Even if we assume that we’ll be able to carry on as normal, becoming a parent changes, not just because of an entirely new outlook, but also because of an undeniable shift in priorities. For career mums, especially, having to choose between the job you loved and the child you inevitably love more can see previously full-time commitments being shaved down to fit or, if that isn’t possible, being discarded altogether in place of what’s best for your family.
This is a natural transition, but if you aren’t in a position where you can stay home, then you’re going to need to look for alternatives. For many mums, jobs that extend the role of caring that they’re already doing at home, such as those in healthcare, can seem like the ideal compromise. The trouble is, healthcare is famed for having some of the longest working hours of any career.
Luckily, the fact that so many mums are still managing to break into this field is a testament to the fact that it can be done. All you need to do is consider the following ways that mums can successfully establish themselves in healthcare.
Step 1: Consider the full scope of healthcare careers
Hospital and care home roles can demand night shifts and 12-hour stints, but there’s a lot more to the healthcare industry than these obvious go-to’s. In fact, according to the experts, jobs like occupational therapy, dietitian, and even pharmacy technician are all a whole lot less stress-filled, and generally don’t require these same unsociable hours. By considering these alternatives, you’re therefore far more likely to settle on a role that suits even within this traditionally busy career field.
Step 2: Use the right tools
In modern healthcare, even the hardest parts of the job can be made easier by access to the right tools. It could be, for instance, that you take a job at a hospital that uses cutting-edge technology to simplify treatments, or seek a role in a healthcare clinic that uses clinic management software to bring time management within reach. In each instance, you should find it far easier to make sure that you’re home in time for school pickup, or at least to spend a little quality time before the kids go to bed.
Step 3: Always be aware of transferable skills
While training is undeniably expected in some intricate healthcare positions, it’s also important to remember that you already have many transferable skills that could save you time here thanks to your role as a parent. Even for doctors, bedside manner goes a long way towards passing exams, and the chances are that your skills in patience and empathy will count towards that. For roles like that of healthcare assistants, you may even find that your parental skills are enough to secure you an entry-level position right away.
Being a mum means making the right career choices for your family, but that doesn’t mean you need to discard roles in healthcare altogether if you also make way for these considerations.