6 Ways Motherhood Enhanced My Professional Profile

Updated: Dec. 16, 2015 | Originally Published: Jan. 6, 2011

Experiencing a job loss during childcare leave is not uncommon in the education field, particularly in a place like New York. After taking a two-and-a-half-year hiatus to care for my daughters, I returned to the job market only to find that my replacement had gained more seniority. As I navigated interviews, the responses to the employment gap on my resume ranged from mild irritation to condescension. One interviewer’s tone insinuated that I had spent my time off lounging on a beach. Despite the challenges, I remained persistent in demonstrating that my experiences as a mother had significantly bolstered my professional capabilities.

Here are six valuable skills I acquired through motherhood that transformed my resume:

1. Superior Time Management Skills

Many believe they can handle multitasking until they become parents. The reality of managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously while caring for children far exceeds any previous professional juggling act. For instance, I once found myself pumping, preparing family lunches, and drafting a letter of recommendation all at once. The complexity of these tasks makes office responsibilities feel trivial.

2. Collaborative Spirit

After juggling pumping sessions, responding to emails, overseeing college visits, and resolving crises, I learned that there is little room for workplace gossip. Personal dramas, such as Bob’s antics at the holiday party, don’t concern me when I have pressing matters to attend to. My focus is on collaboration, ensuring that my relationships with colleagues remain professional and productive.

3. Continuous Learning

The social dynamics of childhood persist into adulthood, as I’ve discovered on my local playground. The importance of building relationships extends beyond our children; we mothers often find common ground in our shared experiences and challenges. The lessons learned from our children about friendship and support are invaluable, and they remind us that growth is a lifelong endeavor.

4. Accountability

As working mothers, we don’t call in sick for trivial reasons. My children have brought home various illnesses, from viral conjunctivitis to Hand-Foot-Mouth disease, which has strengthened my resolve to maintain my health and attendance. We often use our sick leave to care for others, demonstrating a commitment to our responsibilities.

5. Quick Learner

Parenthood requires rapid adaptation, as we learn to decipher different cries and needs of our children without a manual. This experience equips us to handle diverse challenges in the workplace. Mastering new software or processes becomes a manageable task compared to the complexities of parenting.

6. Proven Problem-Solving Skills

Convincing a preschooler to try new foods, adhere to bedtime, or avoid couch mishaps feels akin to negotiating in high-stakes environments. The skills I’ve developed from parenting have honed my ability to resolve conflicts and navigate workplace hurdles, often with a stash of Goldfish crackers as a strategic tool.

Fortunately, my journey culminated positively. I was offered a position at a welcoming school led by a principal who understood the demands of parenting. He acknowledged my skills and assured me that my experiences would serve me well. To me, his compliment was a recognition of the resilience and capability that motherhood instills.

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In summary, becoming a mother has not only enriched my personal life but has also significantly enhanced my professional skill set, proving that the experiences gained in parenting can translate effectively into the workplace.