Re-entering the Workforce- Are You Part Of The Trend?

Are you thinking about returning to work after staying home to care for your children? You are not alone! Professional women who have taken time off are successfully re-entering the workforce in record numbers. And this trend is beginning to capture the media's attention.

Erica Noonan, staff reporter for the Boston Globe writes at length on how this trend is affecting Boston Area women. In Return Mission, Noonan writes, "Though home with children today, more college educated women are planning to re-launch careers, this time with a new perspective."

As career coaches, we work with many women who want, or need, to go back to work, but do not know where to start. Whether we work with them one-on-one or in small groups, we always begin by identifying their strengths. Women lack confidence about their skills and marketability when they have been out of the workforce for a number of years. Yet, they have more experience and skills than they think. Our process for helping women move forward with their careers is grounded in positive psychology, and one of the most important principles that we espouse is that lasting personal growth only begins when we acknowledge and embrace our strengths. Beating ourselves up by focusing on our weaknesses, simply keeps us stuck. Women need to catalogue their strengths, build on them, and most importantly, gain the confidence they need to move forward in the marketplace.

Many women find it difficult to recognize their strengths. So, we begin by asking a series of questions:

-What is the one thing about yourself you wouldn't change no matter what?
-Where and when do you see yourself doing that/expressing that part of yourself?
-How do you feel when you are doing that/expressing yourself in that way?
-Can you think of a time when you utilized this strength that made you really proud?
-Now, imagine yourself at work utilizing this strength. What are you doing?

Once you begin to identify those skills and strengths that you have been using and enjoying, you can begin to focus on how to move forward in your career.

FREE Career Development Sessions

If you live in the Boston area, please join us for three
FREE Career Development Sessions!

Getting Back on the Career Track- You need a Resume
This career development session will focus on resume writing for women who have been out of the workforce and want to get back in.
October 30, 10:30 am

Interviewing with Confidence
Many people view the interview process as a test to be passed. We will show you how to use the interview as an opportunity to sell yourself -- with confidence.
November 13, 10:30 am

Re-thinking Your Future after College
You have the degree, a willingness to work hard, and goals, but the tough economy has you stalled. We will show you how to jumpstart your enthusiasm and re-evaluate your skills, strengths and direction - so you can move forward.
November 18, 7:30 pm

*All sessions held at the First Parish Needham Unitarian Universalist
23 Dedham Avenue, Needham, MA 02492

Pre-registration required. Space is limited. Contact us today for these free career development sessions at karenhoffman@rcn.com, (781) 433-0307, http://www.dksconsultingroup.com/