SAHM re-entry into the workforce

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Whenever I read these types of threads, I always get the feeling that there are some WOHMs who just relish the thought of SAHMs having trouble re-entering the workforce, as if now these spoiled b#tches are getting their due.

No matter that they stayed home because it was not financially feasible to work, or had a disabled or ill-child, or some other reason, these types of WOHMs seem to view all SAHMs as pampered mothers of "little snowflakes" who are obsessed with "bonding" and now that they want to re-enter the workforce, hahahahahaha on you! We WILL not hire you!

OP-- life is flexible if you are. You will find work -- the tip to volunteer to have a recent "project" on your resume is an excellent one. Networking through church and friends is a fantastic way to get a job. These people know you and trust you and will be more likely to either take a chance or recommend you to someone.

SOME SOME SOME, not ALL.

I just hired a 5yr SAHM and I'll have to admit I was partial to her before she even interviewed (I know, EEOC violation). Some of us are HAPPY to help another mom out, but maybe just those of us secure and happy in our choices; unfortunatly I feel there are a lot of moms on both sides that are bitter about or question their choices. Trust me ladies, you don't want to work for people like that.

Agree that some is the key word. There are also going to be some people who don't want to hire overweight people, will dismiss you on your outfit, because they don't gel with you, because something else about you pisses them off. Agree you don't want to work for them anyway.

I think it's helpful to h ave a discussion on the barriers to SAHMs getting back in the workforce and some of us can do it without bashing SAHMs or implying they will never be hired, since that is simply not true. But it's silly to NOT acknowledge these barriers. It's a different world than when my mom returned to work after 17 years of staying home and raising kids. And women's standards are higher in that my mom returned to teaching (not that teaching is a low standard, I just mean there are a ton more options for women now and there are many more women in traditional men's fields etc.).

But some people have been giving great advice. I hope you keep us updated OP!

[Anonymous]

There is a great organization called irelaunch that is dedicated to helping SAHMs reenter the work force. You can google for the website (not sure if it okay to post links here). They have a DC conference coming up soon; I attended a few years ago and it helped a lot. The organization's founders wrote an excellent book called "Back on the Career Track: A Guide for Stay At Home Mothers Who Want to Return to Work." I used the book and the website to successfully relaunch a career after 8 years. Stay positive - many others have done it and attitude makes a big difference. I think DC in general is a good place for relaunching.

[Anonymous]

OP Here (I keep checking back to glean new and interesting tips and info!).

Thank you, PP! It is so nice to get a concrete resource in here along with much of this very encouraging feedback.

Many thanks to you for taking the time to post this!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I still don't understand people not understanding the basic concept of outdated skills, able to work long hours if needed. Maybe because I'm thinking about someone 5 years out of the workplace. In 5 years, in my field, many things will have changed, but the job will not have gotten less demanding. Most people in my field work long hours and occasionally need to come in on weekends. I have no problem hiring someone 5 years out if they are willing to put the effort into retraining and can be flexible when needed.

But this is my problem...I have a hard time imagining a former SAHM being willing to work 40+ hours, week in and week out. She's out of practice and has older kids who are more demanding than babies who simply stay in daycare 9 or 10 hours a day. Too much of a culture shock.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm a WOHM who doesn't think a SAHM is a good choice for my workplace. I admit it. Our outlooks are just too different.

And your job is what? And it requires your colleagues to have your same "outlook"?

I've been home for one year and, in that time, have directed over $1.8 million in business to my husband's law firm. And taken care of two kids. And my dad. And have had two previous employers ask me to come back whenever I'm ready. I think my "outlook" is just fine.

Your "outlook" is irrelevant because you're a SAHM. Are you ready to go back to 50+ hours in an office, with travel?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm a WOHM who doesn't think a SAHM is a good choice for my workplace. I admit it. Our outlooks are just too different.

And your job is what? And it requires your colleagues to have your same "outlook"?

I've been home for one year and, in that time, have directed over $1.8 million in business to my husband's law firm. And taken care of two kids. And my dad. And have had two previous employers ask me to come back whenever I'm ready. I think my "outlook" is just fine.

I bet the first poster is one of those people you look at and wonder why they bothered having children. Not to mention sound like a miserable place to work.

I'm the 160K/yr poster and am thrilled to have found opportunities that pay well and allow for a wonderful work like balance. I'm also happy to have stayed home for 2 wonderful years and then have a soft entry back into work via PT employment. However, I'm an optimistic person and don't predict gloom and doom, so I think when you have an attitude like that good things come your way.

Why did you SAH for two years?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Exactly what is my "outlook" (I'm a SAHM)? And to the PP, what is your "outlook" that is so different?

Serious generalizing and stereotyping going on.

I don't assume if the kids are sick that it's my job that suffers. I don't assume anything in our family life that puts my job second to my husband's. How many SAHMs who are going back to work have that outlook?

[Anonymous]

New question (from a 7-yr SAHM) -- what would you say to someone like me who has NO network to work?

We have moved a lot around the country, and meanwhile the people I used to know "here" now live in other time zones. And they don't work for companies with a branch in D.C. or anything obvious like that.

Meanwhile, 3 of my most connected, impressive mentor-type contacts have died. No shit.

I just feel, truthfully, like all I can do is hand out biz cards at block parties and school pick up. I've already reached out to the 6 professional contacts I still have in D.C. and I've hit the wall ....

is "network, network, network" sometimes a myth?

[Anonymous]

Very interesting PP.

Look, perhaps it's best to realize that each of us views job / career through a different lens and leave it at that.

Expectations vary from field to field and office to office. It is so degenerative to what has been a mostly encouraging thread to let it devolve to seeing things in B & W.

And it's a leap to assume all women who have stepped off the work track have done so only because that's what they always envisioned or even wanted for themselves.. there are many reasons women step off and many reasons they step on again (and it's not *only* to raise kids, remember that).

I don't have a # to give you about how many SAHMs have the outlook of assuming nothing family related puts their career / job second to their husband's but I would guess many would feel the pressure of course, and would be faced with the tough juggle of earning & supporting families.

[Anonymous]

15:17 here. my post refers to PP 15:03! not immediate PP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:New question (from a 7-yr SAHM) -- what would you say to someone like me who has NO network to work?

We have moved a lot around the country, and meanwhile the people I used to know "here" now live in other time zones. And they don't work for companies with a branch in D.C. or anything obvious like that.

Meanwhile, 3 of my most connected, impressive mentor-type contacts have died. No shit.

I just feel, truthfully, like all I can do is hand out biz cards at block parties and school pick up. I've already reached out to the 6 professional contacts I still have in D.C. and I've hit the wall ....

is "network, network, network" sometimes a myth?

Network with friends, neighbors, in the PTA, at church, etc.

[Anonymous]

"And it's a leap to assume all women who have stepped off the work track have done so only because that's what they always envisioned or even wanted for themselves.. there are many reasons women step off and many reasons they step on again (and it's not *only* to raise kids, remember that). "

And a SAHM is going to be honest about those reasons in an interview, especially if those reasons have not completely disappeared?

[Anonymous]

7-yr SAHM, perhaps the networking seminar on "relaunching" the other poster mentioned earlier "irelaunch.com" -- better than nothing!

FWIW I relate to mentors and contacts passing away. Very discouraging from the perspective of people to have on your side vouching for your professional background.

[Anonymous]

15:21

not sure what you mean, but
yes, that would be best, hoping of course it is not a criminal record or something similar (?!)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:15:21

not sure what you mean, but
yes, that would be best, hoping of course it is not a criminal record or something similar (?!)

I don't want to hire someone conflicted about working in a full time career job.