Helpful Suggestions For Returning To Work During A Recession

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. As soon as we are able and are ready, we need to get back into the job market to find a way of catching back up financially.

With unemployment rates so high, the labour market can seem to be an even more daunting proposition than usual. This is not the time to be recalcitrant however, as you need to double your preparation and negotiation skills along with your self-confidence. Sit down and look at your financial position carefully, computing your needs for the months and years ahead of you. While you must always be reasonable, cut out anything that you don't really need. Be very clear in your own mind about your financial requirements, what you absolutely need as a minimum and what is ideal.

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? If your financial analysis shows you that you can expect reasonable returns from self-employment and still make ends meet, then this option may allow you to create a good deal more flexibility in your life, down the road. You are being faced with some significant and potentially very far-reaching decisions and you might want to consider professional coaching at this time. Thankfully, coaching for women in your situation can definitely help you to determine what to do.

Always be very positive and never negative. Determine what your strengths are, write them down on a piece of paper and keep them next to you at all times. Reinforce your psyche and project yourself in all your conversations, phone calls and e-mails.

If you are aiming for a particular position, try and consider jobs which are beneath, but fall naturally within the career progression. 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. Set your mindset for success and you will get there.

At this stage, you will need all of the inner strength that you can muster. We cannot help but hear all the negative news about the economy and jobs on a daily basis and might be inclined to believe that our task is monumental, a hill too steep to climb. Remember to take the journey one step at a time, being fully confident of your ability and your readiness for a particular position before you start to contact the employer. A useful tip — take a deep breath and even stand up when you make a phone call. If you have a drooping mindset or a sagging posture this will not help you. 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 definitely do this!

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!