How to make job sharing a success

CareerMums recently spoke to a candidate about her successful negotiation to job share a full time high school teaching role. This case study will give you confidence to explore and negotiate an opportunity, despite the position being advertised as a full time role.

Read her story: http://www.careermums.com.au/uploads/How%20to%20Make%20Job%20Sharing%20a%20Success.pdf

What recruiting will look like after the recession

Read the following article to find out what sectors are still largely unscathed by the recession, and what the future workforce will look like.

http://www.ere.net/2008/11/06/what-recruiting-will-look-like-after-the-recession/

Strategies to get back to work and weather the economic downturn

Whether in the workforce or at home, here are CareerMums' 6 Strategies to help you and your family weather the economic downturn and generate additional sources of income:

1. Consider volunteering work to build your skills and contacts. Use this experience to springboard into a paid role.

2. Consider contract roles. Contract roles pay per hour so know what you are worth and add superannuation on top. Always be clear about your flexibility requirements and get an ABN if you don't have one.

3. Become an entrepreneur and start your own business. Lay the foundations and start small. Gradually build a flexible business around your family.

4. What have you always wanted to do? Use this year to complete a course or start a degree. Do something for yourself and open up opportunities to generate an income.

5. What are your hobbies? Make some extra cash by making money from something you love doing. For example, if you love to cook, see if you land a casual job preparing food for the local child care centre or retirement village.

6. Be proactive and target flexible employers in more recession-proof industries. Read the CareerMums factsheet on our 'Resources' web page on how to find a flexible job.

Your 2009 Career Re-Launch

Christmas is a great time to prepare yourself for your re-entry into the workforce. Follow our practical advice:

1. Update your resume - include all non-paid work.
2. Know your flexibility requirements and don't back down.
3. Be clear on the type of role you are seeking, and know your strengths and skills.
4. Know what you are worth and don't sell yourself short.
5. Don't be grateful. You are smart, intelligent and experienced and you deserve a job.

To properly prepare yourself for 2009, read our CareerMums factsheets on the following topics found at this web address: http://www.careermums.com.au/resources_useful_services.php#articles

* A game plan to help you find a flexible job
* Keeping your skills up to date while on parental leave
* Managing your career as a working parent

New employment standards grant EXTENSION of Parental Leave and the right for employees to request flexible work

The imminent introduction of the new National Employment Standards signal significant changes concerning parental leave, carer’s leave and flexible work requests. Is your organisation aware of their new obligations? New changes include (and are not limited to):

•Extension of parental leave beyond 12 months;
•Right to request flexible, alternative work arrangements for those caring for a child under school age;
•Up to 10 days of paid personal/carer's leave per year, which accrues throughout the year and will accumulate with no limitation.

For more information, visit http://www.workplace.gov.au/workplace/Publications/WorkplaceRelations/ or telephone the Workplace Rights Information Line on 1300 882 648.

Child care and paid parental leave - Still all talk and no action

Myself and other parents I know have been really disappointed with the media commentary relating to the demise of the ABC Learning Centres. What a wonderful opportunity for Government to take control of early learning for children - not to mention the pricing of child care. The cost of child care is consistently one of the top 3 barriers for parents returning to work.

There are also concerns that Government may not implement the paid parental leave initiative because of the economic downturn. Why?? The economic downturn will not outlast Australia's skills shortage. I am sure there are necessary cutbacks on defence spending that could be achieved to make up for any potential budget deficits.

These latest setbacks are not just about families - they are about equality for women. When are we going to stop talking about it and finally do something about it?

CAREERMUMS SURVEY RESULTS– Paid parental leave welcomed by parents but not at a cost to businesses

CareerMums recently conducted a ‘pulse’ survey on the issue of paid parental leave in response to the Productivity Commission’s release of their draft report. 90 per cent of respondents believe that paid parental leave is an important employment entitlement to encourage retention in the workplace, but not at the expense of businesses.

Kate Sykes, Director of www.careermums.com.au said “Our users are expressing concerns about the compliance and superannuation costs that businesses may face if the Federal Government accepts the Productivity Commission’s Paid Parental Leave Scheme in its current form. If businesses are forced to act at the paymasters of paid parental leave (reimbursed later) and pay superannuation, this may inadvertently cause discrimination against the hiring of women who are of child-bearing age.”

read our press release at the following URL: http://www.careermums.com.au/uploads/CareerMums%20PR%20Paid%20Parental%20Leave%20Nov%202008.pdf