Transitioning from WAHM to corporate: 5 things to remember

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Shifting gears from corporate to WAHM life has its own challenges, but the move from working/staying at home to corporate can be just as difficult. Here are 5 tips that are working for me so far.

Office photo...

1. It’s okay to cry. I’m sharing this first because this may be the last thing you’d want to do. If the thought of not being with your children most of the day is making you tear up now, I suggest giving in to the waterworks. Alone. Don’t cry in front of your husband — it could freak him out. (You can tell him about it later.) Here’s what you do: One afternoon, allow yourself to give in to all those emotions bottled up inside you and just let the tears flow. If crying is your way of expressing your disdain, frustration, even excitement of going back to a 9-5, go ahead. You can even put on some dramatics. “Who’s gonna take care of you while I’m gone?” “If only I didn’t have to work so I could watch you all day…” Yup, spew out all those lines that may or may not make sense. Nobody’s going to hear you anyway. It will be really good to get them off your chest. When the tears dry up, you’ll feel better. There’ll still be a little tinge of sadness, but you will feel lighter.

2. Tie up loose ends. If you’ve got pending deadlines, meet them now. Submit your invoices. Claim your payments. It’s much like getting a formal clearance form from your WAHM life. This way once corporate life begins, you can completely focus on your current work.

3. Indulge in your favorite moments of leisure. What are the things you do during the day that you won’t be able to do once you’re in your 9 to 5 job? If it’s going to the mall, live it up at the mall. If it’s napping as much as you can, by all means go grab those zzz’s. In my case it’s playing The Sims 3. It’s my favorite sanity saver. As soon as my son begins napping, I get on the computer and fire up my Sims. Ah! Sheer relaxation. I’m going to miss my daytime gaming a LOT.

4. Make a list of what excites you about going (back) to corporate. New clothes? Meetings? Coffee runs? Adult conversations? Whatever rocks your corporate boat, get giddy about them.

5. Focus on why you’re going (back) to corporate. Why are you leaving the work/stay-at-home set-up? Make a list of those reasons. Trim them down to one singular objective. Focus on it when you’re feeling fearful or uncertain about the decision you’ve made. The perspective gained will help you avoid wearing graduation goggles too long. (Graduation goggles: When you are about to end something but start seeing it in a new light, making you wish you weren’t ending it.)

You may have left the corporate life because of what you were afraid of missing out on at home. Now you know what those are, it could make the move to a 9-5 job even harder. I’m in that set. These 5 tips are helping me though. If you’ve got your own advice, please do share.

7 Comments on Transitioning from WAHM to corporate: 5 things to remember

    • Toni
      February 17, 2013 at 10:02 pm (11 years ago)

      Thank you Tina! Your prayers mean a LOT to me! *hugs back*

      Reply
  1. Lizanne
    February 19, 2013 at 11:54 pm (11 years ago)

    Hey, Toni! I didn’t know you were going back to advertising. :) Anyway, I wish you the best of luck. I remember being in the same situation two years ago when I came out of my sabbatical. You’re right, it’s not easy. But in my case, it felt so great to be doing the groceries without having to worry about going over budget. Enjoy the corporate life! Cheers!

    Reply
    • Toni
      February 20, 2013 at 8:01 am (11 years ago)

      Hi Lizanne! I started last Monday. Back to agency life! Are you still with JWT? Will we run into each other in the streets again? 😉 Thanks for the warm wishes!

      Reply
    • Toni
      February 20, 2013 at 7:56 am (11 years ago)

      Hi Kao! That’s so cute. We’ve been friends for so long it’s normal to think like that diba! :) Thanks for the concern. So far he is on ignore mode when I get home from work. He ignores me for about 20 minutes before warming up. I don’t blame him!

      Reply
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