Introduction
The number of women choosing to stay home to raise their children has been on the rise in recent years. According to a 2020 study by the Pew Research Center, 29% of mothers with children under 18 are stay-at-home moms. This is up from 23% in 2010.
There are many reasons why women choose to stay home with their children. Some women want to be more involved in their children’s lives. Others want to avoid the high cost of childcare. And still others want to pursue other interests, such as volunteering or starting a business.
Whatever the reason, stay-at-home moms often face a difficult decision when it comes time to return to work. They may have been out of the workforce for several years, and they may not be sure how to update their skills or find a job that fits their needs.
This guide will provide stay-at-home moms with everything they need to know about returning to work in 2025. We’ll cover topics such as:
- Updating your skills
- Finding a job
- Negotiating your salary
- Balancing work and family
Updating Your Skills
If you’ve been out of the workforce for several years, you may need to update your skills before you start looking for a job. This can be done through online courses, workshops, or even volunteering.
Here are a few tips for updating your skills:
- Identify your transferable skills. What skills did you develop while you were a stay-at-home mom? These skills may be valuable to employers, even if they’re not directly related to the job you’re applying for.
- Take online courses. There are many online courses available that can help you update your skills. These courses are often affordable and flexible, so you can learn at your own pace.
- Attend workshops. Workshops are a great way to learn new skills or brush up on old ones. They’re also a good way to network with other professionals.
- Volunteer. Volunteering is a great way to gain experience and give back to your community. It can also help you develop new skills or enhance existing ones.
Finding a Job
Once you’ve updated your skills, it’s time to start looking for a job. There are a few different ways to do this:
- Network. Networking is one of the best ways to find a job. Talk to your friends, family, and former colleagues. Let them know that you’re looking for a job and ask if they know of any openings.
- Use online job boards. There are many online job boards that you can use to search for jobs. Some of the most popular job boards include Indeed, Monster, and CareerBuilder.
- Contact employers directly. If you know of a specific company that you’re interested in working for, you can contact them directly. You can do this by sending them a resume and cover letter or by calling them to inquire about job openings.
Negotiating Your Salary
Once you’ve found a job, it’s time to negotiate your salary. This can be a daunting task, but it’s important to remember that you’re worth what you’re worth.
Here are a few tips for negotiating your salary:
- Do your research. Before you start negotiating, do your research to find out what the average salary is for similar positions in your area. This will give you a good starting point for your negotiations.
- Be prepared to walk away. If you’re not happy with the salary offer, be prepared to walk away. There are plenty of other jobs out there, and you don’t want to settle for something that you’re not happy with.
- Be confident. Confidence is key when it comes to negotiating your salary. Believe in yourself and your worth, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you deserve.
Balancing Work and Family
Balancing work and family can be a challenge for stay-at-home moms returning to work. Here are a few tips for making it work:
- Create a schedule. Creating a schedule will help you stay organized and on track. Make sure to schedule time for work, family, and yourself.
- Be flexible. Things don’t always go according to plan, so be flexible and willing to adjust your schedule as needed.
- Ask for help. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your partner, family, or friends. They can help you with childcare, errands, or anything else you need.
- Take care of yourself. It’s important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly.
Conclusion
Returning to work after being a stay-at-home mom can be a challenge, but it’s definitely doable. By following the tips in this guide, you can increase your chances of success. Remember, you’re not alone. There are many resources available to help you make the transition back to work.
