Jobs and Moms

MBA Moms: Thinking about Going Back to Work

The University of Virginia's Darden School of Business is sponsoring two upcoming workshops (one in Boston and one in Chicago) for MBA Moms who have taken a hiatus from the workplace and are now thinking about returning. Register no later than September 1, 2006 using form available online:
http://www.darden.virginia.edu/acs/pdf/ChicagoRegistrationForm.pdf
For further information, please contact Laura Duggins:
(434) 924-4876 or alumnicareerservices@darden.virginia.edu

Re-entry Moms: Connect Here

Last night I was at a meeting where I met a number of Moms who are thinking about going back to work.  They were an extremely accomplished group of women -- highly educated, outstanding credentials and very motivated.  But, in spite of their impressive backgrounds, many of these women expressed concerns about going back to work. 

Indeed, I know from my many years of working with this population that the road from full-time at-home-mom back to the world of employment can be a rocky and lonely one.  But I also know that having support and being able to connect with equally accomplished women going through the same thing at the same time, can go a long way to making this transition easier.

If you're a high-achieving Mom who is serious about your career, I hope you'll use this opportunity to reach-out, introduce yourself and share your challenges and triumphs as you move back into the world of paid employment.

Temporary/Contract Work: An Option Worth Consideration

Millions of workers have discovered that temping/contract work can be a viable professional alternative to permanent employment, providing both flexibility and a variety of work/learning experiences. 

For Moms returning to the workplace, temporary work can serve as a bridge to more permanent employment.  You have an opportunity to try out different work environments, gain experience to help fill a void in your resume, and get acclimated to the rhythm of being back in the workplace, without having to commit to a full-time employment situation. And, if the employer is impressed with your skills, it’s very possible that they might want to speak with you about a more permanent arrangement.  It’s increasingly common to hear of people who end up going “temp-to-perm” after performing well on a temporary or contract assignment.   

There are a wide range of options for women who want to pursue the temporary/contract work alternative.  Professional staffing firms such as Aquent Marketing offer their consultants top-tier marketing projects (both part-and full time) in major corporations.  Consultants are entitled to fully paid benefits and professional development programs.  Other firms, such as 10 til 2 in Denver, specialize in part-time “mommy-friendly” hours and contract out women with a wide-range of skills and work experience.

What has been your experience with temping or professional staffing firms?  Were you satisfied with your assignments?  Did you love the lifestyle or find it difficult?  Post here and share your thoughts.