1. You will enjoy a happier marriage / partnership
Research shows that in marriages where couples share the financial and domestic contributions to the partnership, they enjoy happier relationships. There is less opportunity for feeling burdened, undervalued or pressurised – whether you are the one raising the kids or the one earning the bread.
2. You will remain financially independent
Having financial independence is a significant reason for a stay at home carer to return to work. Financial autonomy boosts self-esteem, even if it all gets spent on paying the bills!
3. You will raise stronger kids
Children raised by a community of carers, rather than a sole carer, generally develop far broader social skills and become more resilient to change as they grow up.
4. You will secure future earnings
Unfortunately, the longer your career break, the less your future earnings potential is when you do return to work. There are huge pay inequalities between men and women in employment and these are much worse following children. From 2018 large companies in the UK will be required to report on gender pay differences, with the intention of companies voluntarily taking action to put a stop to what is known as a maternity penalty.
5. You will gain personal fulfilment
Having a purpose and gaining fulfilment from what you choose to do is one of the key ways to safeguard your mental health. Make sure that the work you do gives you the opportunity for job satisfaction and fulfilment – if it doesn’t, take action to change it.
6. You will bring worldliness to your home
By being engaged in activities outside the home, you will have the opportunity to develop different perspectives and experience varying situations that can enrich your domestic setting. Sharing your experiences with your children can help in preparing them for taking responsibility, facing challenges and making their own choices as they mature.
7. You will serve as a role model
What hopes and wishes do you have for your children? Are you being an example of what you want them to become? Mothers have the most influence on their daughters and fathers on their sons. Showing your children how to earn a living, take responsibility for your actions and reach your potential are all valuable behaviours to model.
8. You will be happier
Studies show that working parents are generally happier than their stay at home equivalents. Finding a healthy and workable balance between domestic, parenting and work commitments can be difficult to achieve and seem overwhelming at the start, but with careful thought, planning and negotiation, workable solutions can be found.
What are your specific reasons for returning to work? Career-mums helps parents to return to work after a career break – we help you to think about what you want, why you want it and how you can make it happen that works for you. Take a look at our forthcoming workshops or book individual coaching sessions to get your career on track in a way that works for you and your family.
Let’s get to work,
Sally
