Being a stay-at-home is rewarding in itself but you may now have the urge to want to work and use your professional skills and talents. It’ll be a big change but it’s possible to do it with the right attitude and when you prepare in advance for the switch.

There are some tips for transitioning from mum to working mum that will help set you up for success in the long run. Start by acknowledging the fact that you want to have a job and make it work which will help keep you motivated to move forward in the right direction and take the next steps in the process.

Start Networking

It’s wise to start networking online and offline now if you know you want to have a career and not be a stay-at-home mum any longer. Get in touch with past coworkers, reach out to new contacts, and attend social and networking events to get yourself out there again. The more people you know and that know you want to start working again the better. Talk to other professionals to get an idea of what you might want to do or where you might want to work.

Consider Working for Yourself

Another tip for transitioning from mum to working mum is to consider what you’re already good at and might be able to turn into a business of your own. Think about working for yourself and being a business owner so you can have a more flexible schedule. Take the time to learn about what’s all involved from company numbers and registering your business to getting your finances organised and hiring employees. This way you have control over your work and schedule and can do what you love all while being a dedicated mum still.

Establish A Routine

Transitioning from mum to being a mumpreneur will disrupt your normal routine. It’s important that you establish a new routine right from the start and get comfortable with how your days will now play out. It may require you to get up earlier, work out after work, or prepare meals on the weekends that you can pull out during the week. Practise your new routine and prepare for it so that it doesn’t become too much of a disturbance and burden and you can smoothly make the switch when the time comes to begin working.

Ask for & Seek Help

Find your support system as soon as you know you’ll be working again. Don’t be afraid to ask for and seek help from others when you’re making this type of major life change. Let people know what you’re up to and what assistance you may want or require in the process of balancing your career and family. Talk to your spouse about household responsibilities and make sure you have a plan for where your kids will go and who will watch them when you’re not around. You may also want to reach out to other working mums to see what tips and advice they have for you so you have people you can turn to when you need additional support.