Going back to work in my early 50s

[Anonymous]

Going back after 12 years being at home. I was a decent software-industry client and project manager in my previous life, for almost 20 years, before kids. I didn’t like my last role and can’t imagine going back to that world. I have two questions:

For those who have gone back after 10+ years and made a pivot, how did you decide what you wanted? And how did you get there?

In my early 50s, how on earth do I make myself an appealing candidate for anything?!

[Anonymous]

I think it would be easy to go back to project mgmt.

If you are not a PMP I suggest getting it but you can be a project coordinator in the meantime to ease back in.

[Anonymous]

I was very involved in my kids’ schools and parlayed that into paid work in fundraising after 11 years SAHM.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Going back after 12 years being at home. I was a decent software-industry client and project manager in my previous life, for almost 20 years, before kids. I didn’t like my last role and can’t imagine going back to that world. I have two questions:

For those who have gone back after 10+ years and made a pivot, how did you decide what you wanted? And how did you get there?

In my early 50s, how on earth do I make myself an appealing candidate for anything?!

Early 50s will be 100% fine. Just do it now - get in now. Don't wait or it won't be fine.

[Anonymous]

Why work if you don’t need the money?

[Anonymous]

Went back in an admin role at a university. LOVE IT! Days are busy but the work isn't stressful. I love the people and the interaction and am an excellent multi-tasker. I clock out at the end of the day and get to enjoy my life and family fully off the clock. I can WFH some days as well.

[Anonymous]

I just landed a job and have an almost identical profile to you. Initially I was going to return to a similar job, then once I got more recent experience on my resume, I would look at other options. I was also focused on returnships since they look specifically for people who have been out of the workforce. Take a look at iRelaunch and Path Forward.

[Anonymous]

I am in your exact situation. 51, almost 12 years at home and a former tech PM. I have no real references anymore, haven't attempted to write a resume (is it even relevant??) and don't even know where to begin.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Went back in an admin role at a university. LOVE IT! Days are busy but the work isn't stressful. I love the people and the interaction and am an excellent multi-tasker. I clock out at the end of the day and get to enjoy my life and family fully off the clock. I can WFH some days as well.

DP here. Depends entirely on the school. Know this, OP. Some are better to work for than others.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just landed a job and have an almost identical profile to you. Initially I was going to return to a similar job, then once I got more recent experience on my resume, I would look at other options. I was also focused on returnships since they look specifically for people who have been out of the workforce. Take a look at iRelaunch and Path Forward.

Not in your field but I have seen “return ships” posted on LinkedIn for mom’s returning to the work force. They look like great opportunities.

[Anonymous]

What about dads? DH was stay at home dad for ten years and is having a really hard time getting back in the work force. This makes me feel terrible.

[Anonymous]

I went back to work in my early 50’s after 20 years as SAHM. I got a job in the same sector as I was in when I left. It was all about keeping up connections with people and keeping up with my skills in a volunteer capacity. And luck—job opening at the right time and running into someone that could get me in by chance. Didn’t have luck with LinkedIn or Indeed or anything like that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I went back to work in my early 50’s after 20 years as SAHM. I got a job in the same sector as I was in when I left. It was all about keeping up connections with people and keeping up with my skills in a volunteer capacity. And luck—job opening at the right time and running into someone that could get me in by chance. Didn’t have luck with LinkedIn or Indeed or anything like that.

I don’t see how you maintain work connections over the course of 20 years when you aren’t working. I assume most people have a network that includes people older who would retire. 20 years is a long long time. I’d struggle what to even share or talk about professionally after not working even 5 years. Your situation seems like an outlier.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Went back in an admin role at a university. LOVE IT! Days are busy but the work isn't stressful. I love the people and the interaction and am an excellent multi-tasker. I clock out at the end of the day and get to enjoy my life and family fully off the clock. I can WFH some days as well.

This sounds perfect.

My advice is to use your network. I took a big break, and I came back to a position that is closely related to what I used to do. But I needed a connection to get in the door. Tell all your friends that you're looking. They may have good advice or may know about openings at their companies.

[Anonymous]

I had a ~20 year career, stayed home for about 10 years and returned to the workforce a few years ago. I was in a technical role and completely pivoted into the admin side. I networked, but also, took a chance on this role knowing that if it didn't work out, I could do something else. I think networking is key, being open to something different and not overthinking an opportunity.