Boost for mums returning to work

Sonja, a return to work mother, has been psyching herself up to re-enter office life. During her preparations, she came across this passage in a parenting handbook of why "mums" should feel good about themselves.

The following is a description of the "qualifications" women must have to "manage" a home and family.

"Applicants must have unlimited drive and the strongest sense of responsibility if they are to succeed in this job. They must be independent and self-motivated, and be able to work in isolation and without supervision. They must be skilled in the management of people of all ages. They must have flexibility to perform a number of tasks at the one time without tiring.  They must have the adaptability to handle all new developments on the life of the team, including emergencies and serious crises.  They must be able to communicate on a range of issues with people of all ages, including public servants, school teachers, doctors, dentists, trades people, businesspeople, teenagers and children.  They must be competent in the practical skills listed above. They must be healthy, creative, active and outgoing to encourage the physical and social development of the team members.  They must have imagination, sensitivity, warmth, love and understanding, since they are responsible for the mental and emotional wellbeing of the team."

Love it! So for all the women feeling nervous about returning to work, read and re-read the above. Thanks Sonja.

By Kate Southam, Editor of careerone.com.au.

For more useful tips read the other stories in the Job Hunting Advice section and Ask Kate Column.

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