Discover more about our candidates and their personal journeys transitioning back into the workforce
Sarah Smith
Company
AUROR
Returning to the workforce after a career break can be a daunting prospect, especially for parents who have dedicated several years to raising their children. In this testimonial, we had the privilege of speaking with Sarah Smith, a job seeker who successfully re-entered the professional world with the help of Jobs for Mums. Sarah’s story serves as an inspiration to parents seeking to regain their independence and find fulfilling employment while managing the demands of family life.
Background
10 years of experience as a corporate Lawyer before wanting to transition into something else. I am a mother of four children, and I had been out of employment for six years before I joined Jobs for Mums. During those years, I focused on raising my children and supporting my family.
INITIAL plans and feelings
Before I went on leave, I had planned to take a short break from work to raise my children and then return to my career. However, after having my first child, I realized that balancing work and parenting was much harder than I had anticipated, and I decided to put my career on hold.
How did the reality of having children differ from your initial expectations?
The reality of being a stay-at-home mom was that it was both rewarding and challenging. While I loved being able to spend time with my children, I also felt a sense of loss of identity and purpose outside of my role as a mother.
Inkling to return to work
I started to get an inkling that I wanted to return to work after my youngest child started school. I wanted to regain my independence and contribute to society in a meaningful way. I found out about Jobs for Mums through a friend who had successfully found a job with them.
Barriers to employment
The main barriers that held me back from returning to employment were a lack of confidence in my skills and experience and the challenge of finding a job that offered flexible hours to accommodate my family responsibilities.
Job hunting process
The job-hunting process was daunting at first, and I found it challenging to find a job that offered the flexibility I needed. However, Jobs for Mums made the process much easier by offering a range of flexible job opportunities in various fields.
Overcoming barriers
Jobs for Mums helped me overcome my barriers to employment by providing me with the support and resources I needed to update my skills and prepare for interviews. They also connected me with employers who understood the unique challenges of being a working parent.
Transition into employment
The transition into employment was challenging, but it was also an exciting new chapter in my life. Jobs for Mums provided me with ongoing support and guidance throughout the process, and I am now working in a job that is both fulfilling and flexible enough to accommodate my family responsibilities.
Advice for other parents
My advice for other mums and dads who are considering returning to work is to believe in yourself and your abilities. It can be challenging to balance work and parenting, but it is possible with the right support and resources. Jobs for Mums is a great place to start your job search and find a job that works for you and your family.
Catherine Mc Murray
Company
BURNARD INTERNATIONAL
Position
FREIGHT FORWARDING
Catherine McMurray, a determined mother and job seeker, graciously shared her personal experience of re-entering the workforce with Jobs for Mums. Returning to work after becoming a parent can be a challenging and emotional decision. Catherine’s story sheds light on the realities, barriers, and triumphs faced by parents seeking suitable employment while managing the demands of family life.
Background
I am a mother of a two-year-old daughter and initially didn’t want to return to work.
INITIAL plans and feelings
I never wanted to go back to work and desired to be a stay-at-home mum, but found it challenging in today’s world.
How did the reality of having children differ from your initial expectations?
Having children exceeded my expectations and although it could be exhausting at times, it was worth it.
Inkling to return to work
I started considering returning to work once maternity leave was up.
Barriers to employment
The main barriers that held me back were finding suitable work with my schedule and ensuring the job would provide enough income to cover expenses like day-care.
Job hunting process
The main barriers that held me back were finding suitable work with my schedule and ensuring the job would provide enough income to cover expenses like day-care.
Overcoming barriers
Jobs for Mums was incredibly helpful for me as it provided job opportunities specifically designed for mothers and their needs.
Transition into employment
I was excited when I was offered a job through Jobs for Mums and saw it as a great opportunity. The transition back to work was a bit of a struggle and required juggling, but I managed it.
Advice for other parents
Don’t be hard on yourself as it’s not an easy journey. When the babies are sick, you just have to ride it through! I would highly recommend Jobs for Mums to other job seekers in a similar position.
Juanita Taljaard
Company
ATLANTIS HEALTH
Position
CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
Balancing parenthood with a successful career can be a formidable challenge, often complicated by the need for flexibility and family-friendly employment options. Juanita Taljaard, an ambitious mother on the job hunt, recently shared her inspiring experience with Jobs For Mums, shedding light on how our platform revolutionized her job search and ultimately led her to a rewarding and fulfilling position. Juanita’s story stands as a testament to the transformative power of Jobs For Mums, providing invaluable support to parents striving for a harmonious work-life balance.
Background
We are a family of 4. My husband and I, and two boys. We immigrated to NZ June last year. Our oldest son will join us on a later stage.
INITIAL plans and feelings
My plans was to be there as much as possible for my children. But because of cost of living, myself and my husband must work. My plan for returning to work was to work from home and have flexibility for my children.
How did the reality of having children differ from your initial expectations?
You expect to be the mom who always supporting your child at sport events, do extra work after school, be the kind of mom that bakes all sorts of things for lunchboxes. But in reality it is not always possible or as easy as it looks like.
Inkling to return to work
Cost of living is making it hard not work. So to make sure my children has everything they need, I need to work.
Barriers to employment
Struggling to find suitable work that is either from home or with flexibility around my children. My youngest son has adhd and some days its difficult to get him to go to school.
Job hunting process
I searched mostly on seek, looked for part time and work from home jobs.
Overcoming barriers
There is a lot of part time, School hour, and also work from home opportunities.
Transition into employment
It is going really well. Both my son and husband are really helpful with tasks in the house. I start at 9am which also gives me time to do some chores around the house. It is really easy to manage with my son as he is old enough to keep himself busy after school while I am still working.
Experience with Jobs For Mums
WOW! This is an incredible site for moms looking for employment! I have applied for plenty of jobs on other job seeking sites with no luck. It was really easy to use the website and to apply for jobs. On my first attempt on Jobs for Mums I received an interview and I got the job! I have already recommended this site to other moms looking for employment. Thank you for making it possible for Moms to find employment!!
Advice for other parents
It has a positive impact in our family. The financial stress is gone. We have a bit of extra money to enjoy our weekends together without any worries. My advice is to keep on searching for the job that will fit onto your life. Never give up because the right job will cross your path.
Mereana Rewha
Company
METHODIST CITY ACTION
Position
FUNDING COORDINATOR
Background
Married with 4 children, Maori in ethnicity and Bookkeeper/Accountant.
How did the reality of having children differ from your initial expectations?
Opened my eyes to different ways of functioning. How there’s much more to consider.
Inkling to return to work
When my baby started school was when I considered returning back to work. The desire came from my prosperous visions that I always had. To be in a certain career, to not bring them up in poverty mindsets etc…..
Barriers to employment
My ethnicity, lack of confidence, feelings of being discriminated for having children etc…..
Job hunting process
Utilized online platforms such as local Facebook job groups, seek, jobs for mums etc…..
Overcoming barriers
By having a real person talk to my at the receiving end of my messages.
Transition into employment
Over the moon. It’s hard but rewarding. I am encouraged to maintain a good work and home life balance.
Experience with Jobs For Mums
Excellent. Sei is very pleasant to deal with.
Advice for other parents
Check out the Jobs For Mums forum because there are suitable jobs for you while you transition back to work.
Would you recommend Jobs for Mums?
Yes and I have.
