Priscilla Asamoah Baffour 
As a career-driven person who took a career break due to maternity leave or personal reasons, getting back into the job market can feel tough and emotional. But, it doesn’t have to be and you don’t need to worry too much as I will provide you with useful guidance to help you with the challenges you might face and offer ways to make your return smoother.
Coming back to work after a break can feel like starting anew. You have already gotten used to motherhood, spending time at home and bonding with family without work stress and busy schedules and now, you are moving into the career path again.
However, with the right attitude and strategies, you can use your past skills to move forward. This guide is for new working moms and anyone coming back after a personal break. You’ll find tips and advice to help you do well in your career again. Let’s get started.
Career Break Due to Maternity
Nothing will prepare you for career breaks due to maternity as it becomes a new path altogether that you have to learn how to fully adjust and flourish irrespective of the challenges that may come with it.
One thing you should understand is that taking a career break due to maternity is essential for your well-being and also, as a new mom, an opportunity to bond and fully take care of your new bundle of joy.
Now, the main problem is how do you adjust after your break is over and you have to resume work? Let’s dig in.
Navigate the Work Challenges
Coming back to work after maternity leave is tough. You are still getting over the physical and mental effects of having a baby. You might have gone through postpartum symptoms like pelvic issues, headaches, mood changes, and hormonal shifts.
So, It’s key for workplaces to offer support and accommodations during this time. The postpartum period brings many changes and feelings that you need time and support to recover from pregnancy and childbirth. Workplaces should offer flexible schedules, lactation rooms, and mental health resources to help you adjust and navigate the challenges.
The Second Shift: Balancing Work and Family Responsibilities
It’s without a doubt you are not only providing care for your new baby, but also taking care of your partner’s needs as well. Creating this balance between work and family can be emotionally, mentally and physically challenging.
Studies show women do more unpaid work than men, which can lead to burnout. So, It’s important to work towards more equal household tasks with your partner or supportive relatives to support your new journey.
“Planning for contingencies, childcare arrangements, and getting support from family is essential for a successful career return post-caregiving break.”
With understanding, support, and a focus on balance, you can make a smooth transition back to your career.
Embrace The Mixed Feelings
Going back to work after maternity leave is an emotional ride for new moms so I can imagine the number of questions running through your mind and how unrest you are. You’re moving from caring for your baby to getting back into your job. This change can bring a mix of feelings.
Rewire Your Mind for New Challenges
Your brain changes a lot during pregnancy and after having a baby. It requires you to focus on your baby’s needs. This “Mommy brain” can make remembering work stuff hard and switching between work and home life tough.
You might struggle to remember what to say or follow conversations at work, which can be tough and make you doubt yourself. Coming back to work can make you feel like an imposter. You might feel out of the loop or unsure of your skills.
Catching up on what you missed can make you feel left out or disconnected. This can lead to self-doubt and questions about your decision to go back to work. Therefore, be prepared and rewire your mind for new challenges and overcome them with ease.
“The return to work caused an emotional rollercoaster with different feelings and emotions. Reflection on the first week back at work: mixed emotions, exhaustion, feeling alien in familiar work environment, need for re-learning, and questioning ability to perform.”
The Worth of Pursuing Your Career After Maternity
Returning to work can make you feel guilty for leaving your baby. You might always think about your child and wish you could be with them more. Comments from others about the importance of being there for your child can make these feelings worse.
However, keeping your job after having a baby is great for you and your family. It shows your dedication and commitment to things that matters to you. This means, your career is worth pursuing and you shouldn’t let go amidst the emotional and mental challenges you might face.
Redefine Your Ambitions and Find Balance
Becoming a new mom might make you rethink your career goals and what’s important to you. You might look for a job that’s easier to balance with family life or you might start a new career that fits your current needs.
The goal is to make a career that lets you live the life you want, without giving up work. Handling work and being a parent is tough, but it’s worth it. Dealing with these emotions takes time, but always remember, you’re not alone.
With time and support, you can manage your work and personal life better. There’s no single way to balance your career and family after maternity leave. It’s about being proactive, talking about what you need, and finding ways to make work and family work together.
With the right attitude and support, you can have a great career and be a great parent.
“Continuing your career after having a child can be immensely beneficial, both for you and your family.”
Prepare For The Return, Plan and Set Goals
Before resuming work after taking a career break due to maternity, talking to your boss and important people is key. You should share your career goals, what’s changed, and what you need to get back into your job.
You might want to talk about flexible hours or working from home. Also, you might need to self-advocate for your professional needs. This will help your employer to understand what you need and work together to find the best solution.
Having a detailed career development plan while on maternity leave keeps you focused on growing professionally. You should list the skills or experiences you want to get and how to reach your career aspirations. Checking in with managers and mentors regularly keeps you on the right path and shows you’re serious about your career advancement.
Embrace Opportunities and Stay Proactive
Once you resume work after a career break due to maternity, it’s vital to be proactive in finding and taking on new workplace opportunities for your growth. This means looking for job openings, taking on projects that match your career goals, and speaking up for your needs and goals.
Being active and showing what you can do helps fight any biases or wrong ideas about your commitment to your career.
“Navigating the return to work after maternity leave requires intentional planning and proactive communication to ensure your career development remains on track.”
Employer Support To Foster A Smooth Transition
Employers who focus on family-friendly policies and a good re-onboarding process help a lot. They make it better for new working moms to keep their jobs, balance work and life, and feel good overall.
Paid Parental Leave: A Game-Changer for New Parents
Paid parental leave is key for supporting new working parents. In the U.S., not having national paid leave laws is hard on families. It makes moms often go back to work too soon. Employers with great paid leave policies for moms and dads help their employees and their families a lot.
This also makes employees more engaged, loyal, and productive at work. Helping new parents get back to work with a good re-onboarding process and flexible work can really help. Giving them updates on work changes, easing them back in slowly, and offering flexible schedules and remote work can ease their stress.
This makes it easier for them to get back into their roles. Creating a community and support for working parents at work is great. Giving them groups, forums, and ways to meet online can make them feel less alone. It also gives them a support network. Talking to other working parents who get the challenges can really help them during this time.
“Employers who prioritize family-friendly policies and provide a comprehensive re-onboarding process can significantly improve employee retention, work-life balance, and overall well-being for their working parents.”
In Conclusion
Resuming work after taking a career break due to maternity can be tough and emotional. But, with the right strategies and support, you can make a smooth transition. It’s important to understand the challenges you might face and the value of keeping your career.
By asking for the resources and flexibility you need, you can create a career path that fits your new life. This way, you can have a fulfilling job that matches your changing priorities and goals. Your career path is unique, and focusing on your well-being is key.
Seek help from your network and keep working on your career. This way, you can overcome the challenges of being a mom and become stronger and more confident. The journey might not always be easy, but with determination and the right tools, you can do well in both your personal and professional life.
Employers who support their working parents see higher employee engagement and retention. They also help create a more fair and diverse workplace. With the right balance between work and life, you can achieve success and happiness in both areas.
