While the joy of staying home with your little one is undeniable, the financial reality can be daunting. Unless both parents are securely employed, a year of blissful parenting can quickly lead to mounting debt and anxiety about finances. As my current contract is nearing its end, I’ve been on an intense job hunt these past few months, both in my field and beyond. After several applications, I finally landed an interview at a company I truly admire.
In preparation, I dedicated countless hours to curating a portfolio of my achievements. I reached out to my references to ensure they were ready to speak on my behalf. I even treated myself to a fresh haircut the night before, bought a new skirt, and polished my heels until they sparkled. I pampered my worn-out mom hands, applied moisturizer, and put on a clear gloss. I dry-cleaned my blazer and even packed an extra blouse in case of any unexpected baby messes on the way. I was thrilled and felt prepared.
However, I severely underestimated the challenges of “mommy brain.” For those moms returning to work, here are some lessons I wish I had learned before my first interview:
- Leave the Baby at Home: While I didn’t take my baby to the interview, the thought crossed my mind more than once. I struggled to find a babysitter, and for a fleeting moment, I considered having my little one nearby, believing they might quietly nap in the corner. Thankfully, I eventually secured a sitter, but it was certainly a close call!
- Punctuality is Key: My babysitter arrived on time, but I found myself distracted by last-minute preparations. Was there enough food? Were the emergency contacts correct? I ended up dawdling and arrived late for my interview, a first for me.
- Focus on Professional Skills: While motherhood is a beautiful journey, an interview is not the place to delve into personal anecdotes about parenting. Keep the conversation centered on your professional competencies. If you land the job, there will be plenty of opportunities to share about your family later, so resist the urge to share baby photos!
- Speak Like an Adult: After a year of communicating with toddlers, I found my vocabulary had taken a hit. I struggled to articulate my skills and ended up floundering for words I once used with ease. A little practice speaking professionally before the interview could have been beneficial. Reviewing industry-related articles or even reading my own resume aloud might have helped sharpen my communication.
- Memory Lapses are Real: This one hit me hard during the interview. Not only did I forget key details about my past roles, but I also struggled to recall specific programs I had managed or even the names of former colleagues. Instead, I resorted to sharing irrelevant stories that did little to highlight my qualifications. Bringing a checklist of talking points could have mitigated this issue.
Ultimately, I learned that I didn’t get the job, but I did receive my period shortly after. Thanks, universe! For more insights on parenting and career transitions, check out this post on intrauterine insemination, and if you’re considering at-home options, visit MakeAMom for quality insemination kits. For reliable information on home insemination, refer to this excellent resource from Cleveland Clinic.
In summary, transitioning back into the workforce after having a baby is no small feat. It requires preparation, focus, and a bit of self-compassion. Remember to stay organized, project confidence, and keep the focus on your professional strengths.
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