WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU ARE EXPECTING (RO RETURN TO WORK)
November 12, 2007, Flexperience Workshop in Los Altos

25 Simple Tips For Getting Up To Speed:

• Clarify your over-all life vision…make sure you are always working within and toward this vision
• Know your priorities and keep them at the forefront of your mind
• Consider the timing of your return to work – begin when your life is as stable as possible
• Start to identify what you need to take off your “to do” list and put on your “un do” list or someone else’s “to do” list – delegate!
• Talk to those who will be most effected by your return to work…work together to determine a plan to ease the transition for all involved
• Explore opportunities by using your existing network and asking for good referrals
• Build your foundation – what skills and experience do you need to get to where you want to go
• Be informed – subscribe to journals and research your desired industry
• Design what you want – YOU are the manager of your re-entry process
• Create a strategy – how are you going to get where you want to go
• Set clear goals to keep you focused and moving forward
• Start acting, being, living and dressing the part
• Develop an “elevator pitch” - be prepared to share your desires at any time with everybody
• Surround yourself with friends/family who support your decision and know your goals…they will help keep you on track
• Listen to and trust your gut feeling
• Take a leap of faith – your first step will most likely be the most difficult
• Expect to be overwhelmed for the first few to several months…you may be pleasantly surprised!
• Phase-in your return - if you are not ready (or, do not want) to go full-time…consider flexible options
• Keep your commute as close to home as possible
• Give yourself at least 6-9 months to start feeling comfortable
• Identify, acknowledge and let go of any blockers
• Evaluate your situation…make sure your work “piece” is working…if not adjust
• Remember, you have many phases of life/career…take one at a time
• Exercise to keep yourself emotionally and physically fit
• Take care of, and BE KIND to, yourself!