I was scrolling through my BST Bamboo groups on Facebook the other day, and I came across a post for a Stay-at-home mom that was eager to re-enter the workforce but was struggling with feelings of inadequacy for having been out of “the game” for so long. She was worried that she wouldn’t have any skills that an employer would deem beneficial to their workplace – she’d “just been running a household” for eight years. “I don’t have any skills.” OH BUT HONEY, YOU DO!
Returning to the workforce after taking time off to raise children can be a daunting task for many stay-at-home moms. One of the biggest concerns is how to bridge the skills gap that may have developed while they were away. However, many stay-at-home moms have gained valuable transferable skills that can make them valuable assets to potential employers. In this blog post, we will explore some of these transferable skills and how stay-at-home moms can showcase them to prospective employers.
Communication Skills
Stay-at-home moms have had ample opportunity to develop their communication skills, both written and verbal. They have had to communicate effectively with their children, other parents, and teachers, as well as organize and manage family schedules. These skills can easily translate into a variety of roles in the workforce, such as customer service, marketing, or human resources.
Time Management Skills
One of the most valuable skills that stay-at-home moms develop is time management. They must juggle multiple tasks, often simultaneously, and prioritize them effectively. This skill can be valuable in many different job settings, from project management to administrative support.
Organizational Skills
Stay-at-home moms often have to manage the household budget, plan meals, and keep track of various schedules. These organizational skills can translate well into roles such as event planning, logistics management, or project coordination.
Problem-Solving Skills
Stay-at-home moms are often called upon to solve problems, whether it’s finding creative solutions to help their children with homework or dealing with unexpected household emergencies. These problem-solving skills can be applied to a wide range of job settings, from technical support to healthcare.
Adaptability
Finally, stay-at-home moms must be adaptable. They are constantly learning and adapting to new situations, whether it’s dealing with a child’s changing needs or adapting to new technology. This adaptability can be an asset in many job settings, especially in industries that are rapidly evolving.
To showcase these transferable skills to potential employers, stay-at-home moms should highlight their experiences on their resume and during job interviews. They should be specific about the skills they have developed and how they can apply them in the workplace. It’s also a good idea to network with other professionals and take advantage of any training or certification programs that can help them update their skills.
Returning to the workforce after taking time off to raise children can be a challenging process, but stay-at-home moms have many valuable transferable skills that can make them an asset to any employer. By highlighting these skills and taking steps to update their knowledge and experience, stay-at-home moms can confidently re-enter the workforce and achieve success in their careers.
