Welcome back moms! Have you taken a break from the workforce to raise your little ones and now you’re feeling the driving need to get back into the game? You’re not alone. Millions of moms navigate career breaks and re-entry. According to a study by the World Bank, 20 million Indian women quit jobs between 2004-12, and around 65-70% of them did not return to work at all⁴. It is one of the biggest challenges besides raising a little one. The task seems daunting – rebuilding your professional network, as a lot of times it feels like you are starting from zero. You are not starting from zero. You are starting from experience!

The transition back to work after a career break can be challenging, but there are strategies to overcome the hurdles. Staying updated on industry trends^{1 3}, renewing your work connections[1], and adapting to a new workplace rhythm1 are key. With the right mindset and support, you can leverage your maturity and diverse experiences to succeed in your re-entry journey².

In this post, you and I are going to explore strategies specifically tailored for moms re-entering the workforce. Together we will brainstorm ways for you to reconnect with your existing network, to find your tribe of working moms, and to leverage your unique skills to build up a powerful network that supports your career or entrepreneurial comeback!

Juggling motherhood and a career is no easy feat. After taking a break to focus on your little ones, it is normal to feel overwhelmed by the thought of squeezing another thing into your already-packed schedule. 

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Daycare pickups, bedtime routines, meal prep and just general family life maintenance leave precious little time for traditional job hunting activities. Let’s not even talk about having time to spend a few hours attending a networking event! The itchy feeling of trying to get unstuck and to get out there to do new things needs to be scratched! Uncovering incredible potential lies in taking just one step. There is great power in ‘just starting’.

So fear not mamas! Let’s walk our way through several actionable steps to reconnect with your existing network and build new relationships with professionals in your field. We’ll explore strategies specifically designed to help you build a powerful network that fits seamlessly into your busy life. 

Building a network with gentler, yet effective methods, explore this guide on softer ways to establish professional connections.

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Reconnecting with Your Existing Network

Step 1: Revive Old Connections

Let’s face it, after a career break focusing on your little ones, your LinkedIn profile might feel like a dusty relic from a bygone era. But fear not, mama! Reconnecting with your existing network doesn’t require a complete overhaul.

a. Start by reviewing your profile and identifying former colleagues, classmates, or even managers who might be able to offer support or connections in your desired field.

b. Draft a personalised email or message re-introducing yourself and expressing your desire to reconnect. Craft a personalised email or message re-introducing yourself and expressing your desire to reconnect. Here’s a template to get you started:

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Subject: Catching Up – [Your Name]

Hi [Name of Contact],

I hope this email finds you well! It’s been a while since we last connected at [Company/Event], and I wanted to reach out and re-introduce myself.

As you might know, I took a break from the workforce to raise my little ones, and now I’m excited to be getting back into the swing of things. I’m currently focusing on [Your Career Goal] and would love to hear about your experiences at [Their Company].

Would you be open to a quick phone call or virtual coffee chat sometime in the next few weeks?

Best regards, [Your Name]

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Don’t be shy about highlighting relevant skills and experiences gained during your career break. Remember, those late-night baby feeding and diaper changes have levelled up your time management skills, and the endless negotiations with your toddler are a testament to your communication prowess! 

c. Suggest a quick phone call or virtual coffee chat to catch up.
This allows you to reconnect without a huge time commitment. Who knows, your former colleague might be working on a project they could use your expertise on, or they might have valuable insights into current industry trends.

Pro Tip: Instead of asking for a lengthy commitment, suggest a quick catch-up chat. Most people are happy to help a former colleague for a short conversation.

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Building New Relationships

Step 2: Leverage Social Media

Finding your “tribe” of working moms is a game-changer! These amazing women understand the unique challenges you face and can offer invaluable support and encouragement. Embrace the online communities! The internet is a goldmine for working moms!

a. Research online communities and local groups specifically geared towards working moms.
Platforms like Facebook groups and online forums or professional organisations with a strong “working moms” presence can be a treasure trove of resources and connections.

b. Attend Mom-Focused Events.
Many cities and organisations host events for working mothers. Look for virtual or in-person meetups organised by these groups. Schedule childcare if needed and jump in! Connecting with other moms in your field can lead to potential collaborations, mentorship opportunities, or simply a source of reliable information and camaraderie.

c. Turn to Informational Interviews.
Informational interviews are your secret weapon! Identify professionals in your desired field who are willing to share their career journeys.  Prepare thoughtful questions to learn about their roles, industry trends, and potential career paths for someone re-entering the workforce. Express your gratitude for their time and maintain a connection – who knows, they might become a valuable mentor or even a future reference!

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Strategies for a Busy Mom’s Network

Carving out dedicated networking time can feel next to impossible.  But the good news is, building a powerful network doesn’t require attending fancy events or spending hours on lengthy phone calls. Here are some strategies to fit networking seamlessly into your busy life.

• Short Online Interactions: 
  Prioritise quick online interactions like commenting on relevant industry posts, sending short messages checking in with your connections, or congratulating someone on a new job. Every little interaction keeps you top-of-mind.

• Micro-Networking: 
  Focus on building smaller, more manageable relationships with high-quality connections.  Quality over quantity is key!

• Multitasking Magic: 
  Utilise those stolen moments during your day! Take a networking call during your commute or a nap time. These short bursts can make a big difference.

• Leverage Technology:
  Take advantage of online platforms! Platforms like LinkedIn allow you to connect with professionals, schedule coffee chats, and manage your growing network efficiently.

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Summary Notes

Building New Relationships
Step 1: Revive Old Connections:

• Action: Review your LinkedIn profile and identify former colleagues, classmates, or managers who might be able to offer support or connections.
• Action: Craft personalised emails or messages re-introducing yourself and expressing your desire to reconnect.
• Action: Highlight relevant skills and experiences gained during your career break (e.g., project management skills honed through motherhood).
• Tip: Suggest a quick phone call or virtual coffee chat to catch up.

Step 2: Leverage Social Media:

• Action: Update your social media profiles (LinkedIn, Facebook) to reflect your career goals.
• Action: Join industry-specific groups and engage in relevant discussions.
• Action: Follow companies and professionals you admire in your field.
• Action: Share relevant articles and insights to showcase your knowledge and expertise.

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Strategies for a Busy Mom’s Network

• Short Online Interactions:
  Prioritise quick online interactions like commenting on posts or sending short messages.
• Micro-Networking:
  Focus on building smaller, more manageable relationships rather than large, time-consuming ones.
• Multitasking Magic:
  Utilise phone calls during commutes or nap times for networking conversations.
• Leverage Technology:
  Use online platforms for connecting, scheduling coffee chats, and managing your network.

Additional Tips

• Be Authentic:
  Showcase your personality and experiences as a mom during interactions.
• Offer Value:
  Focus on what you can contribute to your network, not just what you can gain.
• Be Patient:
  Building a strong network takes time and consistent effort.

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Re-entering the workforce after a career break is a journey filled with both challenges and opportunities. As a mom, you’ve honed invaluable skills and resilience that can propel you forward in your professional life.

By strategically reconnecting with your existing network, leveraging the power of social media, and embracing manageable networking strategies, you can seamlessly reintegrate into the workforce. Remember, every small step counts, and each interaction helps rebuild your professional presence. 

Stay authentic, offer value, and be patient with yourself as you navigate this transition. You CAN and will successfully balance motherhood and a thriving career. Welcome back and here’s to your exciting new chapter!

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Citations:
[1] Overcoming Hurdles: 12 Strategies for Surmounting Challenges in Workforce Reentry | InterviewFocus
[2] Barriers to re-entry: a diversity and inclusion challenge | Institute for Employment Studies (IES)
[3] Burn Up On Reentry: Overcoming The Challenges of Rejoining the Workforce – Follow Friday Conference
[4] Career Break – Challenges & The Return Journey
[5] (PDF) Working Women: Career Breaks and Re-entry in a Fast-changing Business Environment