Hey friends! Isn’t it wild how COVID-19 flipped our lives upside down? The pandemic forced our kids out of their classrooms and into makeshift study spots at home, often with one or both parents as their teachers, lunchroom monitors, and everything in between. Businesses had to scramble to figure out remote work arrangements, while also trying to provide moms with the flexibility they needed to juggle it all.
Over the past year and a half, many women have taken a hard look at their circumstances, realizing they’re tired of being undervalued, underpaid, and pigeonholed into traditional caregiver roles. An estimated 3 million women left the workforce during this time for a variety of reasons. But the good news? There are companies out there—led by women, for women—that are eager to help those ready to dive back into work.
Take The Mom Project, for example. They’re dedicated to supporting women who want to reenter the workforce by providing the tools and resources needed for success. Then there’s Path Forward, which not only connects women with job opportunities but also fosters a supportive community around them. Tami Forman, the founder of Path Forward, shared with Scary Mommy that they’ve ramped up virtual events to help women prepare for returning to work, emphasizing the need to normalize career gaps that often come from caregiving.
Standout Companies Making a Difference
Now, let’s look at a few standout companies that make the transition back to work smoother:
- Apres is made up of a group of moms with a mission to help other mothers reenter the job market. They collaborate with businesses keen on hiring women and customize job opportunities to fit moms’ unique needs. Apres offers coaching to boost confidence and provides tailored sessions covering everything from resume writing to interview prep. Their community of women in similar situations is a big plus too. Their website highlights the importance of confidence and respect—two vital elements for any job search.
- Power To Fly, founded by the dynamic duo, Sara and Mia, aims to connect underrepresented individuals with roles in high-visibility sectors, promoting economic equality. Their events are empowering and educational, especially for women of color like myself. They offer mentorship, coaching, and even a Diversity Reboot Summit aimed at elevating Black leaders in the workforce. Plus, they host free virtual job fairs, making it super convenient to expand your network from the comfort of home.
- The Second Shift has a five-step process to help women find jobs that align with their skills and interests. After a brief application and verification process, they match you with job opportunities based on what you’ve shared about yourself. They’re all about creating a supportive ecosystem for women to thrive professionally.
As we navigate the post-pandemic world, these companies are essential in helping women re-enter the workforce. Work cultures are gradually shifting to be more understanding of the need for breaks to focus on family or other responsibilities. Tami reminds us, “You can do it!” It’s easy to feel discouraged during a job search, especially when faced with rejection. But there are women out there eager to help you find your path back to work.
And hey, if you’re considering starting a family while navigating your career, check out resources like the free sperm donor matching group at Make a Mom, or explore at-home insemination options offered by Make a Mom and how it works through their detailed guide here. They even provide a handy impregnator kit to assist you in the process. For a deeper dive into home insemination, don’t miss our blog post on the IVF process here or check out this excellent article on the IVF process here.
To sum it all up, as women continue to re-enter the workforce, these supportive companies are paving the way for a smoother transition. They’re here to remind you that it’s okay to take a break and that you can absolutely get back to work on your terms.
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