It’s never easy taking a career break, but sometimes ‘you’ve just got to do, what you’ve got to do,’ as the saying goes. The decision may be necessary if you have a special event ahead of you, welcoming a newborn into this world. Quite rightfully, the career must be on hold as the mum-to-be focuses on what’s ahead and places all her resources to work on the imminent arrival of the child, instead of the career. Thankfully, our society is very understanding and mum is very rarely in a financial bind during these all-important days.

While some women put a great deal of effort into planning their entire working career around their life aspirations, planning in intricate detail what will happen from the moment they find out that they are expecting a child, all the way through a transition back to regular work, for most of us this represents a process of discovery. It is, after all, very difficult to plan your entire career and personal life in advance, most especially given the financial and economic uncertainties that we have encountered in recent times. Such economic turmoil is enough to throw anyone’s plans off track, but for the mother getting ready to return to work after her break, it can be a particularly stressful time.

There are a large number of reasons why mum needs to be super confident after baby arrives and she wants to return to work:

First, she should remember that she was hired in the first place due to a combination of skills, ability, education and personality. This is a great combination that most human resources department heads are looking for and are equally aware represents a fairly rare find. Quietly and subtly, she should draw attention to these valuable assets!

Second, remember that there is nothing to feel guilty about. Within the society that we live, childbirth is a right that all women can claim and employers build their obligations into the fabric of their business. While it is true that a lengthy absence can be a little disruptive for the employer, this has to be taken in stride and there is no reason to feel guilty at all when returning to the fold.

Third, don’t forget that you will have picked up some excellent managerial and planning techniques, as you moved through the process of childbirth and family planning. These are not to be under-estimated, as you will be able to convert them into valuable assets at work, when you go back.

Fourth, remember that, on average, 50% of the workforce is made up of women, a large proportion of whom fully sympathise with your position, as they have been in your position! This almost guarantees a sympathetic approach from them, when you reappear.

Finally, your new family must be viewed as a fantastic achievement and one that you should be rightly proud of. You should feel justifiably proud of your achievement and if you can go through the process of childbirth, then you really are ready for anything you will face in the workplace!

Don’t worry if you think it’s too much for you, as professional coaching can help you get through it. These days, online coaching is a truly valuable resource for our hectic daily lives, as in most cases, professional coaching for women returning from a career break can help to smooth over any potential difficulties you might envisage.

Amanda Alexander is the Director of Coaching Mums and a widely renowned ICF-accredited coach who delivers professional coaching programmes to working mums across the globe who long for more time, balance and fulfilment in their busy lives. Download our free eBook especially for working mums with 5 easy ways to achieve balance.

Tags: coaching for women, coaching mums, online coaching, professional coaching, success coaching

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