Not all pregnancies are planned or fall in-line quite how we would hope. Mine certainly didn’t and I found myself having to resign from my role and move state to start my family! That meant, no maternity leave cover and no job waiting for my return. This is often the case for women who still want to maintain their career after the first year or so of having a baby and it can make things a little more daunting.
So what should you do?
Don’t Stress:
The last thing you want when you have a baby on the way, or when you’re a brand new mum is any undue stress. Don’t worry about a job you don’t have. It can be a frightening notion, but it needn’t be. There are a number of things you can do while you’re out of the workforce, to make you feel more proactive and in control of that return.
Keeping your professional relationships is a good place to start. Stay in touch with colleagues and employers as and when you can.
Make sure you have a LinkedIn profile and you maintain it. Follow applicable industry groups and read news that relates to your field of work.
You can also stay ahead of the game via webinars and reading industry news publications. (With regards to webinars, go for the ones that are recorded and can be watched at your leisure, while baby is napping.)
If you’re at a loss as to where to even start looking for a job, here is a great site to help you get in the groove http://www.returntoworkmums.com.au
If you’re at the stage where you’re getting your resume together and lining up interviews, check out Kristy Lee’s article on how to put your best foot forward. You can check out the post here
So, enjoy your new role as Mummy and have faith that you will still be the same kick-ass career girl you were before you left… only more productive and graced with almost super-human multitasking skills!