You have made one of the most important decisions – to become a stay-at-home mom. Your life right now is intense, probably filled with diaper bags, toys strewn across the floor, or perhaps crayon shavings in your shoe. While you might be encased in the tender lives of your children and daring to glimpse toward the future in 5, 10, or 15 years is too much to fathom at this point, keep a small space in your conscious for you. If you are in the majority when it comes to stay-at-home moms, you will eventually return to the workplace in some capacity, at some point. Right now that might seem like the last thing you want to consider or have time to dwell upon, but making small, even minute decisions today will make that transition a successful endeavor, whenever it happens.
Ways to Stay Prepared for the Workplace as a Stay-at-Home Mom
Volunteer in the community.
Volunteering is a great way to stay connected with other adults and can bring you the connections you might need in the future. Businesses, both local and national, are behind many charities, so developing relationships with businesses can actually be a very natural side effect of volunteering. These relationships can introduce you to fascinating people, and be the bridges you might need for future employment.
You might be thinking – When would I have even a minute to volunteer? Look for something you can do with your kids or find a mom who is willing to swap you volunteer time each month. When I had very young kids in the house it was a great experience for us to share as a family volunteering and it gave them valuable lessons. We would visit residents in nursing homes (they love to see babies!), participate in community performances, or help at church together. Even 3 hours a month can get you into the community, and even give you experience you can add to a job résumé. Some volunteering you can even do from the comfort and space of your own home, such as giving web support, stuffing envelopes, or making a few calls.
Take up a new hobby or enjoy an old one.
As a stay-at-home mom you still need to take time for yourself, something that can be easier said than done, but is vitally important to your sanity and ability to refresh your outlook. It can also be an amazing way to stay connected for your future. One friend of mine took a cake decorating class as a fun adventure, and when her kids became older, began to teach the classes herself. She could also double as the mom who brought the best cakes for birthday parties and other activities! If you are a writer, join a writing group, even online, and spend even one hour each week or two honing your craft and connecting with others in your field. Hobbies keep our skills fresh and connect us to others with the same interests.
Don’t stay at home!
As the homeschooling, stay-at-home mother of four kids I am used to the questions from people – Do you get out of the house? In reality, I treasure the rare occasions where we do get to stay home, even for less than 24 hours! Go to places like the library, gym classes for moms and tots, and community education activities. You get to meet great families, share adventures with your kids, break up the monotony, and keep your ears and eyes open to the world around you.
Network.
There are lots of small things you can do to build your network and keep you informed and involved in your passions and your future career possibilities.
- Sign up for that college newsletter from your alma mater and read about the advancements in your field of study.
- Keep in contact with people who are in the workplace, even though you might find yourself gravitating only to other moms.
- Take a class or two through a local community college or online college.
- Offer to lead one or some of your kids’ groups. This can be a great way to meet other adults and can be a résumé booster to add leadership skills.
- Read about your interests – staying current is one of the most important things you can do and it will help keep you connected to others in the field.
The decision to stay at home with your kids is an amazing one. I made that same decision more than 12 years ago and never regretted it. I did learn along the way, however, the importance of keeping one tiny toe in the doorway of employment. I have now gone from stay-at-home mom to part-time work-at-home mom, all while homeschooling, and find myself with a future I am excited about, even after the kids fly from the nest.
Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BetterParenting/~3/_4xnfDbVDF0/