*updated 2022   Being a mother is a gift. So often talked about as the most important job in a woman’s life, for many it is treasured above all other career aspirations. Not without challenges, or lack of sleep, but an experience unrivalled in reward. How long women choose to stay home with children is a deeply personal decision. Some will return after standard maternity and others will wait until the youngest child is waving goodbye on their way to university. Whatever the decision, it’s likely to be based on a variety of factors. Finances, opportunities, childcare and, for many, the imp ..read more

*updated 2022   Bouncing out the door, smile on face, feeling as though you nailed it in your interview is a great feeling. Waiting for the feedback, an offer, the words “you were amazing, when can you start” on the other end of the line, isn’t always so easy to stomach. And if the phone call doesn’t come, the offer isn’t what you’d hoped or, worse still, you hear absolutely nothing, chances are you’re going to question where you went wrong. However, here at Career Mums, we like to think of every situation as a potential positive. Hearing NO from an employer isn’t necessarily a bad thing ..read more

*updated 2022   Connection. Do you ever wonder what it really means? How to achieve it, feel it, know that it’s authentic? Society tends to throw the word around casually, encouraging us to “stay connected on social media” or “connect with friends online”. Yes, connection can mean online friendships, likes or other similar social interactions but genuine connection at home can seem harder to achieve. We often hear from our parents that they fear disconnection from their families when they return to work. Finding the time or the energy to engage can be exhausting after a day in the office ..read more

*updated 2022   We all recognise how daunting an interview can be. Preparing answers for every conceivable question, doing the company homework, learning intricate detail about the role on offer and paying more than one visit to the local coffee shop to make sure their range of delicacies will be just what we need for those early morning breakfast meetings. Most of us are armed and ready to talk about our experience and show exactly how we can add value. But how many of us have prepared to answer that awkward question – the one we shouldn’t feel embarrassed about but that inevitably conju ..read more

*updated 2022 Did someone say CV? Isn’t it strange how those two little letters, placed side by side can strike horror into workers everywhere? Update my CV? List my qualifications? Remember all the voluntary work I’ve done? It seems like an enormous effort but if it’s been a while since you were in the market for a new job, chances are your CV will need updating. Some of you might choose to invest in professional support – there are a lot of CV writing services out there – but if you decide to tackle it yourself, as always Career Mums are here to help. We have hints and tips below to ensure y ..read more

It’s no surprise to those of us trying to juggle a busy family life with a demanding job, that flexible working can be a gift. Knowing we can work from home when the children need us, choosing hours and location to suit is fast becoming a new way of earning a living for many. So, what if it’s appealing to you but not on offer in your current role. How do you approach your boss about building flexibility into your everyday career and get the option that works best for your family? Below we explore ways to take the leap with those non statutory requests and seize a working week that’s right for ..read more

The importance of family time – staying connected.   Connection. Do you ever wonder what it really means? How to achieve it, feel it, know that it’s authentic? Society tends to throw the word around casually, encouraging us to “stay connected on social media” or “connect with friends online”. Yes, connection can mean online friendships, likes or other similar social interactions but genuine connection at home can seem harder to achieve. We often hear from our parents that they fear disconnection from their families when they return to work. Finding the time or the energy to engage can be ..read more

It’s no surprise to those of us trying to juggle a busy family life with a demanding job, that flexible working can be a gift. Knowing we can work from home when the children need us, choosing hours and location to suit is fast becoming a new way of earning a living for many. So, what if it’s appealing to you but not on offer in your current role. How do you approach your boss about building flexibility into your everyday working life and get the option that works best for your family? Below we explore ways to take the leap with those non statutory requests and seize a working week that’s righ ..read more

  How many times have you heard that phrase only for it to be swiftly followed by a familiar feeling of angst? Your child, that fabulous little human who you love with every inch of your being, wants to play with you. And you don’t have the time. Or the energy. Or the necessary resources to juggle all the challenging daily demands that go hand in hand with being a Mum. In a recent survey we asked you what your priorities were for the coming year. And, loud and clear, you told us you wanted to spend more quality time with your children. So, just how do we ensure the time with our kids is ..read more

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING RECEIVED FOR OUR SPRING 2022 PROGRAMME    The WORK RESTART PROGRAMME is our funded programme for Groundworks UK using funding from European Social Fund & The Education and Skills Agency helping women in Coventry & Warwickshire return to work. Participants are supported over a 3-month period through group sessions, drop in surgeries and individual coaching to find their confidence, overcome any hurdles to finding meaningful work and move into employment or retraining through the support of the Career-Mums team.  Apply here.   DO YOU WANT TO ..read more