how to make the summer work for you: A Journey for School Leavers and Mums Returning to Work

As the Summer holidays come hurtling towards us, I find myself asking the question, am I dreading it this year or am I looking forward to next Friday?  In our household, like many I’m sure, the mother tends to be the primary caregiver – whether we have another job or other responsibilities (such as caring for our ageing parents), we still have to find a way to fit this all around the growing demands of our household duties, our children and their various needs. Not that my kids need massively looking after. They are way more capable than they sometimes care to admit.  But, if I am to make sure they get at least one, nutritious meal, into their increasingly growing, hormonal bodies, then I still need to plan, shop and cook to ensure they aren’t just hoovering more than just beige food during the day!  So if we look at the Summer holidays as an opportunity to regroup, reset and plan for our next steps, then we can use this time for rejuvenation, preparation and positive change.

As a mum of teenage kids and a career coach, I've had the privilege of guiding both young adults stepping into the professional world for the first time and mums who are bravely returning to the workforce. These two groups might seem worlds apart, but they share more in common than you might think. Both are standing at pivotal points in their lives, ready to embrace new opportunities and face new challenges.

For School Leavers: The Start of Your Journey

Leaving school is like standing at the edge of a vast, unexplored landscape. It's thrilling, a bit daunting, and filled with possibilities. It is a time for celebration of all you have achieved, and worked hard for, it is a chance to spend well-earned time with friends and family.  But, for some, it can be an uncertain time of not knowing what grades you’ll get, what your next steps are and how to navigate the world of work or further education. 

Here are some tips to help you navigate this new territory:

1. Embrace Exploration

Don't worry if you don't have everything figured out yet. It's okay to explore different fields and interests. Take internships, part-time jobs, or even volunteer work. These experiences can provide valuable insights into what you enjoy and where you excel.

2. Build Your Network

Start building your professional network early. Connect with teachers, mentors, and professionals in fields you're interested in. LinkedIn is a great tool for this. Networking can open doors to opportunities you might not find on your own.

3. Develop Soft Skills

Employers value soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving just as much as technical knowledge. Look for ways to develop these skills through group projects, extracurricular activities, or even part-time jobs.

4. Keep Learning

The world is changing rapidly, and continuous learning is key to staying relevant. Consider online courses, workshops, and certifications to keep your skills up-to-date and expand your knowledge.

For Mums Returning to Work: Reclaiming Your Professional Identity

Returning to the workforce after a break can be met with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Sometimes we forget the variety of transferrable skills we have been practising and developing, whilst we have been raising a family.  Many of my mum clients come to me needing support, assistance with putting a new CV together and help with interviewing especially as they often have a desire to do something different to what they used to do – before kids!  But, many suffer with lack of confidence and knowledge in how to navigate the rise of Artificial Intelligence and the new world of applying for jobs. 

Here are some strategies to help you regain your professional footing:

1.  Identify what your Strengths are/what your natural talents are

Knowing what you uniquely do well and enjoy will help you identify the kinds of skills you could bring to a new role and help you choose the types of jobs that would best suit your capabilities. Consider your previous career achievements, think about more recent projects you’ve worked on – paid or voluntary – where you have made a difference. Review your career highlights and the positive impact these successes had on the business or the team you worked with. Then, break down the role you played and consider how it was that you, specifically, added value and contributed to that positive outcome.

2. Acknowledge Your Experience

Your time away from the workforce has been filled with valuable experiences. Managing a household, volunteering, or even home-schooling have all developed skills that are transferable to the workplace, such as time management, multitasking, and problem-solving.

3. Update Your Skills

Consider taking courses or attending workshops to update your skills or learn new ones. Many online platforms offer flexible learning options that can fit into your busy schedule.

4. Refresh Your CV

Revise your CV to highlight both your professional experience and the skills you've gained during your career break. Focus on achievements and outcomes to demonstrate your value to potential employers. But make sure you know what kind of role you want to do, before creating the CV. It is not a chicken and egg situation, the role should always come first and then you tailor your CV to those roles.

5. Leverage Your Network

Reconnect with former colleagues and professional contacts. Let them know you're returning to work and what kind of opportunities you're looking for. Networking can lead to job leads, references, and invaluable advice.  Linked In is an essential platform to have some of these conversations.  Many companies like to cut out the recruitment consultants so this way you can speak directly to the employer or hiring manager.

Bridging the Gap: Common Ground

Despite the differences in life stages, both school leavers and mums returning to work share a common journey of self-discovery, growth, and adaptation. Here are some shared principles that can guide both groups:

1. Stay Resilient

Both transitions require resilience. There will be setbacks and challenges, but maintaining a positive attitude and learning from each experience will help you grow stronger.

2. Seek Mentorship

Find mentors who can provide guidance, support, and encouragement. Mentors can offer valuable insights, share their experiences, and help you navigate your career path.

3. Set Goals

Whether you're just starting out or re-entering the workforce, setting clear, achievable goals will help you stay focused and motivated. Break your goals into smaller steps and celebrate your progress along the way.

4. Balance and Self-Care

Balancing work, personal life, and, for mums, family responsibilities can be challenging. Prioritise self-care and set boundaries to ensure you're taking care of your mental and physical well-being.

Final Thoughts

Both school leavers and mums returning to work are embarking on exciting new chapters in their lives. By embracing change, seeking growth, and building supportive networks, you can navigate these transitions successfully. Remember, it's never too late to chase your dreams or start a new journey. Your career path is uniquely yours, and every step you take brings you closer to your goals.

To all the school leavers and mums out there: you've got this. Believe in yourself, embrace the journey, and remember that the best is yet to come.