9 tips: Working after parental leave

1. Review your own desires

After pregnancy and childbirth, you will certainly have other things on your mind, but it is worth thinking about other goals in your job and career early on. How much can and do you want to work after maternity leave? What specific wishes do you have of your employer? What is the best way to implement your ideas with your partner and child? Knowing what you want makes it easier to plan next steps.

2. Early discussions with the boss

At least three months before the end of your parental leave, you should clarify with your employer whether you can go back to work after your parental leave. The earlier you discuss your professional future with the company, the easier it is to organize a return to work for both sides. Be aware that you may have to make compromises – especially if you make requests at very short notice. Of course you do not have to accept every condition of your boss and you should inform yourself thoroughly about legal regulations on parental leave and occupational safety. You can find important tips on this topic in our article “Rights towards the employer during parental leave” .

3. Working part-time during parental leave

Even while you are taking parental leave and parental allowance, you can work part-time for up to 30 hours a week. Most employers are happy not to have to do without their skilled workers completely and you keep in touch with work and companies. You must tell your boss seven weeks before you want to work part-time, preferably when you register for parental leave. You can find more information on this topic in our article “Parental leave and working part-time?” .

4. Show commitment and interest

If a part-time job is not an option, there are other ways of staying in contact with the company. Stay in touch with colleagues and inquire about internal training. You may also be able to step in as a holiday replacement. In this way, you not only stay up to date on changes in the company, but also signal your interest and commitment to your employer – an absolute bonus for returning to work after parental leave.

5. Work on qualifications during parental leave

You can also do a lot at home to stay technically fit. Find out about current topics and developments that are important for your job in trade journals. Perhaps a distance or online course can also be incorporated into your daily routine. They offer the advantage that you can work on your qualifications very flexibly in terms of time, for example when your little ones are in bed.

6. Organize childcare early on

When you go back to work after parental leave, you need someone to look after your children during working hours. Use the parental leave to find out about the childcare options in your area. A place in a KiTa, kindergarten or after-school care center usually has to be organized very early on. Alternatives such as a childminder or a nanny may also be an option. It is also helpful to have a private safety net made up of family, neighbors or other parents who can step in if, for example, your child becomes unexpectedly ill.

7. Become aware of strengths and weaknesses

Before you go back to work after parental leave, it’s worth doing a little strength and weakness check. In some areas that are important for your job, you may need to refresh your skills and knowledge. Don’t forget that you also developed many new strengths during your maternity leave that can help you in your job. Strong nerves, organizational skills and pronounced social skills are skills that are in demand not only within one’s own four walls, but also on the job market.

8. Deal with bad conscience properly

When you return to everyday work, there will always be people in your circle of friends or acquaintances who think your return to work is much too early. There may even be voices that you would neglect your children if you go back to work after parental leave. In such a case, it is important that you are confident in your decision and do not let the statements of the complainers get too close to you. You decided together with your family and for yourself that you go back to work and it in no way means that you are a bad mother. It is only important that you as a family are happy with the new situation.

9. Take your time and accept help

Back at work, the first time may be unfamiliar and a bit scary for you. Don’t panic, everything doesn’t have to work overnight. Most parents are familiar with this problem and need some time to find their way back into the world of work. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and ask colleagues for help. In this way, you will regain your security and your usual work rhythm more quickly.

Maybe you can’t or don’t want to work for your old employer after your parental leave and you’re looking for a new job. In many cities and municipalities, mothers who are looking to return to work receive special support from the employment agency, equality bodies or local networks. On the Internet you can get a good overview of offers of help in your area, for example on “Perspective Re-entry” , an initiative of the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth.