Being a working woman is hard. On the one hand, ladies want to reach the top of their industry and achieve success as much as the men. On the other, being a parent is undeniable. As soon as a child arrives, it’s impossible to put a job above their well-being, even if it’s only hiring a childminder or working part-time. Motherhood does and always will come first in that respect.
But, what happens when the kids are older? What should a mom who has taken time out to be a parent do then?
The obvious answer is to go back to work. Of course, your old employer may not take you back, particularly if they think another baby is on the way. A new company is an option, yet it means starting out at the bottom (relatively). Although this is a bitter pill to swallow, it’s by no means a death knoll as lots of working moms shoot up through the ranks. Here are seven ways you can do the same in ten minutes or less. Seriously, 600 seconds is all it takes!
Plan Ahead
How often do you wake up in the morning and devise a schedule? Usually, mothers will answer this with an emphatic every single day. Without a plan, there is no way the morning, afternoon or evening will run smoothly. Kids aren’t famous for their diplomacy or their ability to be flexible. So, if you can do it on the way to soccer practice, you can do it over breakfast on during the morning commute. A schedule or a plan of attack is essential as it helps people to visualize and attack. For instance, a to-do list is a physical guide which tells you which tasks need completing as soon as possible. And, if you are savvy, it will have the number one jobs at the top and the lesser roles at the bottom. Don’t forget to think about the speedy and easy ones, too. Sometimes, a quick win is fantastic as it boosts self-esteem and sets a precedent. Plus, it looks good when the management takes stock. A plan delivers results, and results lead to progression.
Read The News
Speaking of things which are straightforward to do over oatmeal, reading the news is crucial. Why? It’s because knowledge is power. Okay, that’s a vague statement that people roll out to seem clever, but it is true. The key to a promotion is to ease the pressure on the bosses. Great employees, or at least the ones who are on their boss’ radar, make life easier. Let’s face it – managers have lots on their plate and don’t want to deal with the responsibility. Sure, it’s their job yet they also want to enjoy the fruits of their labor. As incompetent as it may sound, this is how lots of people in positions of power see their role. Playing the game can change the game, but before that is possible, you need to climb the corporate ladder. Simply reading the news will bring you up to date with the things that affect your boss’ career. If by pure coincidence you can think of a solution to a problem, you will stand out from the crowd. Social media has downsides but one of the pros is link sharing and news retweets. Google alerts will make you aware of any specific keywords and phrase, too.
Email, Send A Text Or Meet In Person
Granted, there are never enough hours in the day. Once the whistle blows, it’s time to get back to the family and start your second shift. So, the idea of meeting a contact face-to-face isn’t appealing. It’s not just that; you won’t have the energy or inclination either. But, think about the times when someone has asked you for a favor. Were you happy to help if the person appeared out of the blue and wanted your help? In general, the answer is no because this method makes you feel as if you are being used. Ladies, we aren’t a piece of meat! On the flip side, this is how contacts react when you reach out and ask for support. Don’t fret because sources are sources and they aren’t unreasonable. Like all humans, all they need is to feel wanted and as if they are part of the inner circle. With that in mind, never hesitate to send a quick, loving email asking them about their life and how they are doing. A text message also works a treat. Meeting in person adds a little extra oomph as it’s personal. The next time you’re in town with the baby, try and coax them into a cup of coffee and a slice of pie.
Go Back To School
Higher education has a timeline, and it’s around three to four years depending on the course. However, certain qualifications are quicker – six months to a year – and others are a done in a day. Please don’t let the length of time fool you into thinking some are less significant than others. The truth is that employers decide with credentials are vital to success and which look good on paper but aren’t practical. For instance, holding a master’s degree sounds awesome yet the organization may need a health and safety officer. In this case, an applicant who has taken a Healthcare – CPR Certification Class will rocket to the top of the list. Remember that employee and civilian well-being is reaching new heights within the industry in the 21st century. School course are available online now, too, so going to college only requires an internet connection. As well as health and safety, consider programs such as leadership and organization. Businesses lust after people who are precise, can work independently, and can rally colleagues to be productive.
Find A Mentor
As a role model to a young child, moms should understand the importance of a mentor. Having someone in your corner with experience who offers advice is priceless. Pretty much everyone who has achieved success in the public eye puts it down to a particular person who was there from the beginning. Parents are helpful, as is a partner, but you need someone who is an industry specialist. That way, the tips they hand out are tailor-made to your role. Sadly, there aren’t listings online or in the newspapers which state “mentor searching for a person to take under their wing.” Finding one is sort of an organic process where two people connect and guide each other through difficult times. If you’re lucky enough to have said person in your life, please don’t ignore their advice. Pointing out blind spots and areas for advancement is a tricky process, but they are experts and their feedback comes from a healthy place.
Be Ballsy
Far too often, women wait for their chances instead of taking them by the scruff of the neck. As controversial as the topic may be, clinical psychiatrist Jordan Peterson details the phenomenon in his book “12 Rules for Life.” Otherwise, check out the Cathy Newman interview underneath where he touches on the topic. Plus, you can enjoy the now infamous battle between the two. Getting back on topic, ladies shouldn’t wait until a specified time or date before making their credentials clear. Yes, an end of year interview is a good place to bring up such things, but anytime is great. Think about it logically. All it takes is a few minutes for you to say “boss, can I have five minutes of your time? I want a raise.” They will inevitably roll out the clichés but will finish by saying “I’ll put it to the board” or something along those lines. Perhaps word comes back and the consensus is that it isn’t going to happen, or maybe they grant your request. Either way, all it takes is a short conversation to boost your career positively. Practice the elevator pitch beforehand and be sure to point out the crucial details. For example, compare the amount of money you make the company and how much you get paid.
Check Job Listings
This trick helps further a career in a variety of ways. The first and most obvious is that it provides you with open opportunities. Anyone who isn’t in employment needs to apply for a position if they are going to get on the first rung of the ladder. Should you already have an employer, a job specification can provide you with vital information. For instance, perhaps you didn’t know that the role required industry training? If so, don’t be scared to enrol and enhance your skill set. Alternatively, point out to the hierarchy that it’s their job to fund and train workers. Finally, you can use it as leverage or apply and accept the offer. When businesses find out that their best employees are leaving, they scramble to stop it from happening. Otherwise, the change should be productive.
