Planning to go back to work after taking a long gap can be exciting and intimidating at the same time. So, to make the transition smooth for yourself and your family, it is important to take some time and plan your return to work-life in a systematic way. Not sure where to begin and how to prepare yourself? Here are some tips and quotes for a mom going back to work after 10 years or more.
Tips to Return to Work After an Extended Career Break
1. Set realistic goals & be hopeful
The job market is highly competitive and after taking a career break, you have to be realistic and patient. You won't find a job within a day. You have to keep applying to many companies on job search platforms like LinkedIn. While many companies prefer hiring freshers, some companies value work experience. So, if you look for jobs consistently, you will certainly get something within a few months.
Having realistic expectations also means accepting a job even if they aren't giving you the desired salary. Remember that you have to start somewhere and after a year or two, you can switch to a high-paying job. But for now, the priority is to get back to work.
2. Create a good resume
To transition back into the workforce, first, you will require a nice resume. The resume that you had 20 years from now won't be relevant at present. So, update your resume and you can do it on your own or with the help of a professional. Search 'mom going back to work after 10 years resume' and you will get ideas on how to create one.
3. Do a career development course
As you were focused on being a full-time mom, you haven't been a part of an organization for a long time. There are many career courses available, and these are designed to provide knowledge and skills relevant to specific fields. Also, many institutions offer online courses that you can complete from the comfort of your home. After an extended career break, this kind of skill-building will be extremely helpful.
4. Take networking seriously
As a stay-at-home mom, you should expand your circle if you want to get hired. Some inspiration and advice will be of great help. So, talk to working parents that you know and ask about vacancies. You can also be a part of associations that help women get their dream jobs.
33 Mom Going Back to Work Quotes
To get rid of uncertainty, self-doubt, guilt, anxiety, and fear of failure, reading some inspiring mom going back to work quotes will help you immensely. And we have carefully handpicked quotes that are meant specifically for a mom going back to work after 10 years or more.
Moreover, all these quotes are by women who are mothers as well as successful working women who have achieved numerous career milestones. So, read these quotes even if you are starting a career at 40 after being a stay-at-home mom. These positive, funny, and realistic quotes are bound to make you feel motivated to chase your dreams with renewed enthusiasm.
- “This struggle is real. The juggle is real. That’s why everyone should hire working mothers. They are put in crazy situations all the time and are forced to problem-solve. They are some of my most resourceful employees.” – by Sara Blakely
- “When you have children, you have to be fiercely organized to get anything done. I learned that if I don’t put myself up on the priority list, somehow my kids will eventually get knocked down on that list.” - by Michelle Obama
- “Trying to do it all and expecting that it all can be done exactly right is a recipe for disappointment. Perfection is the enemy.” – by Sheryl Sandberg
- “It’s all about finding the calm in the chaos.” – by Donna Karan
- “Never limit yourself. You can be a mom and pursue your dream simultaneously.” - by unknown
- “I think every working mom probably feels the same thing. You go through big chunks of time where you’re just thinking, ‘This is impossible—oh, this is impossible.’ And then you just keep going and keep going, and you sort of do the impossible.” - by Tina Fey
- “You are not a bad mom because you go to work each day. Similarly, you are not a failure because you left your career altogether. Choices regarding work and family are personal; there is no one-size-fits-all method. Anyone who tells you otherwise is wrong.” – by Candace Alnaji
- “When I first became a mother I suffered from serious 'half-ass’ shame. I felt like I was mediocre at everything. I felt so stretched and so distracted (and exhausted), I said 'Yes’ way too often in an effort to prove that I could do it all. I’ve worked so hard over the past decade to move from 'What will people think' to 'I am enough.'” - by Brené Brown
- “The fastest way to break the cycle of perfectionism and become a fearless mother is to give up the idea of doing it ‘perfectly’. Indeed to embrace uncertainty and imperfection.” – by Arianna Huffington
- “There is no force more powerful than a woman determined to rise.” – by Bosa Sebele
- “I’m learning to feel better about asking for help, whether it’s from family or hiring help. It’s not profound but I love my career and I don’t want to make myself feel bad about pursuing both. Just cutting myself some slack has been very helpful for me.” – by Mindy Kaling
- “It’s important for everyone - working moms especially - to find moments to ground themselves and connect with their own breath.” - by Alicia Keys
- “There is no such thing as a mom who has it all together. And that’s ok.” – by unknown
- "I have chosen to no longer be apologetic for my femaleness and my femininity. And I want to be respected in all of my femaleness because I deserve to be." – by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
- “The balancing act of motherhood and a career, and being a wife, is something that I don’t think I’ll ever perfect, but I love the challenge of it.” – by Kerri Walsh Jennings
- “For all working mothers it’s important to remember that we don’t get to be with our kids all the time, but it’s also important for them to see us as leaders and there is value in that.” - by Olivia Wilde
- “I think moms put a lot of pressure on ourselves trying to balance it all. It’s never going to be perfectly balanced. The sooner you know this, the sooner you can relieve some of the pressure you put on yourself.” – by Denise Richards
- “Being a mother has been a master class in letting go. Try as we might, there’s only so much we can control. And, boy, have I tried — especially at first. As mothers, we just don’t want anything or anyone to hurt our babies. But life has other plans. Bruised knees, bumpy roads and broken hearts are part of the deal. What’s both humbled and heartened me is seeing the resiliency of my daughters.” - by Michelle Obama
- “I think one of the coolest things for my daughters is that they get to see their mom as a working mother. It’s one of the things I’ll be most proud of.” - by John Krasinksi
- “As a working mother, I know that women can be both professionally ambitious and deeply committed to their family.” - Tory Burch
- “Guilt management can be just as important as time management for mothers.” – by Sheryl Sandberg
- “Working moms are teaching their kids a solid work ethic. You’re teaching them that we don’t just have things handed to us, and we have to work for the things we want.” - by unknown
- “I always give my title as ‘working mother’ because my children and my work are the two most important things in my life. Finding that balance is very important. Your career lasts a lifetime… stop and have your children whenever you’re ready, not when your job ‘allows’.” – by Karren Brady
- “Get rid of the guilt. When you’re at one place, don’t feel bad that you’re not at work; when you’re at work, don’t feel bad that you’re not at home.” – by Katie Couric
- “If you want me to do the job, you’ve got to pay me to do the job and you’ve got to give me flexibility, and flexibility means that I will work my tail off for you, but you better pay me and value my family.” – by Michelle Obama
- “If you are a mom, you are a superhero. Period.” – by Rosie Pope
- “No mom can do it all on her own. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness! When you need help, ask for it! When you are asked for help, give it ”“ and offer it, too. In asking for help we can get past these too-hard-on-ourselves moments and instead build community with family, friends, and neighbors. Help ”“ given and received ”“ can help you achieve that acceptance of non-perfection ”“ and the outcome may be even better than your initial vision of ”˜perfect.’” – by Jen Klein
- “It’s not wrong to be passionate about your career. When you love what you do, you bring that stimulation back to your family.” – by Allison Pearson
- “Being a mother is learning about strengths you didn’t know you had.” - by Linda Wooten
- “It’s not about what we can do but what we must do as working moms and working dads. Anything is possible. If it means warming up and stretching while holding my baby then that’s what this mama will do.” - by Serena Williams
- “If I’m pursuing my goals, my kids are seeing me at my best. I am filled up, I am happy, I am not feeling empty, depleted, and therefore resentful about the fact that I’m missing out. I don’t want them to feel like I’ve sacrificed, I don’t want them to feel that burden, I always remember that a happy working woman is a happy mother.” – by Shonda Rhimes
- “We should go after our dreams and not be apologetic about it, but it’s scary. Whether you want to work or not, you have to do what makes you a fuller person. You have to love yourself.” – by Catherine Reitman
- “Being a working mom doesn’t mean my family isn’t my first priority.” – by Anonymous
To Sum Up
In the end, we just want to remind you that there is no best age to go back to work after a baby. Anytime you are ready is the right time for you.
Moreover, don't think you are less capable just because you are mom going back to work after 10 years. You were an ambitious woman once and you still have that spark in you. So, have faith in yourself and step into this new chapter of your life with positivity and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What to say to mom going back to work?
It is normal to have anxiety about going back to work after being a stay-at-home mom. So, to such a person, we should always say encouraging words like, "You're a fighter", and "You can overcome any hurdle".
Q. How do I return to work after 10 years?
To return to work after 10 years, you need to build your skills and confidence. Additionally, you can look for companies for moms returning to work and they provide immense support to moms.
Q. What is the best job for moms going back to work?
For moms returning to work after 20 years, the best jobs are the ones that offer flexibility and ample opportunities to showcase growth. So, a perfect job for you will be something that allows you to utilize your skills and prove your worth.
