Research-backed
Image: Shutterstock
So you took a long break from work, and you are now ready to get back on track. Except that you aren’t sure that the world is ready to have you back. Becoming a mother and leaving your career behind to take care of your kids is not uncommon in our society. Overlooking the unfairness in that equation, children are a blessing, and they bring you joy.
Whether you were willing to make that sacrifice or the responsibility was imposed upon you, there is now a gaping hole in your resume in terms of experience. You are racking your brain to cover it up with online courses and skill development workshops that you attended in the meantime. Which brings up the important question, why do you have to make up for something that adds value to the global economy and teaches you essential life-skills?
Image: Shutterstock
Parenting is no easy feat. Bringing up a human being and getting them through adolescence is perhaps the biggest project that one could ever take on. Yet, in the job market, there is little appreciation of one’s achievements as a parent. Out there, you just stayed home and undertook “menial tasks”.
Perhaps it is time that all of us saw the skills that especially mothers pick up by virtue of being a parent. Here is a short list of those wonderful qualities employers look for in potential employees, yet fail to acknowledge in those who have been full-time parents.
1. Patience
Patience is a valuable skill if you work closely with people. Who could teach patience better than an active toddler who is too keen to experience the world? You learn to answer their inquisitive questions over and over, put up with their irksome behavior, and still smile at them at the end of the day.
2. Multitasking
Nobody does it better than a mother. Moms are known to be the all-rounders in the house. Being able to do different tasks at the same time and all of it with perfection is a coveted skill. Some might even say that it is an unfair burden that mothers carry. But then, mothers should be our heroes for it.
Image: Shutterstock
3. Communication
Children usually have a hundred questions about everything. They demand explanations for things that couldn’t be explained. Therefore, a parent has to find innovative ways to communicate with their kid. That teaches them to communicate with clarity at all times.
4. Leadership
Leadership comes hand in hand with the ability to communicate. A child naturally looks up to his or her parents. So, parents usually end up striving to become role models for their children. They are also required to teach their kids how to talk, behave, and go about their lives.
5. Problem Solving
Children have the ability to create a ruckus out of thin air. Parents have to step in to solve the problems that their kids cause. On the bright side, that is an opportunity to learn to think on one’s feet. Adaptability, spontaneity, and quick problem solving become your ally in such situations.
Image: Shutterstock
There is a documented phenomenon called Motherhood Wage Penalty, which is a setback for working mothers. It says that mothers earn less than childless women due to various reasons (1). Having less work experience due to a long career break is on top of the list of factors that result in the difference in wages.
In addition to that, the acquisition of these important skills through parenting is not recognized when a mother tries to get back into the labor force. This puts mothers at a disadvantage. Many mothers are of the opinion that although it does not pay, owing to the laborious nature of it, childrearing ought to be considered as work experience. Unfortunately, we are behind in taking this into account, and that is work half done by economists of the world.
Can you list parenting on your resume? It is not possible to give a definitive answer to that question yet. However, do not be shy to bring it up to your advantage if the situation allows it.
We would love to know your opinion on this subject. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
