I need a job. SAHM for the past 15 years and have no idea how to begin

[Anonymous]

Working for a doctor's office?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I would tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job. You need to network.

Do this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Teaching is exhausting and hard to get part time postions. I am a classroom teacher and work 730-430 with kids then grade and plan at night. Also good luck getting a history teaching jobs -- women with PhDs do that now since getting a job as a professor is impossible.

What a bizarre response.

[Anonymous]

What is causing you to want to work again after 15 years? Why didn't you keep up your references and network?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What is causing you to want to work again after 15 years? Why didn't you keep up your references and network?

Husband has lost his job. I would like to get something to help out financially. I don't want it to be full time/too inflexible with the hours because if/when he finds something he will probably no longer be available to help out with the kids. Right now he is open to pretty much ANYTHING, including relocating--so he would likely move out of state alone and the rest of us would stay here. Therefore, I do not want a job that requires me to need childcare. Some of my children are older and could watch the younger ones on days off from school (snow days, teacher work days, etc.) However, on regular school days, the older ones have to leave for school before the younger ones, and I can not leave the younger ones at home alone and to get themselves to the bus stop.

I didn't really keep up my references because I was home with kids and really didn't see myself going back to work for decades, which has proven to be true. If I did still remember my former bosses name/contact info (from 15 years ago) do you really think his recommendation would have a lot of impact on my job search?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lady, you can't get a full time job that's 9-3pm. Even a part time job is much more likely to be two or three full days a week rather than shortened hours each day. Look into the requirements for being a teacher's aide - in NY you just have to be a high school graduate and non-pedophile.

I never said I was looking for a full time job. I am looking for part time. Like I said, I have seen a few jobs advertised that actually look they would work for me, in regards to hours and experience required. I am just hesitant to apply because I am unsure of what to put on my resume or what should be on a cover letter.

Honesty.

For the past 15 years, I have focused on raising my children and volunteering in the community. Now that my children are grown, I am looking for opportunities to contribute my energies in the workforce. My ideal position...... My skills include....

I would respect that over someone who tries to pretend lime their volunteer position on the PTO is somehow the equivalent of a paid job. I get that raising kids full time is hard - but it's not the same as being accountable to the boss every day, so don't pretend otherwise. Just be honest and explain why you want a job now. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Oh and OP, go network if you can. Look up the local Chamber's mixer events.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would try babysitting. I would love to hire someone like you for 15 hours/week. And as a SAHM myself, I am flexible on days/time.

That is a good idea. I would love babies/toddlers/preschoolers and really miss my own kids being that little! I could pretty much be completely flexible during school hours if another mom wanted to hire me so she could workout, go to appointments, just get a break, etc.

Or what about aftercare for some of the two parent working families at your kids school? You just pick them up along with your own and keep them until 6 when the parents could pick them up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would try babysitting. I would love to hire someone like you for 15 hours/week. And as a SAHM myself, I am flexible on days/time.

That is a good idea. I would love babies/toddlers/preschoolers and really miss my own kids being that little! I could pretty much be completely flexible during school hours if another mom wanted to hire me so she could workout, go to appointments, just get a break, etc.

Or what about aftercare for some of the two parent working families at your kids school? You just pick them up along with your own and keep them until 6 when the parents could pick them up.

+1000 I am a full time working mom and we do this. We pay $15 per hour.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is causing you to want to work again after 15 years? Why didn't you keep up your references and network?

Husband has lost his job. I would like to get something to help out financially. I don't want it to be full time/too inflexible with the hours because if/when he finds something he will probably no longer be available to help out with the kids. Right now he is open to pretty much ANYTHING, including relocating--so he would likely move out of state alone and the rest of us would stay here. Therefore, I do not want a job that requires me to need childcare. Some of my children are older and could watch the younger ones on days off from school (snow days, teacher work days, etc.) However, on regular school days, the older ones have to leave for school before the younger ones, and I can not leave the younger ones at home alone and to get themselves to the bus stop.

I didn't really keep up my references because I was home with kids and really didn't see myself going back to work for decades, which has proven to be true. If I did still remember my former bosses name/contact info (from 15 years ago) do you really think his recommendation would have a lot of impact on my job search?

Will a part time, minimum wage job really help your family? That's what $200 a week?

[Anonymous]

Wow people are mean. The woman just wants a job and isn't too picky.

Google : "The Riley Guide"...it gives "A-Z" job advice...click on "r" for example to see sample resumes or "c" for cover letters, etc.

Many churches have networking groups and so do some libraries. Check them out. Good "temp agencies" in Northern VA and you can try temping. I like several posters ideas for babysitting. You could also add a list of chores you are willing to do for a cost: picking up dry cleaning, cooking, preparing lunches, doing laundry, cleaning houses, etc. Where there is a will there is a way. Good luck OP! Please ignore the naysayers. It's a tough market out there...you will need fortitude and optimism ...stay strong!

[Anonymous]

OP, if you have up to date computer skills (MS Word, Excel, etc.), there are a lot of smaller companies who will be willing to hire you as a part-time administrative assistant, despite your years away from an office. I was in a similar position as yours, and received several job offers. There are people who would rather hire a mature person who has spent time managing a household, rather than a younger person with no work or life experience. Look on Craigslist, Indeed, and in your local smaller newspaper for ads. As for your resume, Google "SAHM returning to work resume" or something similar for tips. You will probably need a functional resume rather than a chronological resume format. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

What about in a gym at the kids club? It's minimum wage with family friendly hours and some gyms you can even take your kids along with you.

[Anonymous]

What about looking into professional organizing within a niche market, like helping senior citizens move into a community for seniors? Dp want to do this with me? I've also been a SAHM for 15 years, love to organize and know there's a need with this population.

You could charge per job and start very small.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What about looking into professional organizing within a niche market, like helping senior citizens move into a community for seniors? Dp want to do this with me? I've also been a SAHM for 15 years, love to organize and know there's a need with this population.

You could charge per job and start very small.

There are also a few companies around that do this! They hire lots of former SAHM's.