While the joy of staying home with a newborn is immeasurable, the financial aspect can pose significant challenges for many families. Without both parents holding stable, full-time positions, a year of cherished moments can often lead to mounting debt and stress over finances. As my current contract approaches its end, I’ve been actively seeking new employment opportunities both within my industry and beyond. After a series of minor successes, I finally landed an interview at a company I am genuinely enthusiastic about.
In preparation, I devoted countless hours to getting ready. I assembled a portfolio showcasing my achievements, reached out to my references to ensure their availability, and even treated myself to a haircut the night before. I purchased a new skirt and polished my heels to perfection. My hands, often worn from parenting, were scrubbed and moisturized, and I carefully applied a clear gloss to my nails. I had my blazer dry-cleaned and even packed a clean blouse in case of any unexpected baby-related mishaps before I left. I felt prepared and excited, but I underestimated the effects of “mommy brain.” For those of you returning to the workforce, here are some valuable insights I wish I had known prior to my first interview:
- Avoid Bringing Your Baby: Although I didn’t bring my little one to the interview, the thought crossed my mind. With limited childcare options, I even considered if the baby could quietly rest in a stroller during the meeting. Thankfully, I found a sitter (my 25-year-old cousin), but I was tempted to invite him along. What was I thinking?
- Punctuality Matters: My sitter was prompt, but I found myself hesitating. Was there enough food prepared? Had I provided the correct emergency contact info? I became so preoccupied with checking every detail that I ended up being late for my interview—a first for me.
- Focus on Professional Skills, Not Parenting: While everyone appreciates the joys of motherhood, interviews are meant for discussing your qualifications, not your parenting tales. If hired, you’ll discover a supportive work environment where family is valued—just keep those stories to yourself and definitely avoid sharing pictures.
- Speak Like an Adult: After a year of communicating in toddler-speak, I realized I struggled to articulate my professional experience. The words I once used fluently eluded me, and I found myself grasping for terms. I should have practiced engaging in adult conversations prior to the interview to refresh my vocabulary.
- Memory Can Fail You: Midway through the interview, I recognized a troubling pattern: I could hardly recall significant details of my previous work experiences. Instead of presenting concrete examples, I resorted to sharing unrelated and emotional anecdotes. To mitigate this, I should have brought a checklist of key points to discuss.
Ultimately, I learned that I did not secure the job. However, on the bright side, I did receive my period shortly after. Thanks, universe!
For those interested in exploring additional resources on family planning, consider checking out this post for insights on home insemination kits or this excellent guide for more on fertility services. As you navigate the challenges of balancing motherhood and professional aspirations, remember that you’re not alone on this journey.
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