Calling all SAHMs who have gone back to work without having any hard skills....what did you do?

[Anonymous]

Been a SAHM for over 15 years. Despite going to HYP and getting a grad degree from HYP eons ago I don't have any hard skills that would be enticing enough for any employer to hire me. The IVY part is irrelevant I KNOW and I suppose I am humble bragging. Just implying that I might have some brain cells left to learn on the job.

I don't need the money. But it would be nice to earn something just for my self-esteem. I also don't mind volunteering.

My current abilities are sadly limited to the mommying skills. NO OTHER SKILLS to offer. Wondering what others in my situation have done. Got certifications? Went back to school? Volunteered first? Where? Success stories and ideas appreciated.

[Anonymous]

A lot of big companies are doing return-ships or returnity programs...
They all coin them differently so you'll have to do the research on each company. It's about upskilling to return to the workforce. I would think your ivy degree would carry some weight in the application process. You'll need some nifty resume tricks but you can figure that out.

Here's one from Deloitte as an example.

https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/careers/articles/join-deloitte-encore-program.html?id=us:2ps:3gl:firmfy24:eng:greendot:062623:nonem:na:P3LXikM0:1323612026:688667304383:p:Generic_Recruiting-AO-Phrase:Generic_Recruiting-AO-Encore-RTW_Phrase:nb&pcridmt=688667304383&gad_source=1&slid=&gclid=CjwKCAiAi6uvBhADEiwAWiyRdmYRlkayFuuscTmFfchV4XUiB9jOoSzcPHU4P8t6EFbGodznhdIjMBoCi48QAvD_BwE&pmtmt=p&mkwid=sP3LXikM0_dc&pkw=returning%20to%20work%20jobs

[Anonymous]

My wife went back to work after 19 years out of the workforce. She's working as a childrens minister and making about $70k

[Anonymous]

I did a career switcher program and am going to start teaching in a few weeks. I did a lot of substituting and I feel good about my decision, but teaching sucks right now so I wouldn't be surprised if I don't last long. When I want another job, at least I won't have the resume gap to contend with. Also, I am doing math so between that and having a teaching license, I'll be valuable as a tutor.

I know some teachers who gained some tech skills while teaching and taught instructional design and are now doing UX design and things like that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I did a career switcher program and am going to start teaching in a few weeks. I did a lot of substituting and I feel good about my decision, but teaching sucks right now so I wouldn't be surprised if I don't last long. When I want another job, at least I won't have the resume gap to contend with. Also, I am doing math so between that and having a teaching license, I'll be valuable as a tutor.

I know some teachers who gained some tech skills while teaching and taught instructional design and are now doing UX design and things like that.

Oh, another thing I've seen people do that is much less intense than teaching is being an instructional assistant. I considered that for a while because all the ones I interacted with love their jobs. They found it really rewarding and the ones who had to quit because it didn't pay enough were bummed about it. In Virginia it's not difficult to become one (I think you just need a college degree and to take a test and for you the test will be easy).

[Anonymous]

What did you study?

[Anonymous]

Why would you attend Harvard, Yale, and Princeton?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I did a career switcher program and am going to start teaching in a few weeks. I did a lot of substituting and I feel good about my decision, but teaching sucks right now so I wouldn't be surprised if I don't last long. When I want another job, at least I won't have the resume gap to contend with. Also, I am doing math so between that and having a teaching license, I'll be valuable as a tutor.

I know some teachers who gained some tech skills while teaching and taught instructional design and are now doing UX design and things like that.

I did this as well! If you are truly interested, this could be a good option, OP.

Also, it's not true that you have "no skills." What did you do before? What do you WANT to do?

A lot of people will be very impressed by your degrees, and that will help.

[Anonymous]

I have a good eye for decorating and after I helped a friend decorate her new apartment, she referred me to a couple of people, and from there I slapped together a website and now I'm an interior decorator. It's great because I make my own hours and is super creative.

[Anonymous]

You could look at being an IA or other assistant type job in a school. If you don't need the money, it's a great way to get into a school system and see what's what and if you enjoy it. They are desperately needed too.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn’t return to work if I were you. Since you don’t need the money. Instead spend the energy finding new hobbies and enjoying your life.

[Anonymous]

Soft skills are skills too, but you have to find a job that values them and be able to articulate them.

What was your grad degree in?

Can you work your network? I have a friend going back PT after 20 years—it’s a friend’s company.

[Anonymous]

Some colleges have "on-ramping" programs for alums who are trying to get back into full time work after a break. Check with your college's career center.

[Anonymous]

In a similar position although I've worked at various part-time jobs since having children and becoming a SAHM. Did you work prior to having children and, if so, what was your field? I'm trying to figure out if I should attempt to revive my pre-mommy "career" that's now 15 years stale (unlikely), build on some of my part-time work experiences/connections, or pivot and do something entirely new.

[Anonymous]

Who attends3 ivy leagues and why?