Ask any mother, new or old, and they’ll tell you just how soul changing and life changing it can be when you have your first baby. Everything about your life must adapt to fit this lovable new family member, and you yourself will change completely too. It’s no surprise then that many mothers choose this post-baby period to completely reinvent themselves when it comes to their career.
There are a number of reasons why a new mother might want to leave their old position and chase their dream career, and each of them is as valid as the next. What is for certain though, is that once you have your new baby you can completely say goodbye to the old you. Use this chance to grab the new version by the reins and make it your best self ever.
Why Change Careers?
It’s no wonder that many women choose the birth of their baby as a new time to reinvent themselves and their careers, but why is it such a common time to do so? There’s something about motherhood that completely shifts your perspective and helps you see things in a new light, so whether you’re more critical of your work environment, or you want something flexible and family friendly to meet your new role at home, there’s no time like the present.
Whatever the reason, there’s never going to be a more motivating time to make a change and do something you truly enjoy. Some mothers might sign up for an online university degree, others will ditch their full-time role for something casual that frees them up for more time with the kids, and the rest may ditch their professional career altogether to relish the time at home.
Juggling A Baby and A Career
In this day and age where women can ‘have it all’, we often find that achieving it is downright exhausting. There isn’t much stopping us now from being a mother and a professional, but it can be tricky to have both on the go successfully. Usually something ends up falling by the wayside; whether it’s folding the washing, cooking nutritious meals, or being on time for all of your meetings.
Understand, though, that this phase will pass and as you iron out the kinks and come up with ways to manage your time better (even if you have to pay for help to do it), you’ll find the balance between work and motherhood. It won’t be easy, but if you’re determined to have a new career then you shouldn’t stop at anything until you get it.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether it’s from your partner, family, friends, or the public services you have access to. Some local mothers’ groups might be able to assist with updating your resumé if you need help, or your friend can watch the baby while you go for an interview. It takes a village to raise a baby after all, and that means caring for mum too.
How To Look For Something New
Once you’ve set your mind on your new career, all you need to do is go out and get it. While it might seem easier said than done, there really is no better time to reinvent yourself and get what you really want from life. If you already have a job, you might want to consider holding onto it until you line up your next position so that it makes for an easier transition with finances and organising childcare.
As much as we don’t want to admit it, there are still some employers out there who look unfavourably on mothers as employees. If you get the inkling that you’re being disadvantaged because of your role as a mother, don’t be afraid to speak up. Research has shown that a whopping 52% of mums have faced discrimination at work, so it’s time that we take a stand.
Other than that, don’t be afraid to use the tried and true methods of applying for work. Head online and look up your dream companies to work for, apply to any ad that remotely matches your new interest, offer to partake in some unpaid work experience in the field, and get the word out among friends that you’re looking for something new. For many people, this is how they end up landing a job, so it can’t hurt to try.
Becoming a mother can be terrifying, but it will also give you strength and passion that you never knew you had. When you harness this the right way and use it to make a positive change in your life, there’s only good that can come from it.
For more Peachymama articles on the motherhood journey, and the exciting changes that come with it, check out our other blog posts here.
Further Reading:
https://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/2016/02/05/discrimination-mum-work_n_9155852.html?guccounter=1
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/career/a39083/how-having-kids-changes-your-view-of-your-career/