May 14, 2008 1:24 PM

Helping moms return to the workforce
Posted by Jesse Nunesat 1:24 PM

It's a question many mothers face after they have devoted years of their lives to having and raising kids: How do they get back in to the workforce?

Meghan McCartan, a mother who has has to deal with this issue herself, has put together networking conference to help other parents overcome the obstacles associated both exiting and re-entering the working world. "Detours and OnRamps" is a forum designed to provide advice on how to hook up with the right resources, negotiate contracts, and figure out the steps needed for a successful re-entry into the workplace.

So what's the best way to make this transition, which many parents find very hard to do? Here are some tips provided my Meghan:

1) Get your whole family on board
Make sure that your kids -- especially if they're a little older -- understand that you're going back, and know what they can do to help. Make sure your husband (or wife!) does too, and talk through how that might change the "status quo." And figure out what can help alleviate the stress. (i.e., find a cleaning lady to come in once a week if that used to be one of your responsibilities!)

2) Ease into it
Especially if you haven't been working for a while, for the sake of family harmony, give everyone a chance to get used to having you around less. That might make the transition easier.

3) Scout out a win-win
If you do want to go back part-time, but aren't finding the right "skill set" level jobs, consider applying to some "full time" jobs and then suggesting how you can effectively complete the job on a part time or consulting basis. You'd be surprised how many opportunities or employers may be open to the suggestion of trying out a "part time" arrangement, especially on a temporary basis, especially if there's something in it for them, too. (i.e., instead of paying a full- time salary, they could pay for 3 days a week: a win-win.)

4) Network
If you're looking to develop a consulting-type career, tell everyone you know. That goes for job hunting too. You never know when someone's husband or cousin might need some graphic design help. Freelance, spread the word and you'll be surprised!

The "Detours and OnRamps" event will be at Bentley College in Waltham on Thursday.

Also, as Maggie Jackson wrote recently, 'On-Ramping' isn't a mother-only challenge. Many stay-at-home dads also struggle with figuring out how to return to the workforce.

It's hard to say how many men nationwide are on-ramping, yet their ranks are surely growing. Seventy percent of working dads with a preschooler had taken a paternity leave when surveyed in June, while just under half of those with a school-aged child had done so. The poll of job-seeking working dads was conducted by Monster.com.

And be sure to check out BoMoms.com, Boston.com's new section devoted entirely to moms "in Boston and beyond."