I’m currently on my second year-long
maternity leave, but even though most of the time I’m home changing diapers and
washing barf out of things, I feel I’m more focused on my career than
ever.
Keeping up career momentum throughout a parental
leave or other extended leave can be tough, but it’s worth the extra effort if
you want to keep moving forward in your career. In many countries, maternity
and parental leaves can be up to a year of time away from work, and in the US,
where maternity leave is not specifically provided, parents of young children
often take some time away from the workforce.
Regardless of whether you are returning to an existing position or
taking some time out while your children are small, keeping a few tips in mind
can help you keep your career life warm for when you are ready to return to it.
1.
Keep networking. For parents with small children at home, going out to professional
development events, conferences, and other networking opportunities can be
difficult. However, this doesn’t mean
you have to slow down your networking, if you have internet access at
home. Use LinkedIn, professional
association websites, Facebook, and email to connect with others who have
similar work interests. Discuss issues
that are common to your field, swap book recommendations, or just talk about
ideas. This can help you keep your
finger on the pulse of your field, and when the time comes for you to return,
your knowledge will be much more up to date.
I have found it useful to schedule lunches with colleagues- we choose a
restaurant where I can bring the baby, and he rocks out in his car seat while I
chat with my colleague about how things are going at work. It’s a great way to stay connected.
2.
Keep learning. There’s tons of professional development that
you can work on while you’re home with a little one. I regularly attend webinars, read and review
books, and work on online courses. You
might find great resources in podcasts (which you can listen to in the car or
on transit) email lists, or online conferences.
In technology fields, this is particularly important- keeping abreast of
current technology makes it much easier to return to work. Professional
development can take a bit of a monetary investment, but consider it an
investment that will return to you and then some by increasing your future
earning power.
3.
Keep that resume or portfolio up to date! You never know when
opportunities are going to come your way.
Even if you’re not ready to return to work, you may want to use your
skills through volunteer positions, or take on a part time position- and it’s
so much easier to jump on those opportunities when your resume is ready to
go. As well, keep your Linkedin profile
updated- recruiters are increasingly using the service to find talent, and they
may be looking for someone like you! Likewise, keep in touch with some
potential references, you never know when you’ll need them.
4.
Keep sharing your knowledge. In many fields, there are publications,
conferences, and symposiums where experts can share knowledge they have gained
through their work. Even if you’re not
working currently, you likely still have some specialty knowledge to share- and
a leave can be a great time to give a conference talk or write an article,
since you won’t have full time work as well as kids and day-to-day tasks competing
for your attention. Likewise, volunteer
work can be a great way to give back and keep sharing your skills. Look into volunteer positions with local
organizations. You can build your networks this way as well!
With some added
effort, keeping your career aspirations alive while you’re away from work can
make your return much smoother. No
matter how long you’re away, you will have relevant skills and knowledge to
share, and it will be much easier to communicate your value to your employer
and avoid losing out on potential earning power!
When she’s not making play-doh spaceships
with her two young sons, Jenny Hill, CPLP creates engaging, accessible, and
effective learning experiences, so learners can reach their potential and do
their most meaningful work. You can
contact her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferreneehill.
