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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nIdentify\nyour \u201cwhy\u201d<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nBefore you begin your job search or\ntransition back to work, we recommend identifying your \u201cwhy\u201d<\/strong> \u2013 asking yourself, \u201cwhy\nam I returning to work?\u201d.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nIs it for additional income? Personal\nfulfilment? Meeting new people? Learning something new?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whatever your reason, having a strong WHY\ndeeply connected to your values is one of the most powerful forces you can tap\ninto during your back-to-work journey. And once you are clear on your WHY, it\nwill become easier to determine your\ngoals and priorities<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYour WHY will also be your anchor when\nencountering difficulties and challenges. Returning to the root of why<\/em> you are doing this will give you\nthe strength and conviction to overcome obstacles. Ultimately, your WHY will\nserve as your guidepost towards your vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSet\nclear intentions <\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nMany\nReturners often prioritise their families and others’ needs over their own,\nperhaps without even noticing that their needs have gone to the bottom of their\nagendas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According\nto transformation coach Monica Haughey, \u201cmany women have lost part of themselves<\/strong> through motherhood and find it hard to\nidentify what they want for THEMSELVES\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\nTo\nhelp reposition your needs back to the top of your list (where they belong),\nspend some time considering what you want out of your future\ncareer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Determine\nwhat type of job you find both fulfilling and gratifying. Consider whether or\nnot you want a role similar to the one you had before or want to try something\nnew. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\ncan also be helpful to make a list of your career\npriorities or non-negotiables.<\/strong> This could be personal fulfilment, greater\nflexibility, personal development\/learning opportunities, or the salary and\nbenefits package. Knowing your<\/em>\npriorities will help clarify whether you want to return to your previous career\nor use your skills to segue into a new field. <\/p>\n\n\n\nMindfully\nmanage expectations<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nPart of creating a positive mindset is\nlearning to manage your expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\nencounter many unknowns when searching for a new role, and while,\nunfortunately, many elements of the process are out of our control, you can do\na few things as a job-seeker to make the journey more manageable. And it all\ncomes down to managing your job search expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The return to work journey can be rife\nwith unexpected hurdles and challenges. There are times when conversations may\nnot materialise, or interviews may not go as well as expected. But with the\nright mindset, you can stay positive and mindfully manage your expectations\nthroughout the process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you are successful in your job\nsearch, being patient with yourself and others as you ease into your job is\njust as important. Remember that\nreturning to work will be a learning curve- not just in getting up to date with\nthe industry but also adjusting to a new environment\u2013 so try to persevere with\na positive attitude and proactive outlook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Managing new or old workplace\nrelationships may also be a new experience since there may be younger\nco-workers, or the workplace may have different work culture from your previous\njob. There may also be different team dynamics for you to navigate. Keeping\nyour mind open will help you to build long-term successful working\nrelationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Engage\nyour support system.<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nDuring your back-to-work journey, you may\nexperience feelings such as stress, frustration and overwhelm. The important\nthing to remember is that you do not need to navigate the process alone.\nWhether it\u2019s your family, friends or on an online Returner community like Back\nto Work Connect, having a solid, supportive network of support is one of the\nmost powerful assets you can have in your return to work toolkit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reach out to close family members and\nfriends \u2013 and don\u2019t be afraid to ask them for help managing logistical\nchallenges like child care or emotional support. Clear communication with all\nthose impacted by your return to work is also crucial. Set clear boundaries and\nexpectations in advance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looking after yourself and making time\nfor self-care is more important than ever before \u2013 this includes eating a\nbalanced diet, prioritising movement and getting enough sleep. When you feel\nyour best and have a better frame of mind, you can effectively tackle\nchallenges that may arise during your return to work journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is it for additional income? Personal\nfulfilment? Meeting new people? Learning something new?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whatever your reason, having a strong WHY\ndeeply connected to your values is one of the most powerful forces you can tap\ninto during your back-to-work journey. And once you are clear on your WHY, it\nwill become easier to determine your\ngoals and priorities<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your WHY will also be your anchor when\nencountering difficulties and challenges. Returning to the root of why<\/em> you are doing this will give you\nthe strength and conviction to overcome obstacles. Ultimately, your WHY will\nserve as your guidepost towards your vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many\nReturners often prioritise their families and others’ needs over their own,\nperhaps without even noticing that their needs have gone to the bottom of their\nagendas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According\nto transformation coach Monica Haughey, \u201cmany women have lost part of themselves<\/strong> through motherhood and find it hard to\nidentify what they want for THEMSELVES\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To\nhelp reposition your needs back to the top of your list (where they belong),\nspend some time considering what you want out of your future\ncareer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Determine\nwhat type of job you find both fulfilling and gratifying. Consider whether or\nnot you want a role similar to the one you had before or want to try something\nnew. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\ncan also be helpful to make a list of your career\npriorities or non-negotiables.<\/strong> This could be personal fulfilment, greater\nflexibility, personal development\/learning opportunities, or the salary and\nbenefits package. Knowing your<\/em>\npriorities will help clarify whether you want to return to your previous career\nor use your skills to segue into a new field. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of creating a positive mindset is\nlearning to manage your expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\nencounter many unknowns when searching for a new role, and while,\nunfortunately, many elements of the process are out of our control, you can do\na few things as a job-seeker to make the journey more manageable. And it all\ncomes down to managing your job search expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The return to work journey can be rife\nwith unexpected hurdles and challenges. There are times when conversations may\nnot materialise, or interviews may not go as well as expected. But with the\nright mindset, you can stay positive and mindfully manage your expectations\nthroughout the process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you are successful in your job\nsearch, being patient with yourself and others as you ease into your job is\njust as important. Remember that\nreturning to work will be a learning curve- not just in getting up to date with\nthe industry but also adjusting to a new environment\u2013 so try to persevere with\na positive attitude and proactive outlook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Managing new or old workplace\nrelationships may also be a new experience since there may be younger\nco-workers, or the workplace may have different work culture from your previous\njob. There may also be different team dynamics for you to navigate. Keeping\nyour mind open will help you to build long-term successful working\nrelationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During your back-to-work journey, you may\nexperience feelings such as stress, frustration and overwhelm. The important\nthing to remember is that you do not need to navigate the process alone.\nWhether it\u2019s your family, friends or on an online Returner community like Back\nto Work Connect, having a solid, supportive network of support is one of the\nmost powerful assets you can have in your return to work toolkit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Reach out to close family members and\nfriends \u2013 and don\u2019t be afraid to ask them for help managing logistical\nchallenges like child care or emotional support. Clear communication with all\nthose impacted by your return to work is also crucial. Set clear boundaries and\nexpectations in advance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking after yourself and making time\nfor self-care is more important than ever before \u2013 this includes eating a\nbalanced diet, prioritising movement and getting enough sleep. When you feel\nyour best and have a better frame of mind, you can effectively tackle\nchallenges that may arise during your return to work journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSet\nclear intentions <\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Mindfully\nmanage expectations<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Engage\nyour support system.<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n