Parenting skills are seen as relevant qualifications

ARE YOU A PARENT LOOKING TO (RE)JOIN THE WORKFORCE? YOU’RE IN LUCK!

Every stay-at-home or work-from-home parent knows that raising young children is a full-time job in itself. As a newer father soon to have two kids under one year old, I could not have more respect for my wife that juggles a full-time job from our home office and taking care of a 9-month old. That takes patience, multi-tasking and some extreme problem solving skills.

If you took a break from the workforce, or you’re looking to tackle a career for the first time now that your kids are off to school, you’ll be happy to know that 68 percent of employers believe that being a parent can qualify as relevant work experience in the corporate world — according to a new CareerBuilder survey of 2,186 hiring and human resources managers. You’ve got the skills they’re looking for:

• Patience (68 percent find this skill valuable)

Whether you’re dealing with a screaming child that won’t eat his green beans, or an irate customer blaming you for all of their woes — patience is a virtue that every parent knows well. Employers look for candidates that can remain calm and collected under pressure. • Multi-tasking (61 percent) As parents, we balance our child’s safety with fun while also trying to get things done for ourselves. Sometimes this is a bit of a high-wire act to keep things moving smoothly — and sometimes your kid takes a header off of the swing set. Job seekers that can accomplish more than one goal at a time will definitely look favorable in the eyes of a hiring manager. • Time management (57 percent) You understand the value of a routine and keeping your child on track with a schedule. Nothing beats a bedtime process that goes off without a hitch — you and your kids get some well-deserved rest. On the job, you will be faced with a similar kind of time management — accomplish your tasks in an efficient manner so you can get your payoff at the end of the day (only this time you earn $ instead of zz’s). • Conflict management (51 percent) Conflicts can arise on a daily basis if you have more than one kid, or on any playdate with friends. If you can handle two children screaming over the same toy or getting a little too physical due to exhaustion, you can pretty much control any argument from co-workers or customers. • Problem-solving (50 percent) If your friend who is also a parent says that their little one NEVER causes a problem, they’re lying to you. Some difficulties are more challenging than others, but as parents you learn to recognize them quickly and come up with a solution on the spot. In the workforce, thinking on your feet and solving problems are very attractive to potential employers.

Keep up the good work, parents! You’re learning new, transferable skills every day you spend with your kiddos.