Up Close: Author Sharon Reed Abboud | LoudounExtra.com

Sharon Reed Abboud of Ashburn is the author of the new book, "All Moms Work, Short-Term Career Strategies for Long-Range Success," which was published by Loudoun-based Capital Books in April 2009.

In this e-mail interview, Abboud discusses her career decisions and why she decided to write a book about back-to-work options for moms.

Q: You graduated from American University and have taken graduate level courses. What degree do you have and what have your graduate studies focused on?

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Sharon Reed Abboud, of Ashburn, is the author of "All Moms Work," and is a stay-at-home mom and freelance writer specializing in writing about careers and higher education.

A: I have a BA and MA in international affairs from the American University. When I began my grad program, I started working full-time at the university, initially in the Career Center, and then as an academic advisor in the School of International Service. After that, I worked as an international telecommunications journalist. I left that position to become a stay-at-home mom/freelance writer. As a freelance writer, I have specialized primarily in writing about both careers and higher education, building on my background of working at American University.

Q: What prompted you to write your book, "All Moms Work," and what do you hope to accomplish through its publication?

A: When my children were very young, most of my neighbors and friends were stay-at-home moms. As the children got older, I expected to see many of these moms go back to work full-time. Rarely, however, did I see these moms return to the full-time workforce, unless that was her choice in terms of her career goals. Instead, some moms were working part-time or telecommuting. Others started successful businesses. Some moms had become consultants or writers. All of these moms were finding creative and enterprising ways to continue their careers and make money. I researched this phenomenon and found out that the same trend was happening throughout the country. I decided to write "All Moms Work" to focus on this trend.

I wrote "All Moms Work" as a practical guide for assessing work options - whether a stay-at-home parent wants to work part-time, telecommute, start a business - or work full-time with flexible hours. The book also focuses on how to re-enter the workforce on a full-time or part-time basis.

I interviewed many working moms from across the country and Canada for this book, including several Broadlands moms: Jane Braumann: who works as a part-time legal administrator, Jennifer Mangum and Suzan Meredith: who co-own a decorating business, and Lisa Svendsen: a direct sales consultant.

In "All Moms Work," I also interviewed some Northern Virginia moms who work at regionally-based companies: Booz Allen Hamilton: Victoria Dipalo, Marie Risser, and Kerri Westburg; Mitre Corporation: Nadine Monaco and Lillian Zarreli Ryals; and Accenture: Amy Cropper. I chose to interview working moms at these companies because all three of these companies offer outstanding work-life benefits to their employees.

Q: Did you struggle with a decision to go back to work and/or keep working after having kids? How did you personally adjust your career path to family life?

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"All Moms Work," by Sharon Reed Abboud, aims to be a practical guide for moms -- and dads -- wishing to assess their work options.

A: When I had my first child Melissa, I fully expected to go back to work. But, after I had her, my priorities changed for me, and my husband and I decided that I would stay home. I was fortunate in that I was able to have had that opportunity.

I wrote freelance articles on an occasional basis when my children were very young, and then revved up my career and began writing articles and career consulting on a full-time basis from home as they got older. Now that my children are in school full-time, I work from home while they are at school.

Q: Why did you decide to focus on moms? Is there information in the book that would serve stay-at-home dads as well?

A: "All Moms Work" is written primarily for stay-at-home moms who want to keep their careers on track for eventual re-entry. In 2006, there were 5.6 million stay-at-home moms and 159,000 stay-at-home dads nationwide, according to the U.S. Census.

While "All Moms Work" is written with a focus on women's concerns, many of the strategies in the book apply for both moms and dads who are job seekers and/or are looking for a better work-life balance. In terms of women's issues, there are lots of references in the book to women's networking and business organizations and mom issues (pregnancy, lactation rooms at companies, etc.). But, that said, work-life balance is important to everyone, and both moms and dads can find important information in "All Moms Work" about how to take steps toward finding their own ideal work-life balance.

A: Many companies nationwide are presently taking steps to be more "family friendly." An increasing number of companies are offering employees the opportunity to work as a part-time professional, telecommute, or work full-time with flexible hours. Some companies are offering extended maternity leaves and paternity leave. Some companies have set up summer camps for their employee's children, onsite or subsidized daycare, and a range of other work-life benefits.

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To be more "family friendly," I think more companies should offer these types of work-life benefits. Offering work-life benefits is not just advantageous to the employee and their children. The company benefits, too--because they have happier and more productive employees. According to research conducted by the Corporate Executive Board, among more than 50,000 global workers surveyed, work-life balance ranks second only to compensation in terms of a worker's priorities. Employees who think they have a positive work-life balance work 21 percent harder, according to the study.

Companies are also able to recruit talent from a much bigger pool by being able to lure back some of the nation's 5.6 million stay-at-home moms and 159,000 stay-at-home dads who would want to work on a part-time or full-time/flexible hours basis.

Q: What do you think is the most vital resource for a mom trying to enter or reenter the workforce? Do you think Loudoun does a good job at proving that resource?

A: One of the most vital resources is to keep current. In "All Moms Work," I advise stay-at-home moms to make sure they keep up-to-date with technology (including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel), changes in their industry, and any certifications or re-certifications that may be necessary in their career field.

Loudoun is doing an excellent job providing that resource. Northern Virginia Community College's Loudoun Campus, for example, offers many credit and non-credit courses that can help job seekers get up-to-date with technology and the industry that they hope to re-enter.

A: Everything! Loudoun County is a wonderful place to raise a family. The schools are excellent. We love living in Broadlands. The children have been on the Broadlands swim team for 7 years (go Piranhas!) and are active in community activities, including the Loudoun Youth Soccer Association (LYSA). We enjoy living close by to Washington, D.C. in order to go to museums and attend cultural activities.

Q: Tell us something about yourself that would surprise your friends and colleagues.

A: While I was in college as an undergraduate, I had the wonderful opportunity to be an eyewitness to some extraordinary careers. I was an intern at both the White House and at the British House of Commons in London, England.