|
Going Back to Work? Start Fresh...And Smart!
By Candace
Bahr, CEA, CDFA
 If you are among the thousands of
women who will be sticking their
toes back in the job-hunting stream
soon, take a deep breath! It's okay
to feel a bit nervous.
Whether you've
been at home raising a family, suffered
recent divorce or widowhood, lost
your employment, or re-located, the
game remains the same. You want to
find the best-paying, most interesting
and fulfilling work you possibly
can. The secret? Boost your past
experience with a fresh dose of career
exploration and workplace insight.
While your past work experience
can be a valuable asset, don't let
it limit your vision of the future.
Change is constant. The workplace
you left is not likely to be the
same one you'll return to. Make yourself
career-ready by studying your own
strengths, needs, and aspirations
as well as the current state of the
working world.
Thoughtful research
and good planning will smooth your
way back into the job market. Here
are some ideas for a smart fresh
start:
1. Know Yourself
The
more you discover about yourself,
your likes and dislikes, your strengths,
your passionate concerns and goals,
the better your chances of building
a happy work life. Who you are determines
what you do best and how much you
enjoy doing it.
2. Map
Your Job Pros and Cons
Make a list of the things
you liked and disliked about the jobs
you have held in the past. What tasks
did you really enjoy? Which ones
were not satisfying for you? Like
the graphic artist who became an
art therapist, you may find a career
path that uses your experience
but takes you in a positive new
direction.
3. Study
Your Target Market
Once
you know the kind of work you are
looking for, find out how people
train and gain access to that career
path. The Internet, the local college
career center, professional conferences
are all great sources of up-to-date
information. You may need to take
courses or do some volunteering
to gain fresh exposure to your
chosen field.
4. Build
Your Network
People
you know and people you'll get
to know are the best source of
job leads and inside track opportunities.
From dress code to buzzwords, your
network of friends, colleagues
and contacts can supply the current
information you need. Be willing
to ask for help and be a resource
for others when you can.
As a woman making a well-planned
return to the work force, you have
a unique opportunity to shape a career
that will enrich your life and the
lives of those around you.
At WIFE we welcome your comments. Please feel free to contact us.
|
