By | Nousheen Khan | www.jobsforher.com
Being a working parent is not easy, and this is an understatement. Juggling a full-time job, managing home, children’s school assignments, and the 10,000 never-ending home logistics can often lead to frazzled nerves.
British designer Anya Hindmarch is eminently qualified to talk about this. She has a net worth of $20 million, has created a global luxury brand and raised 5 children. In her book ‘If in doubt, wash your hair’, a chapter is titled ‘Put your own oxygen mask first.’
For many of us, women, social conditioning is to put others’ needs before our own. This often happens very unconsciously. However, I believe that it is impossible to bring happiness to the life of others if you are not happy yourself. Hence, prioritizing our own well-being should come first.
A career break is good. Make it a growth opportunity!
I understand that there are circumstances where taking a break from professional life could become necessary to address personal situations and needs. However, a break need not necessarily mean the end of your career, if viewed as a growth opportunity. Building a successful career and managing personal life can be compatible.
Here is my own experience of taking a career break and then transitioning back into full-time work.
- It is important to be focused by doing a realistic assessment of your skills and interests and applying to roles accordingly.
- Know your worth and do not undervalue yourself just because you took a break. Parenthood teaches valuable lessons. I learned to be more patient and comfortable with not always being in control of what was happening in my life.
- Always keep learning something new during your break (and after, too!). Seeking freelancing opportunities is a great way to be connected to your work. You could even spend time pursuing a hobby more seriously. I used to write occasionally, but during my career break, I took this hobby seriously. As a result, I managed to publish articles and short stories in many reputed publications.
- Be resilient and persistent in your job search. You will face many rejections, but eventually, the right door will open for you. Do not shy away from letting people know that you are looking for a job and ask them to refer you.
- Please ask for help. As they say, ‘It takes a village to raise a child’. You can build your own village by asking for support from family, friends and using paid childcare. This may be even more important for single parents.
- A spouse who shares equal responsibility at home can really make life simpler. It is important to communicate and share your expectations with your spouse.
- Be kind to yourself. I realized many years ago that I was unconsciously role-modeling my mother, who was a homemaker. As children, we came home to a perfectly clean house and fresh, delicious meals. I overlooked that I was trying to accomplish what both my mother and father did, i.e., manage a home and work full-time.
- Be open with your children. It is important to make your children allies in your journey. So, occasionally sharing your challenges and worries with them is not such a bad thing. It was very heartwarming when my 8-year-old son recently said, “So what if you are not the best cook? You are good at so many other things!” We needlessly carry the excessive mental burden and wallow in guilt. Our children are wiser than we think they are.
- Lastly, but very importantly, working in an organization that recognizes and supports the unique needs of working parents is essential. It can make a massive difference to our quality of life.
At HCCI, we are committed to supporting working parents. This support is not just about a set of policies but a culture that enables the flexibility that may be needed daily. Launching The MotherBoard, a return to work initiative by HCCI, is yet another step in that direction.
Apply here www.hexagon.com/the-motherboard
Republished with permission and originally published at www.jobsforher.com
