and project manager in her life before motherhood, Anne stepped away from paid work for 12 years. After securing a Customer Care Representative for a large distributor in the science space following her participation in the THRIVE program in 2020, she reflects on her career pause by sharing that she “upskilled” during her career pause by managing people and schedules, networking with new people and groups, jumping into projects and taking charge, finding better solutions, and helping people work together more cohesively.

Anne’s advice to returners:

"Don't be afraid to start something new. We have truly upskilled during our career pauses and it's simply about reframing what we did into tangible, marketable skills."

Cynthia F

After a whopping 21 year career pause, Cynthia realized that she missed paid work and was ready to jump back into the workforce. She has shared that her pause greatly contributed to the next chapter of her life, in which she is now a Senior Affiliate Operations Manager, responsible for client relationships, profitability/billability, staffing, Salesforce client rosters, and more.  Her volunteer time managing large projects, fundraisers, Galas and even a private school bus service during her pause translated into excellent organizational, managerial and multi-tasking skills in her current paid work. 

Cynthia’s advice to returners: 

Believe in yourself. Have confidence that you can have a successful career in paid work after your career pause. Think outside the box. Follow your passions and look for a job that brings you happiness and joy. I switched to a completely different career path. I never realized how much I missed paid work. I love my job and am so happy that I returned. There is never going to be a perfect time to return. Just do it!

Jessica W

Jessica was a teacher before she took a 2 year career pause. During her time away from paid work, motherhood helped her to develop empathy towards other parents and realize that she wanted to step away from teaching. She hired Parents Pivot for 1:1 coaching and is now an Instructional designer, creating training in corporate settings.

Jessica’s advice to returners:

You've got this! Your skills are just as valuable and in demand as everyone else's, and you're going to be great!

Melissa AR

Melissa R reached out to Parents Pivot after a 7 year career pause seeking 1:1 coaching for returning to the workforce.  She now is a successful Marketing Strategist for her own business, and is the COO of her family’s Construction Company. Scheduling and community involvement is are practiced skills that built her confidence while taking her career pause

Melissa’s advice to returners:

“Seek guidance and do research. Also be open to where you land.”

Monika G

Monika returned to paid work after a 10 year career pause. She is currently an HR Business and Talent Acquisition Partner. Monika shared that during her career pause she “spent time with her family and young kids, volunteered at school and Girl Scouts and met people from all walks of life which helped her communicate clearly, be comfortable in her own skin, build self-confidence and be thankful for a healthy life.

Monika’s advice for returners:

“Persistence and keep working towards your goal whether it is a dream job or studying further to upgrade yourself. You have the will and the power and everything will fall into place eventually.”

Khyati M

As an expat, Khyati M. has been taking career breaks off and on for over 15 years. Trained in communications, her last job before her most recent career pause was as corporate communications manager at a leading business school in Singapore, NUS Business School. Currently, she is leading corporate communications for the energy transition team at Baker Hughes. Khyati shares the three skills that she felt were vital to sharpen during her career pause: Ability to be nimble and manage change, networking, and a hunger to learn.

Khyati’s advice for returners:

“This is really the best time to get back into the job market! The corporate world as we know it is undergoing massive transformation. Whether it's a great resignation or a great reset, companies are looking for employees that not only have the technical expertise, but the right work ethic to deliver on the job. Also, there is a shift happening in many traditional functions or  roles, even hierarchies as we know it. Hence my advice to anyone looking for a job right now is to stop thinking about work as a job, but start viewing it as capabilities. What skills and capabilities do you bring to a role, and how can you go beyond? Also be clear and define how you prefer to work (remote, hybrid etc.) and be managed. Think in terms of how you can add value cross-functionally, not just unilaterally. And as I said before, be agile and nimble to learn and "always be on.”"

Let Parents Pivot Help Your Career Transition

Maybe you’ve been out of work for a while and you feel like you don’t know the latest news in your industry. Or you’re hesitant to set up your LinkedIn profile because how in the world can you explain that gap on your resume? Or maybe you’re just plain overwhelmed by the entire return to work process.

We know the struggles, and we’re here to help. Here at Parents Pivot, we have made it our mission to be the one-stop online shop for all your return-to-work needs, no matter where you are on your journey.

Schedule a 1:1 Consultation with Anna McKay today.

Empathy in the Workplace: Mom Transferable Skill

Have you created a closer bond with your friends who have all become moms around the same time? If you are like most moms, the answer is a resounding yes! And that is the magic of empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand what others are going through.  It brings people together when there may not otherwise be a reason to connect. Empathy is a skill that mothers develop instinctively, and as you consider returning to paid work, it is also a value that is highly marketable as a candidate.

Empathy In Motherhood

In a recent article from mother.ly, one mom took to social media to share about her sleep woes with her four-year-old son. She noticed that those who did not have kids weren’t as empathetic as those who had kids. They withheld the heart emojis and instead responded with things like, “Sleep is overrated” or “you’ll miss this age one day.” Not incredibly helpful in the sleep-deprived moment. Instead of feeling heard and understood, she feels regret for sharing her true feelings.

Even so, her ultimate conclusion is this:

“Becoming a mom has made me even more empathetic to others and made me want to help those around me—even if I don’t personally get what they’re going through. I don’t go around doling out advice left and right, but I certainly listen when a fellow mom is sharing a struggle. And I try to give advice when I think I can help. (Sometimes just sharing your own story when asked is a great way to offer validation to another parent!)”

Empathy In The Workplace

Here’s a workplace equivalent example: you come into the office and notice that one of your coworkers seems distracted and not “on her game” like she usually is. She’s making mistakes that she normally wouldn’t let slip past her. Instead of bubbling with frustration and harboring a “she needs to pull herself together” attitude, you discretely inquire about what might be bothering her. You find out that she has a lot of heavy, personal things going on at home: behavior issues with her kids and her dad’s health is failing. It’s easy for you to understand where she is coming from. You offer to listen as she gets things off her chest and lend a hand with some of her tasks that day to help her overwhelmed mind. The 15 minutes and simple, empathetic gesture turned her day around.

Empathy As A Leadership Skill

“…giving time and attention to others fosters empathy, which in turn, enhances your performance and improves your perceived effectiveness. 

• Empathy in the Workplace: A Tool For Effective Leadership White Paper from Center for Creative Leadership

People that lack empathy can be difficult to work with, and even more difficult to follow if they are in a leadership role. Empathy grounds you and provides you with the ability to connect with others in a way that inspires, motivates, and lifts them up out of the rut they may be stuck in. A critical part of leadership in any organization is the ability to build and maintain relationships, a skill deeply rooted in empathy.

How To Position Empathy In A Job Interview

So how do you market this mom transferable skill in a job interview or in a cover letter? Here are 3 tips to frame empathy in a way that catches a potential employer’s eye:

You are an active listener. In order to understand how someone is feeling, you have to be willing and practice listening. As an empathetic leader, you are always on the lookout for red flags that may alert you to something being “off.” You know how to respectfully inquire and support others without judgment or condescension. And once people start talking, you actively listen, which quickly builds trust and connection with the other person.

You can foster a multi-perspective community. Not everyone has the same experiences and challenges. But everyone can relate to one another in their own unique way through empathy. You demonstrate how to practice empathy in practical ways by acknowledging the feelings, experiences, and viewpoints of others, even if they aren’t the same as yours. This walk-the-walk attitude is a powerful way to build a team that starts to mimic the same behavior. 

You can cultivate compassion. We’ve all heard the old adage, “It’s a dog eat dog world out there.” It’s time to change that, and you are willing to do your part to make a difference. Showing compassion for others on the team instead of encouraging intense, unhealthy competition sets the stage for higher employee satisfaction, improved workplace productivity and collaboration, and overall better work environment.

OTHER MOM TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

Empathy is just one of many transferable mom skills. When preparing your resume, cover letter, and interview talking points, consider other mom skills, such as relationship building, research and problem solving, adaptability and agility, strategic thinking, communication, motivation, and organization. For even more mom skills that transfer to the workplace, click here.

6 Tips for Keeping Burnout at Bay

1 in 3. That’s how many women are considering changing positions or leaving their employers altogether as a result of job burnout according to this McKinsey report. Are you one of them?

In a recent Deloitte report, “widespread burnout is made worse by poor/work life balance and an ability to “switch off” from work. Women don’t feel that employers are supporting efforts to balance work with other responsibilities and commitments. Sixty-four percent of hybrid workers indicate their employer hasn't set clear expectations around where and how they're expected to work. There’s no doubt about it, burnout is a significant problem, and it’s only getting worse.

There are many potential causes for burnout, including unclear job expectations, dysfunctional workplace dynamics, lack of social support, and work-life imbalance. Regardless of the causes, however, unaddressed burnout can lead to serious physical and mental health issues, such as excessive stress, insomnia, high blood pressure, alcohol or substance misuse, and vulnerability to illness.

Don’t let a demanding job or toxic work environment undermine your health. Take the following actions to keep burnout at bay. 

6 Tips for Managing, Mitigating, and Preventing Burnout

Burnout is a serious issue in today’s workplace that can have serious consequences, both professionally and personally. Protect your physical and mental health by taking these steps to manage, mitigate, and prevent burnout.

• Spot it early. Know the signs of burnout so you can recognize it early and make any necessary changes. Loss of motivation and excitement in your work, increased negative outlook, decrease in performance, mental and physical exhaustion, and physical ailments are all red flags signaling something isn’t right.

• Match your workload to your capacity. Women are especially prone to taking on more than we should. Partly from societal pressure and partly from pressure we put on ourselves, we work harder, longer, and faster than what is optimal in order to prove ourselves. While it may be considered the fast track to success, it’s also the fast track to burnout. Instead of constantly taking on more, make sure your workload actually matches your capacity. Know your limits, delegate whenever possible, and learn to say no. Taking proactive action to manage your workload is one of the best things you can do to prevent burnout.

• Set boundaries. Today’s world of constant connectivity has blurred the lines between professional and personal life. This is especially true when working remotely from home. It is all the more imperative, then, that you set and communicate clear boundaries around your priorities, your availability, and your working hours. Establishing (and maintaining) boundaries is easier said than done, but doing so is key to keeping burnout at bay. Here are some helpful tips for setting healthy boundaries at work.

• Prioritize self-care. In order to continue giving yourself to your work, both on the job and at home, it is essential that you replenish your physical, mental, and emotional energy. Prioritize adequate sleep, nutrition, and exercise, as well as activities that release stress and bring you joy. You may be tempted to think you don’t have the time to spare, but making time for them will actually increase your productivity in the long run. If you’re struggling to squeeze in these essential activities, I highly encourage you to take Laura Vanderkam’s Time Tracking Challenge – it’s an eye-opening experience!
  For more ideas and practical help, check out this ultimate guide on self-care for the working mom!

• Ask for help. You don’t have to battle burnout alone. Discuss specific concerns with your supervisor to see if you can find mutually beneficial solutions. Reach out to coworkers, friends, and loved ones for support and collaboration. Ask your family members to chip in with household duties. Wherever and however you can get it, community and support are key to mitigating burnout.

• Find a healthy work environment. If your burnout is coming from a toxic work environment, excessive or unfair job demands, or insufficient support from management, a job change may be in order. Look for a work environment that aligns with your values, fits your schedule and lifestyle, and is committed to supporting and empowering its employees.

How a Professional Pivot Could Help

Is your current work situation the cause of your burnout? Are you unhappy, unsupported, and unfulfilled where you are and looking for a change? Here are three ways a pivot could help:

• A change in career. As mentioned above, you may need a work environment that better meets your needs and aligns with your values. You may want to consider finding a new company to work for, or an entirely new career path altogether. Check out these 5 signs you should consider a career pivot to see if that’s the right choice for you.

• A return to paid work. Many moms leave the workforce because they are burnt out and you might be worried it will happen again. It doesn't have to, when you follow the steps outlined above at work and do the work to explore what kind of work would align with your life as a parent and what you want for yourself now then you can feel excited about returning to paid work. Fresh energy is a benefit of hiring a returner especially in today's market.

• A career pause. On the flipside, if you are burned out from trying to juggle professional and familial obligations, you may decide it’s best to hit pause on your career for a bit. That’s okay! With a little strategic planning, it is possible to successfully return to work after a career pause. And when that time comes, Parents Pivot will be here to guide you every step of the way.

Whether you’re looking to change your career, return to paid work, or take a career pause, Parents Pivot is here to help! Through our practical resources and group coaching, we help parents find meaningful work they love. 

In fact, Parents Pivot has designed a 2-part workshop to give parents and caregivers the guidance and space to think through how to intentionally BLEND work and life using the Parents Pivot framework. We will explore ways to shift your mindset, create a vision for what success looks like in this moment, and develop an action plan for sustainably working towards that vision. Parents and caregivers will leave the workshop series feeling supported and having the tools to set themselves up for success in managing through this challenging period, without the burnout.

Start here to contact Anna at Parents Pivot and see what Parents Pivot can do for you!