As if being a full-time parent wasn’t stressful and time-consuming enough, now you have to decide whether or not to return to your old job or start your professional life anew. No matter if you liked your old career before stepping into maternal life, this is the perfect time to make a change for the better and effectuate your long-term goals that will benefit you as a person, as well as your entire family.
Rather than dreading the idea of making such a drastic change, just as you’ve managed to come to grips with the duties of a full-blown parent, consider it a fun challenge that could end up setting you up for life. With that in mind, here are five ways to effectively reinvent your career after having a baby.
Consider the benefits of your old company
Sometimes, making a career change doesn’t have to mean leaving your old company. If you’re satisfied with the work environment, the people in general, and can envision your future there, then by all means consider going back to your boss and asking to take on a new position. This can be a big step up for you both financially and career-wise, so don’t be afraid to explore your options in a setting where people know you, respect you, and are aware of your talents and expertise.
You can start by scheduling a meeting with the board and letting them know that you’re ready and willing to come back. It would help if you prepare yourself for the negotiations that are bound to ensue, so have a detailed presentation at the ready in order to show your bosses exactly why they should consider you for a better (or different) position, and how you can help the company thrive.
Redefine your key motivators in life
Of course, all of this has to with the things that truly motivate you in your professional life. If your old job was really just a placeholder for something grander and more challenging that you had to delay because you had a baby on the way, it would be a sound and prudent idea to revisit those dreams before you get back to your old job.
The reason is that returning immediately to the office can lull you back into a false sense of happiness evoked by the thrill of just getting out of the house. In reality, this will only keep you from pursuing your real dream, so make sure you think long and hard beforehand and note down what you really want to do with your career.
Consider becoming your own boss
We live in an entrepreneurial age, and now’s the time to consider if you’re ready to become your own boss. Just imagine seizing the opportunity to establish financial independence and long-term security, growing your own business and building something that will set your family up for life. Such is the prospect of launching your company or joining a franchise.
Now, while kick-starting your own business is costly and extremely time-consuming, buying a franchise is not. Nowadays you have plenty of franchises to choose from such as a reliable mechanic business for sale in your areathat can get you up and running in no time. Working alongside experts in the field and tapping into a profitable market will work to your advantage and provide you with the financial stability you need. Following this mindset, be sure to research franchises in your area in order to find a lucrative opportunity that will also help you build a career imbued with happiness and zeal.
Don’t be afraid to re-educate yourself
Let’s banish a common fear before we move on: you’re young, you still have many happy years ahead of you, so there is no need to be afraid of missing out or losing precious time. With all the time in the world at your disposal, this is the ideal moment to re-educate yourself if you want to and take a completely different career path.
Many parents are afraid of going back to schooland putting their career on hold until they get their new diploma, but instead of dreading the idea, consider it an investment into a prosperous future. And besides, there are plenty of ways you can expedite the process, such as by attending online courses, night schools or weekend seminars and workshops that will help you obtain the knowledge you need.
Combine interests with concrete goals
Of course, none of the above should be set into motion if you’re not a hundred percent sure of your long-term goals and aspirations. This doesn’t just mean wanting to become something, or dreaming about a certain career, no, this means putting pen to paper and noting down everything in great detail.
Start with your current financial situation and work your way up to your ideal income. Can you achieve your financial goals with your current career? If not, go back to the drawing board. Ideally, the goals you set for yourself will underline a career path that is challenging, lucrative, promising, secure, and rich in long-term growth opportunities.
Becoming a parent is one of life’s greatest blessings, but there will come a time when you have to go back to work and continue your path up the proverbial corporate ladder. It will be up to you to decide whether your old job is deserving of your time and talent or if this is right the moment to leave it all behind and pursue a new career imbued with lifelong security and happiness.
About Chloe Taylor, Guest Contributor
Chloe Taylor is a graduated journalist from Adelaide and a regular contributor to Smooth Decorator. She loves everything related to decor, aesthetic and lifestyle topics. She is also passionate about photography. Her biggest dream is to travel the whole world and take some stunning photographs of beautiful places. Beside all this, she enjoys drinking coffee and reading a beautiful book from time to time. You can find her on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
