7. Handle the Job or Find Another One. You found the right opportunity and you’ve re-launched. Initially, keep your employer’s expectations low. Better to under promise and over deliver, rather than the other way around. Ask for early and frequent reviews—ideally, every six months, because neither you nor your employer will be able to predict the rate of your career trajectory. Help your colleagues whenever possible, so they’ll reciprocate when you need them. And, remember, this is just your first foray back to the professional marketplace. If it doesn’t work out, you can always make a change.
By Carol Fishman Cohen and Vivian Steir Rabin authors of “Back on the Career Track: A Guide for Stay at Home Moms Who Want to Return to Work” Carol Fishman Cohen, a former investment banker, is now a consultant to women, organizations, and employers on the issue of career reentry. She lives in Newton, MA, with her husband and four children.Vivian Steir Rabin, a former finance and human resources professional, now runs her own executive search business. She lives in Clifton, NJ, with her husband and five children.
Related Story: Sheila Hooda: A Businesswoman Uses Her Gifts to Help Others
