Business & Careers Article:
Little Boss, Big Boss -
Part 1
By: Leigh Kostiainen of Hire
My Mum
You've been an essential carer for the past year, and now your 'little
boss' is displaying signs of independence. As a result you find yourself
thinking about returning
to work. It's been a long time since you had a 'big boss', and you
haven't interviewed in years.
'All' you have been doing for the past year is; cooking,
feeding, changing, bathing, cleaning, attending playgroup, mothers group
and other support groups. And if you have older children you've been;
dropping off, picking up, watching and checking homework, coaching sport
teams, doing reading groups, canteen duty, renovating rooms or planning
birthday parties and holidays. It really hasn't left much time for honing
your business skills.
Well first things first, you need to determine your
reasons for returning to the workforce. For many women today it is financial
and it's no surprise; with petrol prices, mortgage increases, childcare
fees, school expenses, and oh yes! The family have to eat too. Then
there are those mums who return to work for self preservation - they
mentally need the stimulation. If you're like me, both applies.
Once you know your reasons, write them down and discuss
them with your partner. Together you need to determine how the kids
will be cared for and whether paying childcare costs will be justified
by the wage you will be able to earn. In Australia today you hear the
expression 'work
lifestyle balance'. This is another consideration for you and your
partner to discuss. Are you prepared to work 9 to 5 Monday to Friday,
weekends, evenings, or will 4 hours per day 3 days per week be all you
are prepared to work. Add these points to your list so you don't forget
them.
There is one more consideration - what are you going
to do when your child is sick and you are due to be at work. Talking
about all of these issues and having them clear in your mind will help
when you get to the negotiation stage of a job interview.
Of course there is the division of labour at home
to consider but that might just be an article all of its own.
In part two we will look at how to select the type
of work that suits you and your family.
Read further sections of this article:
Author: Leigh Kostiainen of Hire
My Mum. Hire My Mum helps mums wanting to work at home to find work
at home jobs. Visit www.hiremymum.com.au.
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