by Karol Figueroa Banks, Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach

You remember the sleepless nights your little one brought to your life. You probably still remember thinking you will never sleep again. Now that feels like a distant memory.

Your kids are older. They are full of social agendas and extracurricular activities. You have been putting your career on hold all of this time to make sure the household keeps running smoothly. You go, momma! Now, the time feels right to focus on yourself and your goals. How can you attain the career you always wanted? Here are some tips for shifting the focus to your career objectives:

1. Define Your Goal
What is your goal now? Has it changed? It might have been a while since you had the opportunity to think about yourself. Are the career goals you had before the kids the same as now? How are they different? Do you need additional training or certifications? Are there other logistical challenges you have to overcome to achieve your new goal? These are all valid questions that will lead to your plan and accomplishments.

2. Communicate Your Goal
If you’re currently working, does your supervisor know what your career goal is?
A lot of times, we assume our supervisors know what we want. Do they know the exact career and goals you are trying to obtain? It is essential to be consistent and transparent with your desires. Just saying you want a promotion is not enough. Being able to articulate precisely what you are looking for is the best way for your manager to help you get there. Also, is your leader supportive of your growth? Managers are a crucial part of the success of your career, both in personal and professional areas.

3. Create your Career Pathing Plan
There is nothing like having a written plan around anything we are trying to accomplish. Career pathing is a priceless tool that drives material business growth results. As described by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) Learning and Career Center, career pathing is the process of mapping career path scenarios within an organization. Your career path document provides you with transparency into vertical, lateral, and cross-functional career moves that align with your skills, education, and interests. You will become aware of the education, training, skills, and competencies needed to progress your careers.

4. Make Friends
Building relationships with others is better than networking. It is essential to connect with people that can support you on your journey, but just trivial conversations will not help. Here are some tips:

• Make sure that you are connecting with people With which you have things in common with. Being a momma is helpful. You have entered the new “parenting club,” allowing you to have more things to talk about with parents. There is plenty more that you can chat about, what are your interests. 

• Often by putting our goals out into the world, we will connect with like-minded people and have the opportunity to build authentic, supportive connections.

• Invite someone for coffee (virtual or face to face).

• Get them talking; just like us, people’s favorite topics of discussion are themselves. Encourage the conversation and get to know your new connection.

5. Get Working!
Time to execute your plan you have written down. A written strategy without execution is just a piece of paper. Things that will help you achieve your goal include:

• Add time in your calendar to remember to work on your Career Pathing Plan. 

• Have a partner that can help hold you accountable for your career goals.

Remember, there is never a “right time” when we have so much going on as mothers. I am here to tell you there is no better time than now to focus on you. By following your dreams, you will positively impact your kids and family. You will be setting an example and showing your little ones to push forward to follow their dreams, and above all, how to be a force of nature like their momma. Best wishes on your journey!