5 Tips for the Stay-at-Home Parents Job Search

5 Tips for the Stay-at-Home Parents Job Search 5 Tips for the Stay-at-Home Parents Job Search 7 It can feel overwhelming to figure out how to do the same thing you did before- and it may not make sense to do so anymore. Your industry has likely changed considerably since you were last employed- and so have you. “Sometimes when you re-enter the workforce, you won’t be able to pick back up where you left off,” says licensed clinical social worker Amy Morin. “Expect rejection and don’t allow it to interfere with your job search.” In other words, instead of trying to play the same game, think about who you’ve become today and what you want now. If your family shares priority status with your career, it may be a better plan to do something new. For an increasing number of people transitioning back to work, that “new” thing might mean some type of flexible job arrangement or tackling part-time work from home. Here are five tips from Morin and work-family researcher Stacy S. Kim, PhD, founder of Life Junctions, on how stay-at-home parents can reinvent themselves for a career comeback. Five Tips for the Stay-at-Home Parents Job Search: Don’t get discouraged. Feeling negative about your job transition creates an unproductive vicious cycle that becomes increasingly difficult to climb out of. “Make peace with your past; don’t beat yourself up for leaving the workforce in the first place or not starting the job search sooner,” says Kim. “Tell yourself you’re starting now and focus on the present. Staying positive helps you become more attractive as a candidate.” Do things you enjoy. While it may feel frivolous to let yourself get drawn into what you’re attracted to, it can pay off in new opportunities. “If you love books, hang out at libraries and bookstores,” says Kim. “If you love animals, visit the doggie day care or animal shelter. If you love to knit, knit. This helps you meet people who can help you learn about jobs that interest you. It can also help you discover ways to connect your interests to your talents, which helps you find jobs you’ve never considered before.” Track your progress. It’s easy to get discouraged if you haven’t found that new opportunity yet. Instead, Kim advises making a list of all of the things you’ve done to open new doors, big and small. “List people you’ve met, websites of companies you’ve looked into, articles you’ve read,” says Kim. “Keep it in a calendar or journal. Not only does this help you stay organized, but it also helps you stay positive and energized.” Be Honest Whether you target traditional employment or flex work, it’s important to remember how your life has changed due to your family situation. Morin notes that sometimes people agree to more than they can actually handle without realizing it will no longer match their lifestyle needs. In some cases, Morin recommends considering jobs that you feel overqualified for. “When you attend an interview, be honest with an employer about the hours you can work,” says Morin. “Don’t offer to work evenings and weekends unless you really mean it.” Don’t compare. It goes without saying that each parent has a unique set of circumstances, resources, talents, attitudes, and children. Therefore, Kim suggests remembering that what works for someone else may not work for you. “When you see what others are doing, be they mentors, celebrities, neighbors, family, or friends, consider whether it is truly relevant to you,” says Kim. “You have to take charge and create your own path.” Readers, what are your best tips for the stay-at-home parents job search?