Returning to full time work after years of part time/mommy track

[Anonymous]

Can anyone talk about having done this. I want to make this transition but I'm struggling with figuring out how to do it and am frankly just scared. Scared of applying for full time roles, scared of the current job market, scared of managing schedules with full time work after so long in a part time job with a ton of flexibility. My kids are older (late elementary and middle school) and I think now is the time, but I just don't know where to start.

Any words of wisdom? Even just stories of how you made this work for you? I was nervous when I moved to part time work too -- my then-employer wasn't open to it so I left that job with nothing lined up, huge leap, but I had faith in myself and abilities and found a position with a previous employer within a few months that has been amazing. But it's time to make the next move and I just don't know where to start. I'm older and more risk averse than I was back then, and just feel kind of beaten down by the last few years in general (not at work, due to a bunch of other stuff). I need to be brave here and am struggling to work up courage.

[Anonymous]

I did it, but regretted it after a few months. I stuck it out for 18 months and wish I’d quit earlier. I’ll never get that time with my kids back.

[Anonymous]

There are so many threads about this. I have written replies many times but am not going to post the same information again. Try searching.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are so many threads about this. I have written replies many times but am not going to post the same information again. Try searching.

That's a rude answer! "I have the information you are looking for but just can't be bothered typing it out." Better to just not respond.
OP, now is a difficult time to look for work but there are opportunities out there, depending on your field. Look at it as an opportunity for your kids to learn to be more independent and prepare them for the future. Studies show that children of working moms do better than the ones that stay at home. What in particular are you worried about?

[Anonymous]

It’s not rude. This question is asked weekly.

OP I will say middle school and high school come with their own challenges. I didn’t stop working so when my kids hit MS and HS and they had a performance or game or whatever I could just go after years of building “credit.” I could work from home if someone was sick because they just needed someone around but didn’t need the active care younger kids do. My colleagues were very accepting of meeting changes barring an emergency meeting and then I worked it out.

[Anonymous]

Start by off-loading some of the load.
What can your partner and kids pick up that you currently do?

Make yourself not available to do those things starting now.

Holiday shopping? Teacher holiday notes and gifts etc

[Anonymous]

NP. Go to regular Google. Type in dcurbanmom without the .Com. Then enter terms and phrases that interest you.

Here's my prompt:

summarize DCUM dcurbanmom advice regarding returning to work after mommy-tracking

The summary is not particularly insightful but it's a starting point. It seems to be more based on return to work after maternity leave.

DCUM (dcurbanmom) advice for returning to work after a career break focuses on using your network for job leads, updating your resume to highlight skills gained as a parent, and preparing for a phased return with flexible work options. The advice also emphasizes self-compassion, recognizing that you will be a different, but still valuable, employee with enhanced multitasking and empathy.

Job searching and professional readiness
Network strategically: Reach out to former colleagues, friends, and new contacts like other parents at your children's school. Networking is considered the best way to find opportunities.

Refresh and customize: Update your resume and LinkedIn profile, and tailor your resume for each specific job.

Highlight transferable skills: Frame parenting and a career break as skill-building experiences, emphasizing new strengths like multitasking, time management, compassion, and leadership.

Consider new skills: If needed, explore ways to build new skills through certifications, programs, or volunteer work to bridge any gaps.

Phased return and workplace flexibility
Request a phased return: Ask your employer for a gradual return, such as working half-days or a mix of in-office and remote work, to ease both you and your baby into the new routine.

Plan for logistics: Talk to your family about the new schedule and consider practicalities like meal prep to save time.

Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between your work and home life to manage your time effectively.

Emotional and mental preparation
Be patient with yourself: Acknowledge that you will not be the exact same employee you were before and that this is normal.

Manage guilt: Recognize that it is common to feel “mom guilt” and work to overcome it by focusing on the new strengths you bring to your role.

Focus on the new you: Understand that your experience has made you a more effective employee, even if it doesn't feel like it at first.

[Anonymous]

PP. I did a similar Google but added the word courage. Here are some threads that were at the top.

I like to hear from people directly about evergreen topics but sometimes old threads add nuance. That's why I dug some up for OP.

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/485514.page

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1299095.page

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/15/1140222.page

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/979960.page

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1302053.page

[Anonymous]

I would personally avoid job hunting right but network, talk to people - it’s more competitive than usual to get new job

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone talk about having done this. I want to make this transition but I'm struggling with figuring out how to do it and am frankly just scared. Scared of applying for full time roles, scared of the current job market, scared of managing schedules with full time work after so long in a part time job with a ton of flexibility. My kids are older (late elementary and middle school) and I think now is the time, but I just don't know where to start.

Any words of wisdom? Even just stories of how you made this work for you? I was nervous when I moved to part time work too -- my then-employer wasn't open to it so I left that job with nothing lined up, huge leap, but I had faith in myself and abilities and found a position with a previous employer within a few months that has been amazing. But it's time to make the next move and I just don't know where to start. I'm older and more risk averse than I was back then, and just feel kind of beaten down by the last few years in general (not at work, due to a bunch of other stuff). I need to be brave here and am struggling to work up courage.

Job hunting means taking a lot of risk and needs a willingness to be beaten down, so right now may not be the right time for you to start.

[Anonymous]

Kids need you more in MS and HS until they drive. Whst is your plan exactly? Can you go in at 6am and be home by 3pm? Part time? Even then all the household tasks will consume your non work hours.

But it doesn’t matter. No one is hiring a late 30s/40 year old woman who hasn’t worked in a decade.

Your only hope is precious employers. Reach out to them. Otherwise I wouldn’t even bother.

And what exactly are you afraid of? You have a breadwinner husband, so you have no downside. Hate the job? SAH. Choose too much? SAH. It’s partly why employers are reluctant to hire former SAHM, they know they don’t need to work, and often quit at the hint of difficulty.