As you plan to return to the workplace, you might feel scattered. Maybe you’re feeling unsure of the direction you’re headed or how this will all play out. Today, let’s work to put those feelings to bed. And it will be easier than you think.
The key to successfully transitioning back to the workplace in 2020 is knowing your “why.”
What is Your Why?
Your “why?” is your central reason for making the decisions you make. It drives your routine, your schedule, and your commitments. Consider the rules you’ve set for your children. The rules with a good, solid “why?” behind them are more successful. “Mommy, why can’t I play with the knives?” “Well, you’ll hurt yourself and we don’t want that!” Simple, right?
It’s no different for your goals. Ask yourself “why am I returning to work?” Narrowing down your “why” will ground your focus and help you stay on track as you make this big transition back to the workplace.
You’ll know if you have a good “why.” Simon Sinek, author of Start With Why says it this way: “Regardless of WHAT we do in our lives, our WHY — our driving purpose, cause or belief — never changes.” A good “why” will not change.
Finding your Why
Since finding your “why” is essential to success, it’s important to figure out your chief “why” as you begin your plan to pivot back to the workplace. What is your “why”? Does returning to the workplace allow you to give your children opportunities you wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford? Allow you to retire more comfortably so you can spend time with future grandchildren? Satisfy an outlet that you’re ready to return to?
Think about these things and carve out some time to document your thoughts. Consider your overall goal that would be realized if you pivot to paid work. Write down personal reasons for returning to work, the ways this will help your family, and the ways this will help you. Focus on the positives. Circle the reasons and goals that resonate with you most.
Then, list what types of jobs or careers help you focus on your “why.” Are you realizing your “why” as you work a 40-hour workweek? Consider what types of jobs allow you to come home with energy to be a parent the way you want to be and which positions will benefit your overall career goals.
Finally, narrow your “why” to a short statement that answers this question: why are you returning to work? Your answer might look something like these:
“I’m returning to work to allow us to expose our children to culturally enriching experiences, including vacations, sports, and art.”
“I want to show my daughter the value of strong work ethic.”
“Returning to my freelance work as a graphic designer and photographer will allow me to flex my schedule and help others with their branding needs.”
Focusing on your Why
When I was returning to work, I was thrilled to see my daughter’s reaction to my pivot to owning my own business. I am acting as a role model for my daughters by demonstrating courage in starting a business, making mistakes, and learning from them. That’s my “why.” My oldest daughter even created a magazine cover to show me how proud she was of me.
My daughters’ reactions to my return to paid work, paired up with my “why,” fueled my fire and encouraged me to plunge forward and upward.
As you transition back to paid work, keeping your “why” in focus will help you decide how you’re going to proceed at every step, how to create healthy boundaries, and successfully design and maintain your work-life balance.
Finding your “why” is absolutely vital for moms returning to work after a career pause. Once you have put together your “why” for returning to paid work, check out all of the great resources we have available for you, including coaching support.
