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| Jill
Savage is the founder and Executive Director of Hearts
at Home, an organization designed to encourage, educate,
and equip women in the profession of motherhood. |
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Hearts at Home
Mom's Have an Incredible Resume!
CBN.com –It was two weeks before my college graduation and the kitchen table was cluttered with papers. A grade transcript, a list of work experiences, several awards and certificates were scattered in front of me. My goal was to pull it all together, put it on paper, and present my qualifications for employment. I was building my resume.
The compilation of personal information, work and volunteer experience, a listing of accomplishments, topped off with a few character references: these are the makings of a good resume. It is designed to be a document that briefly, yet specifically, shows the applicant's abilities, talents, training, and experience. A woman committed to the profession of motherhood is using management and organizational skills. She becomes a relationship specialist. Her ability to set vision and goals blended together with her tenacity to stick with a job spell out commitment. The years spent in the profession of motherhood allow a woman to build an incredible resume!
An Adjustment in Perspective
Most of us are not thinking much about the next season of our life. We're in the midst of sticky kitchen floors, piles of laundry, and never-ending carpool schedules. The only time I think much about the empty nest is when I'm daydreaming about really having a few moments to myself. Then I wake up and reality faces me once again.
It doesn't hurt us, though, to begin thinking about what our goals are when we transition to the next season of life. What are our options? What do we want to do? What experience will we bring to that season of our life?
Once again, we have choices. We may choose to re-enter the paid workforce. We may return to school. Some of us may determine to remain at home taking seriously the job of homemaker, grandparent, neighbor and friend. There are so many opportunities ahead of us!
It's not just a job, it's an adventure!
If we choose to re-enter the paid workforce we will take one of two routes. For some of us, it will be returning to our previous profession. The years spent investing in the lives of our family enrich our experience and allow us much wisdom and perspective as we return to our former career. Updating our license, taking a few classes to refresh our knowledge, and adjusting to the concept of "work hours" may be necessary.
Others of us may never have had a career before we began the profession of motherhood. Motherhood is all we know. Or we may have worked in one profession, but desire to explore other options. The profession of motherhood lends itself to providing a variety of work experiences. Cindy Hays, a former bookstore owner, shared that when hiring employees she often experienced wonderful results when she hired a woman who had been committed to motherhood. "In my experience as an employer, mothers are women who have excellent management skills and good organizational abilities. They are responsible, reliable employees," stated Cindy.
Going back to school may also be an option for some of us. Dr. Brenda Hunter, a favorite speaker at Hearts at Home returned to college to pursue her doctorate when her daughters were in their late teens. She has authored several books. She has made an impact on many lives as a psychotherapist, author, and speaker. It all happened after she raised her family.
Phyllis Schlafly, a mother of 6, founded the Eagle Forum, a national, conservative, political organization, at age 51. For over twenty years, she has been a voice on Capital Hill for traditional values. Many women do pursue satisfying careers when they return to the paid workforce. It is possible to have several careers in a lifetime!
Remaining At Home
Another option after the children leave the nest is to remain at home. The time formerly spent raising children can now be spent investing in other relationships. There is an incredible need for mentors. As distance separates more and more extended families, the need for women to "mother the mother" only increases. Volunteers are desperately needed in schools, churches, and non-profit organizations. Being an available grandparent cannot be underestimated in its value. Even being a neighbor and a friend who has time to give to others is seriously needed in our fast-paced world.
After our children leave the home we can continue to stay home. It is a valid option. People need other people in their lives who have time to care, and time to give. Your experience is a valuable asset to be shared with others.
Presenting Our Experience
One of the most important things we can do as we consider our life beyond motherhood, is to keep the value of the profession in the forefront of our mind. A season of life spent in the career of motherhood is a season rich in experience. It is a time of life that both physical and intellectual energies are used to the fullest. We are developing an impressive resume of knowledge and experience.
If we do re-enter the paid workforce, we should never apologize for our years spent in the career of motherhood. Do not discount the years spent leading your son's Boy Scout troop. You garnered valuable conflict resolution skills along with an incredible amount of resourcefulness. Don't forget about the years you have committed to helping first graders read at your children's school. Your experience teaching literacy will be an asset to whatever you do. Maybe you homeschooled your children. What a resume booster that is as you operated as a teacher, a manager, and a motivator of children! Years given to the profession of motherhood are years very well spent!
The Profession of Motherhood
The profession of motherhood is indeed one of the most influential professions available to women. We are not only affecting the lives of our children, but also our grandchildren, our great-grandchildren and the generations to come. What we do today will affect the lives of those that follow us. Have you captured the vision and value of keeping your heart at home? There is no better job than one that invests in the lives of people.
jillsavage.org) is the founder and Executive Director of Hearts at Home (www.hearts-at-home.org), an organization designed to encourage, educate, and equip women in the profession of motherhood. She is the author of five books including Professionalizing Motherhood, Is There Really Sex After Kids?, and her newest release My Heart’s At Home. Jill and her husband, Mark, have five children and make their home in Central Illinois.
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