According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), approximately 40 percent of mothers with children under the age of 6 years old do not work outside the home. Considering the high number of divorces that occur each year in the United States, there are a large number of those stay-at-home mothers who will be forced to enter the workforce sooner than they may have planned when their marriage comes to an end.

It can be rather intimidating—if not completely overwhelming—to suddenly find yourself pounding the pavement in search of employment after years of being at home. However, there are some steps that you can take which can help make your employment search more successful and, hopefully, less stressful.

Childcare Considerations

One of the most critical things you will need to do is arrange for reliable and consistent childcare. The last thing an employer wants to hear is excuses as to why you are late or cannot make it to work. This step actually begins even before you are actually hired. You never know when that potential employer will want to set up an interview, and having to delay or reschedule because you do not have childcare will not work to your advantage in the hiring process.

Presenting Yourself Well

It is important to leave plenty of time both before and after the scheduled time of the interview. Allowing for the possibility of heavy traffic or difficulty in finding the company’s location will ensure that you arrive for your appointment on time. If the interview is going well, the employer may want to introduce you to potential future co-workers, so it helps if you have arranged your childcare so that you do not need to rush right home.

It is also important to have a clear understanding of what the required hours are for the job and to articulate your true availability. It would be a waste of both the employer’s time and your own if the hours needed are just not a fit. Do not make promises that you cannot keep, especially in terms of available work hours.

Making the Transition

Once you do find employment, remember that it will take some time for you and your children to adjust to the new schedule. If you are beginning a full-time position, some employers may allow you to transition into that full schedule over a few weeks. The first several months are likely to be difficult, but with patience and hard work, you will find that the new routine has simply become part of your life.

If you are considering divorce, contact an experienced Orland Park divorce attorney to discuss the divorce process, parental responsibilities, child and support, and other issues you may have. Call 708-518-8200 today to schedule your free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.bls.gov/news.release/famee.nr0.htm

http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2015/05/11/tips-for-stay-at-home-parents-returning-to-the-workforce