Written by Eva Benoit

Facing the return to work after having a baby can be a physical and emotional challenge.

Thankfully, new parents have lots of great options. Here is important information on making the

transition back into the workforce a successful one.

Employed by someone else

Back to the grind

Transitioning back into a traditional career role after maternity or paternity leave can be

challenging in many respects. In addition to missing your little one, getting back into the groove

of working outside the home can sometimes be awkward at best. As The Guardian points out,

after taking time off, parents can feel like they aren’t quite up to snuff. After weeks away, you

might be afraid your hard-earned skills and knowledge will be rusty. However, you now have

fresh experiences and perspectives to share with others, and your insights into interacting with

people is enriched.

Whether you’re returning to an existing position or planning to make a career move, revisiting

your resume can bolster your confidence and help you articulate all you gained from your time

away. Plan to examine an online, proven resume template to walk you through the process.

Self-employment

Working from home

If you’re ready to trade working outside the home for working remotely, one great way to test the

waters of self-employment is through ecommerce. The key to establishing a successful

ecommerce business of your own is to grow an active customer base, so you need to focus on

a number of building blocks with that in mind. To stand out from the crowd, create a great

website with an attractive, user-friendly design, and be sure the images are high-quality. Think

of a particularly novel presentation and sales perspective, and offer outstanding customer

support. You’ll also want to harness the power of social media like Instagram and Facebook to

boost a following.

Depending on your background, there are several other ideas out there for becoming a work-at-

home parent, such as turning a hobby into a business. Maybe you love crafting or landscaping,

or you are handy with home repairs. Some other ideas are dog walking, babysitting, or, if you’re

good with numbers, you could do some bookkeeping. Consider your strengths and

experiences, and how they could contribute in framing your work.

Pros and cons

Same workplace, new you

There are many benefits of returning to your workplace, such as the break from parenting and

spending time with other adults, but you might want to restrict some of the burden you managed

before. For instance, if you were the go-to for overtime, your priorities have likely changed. It

helps to discuss your transition with your supervisor, ideally face-to-face, but outside your work

environment. Some employers might allow you to work from home at times, or as Working

Mother suggests, you might be able to ease back into the routine with a part-time schedule.

Discuss your priorities and explore what options could help you manage the transition well.

When you do resume your role, strategize to your advantage. Plan to delegate as much as possible, and embrace a healthy balance between your workplace and parenthood.

Your work, your way

Self-employment is a great option for new parents, offering you independence and the

opportunity to still focus on your little one. You can also flex your hours according to other

obligations, but if you haven’t made the journey of self-employment before, it can be a daunting

thought. This is especially true if you’re used to the security of benefits through your employer,

need to rely on human resources to withhold taxes, or if you tend to get stressed out with family

distractions. On the upside, you can save on childcare and the cost of commuting. Depending

on your former role, you might also save on your wardrobe. Bear in mind as Verywell Family

points out that if you are in the midst of climbing a corporate ladder, it can mean a bump in your

career, so it’s crucial to weigh pros and cons carefully.

After having a baby, going back to work can be challenging. Think through how you want your

lifestyle to look and what will facilitate your situation. With some thoughtful strategies you can

segue back to work successfully.