SAHM re-entry into the workforce

[Anonymous]

...are there any others out there who find they need or want to go back to work after being home raising kids? If you have already done it, what were your major obstacles and how did the transition go?

It seems like an extra high hill to climb considering how the job market is right now...

[Anonymous]

Depends on your field...what was the last type of job you had and what are you currently looking for?

In my field, you would need to take a lower position, a "training" position for at least 2 years to get back into the the field. My concerns, as a boss, would be - is this really something you are committed too (seeing as you left the first time) and how you would balance your family / work obligations. Since young people usually populate our training positions I would need you to show me how your skills would be much greater than someone who will work long hours (or how since you have more experience get more done between 9 to 5). Also, if you knowledge is out of date I would also question how much you know and whether you could adapt. Any way, those are examples for my field.

[Anonymous]

You sound really negative pp and not helpful. OP is trying to do something that is a little scary at best. Try to be a little more positive or don't comment at all.

OP -- it would be helfpul to know your field. Many fields now have staffing services that provide part-time or temporary workers. If you're in one of those fields...the best way back in the door is to do an assignment or two. Let us know.

[Anonymous]

I am a SAHM that transitioned back to the workforce after 5 years. I did it because I got divorced and needed the income, but also because my kids were starting school.

It was very hard to get into the door. I worked/work in IT and IT changes very quickly, so my skill set was outdated. When I DID get a call about my resume or an interview (which was rare), I got questioned about what I had been doing to keep current in my field. I even got a question about the gap and whether I was in prison!!!

I'd try to do some volunteer work in the field you are looking to return to, do some classes or just read up about stuff...they are looking to see if you are serious about returning and what value you bring.

It took me about 8 months of actively trying to find a position and get an offer. But I'm so happy with it.

Good luck!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Depends on your field...what was the last type of job you had and what are you currently looking for?

In my field, you would need to take a lower position, a "training" position for at least 2 years to get back into the the field. My concerns, as a boss, would be - is this really something you are committed too (seeing as you left the first time) and how you would balance your family / work obligations. Since young people usually populate our training positions I would need you to show me how your skills would be much greater than someone who will work long hours (or how since you have more experience get more done between 9 to 5). Also, if you knowledge is out of date I would also question how much you know and whether you could adapt. Any way, those are examples for my field.

Coming from a woman, this is just BS!

Anyway OP, a few months ago went back a bit unexpectedly after 8 years out, but to a new field. The transition has been a tad hectic, since I wasn't really planning it, but so far I'm happier than ever. Right now I feel the hardest part is getting organized with clothes, and systems. But, I love the job, so those things are just minor. It may be easier if you go into something different because it's not like I'm behind on the industry. But I came from an industry that didn't you didn't have to do much training to keep current, so that would have been a non-issue. There are employers who question your commitment, so don't lose hope.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Depends on your field...what was the last type of job you had and what are you currently looking for?

In my field, you would need to take a lower position, a "training" position for at least 2 years to get back into the the field. My concerns, as a boss, would be - is this really something you are committed too (seeing as you left the first time) and how you would balance your family / work obligations. Since young people usually populate our training positions I would need you to show me how your skills would be much greater than someone who will work long hours (or how since you have more experience get more done between 9 to 5). Also, if you knowledge is out of date I would also question how much you know and whether you could adapt. Any way, those are examples for my field.

Coming from a woman, this is just BS!

Anyway OP, a few months ago went back a bit unexpectedly after 8 years out, but to a new field. The transition has been a tad hectic, since I wasn't really planning it, but so far I'm happier than ever. Right now I feel the hardest part is getting organized with clothes, and systems. But, I love the job, so those things are just minor. It may be easier if you go into something different because it's not like I'm behind on the industry. But I came from an industry that didn't you didn't have to do much training to keep current, so that would have been a non-issue. There are employers who WONT question your commitment, so don't lose hope.

redo ^^

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Depends on your field...what was the last type of job you had and what are you currently looking for?

In my field, you would need to take a lower position, a "training" position for at least 2 years to get back into the the field. My concerns, as a boss, would be - is this really something you are committed too (seeing as you left the first time) and how you would balance your family / work obligations. Since young people usually populate our training positions I would need you to show me how your skills would be much greater than someone who will work long hours (or how since you have more experience get more done between 9 to 5). Also, if you knowledge is out of date I would also question how much you know and whether you could adapt. Any way, those are examples for my field.

Coming from a woman, this is just BS!

How is it BS? I've had several people flake out just weeks on the job, deciding they couldn't handle the stress of work and family life. I still give people a chance, but that would be a primary concern (besides the lack of current knowledge). I agree with PP, a volunteer position could also work if your field doesn't having "training" positions like mine. That way you could show that you can manage the work/life balance, have a reference, and get more up to date on your knowledge before re-entering the work force.

[Anonymous]

IF you can try temp work, it is often a way to get your foot in the door.

[Anonymous]

I don't think its negative or harsh. I think its reality.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Depends on your field...what was the last type of job you had and what are you currently looking for?

In my field, you would need to take a lower position, a "training" position for at least 2 years to get back into the the field. My concerns, as a boss, would be - is this really something you are committed too (seeing as you left the first time) and how you would balance your family / work obligations. Since young people usually populate our training positions I would need you to show me how your skills would be much greater than someone who will work long hours (or how since you have more experience get more done between 9 to 5). Also, if you knowledge is out of date I would also question how much you know and whether you could adapt. Any way, those are examples for my field.

Coming from a woman, this is just BS!

How is it BS? I've had several people flake out just weeks on the job, deciding they couldn't handle the stress of work and family life. I still give people a chance, but that would be a primary concern (besides the lack of current knowledge). I agree with PP, a volunteer position could also work if your field doesn't having "training" positions like mine. That way you could show that you can manage the work/life balance, have a reference, and get more up to date on your knowledge before re-entering the work force.

I call BS too. I just hired a SAHM who re-entered. She's doing great and I did not weight the 5 year gap that heavily. She did however get a salary about 30% below top end. She has a small ramp up time, but after 3 months in the job is preforming at level. I'm happy to help a sister out. Stop drinking the haterade!

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thank you PPs. I appreciate the anonymous support! This is a very preliminary brainstorming of an idea I've been thinking of for a little while -

I had jobs in Communications and PR (sadly these are often axed by companies so they don't have to downsize positions that they feel are absolute "musts" in many cases), so I am sure the competition is tough, and that there may not be many positions out there to begin with...

I even appreciate the poster 14:50 because, while it is not rah-rah supportive, it does give insight as to how some potential employers out there would size up a woman in this situation.

It's very difficult making this type of shift, for many reasons. I wish it was easier to be taken seriously after you pull out of the working world in order to take care of children...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Depends on your field...what was the last type of job you had and what are you currently looking for?

In my field, you would need to take a lower position, a "training" position for at least 2 years to get back into the the field. My concerns, as a boss, would be - is this really something you are committed too (seeing as you left the first time) and how you would balance your family / work obligations. Since young people usually populate our training positions I would need you to show me how your skills would be much greater than someone who will work long hours (or how since you have more experience get more done between 9 to 5). Also, if you knowledge is out of date I would also question how much you know and whether you could adapt. Any way, those are examples for my field.

Coming from a woman, this is just BS!

How is it BS? I've had several people flake out just weeks on the job, deciding they couldn't handle the stress of work and family life. I still give people a chance, but that would be a primary concern (besides the lack of current knowledge). I agree with PP, a volunteer position could also work if your field doesn't having "training" positions like mine. That way you could show that you can manage the work/life balance, have a reference, and get more up to date on your knowledge before re-entering the work force.

I call BS too. I just hired a SAHM who re-entered. She's doing great and I did not weight the 5 year gap that heavily. She did however get a salary about 30% below top end. She has a small ramp up time, but after 3 months in the job is preforming at level. I'm happy to help a sister out. Stop drinking the haterade!

I'm a little shocked someone in management speaks like this...! Not everyone works in a field where its easy to jump out then jump back in and works 9 to 5.

As for OP - your skills in PR / marketing shouldn't be very out of date. Just brush up on the basics so you sound knowledgeable (ie: speak using proper jargon). If you have an alumni group for your university or ex-coworkers, start sending cold emails to see if anyone would give you career advice. What starts out with advice may lead to job interviews or getting you in touch with other people.

[Anonymous]

I agree, too. For that reason (the "flake out"), I tell women to stay PT, as you keep your skills updated and you'll be one of the first to slide into a FT position. I told my cousin, who stayed home for 18 years . . . , to take courses, to keep her skills updated. She didn't listen. So right now, after a nasty divorce from her husband of 20 years, she's making $14/hour and must be wired money from her parents each year to make ends meet. She's 45.

It's the sad truth. I'm sure most places would rather hire some young novice who's willing to put in the time commitment and take a lower salary.

OP - if it doesn't work out, take classes! Update skills. Finding a job will take time. And once you find it, it may not be that appealing to you, as juggling is not an easy thing to do if you're not used to it.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Depends on your field...what was the last type of job you had and what are you currently looking for?

In my field, you would need to take a lower position, a "training" position for at least 2 years to get back into the the field. My concerns, as a boss, would be - is this really something you are committed too (seeing as you left the first time) and how you would balance your family / work obligations. Since young people usually populate our training positions I would need you to show me how your skills would be much greater than someone who will work long hours (or how since you have more experience get more done between 9 to 5). Also, if you knowledge is out of date I would also question how much you know and whether you could adapt. Any way, those are examples for my field.

Coming from a woman, this is just BS!

How is it BS? I've had several people flake out just weeks on the job, deciding they couldn't handle the stress of work and family life. I still give people a chance, but that would be a primary concern (besides the lack of current knowledge). I agree with PP, a volunteer position could also work if your field doesn't having "training" positions like mine. That way you could show that you can manage the work/life balance, have a reference, and get more up to date on your knowledge before re-entering the work force.

[Anonymous]

I second the recommendation to find temp work. The reality for hiring managers is that you have many candidates to choose from now and it would not be smart to take a risk on someone who does not have recent demonstrated experience and success. The "gap" is important. If I have 100 resumes for a position and see a big gap I will not necessarily go down the road of investigating why there is a gap.

If you are temping for a company or doing contract work it is an entirely different situation. The hiring manager has already seen you work, knows how you relate to other team members, has an idea what your potential and level of flexibility might be etc. You are much less risky than someone with much better resume which may or may not be inflated or real.

[Anonymous]

OP again...good point, PP.

Anyone have ways they have addressed "the gap" in working on a resume / CV?

Also, I am not on LinkedIn, which, I am told jokingly by some, means I do not professionally "exist" -- are most people on it, and are you just on there not using it or do people work it and use it as a tool to network, find work, etc.?

Thanks. I am only mid 30s yet the prospect of "competing with younger applicants" is already daunting. Ugh!