Approximately ten months ago, I rediscovered my passion for writing, an endeavor I hadn’t engaged in for over 15 years. It began unexpectedly, but it quickly became apparent that this was a vital outlet I had been yearning for. With each spare moment, I dedicated myself to writing, feeling that after 12 years devoted to my family, I finally had a piece of myself to nurture. I launched a blog that allowed me to connect with other parents, which was exhilarating. However, I also wanted to make a financial contribution to my household, as the idea of earning money doing something I loved was enticing.
As I explored freelance writing opportunities, a significant barrier emerged: my resume. While I had previously taught high school English 14 years ago, that experience felt distant and irrelevant. Although my years as a stay-at-home parent had provided me with invaluable life lessons, these experiences often aren’t recognized as professional qualifications.
The Stigma of Staying at Home
Why is there such a stigma surrounding the choice to stay at home with our children? Is it not a challenging and essential role? Absolutely! We dedicate ourselves to nurturing responsible and compassionate individuals, and arguably, there’s no more important or demanding job than that. Yet this work is seldom acknowledged within conventional career frameworks; there are no paychecks, health benefits, or formal accolades, nor is there space for it on a resume.
Some might argue that I was aware of the sacrifices involved when I decided to leave the workforce to focus on my children. I knew that stepping away would mean putting certain passions and skills on the back burner. Nevertheless, I have not been passive or disconnected during these years. I am still a creative and intelligent individual, capable of contributing significantly in the workplace. Stay-at-home parents possess experiences that, if highlighted, could outshine many traditional resumes.
Skills Acquired as a Stay-at-Home Parent
Do I possess the latest skills in Excel or PowerPoint? Not currently. Yet, I have mastered various technologies to track my children’s activities and implemented parental controls, learning more about tech than I ever anticipated. I am confident that I could easily acquire proficiency in other software programs as well.
How about handling constructive criticism? With a tween daughter, two strong-willed sons, and a 15-year marriage, I would say I am well-equipped in this area.
Am I a diligent worker? I haven’t had a full night’s sleep in over a decade, all while ensuring the happiness and safety of my three children (and two dogs). The evidence speaks for itself.
Do I excel in communication? My years of engaging with fellow parents, educators, coaches, tutors, medical professionals, and specialists have honed my skills in this regard.
Steps to Re-Enter the Workforce
So, what steps can we take when we wish to return to the professional realm after years of parenting? I refuse to settle for a position that doesn’t resonate with me simply because my resume lacks certain conventional descriptors. I will continue to write, persevere, and advocate for the recognition of my years spent nurturing my family as more than just a “career break.” There has been no break; my life has been an immersion into a different kind of reality.
When contemplating a return to the workforce, we must embrace our worth. We have invested countless hours, navigated emergencies, acquired essential skills, created, problem-solved, socialized, taught, and lived. We are resilient, reliable, and powerful individuals. Our contributions cannot be overlooked or diminished. We will engage with the world and pursue our ambitions, whatever they may be. We are deserving of success and recognition.
Perhaps our roles cannot be neatly quantified on traditional resumes because the significance of our accomplishments transcends measurable metrics. Our experience and knowledge overflow, and we must seek to expand that capacity. We are just getting started.
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Summary
Re-entering the workforce after being a stay-at-home parent presents unique challenges, particularly regarding how to articulate experiences that are often undervalued in traditional employment contexts. Despite the lack of formal recognition for domestic roles, stay-at-home parents possess a wealth of skills and resilience that can translate into the professional realm. Embracing this value and advocating for oneself is essential when pursuing new opportunities.