SAHM back to work after 9 years. Do I really need to start ALL over?

[Anonymous]

OP, don't get another grad degree if you're already a lawyer. You're right, it will do nothing to help. I don't know the law field at all. But the problem with your alternative career (research/journalist/policy positions) is that there is a lot of competition for that sort of stuff, including from many print and other journalists whose publications have reduced staff. And you will have a tough time even getting in at a more junior position at a think tank; people will be concerned about underemploying you given your credentials even if you're willing.

My only advice is to network your head off. That's what the younger crowd (whom you'll be competing against) does. Sending in resumes blindly is a great way to waste time, but it's not likely to find you a job especially if you've been out of the workforce awhile. If there is a way to parlay your legal training into a policy position (eg a govt job that doesn't require a JD but where it would be relevant/useful) I'd think that's your best bet.

[Anonymous]

I had the same issue - was an attorney and tried to re-enter, with no real success, after 9 years. I wound up getting a master's degree in a related area. This enabled me to be less available to the family on a gradual basis. (We do not have family in the area really and my husband has never been willing to pay sitters/nannies.) I am in the process of putting it all together.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
I was, however, expecting to be given a chance to get back in the game at, say, 40% of where I used to be. So I i used to make $100K in 2005, I'd be happy to accept $40,000 now and have about 40% of the former portfolio. But what I'm experiencing is, well, silence. No call back, no interviews even, so it's not a question of how I present myself in person / do I look old / do I come across as professionally behind.

It may work that way statistically in the aggregate, but not on an individual basis. There's no formula. Each of the jobs you apply to are separate from one another, so there's no guarantee that if you apply to X number of them you will get ANY kind of offer. If you're getting no bites at all, you need to take a step back and look AGAIN at your resume to determine whether you really are presenting your skills in teh best light. Then look at the type of jobs you are applying for and see if you can't narrow or broaden your focus a bit. And most importantly, NETWORK your ass off! Call everyone you used to know in your old job and take them to lunch. Go to industry or bar events and CLEs and do pro bono work . Expect it will take several months or a year.

[Anonymous]

I stayed home for eight years, went back to school to get my masters in nursing, then applied to about five job postings. The first one I was offered I took- it was a temporary clinical position, and It was the perfect first step. I now have a permanent job that I love. And now I finally feel as if I am navigating a career again. is there a temp option or volunteer position? Good luck!

[Anonymous]

You say you have a variety of degrees. In addition to your JD, do you have another grad level degree? If so I would leave the JD off. It could be immediately disqualifying you.

But I agree about networking. Sharpen and nail down your elevator speech. Then tell anyone and everyone you know you are looking to go back to work.

[Anonymous]

Is there a temp agency that could help so you can get more recent experience on your résumé?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP back, thanks for the thoughts. This being D.C., I should've made clear that I'm not seeking attorney positions. I was more of a research/journalist/policy type back in the day and am not qualified for classic legal jobs --now or ever.

I WOULD consider a different career but I can't even figure out how to start that at age 42-43. Also, I don't actually have a passion for anything new at the moment so can't see spending another what? $20K? $30K? on yet another post-grad degree. sigh.

I 3ould forget journalism. That career field completely died while you were off the market. Now you will also be competing for ex-journalsts for researcher/policy/communications/etc jobs.