QUESTIONS OF THE MONTH - NOVEMBER

Each month you can “ask an expert” who will share her experiences and opinions.  Is there a question you want answered?  We’re sure you may have a few that others can benefit from as well.  So feel free to ask our experts by emailing us at experts@flexperienceforum.com.

To learn more about the experts, click on their names to see their bios.

Q:  After being away from my profession for several years, I am feeling insecure about my knowledge base and my ability to meet expectations.  Is there anything I can do to feel more confident?

Ilene Schaffer On-Ramp Moms Ilene Schaffer’s passion and skills are centered around helping mothers get motivated and organized to create and reach their personal and professional goals. Prior to creating a practice exclusively for mothers in transition, Ilene counseled and advised students and alumni in higher education for 15 years. She holds a BA in Social Sciences from the University of California at Berkeley and an MA in Life Transitions Counseling from the University of San Francisco. Ilene has a private practice that specializes in mothers who are ready to rediscover, reinvigorate and/or recreate the self. Her clients share one common desire – to maintain their identity, health and wellness while nurturing a family. She is an advocate of creating a fulfilling life as opposed to reaching for the unrealistic notion of perfect balance. Ilene and her husband live on the peninsula with their two little girls. www.ileneschaffer.com

A:  First, know that you are not alone! 

Regardless of their previous educational and professional accomplishments, women who take more than a couple of years off usually feel some lack of confidence about getting back in the game.  This insecure feeling is one of the most common concerns that mothers have about returning to work after an extended leave.  I refer it as the “imposter syndrome” – those around you (particularly family and friends) think you come to the table with a strong skill set and background, but inside you are feeling rusty and outdated in your ability.  

To help minimize this feeling, consider taking some of the following steps to re-build your self-confidence and “work identity”.

- Write down the areas where you feel lacking.  What do you need to do to increase your level of confidence (what is missing in your tool box)?

- Look at job descriptions for positions that interest you.  What are the requirements?  What do you have and what do you need to gain and/or re-refresh?

- Once you know what you need, take classes to sharpen your technical and industry knowledge.

- Subscribe to on-line or printed industry journals to update your knowledge.

- Consider opportunities where you can slowly and comfortably ease back in and regain confidence.

- Start your career re-launch by talking to your inner-circle of family and friends about your plans…as you build confidence and feel more comfortable with your “story”, make your silent launch a bit louder by talking to the next circle of contacts.

- Be aware of what you say to yourself to block progress – acknowledge and let go of any “blockers” (this is often the toughest step!).