How to retrain for a new career as a mom

Making the transition from full-time motherhood back into the world of work may seem like a daunting prospect. As a mom, it’s natural to have concerns about forging a new career path, however, this can also be an exciting process where you reenter the workforce with a newfound set of skills, purpose and confidence. If you are considering going in a new direction with your work, in this article, we’ll explore some strategies and tips to help you successfully retrain for a new career as a mom.

This is a collaborative post.

Let’s dive in and give you some ideas of how to rethink your career after the addition of that little one to your life.

1. Assess your natural skills and passions

To find fulfillment in your new career, it’s important to pick a line of work that you will enjoy. By reflecting on the skills and strengths that you already possess you can gain clarity on the type of work that you would like to pursue.

Identify any natural skills or strengths you possess to help guide you toward a suitable new role. You may have a hobby or a favorite pastime that you would like to develop into a career. Whether it’s staying up-to-date on the latest technology or your love for experimenting with new recipes in your kitchen, these passions can potentially pave the way for a fulfilling new profession.

2. Recognise your transferable skills to retrain for a new career

In addition to your natural skills and passions, consider any training and education you already have in a particular field, taking into account the transferable skills you have gained. These might include time management, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Your experiences as a mom will also have given you many valuable transferable skills which you can benefit from. Being a parent will have honed your conflict resolution, multi-tasking, and planning skills, amongst others. By taking inventory of your transferable skills you can begin identifying areas or industries that pique your interest and could be a good fit for you going forward.

3. Online postgraduate training

There are a plethora of training courses and certifications available today that allow you to develop your skills in new areas. The availability of online education also makes it possible for you to learn a new subject or deepen your existing knowledge whilst balancing your family responsibilities.

Whether you would like to become a teacher or explore a career in software development or psychology,  the diverse range of online options offer something for every type of career aspiration. Personally, I have retained as a counsellor, and am finding this incredibly rewarding. It is even helpful with my own kids too, as it helps gain a greater understanding both of emotions, and our kids.

Enrolling in an online course that aligns with your interests and career goals can make retraining for a new career easier, more accessible, and enjoyable.

4. Start networking

Many people are put off by the prospect of networking. Fortunately, however, today more than before networking is more than just getting in front of the right people, impressing them with your skills, and exchanging business cards. When looked at as a way to connect with people in your field of interest, networking opens the door to numerous possibilities that can not only help you land your coveted new position but also build valuable connections along the way.

By joining online forums and communities related to your chosen field you can engage with other people who share your interests and who can provide you with valuable insights, support, and potential job leads. Social media and sites like LinkedIn have made it easier to reach out to businesses and individuals who can offer you advice, guidance and potential work experience helping you gain a better understanding of a particular industry or job role.

Reaching out to recruitment specialists in the area you are interested in can also give you helpful insights and guidance, helping you navigate the job market and gain access to positions that meet your skills and requirements.

5. Volunteer or freelance work

Gaining practical experience through volunteering or taking on freelance projects allows you to gain hands-on experience and a foothold in a new area. This is a great way to apply any knowledge and skills you have acquired through study or in previous roles to your new line of work, allowing you to see how theory translates into real-world applications.

By actively seeking out work experience in a new field, you will not only bolster your confidence and your resume with a new set of skills, experience, and abilities but more importantly, you will be able to demonstrate your commitment and desire to pursue a new career direction. This proactive approach which highlights your initiative and dedication to your growing career can hold you in good stead when up against other candidates for a role.

Volunteering or freelancing also offers the benefit of greater flexibility in terms of your schedule, making it possible for you to balance your responsibilities as a mom alongside your work.

6. Our bonus suggestion: Turn your passion into creativity 😂

We are biased of course, but you CAN turn your passion, like we have, into a career. We have turned our prowess in IT, and social media into a creative career at KiddyCharts.

Combine our first tip with this, and you could well be on to a winner – turning a passion into a creative, or blog related career gives flexibility. We do have a few blogging tips on the site, so why not check them out as well?

Transitioning into a new career after motherhood offers you the chance to reinvent yourself and turn your skills, interests, and ambitions toward a direction that brings you true joy and fulfilment. By following the tips outlined above you can begin the journey back into work with greater confidence, purpose, and passion.

If you are looking for more tips as a mom, why not check some of these out as well?

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Thanks so much for stopping by,

Helen

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