SAHM needing to go back to work

[Anonymous]

Been out of office workforce for 16 years. I have a preschool teacher for 4 years, but what does that give me, really, in experience? I have a BA in polo sci, lots of masters work, but never finished degree

Now I need something that doesn’t take all my attention, just served w divorce papers, have two kids I need to handle. I stayed home so they had a good home environment, and I could keep eye on teen actions, now what???

Would love suggestions on how rejoin work world. What would be good job

[Anonymous]

Seems like you could go back to teaching in a preschool or working in a daycare. You might also be able to find retail with hours that suit you -- though you would have to be willing to work weekend hours.

FWIW, most employers want to have your full attention during the hours that they are paying you.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, I would focus on work while at work,

I just meant that I don’t want a Job that would come home w me all the time. I want to be able to focus on helping mY kids move on when it’s family time

Are there preschool jobs that offer a living wage? I love my job but it only pays $10k,not nearly enough

[Anonymous]

You have a college degree, so I would try to get an admin job in an office. You do not want to be a retail/service worker if you can help it. They don't treat this people well in most places. A professional job, you at least have standard hours for the most part and you may get decent benefits.

Plenty of people raise great kids and are great parents who work so I wouldn't worry about that. Yes, it's nice to have a flexible job when you have teens, but they should be out of the house most of the day anyway right? School, sports/clubs/etc.?

[Anonymous]

I would look for an admin job with the Feds. You need to prepare yourself to send out a ton of resumes and then interviews. I went back to work after 7 year as a SAHM. It was brutal. Think about how to sell yourself. It’s easy to see what’s wrong, think about what’s good then highlight that in a resume.

[Anonymous]

After 16 years out of the workforce, an admin job is going to be tough to find. No employer is going to spend time and money to train you on the software that you need to use day-to-day when there are many other qualified applicants who already know it. You may need to pay out of pocket to get trained on basic Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, etc. and get some sort of certification to prove you can hit the ground running. You might also consider a writing course.

Start spreading the word to your friends, family and neighbors that you need a job. The best chance you have right now is word-of-mouth.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would look for an admin job with the Feds. You need to prepare yourself to send out a ton of resumes and then interviews. I went back to work after 7 year as a SAHM. It was brutal. Think about how to sell yourself. It’s easy to see what’s wrong, think about what’s good then highlight that in a resume.

She's not getting on with the Fedafter 16 years out of the workforce.

Honestly OP you're gonna have to hustle. Either someone you know is going to have to take a chance on you and hope you are a quick learner or you're going to be doing retail. I can't imagine what applicable skills you've got after 16 years of no experience and a bachelors in political science.

Ladies, don't quit your jobs, even if you don't need the money.

[Anonymous]

Get a job as a special ed aide in Fairfax County. They have a program to support the aides to become teachers. It will give you health benefits and a bit of money. Since you were a sahp for so long, you should be eligible for alimony long enough to get on your feet. Concentrate on getting a a good lawyer so you get your fair share of your STBX’s retirement and your combined assets.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would look for an admin job with the Feds. You need to prepare yourself to send out a ton of resumes and then interviews. I went back to work after 7 year as a SAHM. It was brutal. Think about how to sell yourself. It’s easy to see what’s wrong, think about what’s good then highlight that in a resume.

She's not getting on with the Fedafter 16 years out of the workforce.

Honestly OP you're gonna have to hustle. Either someone you know is going to have to take a chance on you and hope you are a quick learner or you're going to be doing retail. I can't imagine what applicable skills you've got after 16 years of no experience and a bachelors in political science.

Ladies, don't quit your jobs, even if you don't need the money.

Not always that black and white. I am also a person who has been out of the work force 15+ years. Our two children each had special needs that needed to be addressed to get them launched into an independent adulthood. It was not going to happen with two working parents- the time required was too great. It worked out for us.

I suggest couples make a post-nuptial agreement if one of them ends up sah, but this thread isn’t really to discuss those things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get a job as a special ed aide in Fairfax County. They have a program to support the aides to become teachers. It will give you health benefits and a bit of money. Since you were a sahp for so long, you should be eligible for alimony long enough to get on your feet. Concentrate on getting a a good lawyer so you get your fair share of your STBX’s retirement and your combined assets.

The pay for this is about what a daycare worker makes.

I think the office admin at schools are paid in the 40-50k range. They might be competitive positions to get though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Get a job as a special ed aide in Fairfax County. They have a program to support the aides to become teachers. It will give you health benefits and a bit of money. Since you were a sahp for so long, you should be eligible for alimony long enough to get on your feet. Concentrate on getting a a good lawyer so you get your fair share of your STBX’s retirement and your combined assets.

The pay for this is about what a daycare worker makes.

I think the office admin at schools are paid in the 40-50k range. They might be competitive positions to get though.

Teacher here. They're INCREDIBLY competitive. 500+ applicants per spot. You won't get it without admin experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would look for an admin job with the Feds. You need to prepare yourself to send out a ton of resumes and then interviews. I went back to work after 7 year as a SAHM. It was brutal. Think about how to sell yourself. It’s easy to see what’s wrong, think about what’s good then highlight that in a resume.

She's not getting on with the Fedafter 16 years out of the workforce.

Honestly OP you're gonna have to hustle. Either someone you know is going to have to take a chance on you and hope you are a quick learner or you're going to be doing retail. I can't imagine what applicable skills you've got after 16 years of no experience and a bachelors in political science.

Ladies, don't quit your jobs, even if you don't need the money.

Not always that black and white. I am also a person who has been out of the work force 15+ years. Our two children each had special needs that needed to be addressed to get them launched into an independent adulthood. It was not going to happen with two working parents- the time required was too great. It worked out for us.

I suggest couples make a post-nuptial agreement if one of them ends up sah, but this thread isn’t really to discuss those things.

Yep I do get that but OP says it was just to be there for the kids and keep an eye on teen shenanigans. Great for the kids, great for husband whose career undoubtedly thrived, but now she's screwed.

[Anonymous]

OP, reach out to the Women's Center in Vienna. They put you in touch with people for networking. The people have volunteered to provide networking when requested, and that might lead to a job. Also they have information on lots of resources and services to help women in a myriad of ways. Many counties offer software training for free. The Women's Center will help you figure out all of these resources, or you can also try the VA unemployment office which also offers lots of resources to help you find a job.

The unemployment rate is currently super low. That will work in your favor. You CAN do it!

Good luck to you, OP. Just remember the little train that could. I think I can! I think I can!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, I would focus on work while at work,

I just meant that I don’t want a Job that would come home w me all the time. I want to be able to focus on helping mY kids move on when it’s family time

Are there preschool jobs that offer a living wage? I love my job but it only pays $10k,not nearly enough

You could make a lot more money working as a FT nanny.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, I would focus on work while at work,

I just meant that I don’t want a Job that would come home w me all the time. I want to be able to focus on helping mY kids move on when it’s family time

Are there preschool jobs that offer a living wage? I love my job but it only pays $10k,not nearly enough

You could make a lot more money working as a FT nanny.

This crossed my mind as well. You have a college degree, childcare experience, and appear to be a proficient English speaker. I would think you would be competitive for that type of position.