6 Things Moms Should Do Before Returning to Work
Essential steps for moms to prepare financially, mentally, and practically before re-entering the workforce after maternity leave.
A mom’s work is never done. But when she wants to re-enter the workforce after kids, there are a few key preparations that can make all the difference. Returning to work after maternity leave or an extended parenting break presents unique challenges, including skill gaps, childcare logistics, financial adjustments, and emotional hurdles. This guide outlines
six essential things moms should do
to ensure a smooth and successful transition back to professional life. Drawing from expert advice and real-world experiences, these steps help bridge the gap between home life and career demands, setting you up for confidence and productivity.According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 75% of mothers return to work within a year of giving birth, yet many face barriers like outdated skills or resume gaps. Similarly, the Society for Human Resource Management notes that supporting returning moms boosts retention and productivity. By proactively addressing these areas, you can mitigate common pitfalls and thrive.
1. Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile
Your resume is your first impression to potential employers, but time away from the workforce can make it feel outdated. Even if you’ve been home raising children, you’ve gained invaluable skills like time management, multitasking, and problem-solving that deserve highlighting.
- Quantify your parenting achievements: Frame stay-at-home time as professional development. For example, ‘Managed a household budget of $X annually, optimizing expenses by 20% through strategic planning.’ This demonstrates financial acumen relevant to many roles.
- Refresh skills sections: List any online courses, volunteer work, or freelance gigs completed during your break. Platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning offer quick certifications in high-demand areas like project management or digital marketing.
- Tailor for gaps: Use a functional resume format emphasizing skills over chronology. Avoid listing ‘homemaker’ directly; instead, integrate it under ‘Professional Experience’ with transferable skills.
The U.S. Department of Labor emphasizes that resumes highlighting soft skills acquired through parenting increase callback rates by up to 30%. Update your LinkedIn profile similarly—add a professional photo, engaging headline like ‘Marketing Professional | Mom on a Mission | Returning to Workforce,’ and endorsements from past colleagues. Network virtually by joining groups like ‘Working Moms’ or ‘Women Returners’ to rebuild visibility.
Pro tip: Dedicate one week to this task. Review job descriptions for your target roles and incorporate keywords to beat applicant tracking systems (ATS).
2. Network Aggressively Before You Need To
Networking isn’t just for job hunters; it’s crucial for moms returning to work to combat the ‘out-of-sight, out-of-mind’ effect. Reconnecting with former colleagues and building new contacts can uncover hidden opportunities.
- Reach out to alumni: Use LinkedIn to message past coworkers: ‘Hi [Name], it’s been a while since [Project]. I’m preparing to return to [Industry] after maternity leave—any advice?’ Personalize to spark conversations.
- Attend virtual events: Join webinars, industry meetups via Eventbrite, or mom-focused career groups like Path Forward, which supports returnships for women.
- Leverage mom networks: Parent groups often share job leads. Platforms like Mompreneurs or local PTA chapters can lead to surprising referrals.
Research from Harvard Business Review shows that 85% of jobs are filled through networking, not public postings. Start early—aim for 5-10 meaningful interactions weekly. Track contacts in a simple spreadsheet with notes on follow-ups.
3. Secure Reliable Childcare Arrangements
Childcare is often the biggest hurdle. Without dependable care, returning to work is impossible. Begin scouting options 3-6 months in advance, as waitlists can be long.
| Option | Pros | Cons | Cost Estimate (Annual, US Avg.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daycare Center | Structured learning, socialization | Waitlists, illness exposure | $10,000-$15,000 |
| In-Home Nanny | Personalized care, flexible hours | High cost, background checks needed | $30,000-$50,000 |
| Family/Neighbors | Low cost, trusted | Availability varies, no backups | $0-$5,000 |
| Au Pair | Live-in help, cultural exchange | Visa processes, training | $20,000 incl. room/board |
Visit multiple providers, check references, and trial runs. The Child Care Aware of America reports average costs consume 20-30% of income for working families. Factor in backups for sick days—perhaps a co-op with other parents.
4. Review and Adjust Your Family Budget
Returning to work adds expenses like childcare, commuting, and work attire, but also income. Crunch numbers to ensure it’s viable.
- Calculate net gain: Subtract new costs from salary. Tools like Mint or Excel help: Childcare ($1,000/mo) + Gas ($200) + Wardrobe ($100) vs. Paycheck ($3,000).
- Build emergency fund: Aim for 3-6 months’ expenses, per Consumer Financial Protection Bureau guidelines.
- Tax considerations: Claim Child and Dependent Care Credit (up to $3,000/child) to offset costs.
Many moms underestimate ‘hidden’ costs; a realistic budget prevents post-return stress.
5. Get Physically and Mentally Prepared
Your body and mind endured pregnancy and parenting—reacclimate gradually.
- Physical prep: Exercise 30 min/day, sleep 7-8 hours. Simulate workdays: Wake early, prep meals.
- Mental prep: Practice separation anxiety management. Journal wins from home phase to boost confidence.
- Health check: Schedule checkups; discuss weaning if breastfeeding.
The American Psychological Association links preparation to lower stress in transitions.
6. Negotiate Flexible Work Options
Don’t assume full-time office return. Advocate for flexibility.
- Request part-time or remote: Cite productivity studies showing remote moms retain 20% more.
- Phase-in return: Propose 3-month trial with adjusted hours.
- Benefits negotiation: Paid leave, lactation rooms—federal law supports.
Companies like Wise offer generous parental leave, proving flexibility aids retention.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How soon should I start preparing to return to work?
A: Ideally 3-6 months before your leave ends to handle childcare waitlists and networking.
Q: What if my skills are outdated?
A: Take free online courses (e.g., Google Career Certificates) and highlight parenting skills on your resume.
Q: Is it worth it financially?
A: Calculate net income after costs; many find long-term career growth outweighs initial expenses.
Q: How do I handle mom guilt?
A: Reframe: Quality time matters more than quantity. Join support groups for shared experiences.
Q: What about pumping at work?
A: FLSA requires break time and private space. Plan with employer ahead.
Returning to work as a mom is a marathon, not a sprint. These six steps—updating your professional profile, networking, securing childcare, budgeting wisely, preparing holistically, and negotiating terms—equip you for success. You’ve already mastered the hardest job; your career awaits.
References
- Women in the Labor Force: A Databook — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 2024-02-12. https://www.bls.gov/opub/reports/womens-databook/2023/home.htm
- Returning to Work After Parental Leave — Society for Human Resource Management. 2023-11-15. https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/tools/toolkits/returning-work-parental-leave
- Fertile Advice for Returning to Work — Harvard Business Review. 2022-09-01. https://hbr.org/2022/09/fertile-advice-for-returning-to-work
- Child Care Costs Continue to Rise — Child Care Aware of America. 2024-01-10. https://www.childcareaware.org/our-issues/research/child-care-works/child-care-costs/
- Emergency Savings Guide — Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. 2023-05-20. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/emergency-savings/
- Work-Life Balance and Stress — American Psychological Association. 2024-03-05. https://www.apa.org/topics/work-life-balance
- Going Back to Work as a Mother — Wise Jobs Blog. 2023-03-01. https://wise.jobs/blog/2023-3/going-back-to-work-as-a-mother
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