We're not going to pretend that making the decision to go back to work after years of staying at home to raise your kids is one you take lightly. Or that a little web surfing will ease you right back into office life without a second thought. But one thing we do know is that the more resources and support we have when we're looking for jobs, the better off we are. So here, two websites that dole out advice, guidance, ideas, and even job opportunities during the transition. Can't hurt, right?
Created by two women with successful careers who, after their kids were born, realized their lives no longer fit into the traditional workplace structure, The Second Shift aims to connect moms with flexible and part-time career opportunities. And it's been working. Employers can post jobs and projects on the site and The Second Shift matches suited (and vetted) candidates with the companies. The site's just two years old but successful matches include a public policy expert taking on a three-month research project for the UN Commission on Refugees and a former hedge fund employee taking on an interim CFO position for a global media company. You can get an idea of what a few of the jobs look like here, or sign on with The Second Shift (by posting your profile, work experience, and references) to get access to more and get considered by employers.
Run by a team of women, this content-rich portal offers a little bit of everything for moms re-entering the workforce. There are helpful articles addressing topics ranging from ways to network better to how to actually squeeze in a workday workout; career coaching; confidence-boosting success stories; and real-deal tutorials that teach you how to deal with tricky interview questions or the fundamentals of business management, for example. As for membership – there are both paid and free versions – it includes access to Après' job market postings where employers of all types can recruit top talent. (Um, that would be you!)
Happy Hunting!
