There can be some serious challenges returning to work after time out of the workplace. Some of them are logistical – for example, how to find work that fits around school pick-up times and school holidays – some are psychological, is it even possible do get back into a career and work mindset?

Preparing your mindset for returning to work

This is the first of a series of articles for returners, people who want to return to the workplace. This may be parents whose children are now at school, retired people who have a variety of reasons for wanting to go back to work (25% of them do), carers now again available, people who have had a bout of ill-health but are now well again, or the long-term unemployed but still keen to contribute people. Many of us have needed to react to life changing events and have immense potential to be very productive employees.

Everyone’s situation and circumstances are different, so there is no simple template or process to follow. For anyone job hunting there are pressures and frustrations, but for you there may be the overlaid issues of childcare, running the home and balancing numerous metaphorical plates simultaneously.

From our discussions with many aspiring returners, including moms, we know there are a range of psychological issues to confront even before the job hunt process begins. Of course, not all of these are applicable to all parents and guardians but to consider some general headings:

If there is one theme which will permeate through all of our advice, it is ensure great communication: with your family and friends, any coach, any agency and all prospective employers. To achieve this it is fundamental to recognise this comes from the three aspects of communication:

Communication is one of the least well performed activities, yet it is one we all practise the most.

In the next issue of Primary Times, we will discuss your valuable assets.

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