I can already anticipate how our interview will unfold. You’ll sit across from me, scrutinizing my resume with a pen poised, ready to delve into my extensive 11-year background in finance, my degrees, and the certifications I hold. The years from 1999 to 2013 are clearly documented. Then, your gaze will shift to the “Work Experience” section, where a conspicuous gap begins in 2013, and an inevitable pause will ensue.
From your perspective, it may seem that I was a driven professional on a steady rise, only to “opt out” to raise my children—an expression popularized by Lisa Belkin years ago. You might think I stepped away from a thriving career to care for my family, and now I’m facing an uphill battle to re-enter the corporate world I once navigated with ease.
However, the reality is far more nuanced. The stereotype of the stay-at-home parent is stuck in a bygone era, often drawing images from 1950s television shows—think house dresses and leisurely afternoons filled with snacks and soap operas. Ironically, I spent more time lounging and aimlessly browsing the internet when I had a full-time job than I do now with my three energetic boys.
We need to reshape our understanding of what stay-at-home parents truly accomplish, and it starts with you asking me about it. I’m not suggesting you approach me with a skeptical “What do you do all day?” which assumes my answer is “Nothing.” That question is almost as frustrating as being viewed as a career dropout.
Instead, simply ask if I’d like to discuss my career break. If you do, I’ll gladly share my experiences. First, I want to clarify that being a stay-at-home parent doesn’t mean I’ve been cut off from professional insights. With the internet and constant news updates, I’ve kept up with market trends. While I may not have a Bloomberg terminal at my fingertips, I can engage in meaningful discussions about current events.
Next, managing a household involves budgeting, hiring help when necessary, and sometimes even making tough decisions about personnel. I’ve played the role of mediator in disputes where both sides are being unreasonable, and I’ve honed my multitasking skills while developing creative solutions to everyday challenges. And let’s not forget the art of negotiation—parenting one of my strong-willed boys has taught me more about negotiation than any corporate boardroom ever could.
One of the issues lies in how companies perceive parenthood. Once employees have children, there’s often a narrow focus on the time away from work that parenting demands, leading to an assumption that this is a negative factor. However, I’ve noticed that workers who are parents often exhibit greater empathy and patience. They tend to approach tasks more thoughtfully, working smarter rather than harder, and maximizing their productivity.
Furthermore, let’s not overlook the extensive work stay-at-home parents contribute to their communities—organizing school fundraisers, planning events, managing PTOs, and even coaching teams. These activities involve extensive networking, vendor management, and organizational skills, which are highly relevant to many job roles.
I’ve engaged in countless activities as a stay-at-home mom that have equipped me with skills directly applicable to the workplace. But you’ll never realize this if you continue to treat my career break as a liability rather than an opportunity for growth.
So, dear interviewer, rather than viewing my gap as merely an absence from the workforce, consider it a period of valuable experience. My time away has been anything but “opting out.” It has been a time of hard work and skill enhancement that would benefit your organization. But you’ll only discover this if you take the time to ask.
For related insights on parenting and work-life balance, check out this post here. And if you’re interested in at-home insemination kits, visit Cryobaby to explore their products. Additionally, the CDC offers excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
In interviews, addressing a career gap can feel daunting, but it’s crucial to highlight the skills gained during that time. Stay-at-home parents manage various tasks that enhance their professional value, including budgeting, negotiation, and community engagement. By fostering a dialogue about these experiences, interviewers can gain a clearer understanding of a candidate’s potential contributions.
Leave a Reply