How to Be A 40 Carat Gem in the Workforce

For many women who have been at home for a long hiatus, it won't be possible to achieve the peace and well-being of long-term financial security without returning to the workforce. Perhaps for you and others you know, this may appear easier said than done.

"Who would want me now?" is the question I've been asked by hundreds of women -- stay-at-home Moms for 10 years or more -- who have fear and trepidation about transitioning to a paid job. The answer is simple and often surprising: many, many employers want your life experience, educational credentials, early career accomplishments and volunteer leadership that have kept your business acumen humming along.

All women who attended the October 2nd iRelaunch Back to Work Conference in New York City could not help but feel that a huge welcome sign was blinking in neon lights. Opening speaker Edith Cooper, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Human Capital Management at Goldman Sachs, called returning professional women "gems of the workforce." It would be hard to find a more resounding affirmation that time at home is not the death of your professional life.

So, why are women who think they lack any professional sparkle actually 40 carat gems? As iRelaunch co-founder Carol Fishman Cohen explained, returning professional women (presumably those out of their 20s and 30s) have more life experience, less need for maternity leaves, fewer spousal job relocations and a more mature perspective. In a nutshell, these women are often more grounded, less mobile and more predictable than women trying to juggle young families and work.

Despite any encouraging words, I know well that the majority of returning professional women look at their outdated resumes and see only diamonds in the rough. They are often skeptical that women can actually return to the kind of work they once left behind. Though I can cite many a good return to work example, it's hard not to think the impossible is possible when you read the more than 200 "case study" success stories that can be found on www.irelaunch.com.

The iRelaunch conference steered away from superficial "you can do it" cheerleading and delivered instead specific resources and action steps to get your return to work zipping along on a positive track. Here are 10 to pounce on whenever your confidence begins to dip:

1. Read up on current return to work advice. iRelaunch co-founders have a seminal guide, Back on the Career Track. Build your confidence through books like Kiss Your BUT Good-Bye. Narrow your job search with a book like Finding Your Element.

This post was originally published on Kathryn Sollmann's blog, 9 Lives for Women, where she helps women navigate 9 stages of work and life from college through retirement years. Follow her practical advice on "Finding the Work that Fits Your Life".