Benefit from Astrid’s experience
Tips from the expert
Astrid has experienced the balancing act between work and family herself and knows exactly how challenging it can be. As a single mother, she not only had to cope with everyday working life, but also the sudden double amount of responsibility, as IVF enabled her to give birth to twins.
She has learned a lot about how to juggle everything as a single parent. Her work as a coach for jobseekers and her own experiences have been particularly helpful:
- How their professional priorities and skills changed.
- The need to adapt to these changes.
- The many questions and uncertainties associated with returning to work.
Are you planning to return to work after parental leave? The thought of returning to work after months away raises many questions: How has the world of work changed? What new requirements need to be met and how can you reconcile your role as a mother and a professional? Through her own experience, Astrid has gained valuable insights that she now shares in her talks and coaching sessions. Her tips are honest and practical:
- Have clear discussions with the employer to agree flexible working hours.
- Use regular training to keep pace with developments in the industry.
- Consider self-care and good time management as decisive factors for professional and private success.
Astrid’s authentic and personal perspective makes her advice particularly valuable. She speaks not just from theory, but from direct experience as a single working parent, offering real support for others in a similar situation.
Master your professional re-entry
The challenges of returning to work
Returning to work after parental leave can seem quite overwhelming, can’t it? But don’t worry, we’ll overcome the hurdles together:
- Back to work, but your heart stays at home? Many parents are familiar with this. Feeling guilty about whether you’re doing justice to your child and your job in equal measure can be a real burden. But it’s perfectly okay to have these feelings! The important thing is to be honest with yourself. Sometimes a conversation with other parents or coaching can help you find this balance.
- Everyday life – a real challenge! Childcare, working hours, commuting – there’s often little time to take a deep breath. A clear plan can work wonders here. Talk to your employer early on about working from home or flexible working hours. If you organize your tasks well, everyday life will soon feel less stressful.
- Perhaps a lot has changed at work during your parental leave. New technologies, new superiors, new teams – it’s normal to have to find your feet again. Ask for support, talk to colleagues and give yourself time to settle back in. You don’t have to do everything perfectly straight away.
And you know what? Astrid and her Solutions Finder team are there for you! They know the stumbling blocks and support you with valuable tips – whether emotional, practical or professional. Astrid is at your side as a coach – like a good friend who helps you to get everything under one roof.
Sounds good? Get her support!
Self-reflection and goal setting
Before you return to work, clarify your goals and priorities. What do you hope to gain from your return and what professional goals do you want to achieve? Set yourself clear, realistic goals and develop a plan for how you can achieve them. This can help you to stay focused and to organize your return with a clear goal in mind.
Discussions with the employer
An open discussion with your employer is crucial. Be open and honest about your needs and how you envisage balancing work and family life. This could include flexibility in working hours, the possibility of working from home or additional support during induction. A good conversation can help to avoid misunderstandings and create a basis for a successful return.
Updating the skills
The world of work may have evolved during your parental leave. To ensure that you are up to date, it can be helpful to take advantage of further education or training. Many online courses and webinars offer a flexible way to upskill. Invest time in these learning opportunities to ensure you return to work well prepared.
The role of coaching and consulting
Your key to success
Imagine having someone at your side who doesn’t just give you general tips, but really helps you to define your own personal goals. Our coach Astrid from the Solution Finder team will help you do just that: What are your strengths? Where do you want to go professionally? And above all – how can you reconcile everything? Sometimes it is difficult to recognize your own priorities or to know which steps make sense next. This is where an external perspective can help immensely to make targeted progress.
Our coaching is all about you and your individual questions: How can I reconcile work and family?
How do I find the right balance without overextending myself? Or how do I get back into work after parental leave and get up to speed with the latest technology? Our team will help you find tailor-made solutions that really suit you.
And the best thing is: you can start with us without any obligation. The free initial consultation is the perfect way to find out together where you currently stand and what you need. We take a look at your situation and develop concrete steps to make it easier for you to get back into work.
So why hesitate? Arrange your initial consultation and let’s put the puzzle together – step by step, with a clear plan and the necessary tailwind so that you can start your new professional life relaxed and full of confidence!
Get a free initial consultation!
Request an appointment for a free initial consultation today!
Your path back to your career starts here!
The balancing act between career and family
Returning to work after parental leave can feel like walking a tightrope – finding the right balance between career and family. But don’t worry, with the right strategies you can master this challenge! Think of your everyday life like a big puzzle. Astrid recommends creating a detailed weekly schedule that takes into account both work and family time. Use calendar apps or planners to organize tasks and appointments. This will help you stay on top of things both at work and at home. Set priorities and be flexible – sometimes you have to delegate tasks or adjust your schedule to fit everything in. The pieces of the puzzle have to fit together.
A strong professional network is invaluable. Think of it like a supportive family: contacts with former colleagues, industry events or online communities can open doors and offer you new opportunities.
These connections will keep you up to date and offer helpful tips for a successful re-entry.
And most importantly: take care of yourself. Returning to work can be stressful, so make sure you plan regular time-outs. A short yoga session, a relaxing walk or a hobby that you enjoy are small time-outs that can help. Your well-being is just as important as professional success.
Simply arrange your free consultation today and let Astrid and her team support you. They will help you get back to work in a relaxed and confident manner. Your path back to work is as individual as you are – and we are here to support you! Let us support you and return to work well prepared and full of confidence. Arrange your consultation today and take the first step towards your success!
Your path back to your career starts here!
Frequently asked questions about returning to work after parental leave
What makes more sense for returning to work: part-time or full-time?
Part-time or full-time – that’s the big question after parental leave. Imagine you are standing in a long corridor in front of two doors: one opens to a flexible part-time job, the other leads you to a full-time job. Which door do you choose?
If you work part-time after parental leave, you can adjust your working hours to better suit your family life. Perhaps you want to devote the afternoon to your children or attend important appointments without constantly having to keep an eye on the clock. Part-time work allows you to slowly dive back into working life without having to take the plunge. How about taking your first steps back into working life at a pace that feels right for you? On the other hand, a full-time position offers you the chance to get back into the swing of things more quickly. You are more present in the company, and perhaps this will also be rewarded in the form of career opportunities and a higher income. Think about how it would feel to experience the professional world to the full again and perhaps even make faster progress in your career.
Astrid and her team at Solutions Finder know that the right choice depends heavily on your personal goals and family needs. You need to find out what works best for you and your family. Maybe you need the flexibility of a part-time position, or maybe you’re looking for a quicker, more intensive return to a full-time role.
No matter where you are – we are here to help you. Our free initial consultations allow you to find the right support to plan your re-entry in the best possible way. We create checklists, discuss your dreams and help you find the right path. Whether part-time or full-time, with the right help and a clear plan, you can ensure that your career restart is a complete success. Let’s work together to find out which door is right for you and pave your way to a successful re-entry!
Why do flexible working hours and working from home offer so many advantages for mothers and fathers after parental leave?
If you want to return to work after parental leave, flexible working hours and working from home are not just a luxury, but often a real necessity. Think about it: How much easier would your everyday life be if you could arrange your job to fit in with your family life?
- More time together: Imagine being able to arrange your working hours so that you don’t miss any childcare, medical appointments or school parties. Flexible working hours make exactly that possible – they allow you to organize your working life around the important moments in your family’s life. Wouldn’t it be fantastic to experience these special moments together without constantly having to look at the clock?
- Fewer stress factors: And what about the daily commute? Working from home can transform this nightmare. No traffic jams, no crowded lanes, no lost time – instead, more time for your family and for yourself. This extra time can be used for wonderful family moments or simply for a well-deserved break. Many parents report that they work more productively when working from home because they can design their workplace to suit their needs. No distracting office noise, no annoying interruptions – simply the perfect space for concentrated work. And what’s even better: satisfaction and motivation often increase with the opportunity to work from home.
- The best thing for your children: flexibility in childcare is another plus. If you can determine your own working hours, it’s much easier to organize childcare for your little ones. This is a real relief, especially when external childcare options are limited.
So if you’re thinking about how you can make the most of your return to work, flexible working hours and working from home are definitely worth considering. It’s worth talking to your employer about these options early on and communicating your expectations clearly. This will help you find a solution that suits both your professional and family life.
Clarity, self-organization and the boundaries between work and family time are crucial for mothers and fathers to be successful. With a well thought-out plan and the right support, you can master the balance between work and family perfectly – we can help you!
How can coaching help when re-entering working life?
Imagine you’re at the start of a new journey – back to work after parental leave. Coaching can be like your personal compass, helping you to find the right course.
After a break spent raising your little miracle, the conditions at your old employer may have changed. Perhaps the whole industry has been turned upside down, or you have discovered new interests or skills. Coaching will help you to clearly define your goals and wishes and plan the best way back into your job.
Have you ever wondered how to re-evaluate your skills and experience? Or whether it might be time for a career change? A coach can help you find out exactly that. You’ll get support in recognizing insecurities and strengths and exploring new opportunities that may not have been on your radar before. Are you longing for a career change? That’s not so unusual for working mothers!
And what about all the financial and legal questions that have been on your mind for a long time? Questions about parental allowance, maternity leave or your protection against dismissal can get pretty complicated. Coaching can help you here too. Whether it’s applying for financial aid or renegotiating your employment contract – your coach will help you keep track of everything and find the best solutions.
Think of coaching as a personal travel guide during this exciting phase of your life. You will receive clear guidance and support to make the transition back into working life as smooth as possible. Together, we will look at what the requirements are for your professional reorientation and how you can achieve them.
Why go it alone when you can have someone by your side to show you the best course? Let’s work together to ensure that your new career start is exactly what YOU want it to be.
What should you bear in mind when returning to work?
When it comes to returning to work after parental leave, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First of all: you have rights! The law ensures that you can return to your old job in the company after your parental leave, and during your parental leave you enjoy protection against dismissal – so you are protected professionally.
Start talking to your employer early on. Whether you are currently pregnant or already on parental leave, it never hurts to clarify things early on. Talk about how you envisage your return – perhaps you want to work part-time or use flexible working hours. Many companies now offer family-friendly arrangements to support working parents. The fact is: you are entitled to your previous job when you return.
Good financial planning is also important. Take a look at how your salary could change and use your entitlement to support such as parental allowance. Think about whether you want to reorient yourself professionally to stay up to date.
Think about the professional framework conditions of your job at an early stage. This will enable you to secure yourself financially and, if necessary, embark on new career paths. If you need support with this, let us help you. Get in touch with us for a free consultation so that we can prepare your re-entry perfectly together.
There is no one right time to return to work, there is only YOUR time! Whether you want to enjoy the first time with your sleepless baby or are ready to hit the ground running again – we’re here to help you get your career restart exactly how you want it.
What rights do I have in Germany when returning to work after parental leave?
If you want to return to work after parental leave, there are a few rights in Germany that will make your new start easier. During your parental leave, you are protected against dismissal – your employer cannot simply terminate your employment relationship just because you are taking a baby break and looking after your little miracle.
Before you start again, however, you should inform your employer in writing in good time. If you want to work part-time or change your working hours, it is important that you submit this request at least three months in advance. Your boss must seriously consider your request and can only reject it for really important operational reasons. You also have the right to return to your old position after parental leave or to be offered an equivalent position. And if there are problems with childcare, you can also apply for a reduction in your working hours. So the laws are on your side and help you to make your return to work as easy as possible.
We know that returning to work after parental leave can be like a great adventure – exciting, but also challenging. And that’s exactly why we’re here to help you. Astrid and the Solutions Finder team are on hand to help you not only keep track of everything, but also get to grips with the paperwork at all the important contact points and sort out all the formalities.
Imagine going into your interview with your employer well prepared, without losing sight of the niggling details. We make sure that you don’t forget anything and that everything runs smoothly. We’ll also give you personal tips on how to make your return to work less stressful.
Concentrate on the essentials, on raising your child, while we support you. Let’s work together to ensure that your professional restart is a complete success – book your free initial consultation today and take the first step towards your career return!
How can the employer make it easier to return to work after parental leave?
How can your employer make your return to work after parental leave easier? Here are some things that could help you make your new start as pleasant as possible:
- Plan early: You could talk to your employer before you take parental leave to arrange everything clearly. That way, you can work together to find the best solution for your return – whether it’s part-time or flexible working hours.
- Offer flexibility: See if your employer offers flexible working models such as working from home or part-time to give you more independence in your everyday life. These options can help you balance your job and family life.
- Show understanding: Your employer should be understanding of your new life situation. It is important that they take your concerns seriously and accommodate you when you return to work.
- Support childcare: Perhaps your employer can give you information on childcare facilities or even help you find a childminder.
- Take advantage of further training opportunities: If you feel you need to catch up, your employer can offer you training or further education. This will keep you up to date and help you get off to a good start.
With these tips, you are well prepared to make your return to work after parental leave relaxed and successful. If you need support on how best to approach your employer and plan your return in the best possible way, we are here to help. Our coaching sessions will help you take the right steps and make your return to work a smooth one. Contact us to develop the best strategies for your return together!
Where should I apply for a return to work?
Returning to work after parental leave can be really challenging, especially if you’re a single parent. But don’t worry, you’re not alone on this journey! With our special coaching sessions for mothers who want to return to work after parental leave, we are by your side to help you find your way.
A good starting point is often your old job. Many employers value the experience and knowledge you have already brought to the table as an employee. If that doesn’t work out or you are keen on a new career path, there are many companies that recognize the strength and versatility of mothers and offer flexible working models.
Our coaching program will help you find the right employer. We support you in writing your CV and cover letter, prepare you for job interviews and give you tips on how to balance your job and family life.
Don’t forget, you are a strong woman who does great things both in the family and at work.
Don’t let setbacks get you down and believe in yourself! With our support, you will master the transition and successfully re-enter professional life. We look forward to accompanying you on this exciting journey!
When can you return to work after parental leave?
There are no hard and fast rules for the best time to return to work. It all depends on your personal circumstances and wishes. Of course, parental leave normally ends when your child is three years old and you can get back into the swing of things. But it can also be very different!
Maybe your child isn’t sleeping through the night yet and you just want to enjoy this special time? Then take the time without a guilty conscience! This phase will never come back. Or maybe your child is already sleeping through the night, you have family support and you’re ready to get back out and about and work on your career? Then just go back to work!
The right time is the one that best suits you and your life plan.
With our coaching sessions, we help you to find your ideal return to work. We support you with tailored advice to tailor everything to your needs – whether it’s balancing work and family life, communicating with your employer or finding childcare options.
You are not alone in this situation. We have supported many mothers on their journey after parental leave and we look forward to supporting you too. You deserve to be both a great mom and a successful professional!
