ALT-1 Work from Home Moms
Making the decision to say home with your children and forgo a career is a big decision for any woman. Especially for women who have previously enjoyed a satisfying career or had always planned to work outside the home. The decision to re-enter the workforce is even bigger and more ominous.
The first few years of staying home after the birth of my second daughter were magical indeed. I will always have the memories of their first steps, the first days of kindergarten and so on. And luckily my husband's salary allowed me these pleasures without worry.
But let's face it. After a few years of stay at home bliss, and comfort in the fact that everyone in the house could walk, talk and eat with utensils I started to get the itch. What itch you ask? Im talking about the itch for a connection to the outside world. The desire to talk to women who like me, knew that one day they would rejoin the workforce. Women who knew that they would need to re-sharpen their "woman" skills if this grand re-entry was going to be successful. I'm not sure, but I don't think that memorizing the Doodlebop's tour schedule would impress a prospective boss.
This realization all came together for me one night when my husband and I were out on one of our few date nights. I did not even realize that the background music that we were listening to was a compilation of "Nicktoons". What happened to the jazzy mood music that we'd enjoyed just a few short years ago?
Here's the deal. I'm a dedicated mommy, and I'm good at it, but I am a smart sexy woman and wife as well. Yes, my husband does want to know what's going on with our daughters and the household. After all, these things are parts of his life too. But does this sharing of the day's news really need to last the whole ride to the restaurant, through dinner and back? I think not.
What does your relationship with your husband and the neighborhood women have to do with preparing yourself to re-enter the work force? I believe it's about staying sharp in all areas of your life. It's not realistic to believe that you can navigate back and forth between "mommy" and "woman" when you are wearing both hats at the same time. In other words, when you are not in your "mommy" role, take off your "mommy" hat. That includes the clothes and all of the comfy accoutrements that are a part of your "mommy" uniform. I know that sweats are comfortable. And I am well aware of the fact that they now come in fashionable fabrics and colors. I also know that changing when you are leaving the house can be time consuming and inconvenient. I Know. I've been there. But trust me, if you get into the habit of looking your best now, it won't be such a hassle later on when you make the change. Plus, it feels good to look good. And believe me, your husband will notice the effort.
Another way to keep your "woman "skills sharp is to keep your finger on the pulse of what's happening outside your home. When your friends stop by for chats or play dates, let the kids stew over Blue and her clues. You on the other hand should be talking about what's going on in the world around you. Not the neighborhood around you, The World! There are major events brewing all day long. This is an election year for Pete's sake! Gas prices are at an all time high.
Developing skills other than cooking and housework will keep you fresh and interesting. This is not only about making money, but about developing a skill that makes you an expert at something as well. So maybe you consider re-developing a skill that you've long forgotten or picking up something that you been interested in but never gave a chance. Perhaps this skill will be exactly what you need to impress a future boss in an interview or start your own business in a few years. The point here is to make sure that you remember that you were smart, capable and talented before you were married and had children. Make sure you stay that way after.
A broad worldview, a sense of workplace style and the ability to hold a conversation amongst other career minded adults is important. You may not be considering returning to the work force right now, but keeping your "woman" skills sharp will serve you well when and if you do.
