Quitting full-time work for baby's sake is no longer a road-block, but an exciting and challenging opportunity to re-define your self. In fact, many mothers have discovered their true expertise only after taking a breather from well-paying, mundane jobs.

Part-time and flexi jobs can be found in plenty today, and finding the right one for you is important. Many employers also prefer part-timers and freelancers for certain jobs as it has many significant benefits. Entrepreneurship is also an excellent option for mothers as it allows them to work at their own pace.

Steps to a flexi-career

Start Afresh
So when you are at that stage when you want to get back to work, but do not know what exactly it is that you want to do, make a beginning by asking yourself:

• Do I have any skills or experiences that are valuable in the workplace?
• What if I don't want to do the type of work I did before becoming a mom?
• How should I present myself to prospective employers?
• How do I prepare myself and my family for the changes ahead?
• What do I really want to do?

As you are the right person to answer the above questions, be honest with yourself and you will find the answers.

Make the first move
Talk informally to your manager to sound out your options and the company's attitude, before beginning formal procedures to request flexible working.

Do the ground work
Research your company and look for examples of flexible working - if necessary look at other comparable firms too. Specialized job portals like www.avtariwin.com can help.

Before deciding what's best for you, consider whether your job can be done effectively in a new way.

Maintain Correspondence
Whether you are requesting a flexible work from a current employer or a new one, always send a request in writing. And do ensure you get a proof of the job offer too - to avoid misunderstandings at a later date.

Entrepreneurship - Choose Wisely
As a work-from-home mom, you can be your own boss. No commute, no nagging boss, and best of all, no early morning rush. You can come and go as you please and if the children are sick, or if you want to take a two-week family vacation, you can arrange the schedule around their needs. Finding the right home based business - one that matches your skills, experience, interests and lifestyle needs is very important. So choose something that you are passionate about - only then can you sustain it. Here are some of the popular options:

• Interior Decorator/ Home Designer
• Life Coach/ Motivational Speaker
• Book Editing/ Writing for various media
• Graphic Design/ Web Designing
• Day care
• Catering
• Event Planning/ Party planning
• Yoga Teacher
• Beauty Parlour/ Spa
• Make-up Artist
• Image Consultant

And once you have chosen your field, research the pros and cons thoroughly before investing in it. Devise a work plan and stick to it - as you will need a certain level of discipline even in the most flexible of careers, to make it profitable. And once you have found your vocation, be passionate about it - for that is the key to professional success.

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