Returning to work after a significant break can be both exhilarating and daunting, especially for mothers who have dedicated years to raising their children. The landscape of work has changed, and so have the challenges. However, returnship programs are designed to support individuals like you in making a smooth transition back into the workforce. Here’s how you can navigate this journey, along with relatable examples and resources to help you along the way.
Understanding Returnship Programs
Returnship programs are structured opportunities for individuals who have been out of the workforce to gain the skills and experience needed to re-enter their careers. These programs typically last a few months and offer mentoring, training, and hands-on projects, allowing you to refresh your skills and rebuild your professional network.
Why Consider a Returnship?
1. Skill Refreshment: After years away, you might feel out of touch with industry trends. Returnships often provide training sessions that can help you catch up.
2. Networking Opportunities: Reconnecting with former colleagues or meeting new professionals in your field can be invaluable. Returnships often include networking events and team-building activities.
3. Real-World Experience: These programs offer a safe environment to apply your skills and learn new ones without the long-term commitment of a full-time job initially.
The Confidence Gap
After years of focusing on family, it’s normal to feel hesitant about your professional abilities. You may worry that you’ve lost your edge.
Engage in returnship programs where you can work alongside experienced professionals. This environment can help you regain your confidence and remind you of your capabilities. Many women in similar situations have found that simply participating in a returnship helped them remember their strengths and value in the workplace.
Balancing Work and Family
Juggling work responsibilities with family obligations can feel overwhelming, especially if your children are still young.
Look for returnship programs that offer flexible working hours or remote work options. Some companies understand the need for work-life balance and design their returnship programs accordingly. For instance, a mother who participated in a returnship found that the flexible hours allowed her to manage her children’s schedules while easing back into her career.
Encouragement for Your Journey
It’s important to remember that many women have successfully transitioned back to work after extended breaks. You are not alone on this journey. Embrace the process, and don’t hesitate to seek support from peers or mentors.
Tip: Start by updating your resume and LinkedIn profile, focusing on transferable skills gained during your time at home, such as multitasking, project management, and communication.
Resources
Check out these valuable resources to help you explore returnship programs and strategies for re-entering the workforce:
1. Path Forward: This organization specializes in returnship programs for individuals returning to the workforce after caregiving.
2. iRelaunch: A resource hub for career re-launchers, offering webinars, articles, and a directory of companies with returnship programs.
3. The Mom Project: A platform connecting mothers with companies that embrace flexible work arrangements.
Returning to work after a break is a significant step, and it’s one that many women successfully navigate each year. By considering returnship programs, you can find a supportive pathway back into the workforce. Remember, every small step counts, and your experience is valuable. Embrace this new chapter with confidence and optimism—your skills and insights are needed in today's workplace.