While girls and women are doing brilliantly in every possible field, proudly exhibiting their calibre, societal expectations and gender roles more often than not end up restricting their growth. Women are underrepresented in the workforce anyway, and yet many who drop out for various reasons end up not returning.
According to a 2018 report titled, ‘Predicament of Returning Mothers’ by Ashoka University’s Genpact Centre for Women’s Leadership (GCWL), around 73 per cent of women in India drop out of the workforce after giving birth. Around 48 per cent of those women who do return drop out within four months. Out of those who stay, only 16 per cent of women go on to hold senior positions in their careers.
The statistics show that things can get very unfair to mothers and we are still not where we should be in making women have access to equal opportunities to further their careers. So if you’re a woman, planning to rejoin the workforce after maternity leave, give yourself a pat on the back.
While the world is still evolving, here are things you should keep in mind when starting work again.
1. Rework your resume
If you’re looking for a new job, you will have to rework your resume to highlight your skills and achievements, taking into account what is relevant today. To further amplify your resume, you can mention all that you did and the skills you acquired while you were away from the workforce. Give your resume a new lease of life!
2. Don’t feel under-confident due to the employment gap
Unfortunately, many potential employers look at an employment gap negatively. However, this is gradually changing as many organisations are viewing it from a progressive and inclusive perspective. If anything, consider joining companies that do not undermine women who took a break because even if you do land a job there, your growth will be further limited due to bias. Depending on your situation, you may or may not be in the position to narrow down your job search. Know your worth, don’t forget what you bring to the table and make sure the company knows it too.
3. Upskill
If you’ve been away from the workforce for a while, there are chances that things may have evolved since you last worked. So find short courses that help you gain new skills in your field and you can use it as a way of negotiating your way into a better opportunity and compensation.
4. Apply for returnships
Many companies have programmes for individuals wishing to rejoin the workforce that enable them to upskill and accelerate learning so you can join an organisation feeling confident. If you’ve been away for just a few months then this may not be needed though.
5. Understand what you want
Depending on your situation, understand what you can pull off and what you are ready for. You can figure if you are mentally and logistically ready for a demanding job, or if you’d like to go for one that offers better flexibility. If you take on more than you can currently handle, you may end up getting overwhelmed or burnt out.
6. Re-network
Professional networking is very important, as you learn of new opportunities from your connections as well as understand the market better. Letting them know that you are ready to rejoin the workforce and making yourself open to work in the market will help you get more leads.
7. Manage your guilt
Many women struggle with guilt when they start work again, especially after completely being available at home for their families and children for a long time. Society doesn’t make it any easier for them, and you will find criticism from many people too. But don’t let the guilt become a hindrance in your career. You can find support in other working mothers for the same while making your self-concept strong enough to not be broken down by sexist attitudes.
8. Redistribute domestic duties
Unfortunately, many women who do rejoin the workforce feel burnout because their domestic duties remain more or less the same. It gets overwhelming as they struggle to balance work pressure with it. To make the transition and re-employment smoother for you, a major shift in time usage and management is needed. If you are a single parent, you will have to figure a way to manage your time better, if possible, get domestic help or a family member to pitch in. If you’re partnered, it’s time to redistribute responsibilities.
Also Read: 8 Must-Know Things About Being A Working Mother: Benefits & Challenges