For many corporate working mothers, the journey back to work after having children can feel like a balancing act between home and career. One of the most common struggles is the feeling of disconnection from the professional world you once thrived in. You might feel that you’re no longer as visible or as present as you were before motherhood, especially when outside work events and networking opportunities don’t fit into your busy life. But here’s the good news: networking can still be an essential and achievable part of your career after becoming a mother—and it can help you regain that sense of connection and progress.
Whether you’re new to motherhood or returning to the workplace after several years, networking remains a powerful tool for career progression. It goes beyond just meeting people; it’s about building relationships, staying updated with industry trends, and positioning yourself for future opportunities.
But for corporate working mothers, networking often feels like one of the first things to fall by the wayside. You might feel torn between after-hours events and family responsibilities, or simply too exhausted to attend another meeting. However, making space for networking during your working hours can help ease this pressure and keep you connected to your career goals.
Here’s why networking is so beneficial for corporate mothers:
1. Maintains Your Visibility in the Workplace
After becoming a mother, it’s natural to pull back from some aspects of your work, especially those that require extra hours or travel. However, remaining visible is key to progressing in your career. Networking during work hours—whether through scheduled coffee catch-ups, professional associations, or team meetings—helps ensure that you’re seen and heard, even if you’re not attending evening events. Benefit:By making networking part of your workday, you maintain your professional presence, which positions you for new projects, promotions, and leadership opportunities.
2. Rekindles Your Sense of Connection to Your Career
One of the most significant challenges mothers face is the feeling of being disconnected from the career they used to love. You might feel like your role has changed because you can't participate in all the extracurricular work activities that once seemed crucial. Prioritising networking within your regular working hours helps bridge that gap by allowing you to stay engaged with your professional community, without sacrificing family time. Benefit:Regular networking within the confines of your workday keeps you connected to your industry and colleagues, reigniting your passion for your career and making you feel more in control of your professional path.
3. Builds a Support System and Network of Allies
As a working mother, your support system is everything. Networking helps you cultivate relationships with colleagues, mentors, and other working mothers who understand the unique challenges you face. This network can provide guidance, share strategies for managing work-life balance, and offer support when you need it most. Benefit:A strong professional network not only offers emotional support but can also open doors to future career opportunities, recommendations, and promotions.
4. Opens Doors to New Opportunities
Many career opportunities arise not from formal applications but from being top-of-mind when a position or project becomes available. Networking ensures that people remember you, know your strengths, and think of you when opportunities align with your skills. Benefit:By staying active in your professional circle through networking, you increase the likelihood of being considered for exciting new roles, even if your time for after-hours events is limited.
5. Increases Confidence and Reaffirms Your Professional Identity
It’s easy for mothers to feel like they’ve lost their identity as a corporate professional after taking time off or cutting back on hours. Networking can help rebuild that confidence. Every time you connect with someone, share ideas, or offer insights, you reinforce that you’re still an expert in your field. Benefit:Networking reminds you—and others—of your value in the workplace. This boosts your self-esteem, ensuring that you approach your work with confidence, knowing that you still belong in your role.
Making Networking Work for You
So how can you make networking fit into your life as a corporate working mother? Here are a few strategies to help you balance it all:
Prioritise Networking During Working Hours: Schedule coffee chats, lunches, or meetings with colleagues, mentors, and industry contacts during your workday. This helps you avoid sacrificing family time while still staying connected.
Leverage Virtual Networking: Attend online industry events, webinars, or LinkedIn groups to maintain your presence without needing to attend in-person events.
Quality Over Quantity: Focus on a few key relationships and meaningful connections rather than trying to attend every networking event. A handful of strong, supportive relationships can be more valuable than attending dozens of events with no follow-up.
Set Clear Boundaries: Communicate with your employer about your availability. Let them know that while you may not attend evening networking events, you are fully committed to connecting with colleagues during business hours.
Use Existing Networks: Reconnect with former colleagues or mentors. Sometimes your strongest connections are the ones you already have, and reaching out to maintain those relationships can be just as valuable as forming new ones.
Networking after becoming a mother may look different, but it doesn’t have to be sacrificed. By making it a priority within your work hours, you maintain your professional presence, keep opportunities flowing, and stay connected to the career you worked hard to build. More importantly, networking can help you feel re-engaged and excited about your career, reminding you that being a mother and a corporate professional are not mutually exclusive. With the right approach, you can thrive in both areas, ensuring continued career progression while embracing the joys of motherhood.
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