Essential Points For Returning To Work During A Recession

Posted on February 3, 2010
Filed Under Time Management |

Taking a career break in the middle of a recession is probably not the best idea, but sometimes we are forced to do so, especially when we are expecting a new arrival. These days with household budgets being stretched so thin, the thought of being a full-time mum, while attractive, is not realistic. Whenever we’re ready to get back into the job market we need to look for ways to catch up economically.

Unemployment rates are crazy right now and the labour market can be a very unpleasant proposition. This is not the time to falter though and it is important to prepare your negotiation skills and boost your self-confidence, ready for battle. To start off with, you should make a thorough analysis of your financial position and needs for the months and years ahead. While you must always be reasonable, cut out anything that you don’t really need. You should be very clear about your financial requirements, the absolute minimums and the ideal scenarios.

While you may have been quite happy with your career prior to the break, this is an opportunity for you to really evaluate whether you want to go back into that line of business, or whether you want to explore something new. Should you start your own business? Does your financial analysis tell you that you can expect to have fair returns from self-employment, while still making ends meet and if so you may be presented with an exciting and flexible concept for your new life. You are being faced with some significant and potentially very far-reaching decisions and you might want to consider professional coaching at this time. Specific coaching for women in your position will help you determine the correct path.

It’s important to be positive and never to focus on the negative. Determine what your strengths are, write them down on a piece of paper and keep them next to you at all times. Focus on your psyche and project yourself well in all your phone calls, e-mails or conversations.

When looking at a particular position, always consider jobs that may be beneath, but would naturally form part of a career progression in this field. You may be overqualified, but if it gives you a stepping-stone toward your ideal position, by going the extra mile you will soon find that you become eligible (and get) the position that you want.

This can be a tough hiring environment but those who are prepared to go the extra distance and really stand out from the rest, will succeed over the sad majority who cannot or do not. If you remember that it is in your mindset to succeed, then you will.

At this stage, you will need all of the inner strength that you can muster. It is easy to get disenchanted by the negative news we hear about the economy and jobs every day and while you might begin to think that the task is very difficult, don’t think that it is a hill too steep. However, remember to take this journey one step at a time and always be 100% sure about your ability and chances of getting a position before you pick up that phone or type that e-mail. Before you make a phone call, stand up and take a deep breath. A slumping posture, or a sagging mindset will not help. Remember to smile as you talk as well!

These days, online life coaching can provide you with the boost you require when you need it, especially in those periods of negativity. You can do it!

Amanda Alexander, Director of Coaching Mums, helps pressure-cooked, stressed working mums who long for more hours in the day. Through her coaching programmes and online life coaching courses, Amanda shows mums how to create fulfilling and successful lives. For your simple 5 step guide to balance as a working mum, download our free eBook today!

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