About ten months ago, I picked up my pen (or rather, my keyboard) for the first time in over 15 years. It was purely by chance, but rediscovering my passion for writing became a lifeline I hadn’t realized I needed. After 12 years devoted to my family, I started a blog and connected with other moms. It was exhilarating! However, I felt the urge to contribute financially to my household. Earning money doing something I loved seemed like a dream worth pursuing.
As I began exploring freelance writing opportunities, one obstacle loomed large: my resume. While I once worked as a high school English teacher, that experience felt outdated. Sure, I had accumulated a wealth of life skills from my years at home, but they didn’t translate to traditional professional qualifications. Why is that? Why is the time spent nurturing future generations not deemed worthy of recognition on a resume? Certainly, we are engaged in one of the most demanding and significant roles imaginable—raising good human beings! However, there’s no paycheck, health benefits, or accolades associated with it, and consequently, it often goes unrecognized in the job market.
Some might argue that I understood the sacrifices I was making by stepping away from my career. Yes, I knew I would have to tuck away some of my skills, allowing them to gather dust. But I haven’t been idle or disconnected from the world. I am still a creative and capable individual. Stay-at-home moms (SAHMs) possess a treasure trove of experiences that could give any competitor a run for their money if only we could showcase them on a resume.
Do I know how to navigate updated Excel or PowerPoint? Not yet. But I’ve become adept at tracking my kids through GPS and mastering parental controls, learning more about technology than I thought possible. I’m confident I could catch up on those technical skills too.
Am I good at handling feedback? With a tween daughter, two spirited boys, and a marriage of 15 years under my belt, I can confidently say YES.
Am I a hard worker? I haven’t had a full night’s sleep in over a decade and am responsible for the happiness and well-being of three kids and two dogs. The math checks out.
Do I have strong communication skills? Absolutely. I’ve spent years engaging with fellow moms, teachers, coaches, and specialists.
So, how do we transition back into the professional world after years devoted to our families? I refuse to settle for a position that doesn’t align with my passions just because I lack traditional job experience. Instead, I will continue to write, push my way back in, and advocate for the value of my experiences, which are far from a mere “break” from work. I haven’t been on vacation; I’ve been fully immersed in life, albeit from a different perspective.
If we choose to re-enter the workforce, we must recognize our worth. We’ve worked tirelessly, navigated emergencies, developed valuable skills, created, fixed, nurtured, socialized, and lived. We are resilient. We are worthy. We will not be overlooked or undervalued. We are a courageous community, ready to embrace whatever lies ahead.
Perhaps our roles aren’t easily quantified, and that’s why they’re often overlooked. Our experiences have enriched us. Let’s elevate our aspirations and keep striving for more. We’re just getting started!
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Summary
Returning to the workforce after being a stay-at-home mom presents unique challenges, primarily due to the lack of recognition for the valuable experiences gained during those years. While traditional resumes may not capture the breadth of skills developed at home, it’s essential to advocate for our worth and continue pursuing our passions. We have much to offer and deserve recognition for our contributions.
Keyphrase: Returning to work after being a stay-at-home mom
Tags: home insemination kit, home insemination syringe, self insemination