Moms wanting to return to the workplace can gain insight and support from Mom's Next Move. Monica Samuels, co-author of "Comeback Moms," formed the Web site with J.C. Conklin to teach mothers how to effectively leave and return to the office years later.

Samuels, a practicing lawyer for 12 years, faced the difficulty of balancing her career and home life after her first child was born. During her second pregnancy, Samuels decided to take a break from the workplace to be with her children. While being a stay-at-home mom, she found other women that hoped to eventually return to the office.

Samuels wanted to help prepare mothers - confidence tends to decrease the longer workers are away from the workplace environment.

"Sharing stories helps others," says Samuels. "Listening to other women's stories and ideas can help you find your own path."

The site gives mothers a place to share concerns and read about other women's success stories in trying to balance family and career. Sign up to become a member and join a forum. Samuels says it is free and gives women access to approximately 10 to 12 different discussions.

Samuels recommends that stay-at-home mothers maintain or develop job contacts. When you are getting ready to leave your job, tell your boss and co-workers you want to stay in touch and will return soon.

Create new contacts through volunteer opportunities, according to Samuels. If you are a member of the PTA or help with your child's sport team or club, include your duties and accomplishments on your resume. Moms can be good team players in the office, especially with the skill of multitasking.

Samuels is excited about this site and feels she is making a difference; forums develop ideas to create a more workable balance between family and work.

"I want women to know that they can still have a worthwhile career after a family," says Samuels.

For more information, visit www.momsnextmove.com

WORRIED GRADS

College grads may be compromising when it comes to finding a job in today's sluggish economy. Forty-four percent of respondents, according to Vault.com's Job Market for New Grads survey that questioned 298 students, say they're very worried about locating employment after graduation. Forty-two percent of respondents feel somewhat concerned, while only 14 percent aren't worried at all.

"It's tough even getting a response, let alone an interview. I worry daily about finding employment," according to a student.

Half of new grads received one or more offers, and 37 percent of those respondents took the opportunity. Although fewer positions have been presented to grads, only 8 percent of students lost their invitations to join a company.

Due to the slow job market, 48 percent of respondents have expanded their job hunting to contain a variety of geographic locations. And 56 percent are in the process of looking at other industries for employment.

"It is a tough market out there for new grads right now, especially in the professional service industries such as banking and consulting," says Erik Sorenson, chief executive officer of Vault.com.

Job anxiety has caused 19 percent of students to take their first position offer, and 22 percent compromised when it came to salary, benefits and perks.

"The best thing any job-seeker can do is to be as well-informed as possible about the industry, the company they're applying to, and the specific skill set required for the job," says Sorenson. "Doing your research and presenting yourself accordingly is the best way to increase your chances of getting that offer."

For more information, visit www.vault.com.

E-mail Amy Winter at amy.winter@copleynews.com or write to P.O. Box 120190, San Diego, CA 92112.

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