Congratulations to Julia Gillard on becoming the first female Prime Minister of Australia. Put politics aside and celebrate a wonderful milestone in our country's history. Talk to your children about the importance of this occasion and reinforce gender equality.
Read Natasha Stott Despoja's article on 'Are we ready for Julia?'
http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Are-we-ready-for-Julia-pd20100624-6PVQL?OpenDocument&src=spb
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Start owning the role of being a parent
Raising and caring for the future of Australia can attract strange comments and inuendo at times. Apparently we don't take work seriously anymore, we shouldn't be working now because we have children, and while at home we are having coffee with friends all day.
What a load of crap. Personally, I have never worked harder and been more tired in my life but I am happy. We need to start changing these perceptions and turning them on their head. This means communicating to people around you about how much you do in your day (both at work and at home).
Stop accepting pathetic comments about it being your choice to be a parent... and the one about it being unfair that tax payers have to foot the bill for childcare subsidies and a paid parental leave scheme. What these people will contribute in tax is minimal compared to what you will pay to raise a child (at least $1 million I believe!). In monetary terms, non-parents are contributing to a blue-chip investment (your children) who will eventually be paying taxes towards their health and retirement funds.
So stop apologising for leaving on time to be with your children. Stop accepting more junior roles because you are now a parent. Stop saying that you do nothing because you are a stay-at-home parent. Take pride in how much you can achieve in your day, including raising responsible and well adjusted little human beings. And take time out for yourself.
What a load of crap. Personally, I have never worked harder and been more tired in my life but I am happy. We need to start changing these perceptions and turning them on their head. This means communicating to people around you about how much you do in your day (both at work and at home).
Stop accepting pathetic comments about it being your choice to be a parent... and the one about it being unfair that tax payers have to foot the bill for childcare subsidies and a paid parental leave scheme. What these people will contribute in tax is minimal compared to what you will pay to raise a child (at least $1 million I believe!). In monetary terms, non-parents are contributing to a blue-chip investment (your children) who will eventually be paying taxes towards their health and retirement funds.
So stop apologising for leaving on time to be with your children. Stop accepting more junior roles because you are now a parent. Stop saying that you do nothing because you are a stay-at-home parent. Take pride in how much you can achieve in your day, including raising responsible and well adjusted little human beings. And take time out for yourself.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Returning to work after 10 years
Louise's story is inspiring. After 10 years caring for her 2 children, Louise took on another challenge - returning to work. Eventually, she found a great role and wishes she returned years ago.
"I am currently working for a building inspection company. I am based in the office managing the diary and liaising with owners & tenants 3 days a week. For the past 10 years I have been at home ( my children are 10 & 7 years ).
It was always the plan to return to work when the youngest started school. Easier said than done! I suddenly realised, that in the blink of an eye, it was 20 years since I had applied for a job. Writing an application & dropping it in the mailbox had now been replaced by technology. There was no human contact – everything was done by e-mail & online IQ tests. I was totally lost. My skills were less than none, my self confidence was below zero. Throughout 2009 I did my best to answer ads but to no avail.
Then one day I accidently met a woman around my age who runs her own business. She happened to be looking for a “part-timer” & asked if I was interested. Of course I was, but had to admit my skill level was extremely low. She offered me a casual position for 6 months. I have been there since February and I can’t believe how much I have learnt. I am thoroughly enjoying it & my confidence is rising by the day. It also works for my children as they can walk home from school & I am there 20 minutes later.
I think we mothers bring an abundance of attributes to the workplace - as we all know raising children is the most demanding job ever. I can honestly say I am more focused, more organised & more accepting than ever & that’s a bonus for any employer. I am delighted to be part of the work force again & my children feel the same. Now I am like “everyone else’s Mum”. I wish I had done years ago."
"I am currently working for a building inspection company. I am based in the office managing the diary and liaising with owners & tenants 3 days a week. For the past 10 years I have been at home ( my children are 10 & 7 years ).
It was always the plan to return to work when the youngest started school. Easier said than done! I suddenly realised, that in the blink of an eye, it was 20 years since I had applied for a job. Writing an application & dropping it in the mailbox had now been replaced by technology. There was no human contact – everything was done by e-mail & online IQ tests. I was totally lost. My skills were less than none, my self confidence was below zero. Throughout 2009 I did my best to answer ads but to no avail.
Then one day I accidently met a woman around my age who runs her own business. She happened to be looking for a “part-timer” & asked if I was interested. Of course I was, but had to admit my skill level was extremely low. She offered me a casual position for 6 months. I have been there since February and I can’t believe how much I have learnt. I am thoroughly enjoying it & my confidence is rising by the day. It also works for my children as they can walk home from school & I am there 20 minutes later.
I think we mothers bring an abundance of attributes to the workplace - as we all know raising children is the most demanding job ever. I can honestly say I am more focused, more organised & more accepting than ever & that’s a bonus for any employer. I am delighted to be part of the work force again & my children feel the same. Now I am like “everyone else’s Mum”. I wish I had done years ago."
Sunday, June 6, 2010
CareerMums Webinars
CareerMums understands the challenges you face as a working parent. We are dedicated to helping mums return to the workforce with confidence. How do you start building that confidence? With the best information.
This week, we have 2 webinars:
Webinar 1: Adjusting to motherhood
Time: 8.00pm-9.00pm | Date: Wednesday 9 June 2010 | Free | Email: info@careermums.com.au to register
This webinar is for mums who are adjusting to motherhood for the first time (or even second or third time around!). It can be a big transition moving from work into motherhood and sometimes the experience of having a new baby is overwhelming. Postnatal depression is more common than people think and affects 16% of Australian women in the first year. This session will be interactive and provide opportunities for women to share their experiences, if they wish to. Strategies for coping will be discussed in detail. It will be facilitated by Dr Mataji Kennedy, a Clinical Psychologist who specialises in helping women transition into motherhood.
Webinar 2: TechTalk
Time: 8.00pm-9.00pm | Date: Wednesday 9 June 2010 | Cost: $49
TechTalk – Love it or hate it, technology is here to stay! In this 60 minute, unplugged TechTalk class, you’ll learn about current technologies used in business today. Learn about Facebook, the web, online marketing, blogs, VOIP, remote set-up, LinkedIn, YouTube, podcasts, twitter, RSS, Microsoft Office, Goggle Docs and more.
As part of our updated TechTalk series we will also be looking at how to setup your Facebook profile to keep your personal information private.
To register for this webinar: http://inspecht.com.au/store/products/CareerMums-TechTalks-%252d-9-June-2010-Evening-Session!.html
This week, we have 2 webinars:
Webinar 1: Adjusting to motherhood
Time: 8.00pm-9.00pm | Date: Wednesday 9 June 2010 | Free | Email: info@careermums.com.au to register
This webinar is for mums who are adjusting to motherhood for the first time (or even second or third time around!). It can be a big transition moving from work into motherhood and sometimes the experience of having a new baby is overwhelming. Postnatal depression is more common than people think and affects 16% of Australian women in the first year. This session will be interactive and provide opportunities for women to share their experiences, if they wish to. Strategies for coping will be discussed in detail. It will be facilitated by Dr Mataji Kennedy, a Clinical Psychologist who specialises in helping women transition into motherhood.
Webinar 2: TechTalk
Time: 8.00pm-9.00pm | Date: Wednesday 9 June 2010 | Cost: $49
TechTalk – Love it or hate it, technology is here to stay! In this 60 minute, unplugged TechTalk class, you’ll learn about current technologies used in business today. Learn about Facebook, the web, online marketing, blogs, VOIP, remote set-up, LinkedIn, YouTube, podcasts, twitter, RSS, Microsoft Office, Goggle Docs and more.
As part of our updated TechTalk series we will also be looking at how to setup your Facebook profile to keep your personal information private.
To register for this webinar: http://inspecht.com.au/store/products/CareerMums-TechTalks-%252d-9-June-2010-Evening-Session!.html
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