ways2work - Parents and carers
You are employable
What employers think
Your career is a lifelong journey that includes all the roles, learning and jobs you’ve ever had. Your time as a parent or carer has helped make you who you are and given you valuable skills. In a recent survey 100 Victorian employers said they saw parents and carers as:
- eager and fresh with a realistic understanding of the skills they need to develop
- a stable, long-term investment
- highly self-motivated and great role models
- having leadership skills and the ability to work in a team
- skilled at dealing with clients, customers and colleagues
- sensitive and compassionate
Your experience is valuable
Looking after children or caring for other family members or friends can be a full-time job. In your role as parent/carer, you have:
- been a committed and motivated worker
- had to meet huge obstacles head on
- set achievable short and long-term goals
- had to be flexible and able to revise your plans
- shown persistence and seen things through
These experiences show you have imagination, motivation and initiative, that you can anticipate situations and respond quickly and efficiently.
Your skills matter
To gain a better understanding of your skills, interests and preferences, complete the About Me form and take a look at the WorkSpeak for Your Resume (PDF 80kb) fact sheet. Download this to your computer and update it as you spend more time in ways2work. It will be a great resource when you develop your resume and reflect on the types of working conditions you want to negotiate with your employer.
Tell Us Your Story.
We'd like to hear from you about your experiences of balancing work and family.