So after baby, diapers and Co. you start again fully in professional life.
Parental leave: It is one of the most beautiful and eventful times in life.
But even the best time in life comes to an end at some point. One day the path goes back to a career. It is precisely this return that in many cases is not so easy, especially when you return to your old place of work.
In order for this to succeed, you should plan your return to work early and well.
During parental leave - come up with a plan and stay "on the ball"
Set yourself a goal
Do you want to stay in your current company? Have your job ideas changed? Listen to yourself and make a list of wishes and goals or ideas.
Write applications
If you have set yourself the goal of changing jobs, you should of course notify your employer of this and take notice of any notice periods. You should definitely start looking for a job early.
Educate yourself
Use the time and take courses or refresh your language skills. It is important to stay on the ball nowadays, after all, the market is constantly changing and a standstill - even during parental leave - is quickly punished, even if you return to your old job.
Think about alternatives
It always makes sense to come up with a "Plan B" during parental leave. In many situations, things turn out differently than one imagined. This also applies to the job search if you have set this as your goal. Do you want to change your old job but do not yet have a new job? Then it is advisable to work at least temporarily in your old job part-time or on a marginal basis. In this way you bridge the application phase, there are no unnecessary ones Gaps in the resume and at the same time you have enough time to continue applying to companies.
After parental leave - this must be taken into account when returning to work
You and the team may have changed
Bear in mind that when you return to your old job, a job may have been filled or changes in personnel made. In such situations, think carefully about whether the newly created working atmosphere still suits you and whether you want to continue working in this environment. If this is no longer the case and you feel uncomfortable, you should talk to your supervisor and strive for an internal change.
Not only the team may have changed, you have also gone through a change. You may have used the time for further training or reorientation. Priorities have changed especially after parental leave. Are you no longer able to manage a 20 hour job in the office? Talk to your employer about these priorities. If the conditions cannot be implemented internally, consider a suitable option.
Your tasks have changed
Even if the team and you have not changed, the area of responsibility may have changed. You may find completely different processes when you return to work. Can't handle it anymore? Then express it! In this case as well: if no solution can be found internally, you should consider changing jobs.
