Work Journal
In the best of all situations, each reentering person has a Job Search Objective (a plan detailing the specific type of job they will initially pursue) and a longer-term plan, say five years, outlining the positions they would like to hold beyond the first.
Once they secure their first job, the focus shifts from search to retention and preparation for advancement. The second reentry phase begins here, keeping, doing well, and progressing on this initial job. Sadly, this is where things often fall apart as the programming spotlight fades due to funding limitations or lack of proper hand-off to another related program or service.
But the spotlight fade is a topic for another time. I want to discuss a tactical tool used to support this second job retention phase: the work journal. Of course, maintaining a work journal is hardly specific to those reentering. Nonetheless, this type of journal can have significant benefits for those reentering.
However, a disclaimer of sorts is in order. As enthusiastic as I am about keeping a work journal, it can be a bridge too far for someone reentering with an extra full plate. Therefore, this is entirely discretionary. That said, I certainly recommend including it in the phase two tool bag. Set the stage and put it out there, but don't assume you know who will take to it or how they will (or should) use it. Encourage it, support it, and see what happens.
Here's how I present it to those reentering.
Gather the details
Starting from day one, document your job's specifics: the job description, your work schedule, assigned duties, the people you work with, those that supervise you, things learned, difficulties faced, surprising things, unexpected things, etc. Include the date and the day of the week for each entry.
Record the details
Start by writing about your (own) work story like a journalist. Focus on specifics and facts. When it's time to vent or ruminate, label this "Personal Note."
For each entry, start by writing your journalist recording. You may not have a personal comment about some entries; that's fine. But to make a personal note, you need a subject (your journalist recording), so make sure you have one. Doing this will help keep your journal entries associated with your work.
As a journalist, you write what (actually) happened.
As a personal commentator, you list how you felt about it.
Write often
Make a daily entry, a few paragraphs, or just one sentence. Get in the habit of recording (something) often and consistently.
Writing comes first, format second.
The most crucial point is this: Use a format you already know, the one you always use. Word or Google Docs, notes on your phone, handwritten in a notebook—all will work. What's important is doing it, writing journal entries. What device or format you select is up to you. Remember, though, that you're writing these notes for later use. Be organized and methodical in how you keep your journal.
How to use it
Your first job (removing stupendously rare situations) will not be your forever job. The goal is to advance in it and from it. Your work journal entries are what you use to prepare for an evaluation and when updating your resume. You need a factual record of what you did (in detail), how your duties changed (if so), and what you did to help move the business forward.
A cautionary note: After a month or so, the newness will go away. If things are going well, you'll ease up and become lax. Discipline for journal writing may wane. But stuff is still happening at work, new situations continue to pop up, and little changes (maybe big ones) are taking place. All of this is not to be missed. Trap the details, all the details.
The purpose for doing this
When it comes time to review what you've done for evaluation, resume updating, or applying for a new position, the usefulness of having a record of what you did on this initial job will become crystal clear.
But there's more to the story. Securing and retaining your first reentry job can be an emotional Mount Everest. Journaling can be cathartic and a self-help tool for personal feedback.
To get the most out of it (beyond recording the factual details of what happened), do the following:
Write your entry for the day (near real-time) soon after your work ends.
Don't edit as you write; focus on getting this information "out and down."
Don't edit when you're done - stop, save, and put it away.
Wait for a few days (a week is good) to review your entries.
You'll sometimes be tempted to erase or rip out an entry, but don't. If you feel differently or have another perspective after reviewing your writing, add a dated comment in the margins.
What you create by doing this will amaze and maybe even astonish you.
I hope that you will make it an unending habit.
Remember, this is your journal. It's for you. Use it to learn, grow, and advance.
Onward!