S/O: SAHM's & Re-entry into the workforce - how about SAHD's?

[Anonymous]

After the lively discussion about SAHM's and their re-entry into the workforce, I'd be interested to learn who kind of challenging SAHD's are facing and are they held to the same standards/scrutiny? What do you think?

[Anonymous]

IMHO, SAHD will catch a shitload of flack for staying home to be the homemaker. Especially so if the career is high-powered (medical, legal, etc).

[Anonymous]

Good question. I have seen dads who returned, mostly in jobs where they were self employed like contractor work. I know of a few who did a job search and returned after only two years off, but that's not too damaging of an absence, particularly in this job market.

I'd be interested, too. If you are a SAHD and really looking for career answers, you might consider posting on dcmetrodads.com I'm sure there are some former SAHD's there.

[Anonymous]

I'm not a SAHD, but a WOHM. I was just wondering because women who stay home are often scrutinized by their choices and I was just curious if the same courtesies are extended to SAHD. I only know one SAHD who has been home for about 4 years.

[Anonymous]

Oh yes I think that in addition to the resume gap, SAHDs have to fight the impression that they weren't fit enough for the workforce and "had" to SAH. Not everyone understands that a capable male would choose to do this. With women I think There is an understanding that a successful woman might choose SAH.