Many people consider raising children and undertaking work one of the greatest balancing acts.  In today’s fast paced world, many parents, and especially mums, either feel like they should work after starting a family or choose to work for a variety of reasons.  However, returning to work after children is often easier said than done.  Some of the challenges may come from within (e.g. our own attitudes, beliefs and emotions) and some may come from outside influences (e.g. family, societal expectations, employer’s attitudes and practices, flat job market / recession) etc.

Do any of these sound familiar?

• I feel I would be a better parent if I could get some balance back in my life but I don’t want to feel guilty about it.
• My values and priorities have changed since having kids.  I want to find a job that now fits in with these.
• I have been out of the paid workforce for a while.  I don’t know where to start with job hunting, my CV is out of date and I am not sure I even have any relevant skills that employers might be looking for.
• Should I turn my hobby into a business?
• I am expected to return to work full-time but I am not sure I am ready to commit to full-time employment right now.
• I want to work more flexibly but am not sure what my rights are as an employee.
• I’ve returned to work but I still feel ‘out of balance’.
• I’ve been made redundant – what do I do now?

Whether you are considering returning to work or are already back at work, and you are struggling to make a work or career decision that is right for you and your family, then you could benefit from speaking to a career consultant.  Please read the Services page to find out what seeing a career consultant is all about.

Quote: “Be aware of wonder. Live a balanced life – learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.” Robert Fulghum