How to Re Enter the Job Market After Raising Children

These days, it is not uncommon for us as parents to put our career on hold to focus on giving our children the attention they want and need.  Re-entering the job market after many years away, however, can be difficult.  Many employers seem hesitant to take us back into our original roles and pay scales whenever there has been a prolonged leave, particularly when previous management has changed.  Taking an entry level position when you were previously an established employee can feel like an insult.

Today, we will look at a few tips for re-entering the job market and reclaiming your career without stress.

One thing you should certainly look into whenever going to reclaim your career is to ensure that you have any licensing you will need.  In many practical professions such as healthcare or auto repair, you will find that there are professional licenses that need to be renewed.  This could be as simple as taking a test or paying fees, or it may mean that you need a certain number of hours of continuing education. 

This is particularly important in any job that involves working with computers – the technology jump after even a few years absence can be quite a shock on your return, when you find that all the programs you were used to working with have changed completely.  Find out from your boss or co-workers what you need to do and do it.  Continuing education in the form of business training courses is actually recommended for anyone reclaiming their career, as it is a great way to get on top of the latest practices and technologies so that you can once again be at the top of your field.

Whenever you are trying to get your career back, you will also want to consider taking a placement test or some other exam to prove that you are worth the pay and title that you are demanding.  Classes, exams, and even in-depth interviews are a great way to show off and remind employers about your assets.  When you can prove that you are worth the expense, companies will be happy to make you a part of their team again.