Returning to work after a period of absence can be
a daunting experience. So much has changed – the job you did previously might
not even exist now.
Returning to work presents a whole range of
challenges, all of which can be overcome, but you need a strategy.
The first thing you need to do is
work out how many hours and days you can work successfully, especially if you
are still caring for others. This will also impact on the level of
responsibility you can accept, and how far you are prepared to commute. If you
don’t go back to work on your terms, you will be unhappy and less productive.
If you don’t allow for any compromise or change in your family situation, you
will become anxious and tired.
You will need to:
- understand what jobs you are capable of doing
- know about your employment rights
- identify your strengths and attributes
- prepare a contemporary resume
- find and apply for jobs
- learn how to present for interviews and answer
questions
- develop a social media presence
- adapt to the workplace, possibly while still
caring for others
The best time to start your
return to work strategy is at least 6 months prior to the time you want to
start a job – longer if you plan on doing some study.
There is an interesting
phenomenon though, that happens with carers – your next job may be closer than
you think. Ask around your local area (and among school parents if you have
children), it is amazing how the network operates! You might bypass all those
steps, simply by saying, ‘Do you know anyone who is looking for staff?’
