Guest Author - Paula Petrie

Back On The Career Track is a guide for stay-at-home moms who want to return to work, Written by Carol Fishman Cohen and Vivian Steir Rabin

An absolute essential first step when considering stepping back into the work world.

Do you wonder what rejoining the work force would be like after years at home? Does the idea of writing a resume or going on an interview fill you with anxiety or down right dread? Too embarrassed to admit you don’t have any idea what jobs are actually available in today’s market place? You are not alone. In fact you probably will be rusty, the authors state that it can take up to a year to feel totally competent again.

Carol and Vivian have put together a program that covers topics such as building confidence, assessing career options, updating job skills, preparing for interviews, getting the family on board, networking, and more.

This book will sooth your fears and answer the ‘silly’ questions you are too shy to ask. And although that’s a lot, I suspect that you will take a whole lot more from it then just that. The authors know what concerns would be ‘relaunchers’ have because they have shared them, while successfully relaunching their own careers.

“It is not unusual to experience self-doubt about whether you can still make it professionally, or whether while at home, you’ve lost something critical to success.” say the authors, “women in this situation feel completely professionally disconnected.”

They also state that depression is found to be high among the stay-at-home set. Carol and Vivian provide questionnaires and direction to help you discover if you are really ready to look for work, and what sort of work you may be suited for. They even offer suggestions for what type of work may suit your family life best by highlighting the pros and cons of various work situations, family friendly jobs in the different sectors, and ways to test the waters.

If you are ready for the next step, you will find information on options and various approaches for relaunching that are available. There are tips on putting your best foot forward, on paper and in person. They offer a peek inside the transition stage and suggestions to make that easier, as well. Also, how to negotiate with an employer, so everyone is happy, and a look at some successful relaunch stories.

From my own perspective, I now know that my fears and failures are common, which helps break their hold, and for starters I could give up mornings with my kids, if that means I can be home for the end of school.

The book ends with a look into the not to distant future, and what universities and employers are currently doing to help relaunchers of today and for stay at home moms of tomorrow.