The Work Life Balance

Last week I had my first interview in four years. I have decided to return to the workforce and actually embark on a new career path thats a little different to what I’ve done in the past but what I feel my experience lends itself to and that I could achieve very well in.

So far its been hard to get a foot in the door after being home for the last four years raising my kids. Although having said that I’ve also started and ran my own kids fashion label, built websites and blogs, learnt skills I never thought I would, taken on a lot of training and courses including life coaching, networked my little behind off and been busier than I ever have been before. Phew being a mum is by no means a walk in the park nor does it mean all my professional skills have been thrown out the window and are now meaningless.

I’ve truly learnt the art of negotiation and I must say 2 and 3 year olds are tough clients. They are not reasonable they just want an outcome that is suitable for them, need I say more! I’ve developed my time management skills and prioritising skills. Can I answer my emails, write a blog post, make vegemite sandwiches and get dinner on....yes I can.

So what was I so nervous about, sitting there in that interview – my ability to communicate how much I want to go back to work? My commitment to returning to work even though I have a young family? Or my own self confidence in what my skills are worth to a potential employer?

I think I can say with 100 per cent clarity I would be a fantastic employee now I know the grass is not greener on the stay at home side of the fence. My family is done and its time to rebuild a career I can be proud of, its time to contribute to our family financially so that we can have more choices in life and its time to brush off the suits and sink my teeth into a new challenge.