Moms often underestimate their worth in the workplace
March 14, 2012
There's no doubt that the decision to re-enter the working world can be a difficult one for mothers, whether their children are babies or older.
While one of the biggest reasons many women decide to go back to work is financial, studies show that moms often make less than other workers. Government data finds that women make 81 cents for every dollar their male peers make. In addition, a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of New Mexico found that working mothers make an average of 7 to 14 percent less than women without children.
Most moms who decide to take part-time jobs that allow them to work without sacrificing too much of their time with their children understand that they'll make less. But experts say many women who go back to work after having kids tend to underestimate their value.
In fact, Forbes magazine reports that a recent study conducted by Netmums.com found many managers feel that mothers are underestimated for the contributions they make to the workplace.
Two in five managers believe [mothers] work faster and can multi-task while a third said [they] are more motivated and responsible," the publication reports.
Netmums founder and working mother Siobhan Freegard told the Huffington Post UK that there are many reasons moms are often considered model employees, such as an increased maturity level, productivity and commitment.
She also says moms should feel confident in what they can contribute to the workplace, regardless of how long they've been absent from it.
"Look at what you have learned from becoming a [mother] to boost your career and help improve your company," Freegard advised. "Maybe you can see a gap in the market for how your firm can help sell to [moms], for example. It's natural to feel nervous when you go back to work but don't worry. You are still you, still capable of doing the job - but you now have a whole new set of skills to do excel at your work even better."
Having a college degree may also boost your worth in the workplace.
Recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau found that, in 2010, individuals with a bachelor's degree made an average of $58,000 per year, compared to $31,000 per year for those with only a high school diploma.
Mothers who want to pursue their dream of getting a college education before re-entering the workforce should know that they can take advantage of grants for parents, scholarships for mothers, single mother scholarships and other financial aid to help offset the cost.
