Career Counselling Considerations for Mothers Returning to Work

Charles P. Chen; Stephanie Lappano

doi:10.53379/cjcd.2023.353

Authors

Charles P. Chen University of Toronto
Stephanie Lappano

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53379/cjcd.2023.353

Keywords:

career development, mothers returning to work, working mothers, career theories, counselling interventions

Abstract

Women transitioning back to work from motherhood face complex challenges, including changes in their self-concept, priorities, self-confidence, and career-related beliefs. To effectively support mothers contemplating workforce reentry, career counsellors must understand the unique interplay between their clients’ home, community, and previous work lives and its impact on their career development. This article integrates relevant concepts from the career development theories of Super, Krumboltz, and Social Cognitive Career Theory with current literature to inform career counselling interventions aimed at optimizing the reentry experiences of mothers returning to work.

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