Q I have been a banking executive for the past 10 years and I was retrenched recently. My husband has been encouraging me to become a stay-at-home mum. He thinks this is the best chance for me to spend more time with our children, who are aged 10 and eight.

Should I stay away from the corporate world or continue to look for another job? Although I am keen to stay at home, what about the financial implications for my family if I'm not bringing in any money? Also, I'm worried about whether I can still get a job if I wait till the children are grown up.

A Dealing with the loss of your job is not easy. But company restructuring is common and has resulted in many people facing career changes. The financial crisis in the United States is not helping either. It is important that you move on with your career and your life with grace and dignity, and that you turn this situation into an opportunity for yourself.

A toast to you if, after careful consideration, you decide to raise your children full-time. Few would dispute the benefits of this arrangement.

Before you make a final decision, however, consider the following: Is this a joint decision? Do you make it out of guilt or love? Would you become a full-time housewife if you had not been retrenched? What if you had an attractive job offer on hand? How would you react if a relative or friend asked: 'Won't you go insane facing your children all day?'

If you are satisfied with the answers, you are probably taking up one of the best jobs around by becoming a full-time mother.

However, be honest with yourself and take some time to calm down and think everything through rationally before you decide.

Be practical too about the financial implications. Are you able to cut back on your expenses? Sit down with your husband and review your financial records thoroughly. List down your expenses and work out exactly how long you could go without an income.

A career comeback for stay-at-home mums is quite feasible as women tend to live longer than men. Even if you don't have plans to rejoin the workforce, it is always wise to remain employable as your priorities and circumstances might change.

Networking is usually the most effective way to land a job - especially for someone trying to get back into the workforce after being away for an extended period.

Get references before you leave your organisation and keep your referees updated regarding your plans. Schedule lunches with former bosses and colleagues. Continue to build relationships with your contacts in the industry.

Consider taking up short courses or part-time jobs, or doing volunteer work. Keep up with the trends and technological changes in your industry. Make sure your resume is always updated, so you can start your job search immediately when the right moment comes along.

You could find that being a stay-at-home mother is a more challenging job than many others out there. Manage your expectations and those of the people around you. Even if mum is spending more time with the children, that doesn't mean dad should take a back seat.

If you do become a full-time mum, do it from the heart and this could turn out to be the most rewarding part of your whole career.

Clement Ong
Deputy managing director
NeXT Career Consulting Group, Asia

Advice provided in this column is not meant as a substitute for comprehensive professional advice. E-mail questions to lorna@sph.com.sg

This article was first published in The Straits Times on July 20, 2008.