Baby Bliss: What to Expect When Hitting the Job Market After a Baby

Returning to work after pregnancy is a challenging and emotional experience for new mothers. First of all, you have the daunting prospect of returning to the office after months or maybe even years away and trying to pick up your career where you left off. Secondly, there is the guilt and separation anxiety that comes with leaving your new baby for the first time, and this can often prove to be the hardest obstacle to overcome. There are a number of things you can do whilst still on maternity leave that will make your return to work much easier for both you and your baby and will help you slip seamlessly back into your professional life.

Keep Up-To-Date On Developments in Your Industry

Whether you are a high-powered executive or a kindergarten teacher, it is essential to stay on top of any new trends or legislation that concerns your industry. Attend any meetings or conferences whenever possible, and maintain your friendships and contact with those still in the workforce. Being able to show your current or new employer that you are aware of any changes that went on while you were away will earn you extra points during the interview or employee evaluation.

Be Prepared For a Lower Position and Salary

If you are away longer than three months, then you may not be able to step back into the same position that you left and will probably have to accept a reduced salary. Things have moved on since you left, and re-entering the job market after a hiatus will always leave you at a disadvantage to those who have been steadily climbing the corporate ladder. If you decide to seek employment with a new company, there are many job search engines that will assist you in finding hundreds of jobs in your area, and you can even use these tools to search for temporary jobs to allow you to try-out the company before committing to a long-term position.

Prepare Yourself

It is advisable to perform a few practice runs of waking up and leaving the house before you actually start your job. Arrange for your childcare to start a week before you return to work to enable both you and your baby to get used to being apart. Showing up to your first day of work in an emotional state from leaving your baby for the first time will give your boss the wrong impression. There is a certain stigma attached to working mothers especially in high-powered positions, so always keep work life and family life separated in front of your co-workers.

Above all, make sure you organise your time to ensure you are not struggling to keep up with the different aspects of your life. An early bedtime is a must if you will still have to wake up for night-time feedings, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from your partner or family when it comes to catching up on your sleep. Stretching yourself too thin will end in disaster, so building yourself a strong support network will come in handy when things get rough.

About the Author

Angela Forbes is an experienced professional in human resources. She enjoys drawing from her experiences to blog about common struggles people have when looking for and starting new jobs.