In just two weeks’ time, I will be ditching my flip flops for heels, hiding the bags under my eyes with a generous application of makeup, and returning to the workforce.
I must admit that after 12 whole months of maternity leave, I’m going through a roller coaster of emotions right now. One minute I’m yearning to sink my teeth into a decent project, the next I’m freaking out that I’ve been away for so long I’ll have nothing to offer other than a detailed analysis of the last 12 months of Peppa Pig.
I received a call last week from a very cool chick I work with though, and I must admit she has me pumped about my return.
My work, you see, is doing something pretty awesome for women in Queensland. Something that I, as a woman who has been out of the workforce for 12 months and totally gets how daunting it can be to return to work, am excited about.
The Queensland Government (my work) via the Supporting Women Scholarships program is offering scholarships of up to $20,000 each to help women of all ages gain a qualification in a range of traditionally male dominated fields.
More than 300 scholarships are up for grabs for women to study agricultural, environmental, architecture, building, engineering, earth sciences or information technology courses. The courses can be anything from vocational education and training to undergraduate or postgraduate uni degrees.
If you’ve been on extended leave like me and are keen to refresh your skills before you re-enter the workforce, or if you want to take the leap into a completely new career, one of these scholarships could be a real win for you.
Nothing quashes your dreams more than lack of funds, especially if you have a family to support. $20,000 would go a long way in relieving the stress of financial burden giving you a real chance to chase your dreams and carve yourself a rewarding career.
If you know someone who may be interested in the scholarships – don’t forget it’s open to school leavers too – please share this post.
Applications close 11 October 2013 for scholarships commencing at the beginning of the 2014 academic year.
For detailed information about the Supporting Women Scholarships program, visit http://www.supportingwomen.qld.gov.au
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit
August 27, 2013 at 6:41 am (4 years ago)What a great purpose to return to! That’s truly awesome.
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit
mummywifeme
August 27, 2013 at 1:26 pm (4 years ago)Thanks Leanne. Yes, I’m excited to be involved!
Kathy
August 27, 2013 at 6:48 am (4 years ago)Great work Renee – my day job is with Gold Coast City Council in Economic Development, specifically around education and workforce development – I’ll be in touch. And good luck with the return to work!
mummywifeme
August 27, 2013 at 1:27 pm (4 years ago)Thanks Kathy 🙂 Great. I’m involved in workforce development too, so I’m sure we’ll have a lot to chat about 🙂
Deb @ home life simplified
August 27, 2013 at 7:12 am (4 years ago)What an awesome initiative and great thing to return to work to do. And you can always watch Peppa Pig on I view lol.
mummywifeme
August 27, 2013 at 1:28 pm (4 years ago)Lol. True Deb 🙂 I’m sure I will never be able to escape it!
Seana - Sydney, Kids, Food + Travel
August 27, 2013 at 11:20 am (4 years ago)Now that does sound a great idea, totally liberating for the women who get the scholariships… and awesome to go back to really cool work like that. I imagine it’ll be a massive adjustment, but with heaps of good stuff for you.
mummywifeme
August 27, 2013 at 1:28 pm (4 years ago)Yes that’s right, Seana. Having interesting projects to work on should make it all the more easier 🙂
JodiGibson (@JFGibsonWriter)
August 27, 2013 at 11:33 am (4 years ago)What an awesome initiative, fantastic. And good luck on your return to work 🙂
mummywifeme
August 27, 2013 at 1:29 pm (4 years ago)Thanks Jodi 🙂
Tahlia - the parenting files
August 27, 2013 at 11:48 am (4 years ago)ha… just read an interview about you… sounds like you do some awesome stuff and change lives for the better. Always a difficult time when returning to work and roles begin to change and everything else in between. Good luck with the transition and know that all the feelings you are feeling is totally normal and okay x
mummywifeme
August 27, 2013 at 1:29 pm (4 years ago)Thank you, Tahlia 🙂 Yes it will be an interesting transition. I’ll keep you all posted on how I go x
Twitchy
August 27, 2013 at 11:51 am (4 years ago)That is great to read, a lot of positives there. Everyone feels the nerves about returning, especially the longer you’ve been away. That scheme sounds fantastic- pity I’m not in Queensland! #teamIBOT
mummywifeme
August 27, 2013 at 1:30 pm (4 years ago)Yes, true. Be sure to let all your Queensland friends know though 🙂
Janet @ Redland City Living
August 27, 2013 at 2:35 pm (4 years ago)What a great scheme! Trouble is I’m a boring old girly girl and not interested in male dominated professions … but if I think of anybody suitable I’ll be sure to let them know!
mummywifeme
August 27, 2013 at 8:12 pm (4 years ago)Thanks Janet 🙂
Emily @ Have a laugh on me
August 27, 2013 at 2:44 pm (4 years ago)That is awesome and I remember writing a news article about that some months ago – it’s a great incentive and it would be great if more women knew about!
Bet it’s a daunting thought!!!!! GO YOU Ren 🙂 xx
mummywifeme
August 27, 2013 at 8:12 pm (4 years ago)Thanks Em 🙂 You’re such a great cheerleader 🙂 Always giving me positive feedback 🙂 x
Claireyhewitt
August 27, 2013 at 2:49 pm (4 years ago)I love working on good projects and this sounds like an ace one to be part of. Happy Return To work!
mummywifeme
August 27, 2013 at 8:13 pm (4 years ago)Thanks so much!
Katyberry
August 27, 2013 at 3:07 pm (4 years ago)Wow – working at a university Careers & Employment service as I do, this is great information. I’m going to check it out, and then pass the info around. As well as enrolled students, we speak with a lot of prospective students, and also have a team that works around building aspirations in people that might not traditionally see university as an option.
Also, how great to be returning to a job that has such a positive impact. Kick Arse!
mummywifeme
August 27, 2013 at 8:14 pm (4 years ago)Thanks Katrina. Yes, please spread the word around QUT. Please get in touch if you need any info, promotional material etc 🙂
Lisa@RandomActsOfZen
August 27, 2013 at 3:07 pm (4 years ago)That’s a fabulous initiative Renee, I’m sure you’re super proud to be involved!!
PS, thanks for your wonderful interview xx
mummywifeme
August 27, 2013 at 8:13 pm (4 years ago)You’re welcome, Lisa. Yep, I’m lucky to be involved x
Josefa @always Josefa
August 27, 2013 at 4:58 pm (4 years ago)What a great initiative! Good luck sliding back into mummy work mode x
mummywifeme
August 27, 2013 at 8:15 pm (4 years ago)Thanks Josefa, I’ll need it 🙂 x
Mystery Case
August 27, 2013 at 5:18 pm (4 years ago)All the best with your return to work. I was made redundant when I was on maternity leave with my first and 3 under 3 kids later and moving too often with hubby’s work never did make it back to the workforce. Have been working for myself (freelance for others) for almost 15 years now and could/would never go back.
mummywifeme
August 27, 2013 at 8:16 pm (4 years ago)Wow. That’s fantastic. I guess things sure do happen for a reason 🙂
Sam Stone
August 27, 2013 at 5:40 pm (4 years ago)That is great Renee!
mummywifeme
August 27, 2013 at 8:16 pm (4 years ago)Thanks Sam 🙂
Robomum
August 27, 2013 at 5:45 pm (4 years ago)Brilliant!
Robomum
August 27, 2013 at 5:45 pm (4 years ago)Brilliant stuff!
mummywifeme
August 27, 2013 at 8:16 pm (4 years ago)Thanks Robomum 🙂
Jen B Hale
August 27, 2013 at 8:21 pm (4 years ago)You go girlfriend. Its not easy going to work however those around will always help you. Fantastic opportunity offered and woman should be encouraged to apply.
mummywifeme
August 27, 2013 at 8:23 pm (4 years ago)Thanks Jen 🙂 Yeah, it’s such a great initiative. I’m lucky to be involved 🙂
Grace
August 27, 2013 at 9:06 pm (4 years ago)How cool is it that you’re using your blog to spread the good word of this amazing scholarship?! Well done, Renee! This project sounds like it’ll be great incentive to get back to work!
mummywifeme
August 27, 2013 at 9:37 pm (4 years ago)Yes, well one of our target demographics happens to be readers of my blog, so we thought we’d give it a go and drum up a little interest 🙂 Thanks Grace 🙂
Lara @ This Charming Mum
August 27, 2013 at 9:40 pm (4 years ago)How awesome to be returning to the workforce with such a worthwhile project to sink your teeth into. I’m convinced there were only ever about 4 episodes of Peppa Pig made I’ve seen them all SO MANY TIMES! Best of luck making the change back to working mum. Maybe you can share some of the success stories from the project on the blog?
mummywifeme
August 27, 2013 at 10:01 pm (4 years ago)Yes, maybe, Lara 🙂 I saw an ep that I’d never seen before today. Shock horror. Madame Gazelle took all of the kids camping. Crazy. I swear I knew every ep off by heart 😉
Rach
August 27, 2013 at 9:41 pm (4 years ago)Your work sounds incredible…..be sure to pack some bandaids in case the heels give you grief while you’re helping to change peoples lives
mummywifeme
August 27, 2013 at 10:01 pm (4 years ago)Lol, Rach. I hope I can remember how to walk in said heels 😉
Tegan
August 27, 2013 at 10:35 pm (4 years ago)What an awesome initiative!
mummywifeme
August 28, 2013 at 9:35 am (4 years ago)Thanks Tegan 🙂
veggie mama
August 28, 2013 at 10:20 pm (4 years ago)Concealer is my best friend! Good luck on your return. You’ll be surprised how handy the Peppa Pig knowledge will be 😉
mummywifeme
August 28, 2013 at 10:40 pm (4 years ago)Lol. Thanks Stacey. I’m sure I can impress them with my extensive PP knowledge. If all else fails I’ve just learned the routine to Lazytown’s theme song 😉
Sonia Life Love Hiccups
August 31, 2013 at 1:18 pm (4 years ago)I love hearing about initiatives that support women – go the girl power. Good luck with your return to work hun, and be kind to yourself. Like anything it is a transition and you need to allow yourself time to find your groove. xx
mummywifeme
August 31, 2013 at 9:48 pm (4 years ago)Thanks Sonia 🙂 I feel lucky to have such a great support network around me and yes, awesome project to be involved in 🙂 x
Lisa
September 3, 2013 at 11:05 pm (4 years ago)I can only imagine how adjustments will need to be made with going back to the workforce. Your job sounds so interesting, helping others gain assistance while gaining a new skill would be so rewarding, and so empowering.
Hope you have lots of fun, and smooth transactions back into work 🙂
mummywifeme
September 4, 2013 at 6:55 am (4 years ago)Thanks so much, Lisa. I’m enjoying my last few days of ‘freedom’ this week. Arrgghh 😉