You've crunched the numbers. You've scaled back quite a bit. You've stretched, pulled and bent your dollars. Some nights you can't sleep as you worry about this winter's heating bill. It's time to get back into the workforce. That thought has you just as scared as the economy.
"What am I going to do? Who is going to watch my children? Do I even have brain cells anymore?"
You are in great company. Stay at home moms throughout the nation are facing the exact same issue. Here are ten steps to get you on your way.
1. Relax.
You can and will do this. You cannot be productive if you are feeling panicked and scared. Every time you feel that familiar feeling of dread, remind yourself that you will be fine. Kind self talk is the first step to positive change.
2. Boost your self esteem.
Buy yourself a notebook and some jazzy pens, and markers. Creatively fill the pages with everything you do well. Ask your friends, and family for their input. Write down all that you have accomplished since being at home with your children. Your volunteer time at school, your flair for decorating, your
amazing culinary expertise, your conflict mediation skills and your ability to do 25 things at the same time are all marketable strengths. Reread the words when you're feeling scared and add to it every time you accomplish something new."What am I going to do? Who is going to watch my children? Do I even have brain cells anymore?"
You are in great company. Stay at home moms throughout the nation are facing the exact same issue. Here are ten steps to get you on your way.
1. Relax.
You can and will do this. You cannot be productive if you are feeling panicked and scared. Every time you feel that familiar feeling of dread, remind yourself that you will be fine. Kind self talk is the first step to positive change.
2. Boost your self esteem.
Buy yourself a notebook and some jazzy pens, and markers. Creatively fill the pages with everything you do well. Ask your friends, and family for their input. Write down all that you have accomplished since being at home with your children. Your volunteer time at school, your flair for decorating, your
3. Eliminate the guilt.
Many moms feel guilty when it comes to the work issue. Let it go. Children thrive in a stress free environment where the love flows freely. You going back to work isn't going to scar them. In fact, it may teach them a valuable lesson. Life changes. We adapt. Love is constant.
4. Your best resource, other moms.
Start talking to other moms about the work issue and the creative ways they manage. Warning: You will run into some complainers and poor me-ers. Smile, nod and run for your life.
Don't stop running until you bump into positive moms who will talk to you about starting home businesses, working a few nights so they don't have to incur day care costs, happily working full time or part time or from a home office , heading back to school, or dipping a bit into savings to be home for a few more years. The lesson here is the choices are endless.
5. Finances 101
Without judgment, embarrassment or fear, carefully examine your finances. Have an honest discussion about how, where, when and what you spend. Where is the shortfall? Calmly, and positively answer this question, "How much income do I need to make my home and family run smoothly?"
Money cannot be the only deciding factor, but a concrete number is an important piece of the puzzle.
By Virginia McCormack
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