There comes a time when many moms want to go back to work or pursue a new direction. If you’re looking forward to getting back to your old job, or you’re thinking about trying something different, here are some tips to help you achieve your career goals.

Achieving Your Career Goals: Tips For Ambitious Moms

Figure out what you want

The first step to take when you consider going back to work as a parent is figuring out what you want to do. You might find yourself in a position where you have options. Do you want to go back to the job you had before you had kids? Do you want to change career? Are you interested in setting up your own business? Are you hoping to go freelance? Are you exploring the possibility of studying? There are lots of questions to answer, and sometimes, it may take you a while to come up with answers. You might be 100% certain that you’re going back to your old job, but if you’re not sure this is the best option, it is worth taking your time to make a decision and consider other avenues.

Work out how you’re going to get to where you want to be

If you know what you want to do, the next step is to action those ideas. If you’re not returning to a former employer, you’ll need to work out how you’re going to hit your targets.

A growing number of people are choosing to undertake further study in adulthood, and online learning makes it possible to combine learning with parenting. Studying can open up new opportunities, and it can also maximize your chances of climbing the ladder if you are aiming for a promotion. If you’re looking to take on a new direction, and you feel that you would benefit from taking online courses and classes, look at subjects that interest you, and explore your passions. Maybe you love interior design or fashion, perhaps you enjoy working with children or older people, or maybe you’re obsessed with the latest technological innovations. You can do anything from a course in design, accounting, and creative writing to a masters in computer engineering online. If you are looking into further education, explore your options online, read up on different courses, and have a closer look at individual modules, modes of delivery, and time frames.

If you like the idea of setting up your own business and being your own boss or going freelance, you’ll need to establish how to turn your ideas into a viable model that will generate an income, and how to market your company and attract clients. Think about designing a website, opening social media accounts, and drawing up a business plan that is watertight. If you plan to scale up your business over time, start small, and see how you get on. If you’re thinking about going it alone and offering beauty services at home, for example, turn your spare room into a salon, make use of your contacts, and advertise your services on social media and in local newspapers and magazines. Managing a business isn’t easy, but it can provide a better work-life balance for parents.

If you’ve decided to look for a new job, rather than going back to a company you’ve worked for in the past, it’s a good idea to freshen up your resume, update your details, and register with recruiters. Think about the kind of position you’re searching for, and look for recruitment agencies that specialize in this area. If you want to work in finance, engineering, teaching, healthcare or law, for example, it’s wise to register with agencies that deal with these sectors, as well as sites that have all kinds of different vacancies.

Managing your time

One of the most challenging obstacles facing working parents is a lack of time. If you work full-time, or even part-time, you might find that it’s a constant struggle to get things done. Time management is an essential skill for working moms. Thankfully, there are some ways of saving time and freeing up more quality time to spend with your family. One of the most important things to master is learning to say no when you’re stretched for time. If you have a to-do list down to your toes, don’t feel pressured to say yes to your boss, or family members of friends asking if you can help out. It’s perfectly fine to say no sometimes. Another key facet is being organized. Plan ahead use a diary or an app to manage your schedule and work out a routine that suits you and your family. It’s also really helpful to make use of your support system. If you’ve got people asking if they can help, take them up on their offer from time to time.

Are you keen to get back to work after having children, or are you excited about pursuing a new career path? Whatever your goals, it is possible to be a great parent and to reach your targets.

•