Re-entry: The job after the baby break
Doris Hartmann
ChroniquesDuVasteMonde.com: A child is a task around the clock, but also exhausting. And then mothers should think about their job during parental leave?
Doris Hartmann: Becoming a mother is perhaps the biggest change in a woman's life. That's why she should really take her time. But then the most important thing to clarify is: what do I really want? Some women now realize that they would like to stay at home, even if the job housewife is wrongfully negatively staffed. Other women have been dissatisfied with their job for quite some time, some have had trouble with the boss and may want to move to another department within the company. All these topics can now be addressed. The family break is a great chance to remix the cards.
ChroniquesDuVasteMonde.com: But sometimes women have no choice. Is her job at the present misery in the labor market still safe at all?
Doris Hartmann: It depends. Unfortunately, many mothers experience that their company has filed for bankruptcy in the meantime. Then they have to take care of a new job anyway after parental leave. But also for all others: your job guarantee only means that they can not be terminated during parental leave. On the other hand, they are not entitled to the same job as before. You may have to expect to work in another area of the company.
ChroniquesDuVasteMonde.com: And if I want to change departments by myself?
Doris Hartmann: Then you should tackle this offensively and talk first of all with your boss, not with colleagues. It has been my experience that most bosses support women who know what they want.
ChroniquesDuVasteMonde.com: What should mothers look out for during parental leave if they want to get started again?
Doris Hartmann: These women should first take their time for themselves and the baby. But then they have to qualify further, so as not to miss the connection later. In today's situation, the family phase often takes longer than planned. Because there is no sensible child care because finding a job has become more difficult. I know women, who have even imitated their high school diploma or started studying at this time. Sometimes there are also in-house possibilities. For example, a large company offers learning projects to mothers during the family break. The women meet every few weeks on a specific topic and work out in the meantime templates or strategy papers.
ChroniquesDuVasteMonde.com: But if I'm in my job and I do not want to do anything else later?
Doris Hartmann: In this day and age, so much changes in one and the same workplace that every longer break can mean a loss of qualification. That is and remains the greatest risk of mothers. But that's not all clear. That's why I always recommend keeping in touch with colleagues to hear what's going on in the company, to offer holiday or sickness representations, and to provide training. Most people have to work on the computer today, but with Internet and database, for example, not all know each other and that is part of the know-how of the future.
ChroniquesDuVasteMonde.com: Mothers have no time for that.
Doris Hartmann: Many think that, but it's not true. For example, in my seminars we analyze how different jobs are done throughout the day. Many women are amazed at how much time they actually spend. Or at least could stay if they had more support from their fathers. The women must finally make it very clear: We both mean "parental leave" ... Then it should be considered together, who takes care of which tasks at home or how, for example, a part-time work could be organized. Up to 30 hours per week are meanwhile allowed during the three-year parental leave - in each case for mother and father. Incidentally, those parents who have a normal job in their job also have a legal right to do so.
ChroniquesDuVasteMonde.com: How long should the baby break be at all, if women want to progress professionally?
Doris Hartmann: There is no general recommendation. It depends on personal priorities. Because satisfied mothers are the best mothers. From my many years of experience, I know that women who really enjoy working do not last long at home. And a wonderful mother can be a grumpy housewife-just like the other way around, you just have to concede that.More important than the time frame is therefore the idea, the idea of one's own way: Where do I want to go?
ChroniquesDuVasteMonde.com: Often there is only the vague feeling: Profession yes-but different than before. How do I find out what's right for me?
Doris Hartmann: Think about where your strengths lie, what you have to offer to whom. And think about what drives you in life. You will find that you always act according to a certain principle. For some, for example, it is the desire to work independently, while for others it may be fun to organize something new again and again. If you know what you can do and what really motivates you, you can build on it. For example, I know a teacher who definitely did not want to go back to school. She started in a call center and quickly became involved in HR development. Their two ways have complemented each other wonderfully.
