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Pep Talk - for Stay-at-Home Parents Heading Back to Work

Whether in my personal life or through the resume writing/interview coaching aspect of my business, I have noticed an increase in the number of people needing a pep talk about heading back to work, after a stretch of time at home with kids.   A large percentage of stay at home parents are women, but there has been an increase in Dad's making this choice also - which is an impactful shift for equal rights.

Each pep talk involves these key elements:
  1. Reminding the parent that their marketable value did not disappear, but does need to be refreshed,
  2. Giving them contacts for trusted resources in finance to provide advice on whether it DOES, in fact, make financial sense for them to become an income earner instead of a dependant (in a two income home), and
  3. Me wishing I could provide my resume/coaching services for free - since the budgets many parents are working from are limited.
It does not always make financial sense for the parent to return to work.  It is key to work through the financial aspects of the choice, from monthly income boost potential to tax return estimates and any relevant childcare costs.  At the end of this analysis, if finances are the only reason to return to work and the net increase in income is minimal - the parent may choose not to return to the workplace.

For those who do return, a refresher will both better prepare you for the new work environment AND provide some of the much needed confidence to make this step.  Our marketable value does NOT decrease after a stint at home.  I would even argue that it increases.  Parenting and running a home effectively require a strong set off skills that can be applied to paying positions.  Some of the strongest multitasking, time-managed problem solvers I know have gained their skills through the home experience. 

Lastly, it is worth it to put together a budget to invest in the process of returning to work.  Take courses to update your skills.  Become savvy with social media and networking; key components of finding job opportunities in this dry market.  Get professional help with your resume and interview skills - because the competition is fierce.

I am passionate about assisting this group of job seekers.  Research is underway for grant and contest opportunities that would provide the cash needed to assist this group with resources.  You can vote for me for Mompreneur of 2013 - winnings would go to this project. I also want to recommend conferences like Refresh 2013, as a results oriented afternoon.  Take advantage of every opportunity to gain huge cost savings to raise your skills and image to prepare for re-entry to the job market - because YOU have great skills and value to offer.  You just need to learn how to prepare and present it.

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