Wanting to go back to work after 10 years...

[Anonymous]

I don't understand why you don't think you could get meaningful adult interaction and satisfaction out of volunteering. If I were in your position, where money was literally not a factor and I needed flexible hours, I would be volunteering myself into the ground. Truly, you need to consider this. You sound like you have been blessed with a really nice life- education, high hhi, time and ability to pursue personal goals like the marathons. Don't you think your time would be much better spent using all those resources to give back rather than answering phones and yes, to be honest, taking a job from someone who really could use it as more than a boredom buster.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand why you don't think you could get meaningful adult interaction and satisfaction out of volunteering. If I were in your position, where money was literally not a factor and I needed flexible hours, I would be volunteering myself into the ground. Truly, you need to consider this. You sound like you have been blessed with a really nice life- education, high hhi, time and ability to pursue personal goals like the marathons. Don't you think your time would be much better spent using all those resources to give back rather than answering phones and yes, to be honest, taking a job from someone who really could use it as more than a boredom buster.

Seriously. DH knows if he ever makes VP I'm quitting my job and going to volunteer full time at the zoo, for these exact reasons. OP, wouldn't you rather be cuddling pandas than answering phones??

[Anonymous]

Op, does the idea of earning your own money appeal to? I ask because if earning an income is not a criteria of yours there are many organizations with roles that are technically volunteer positions, but are "typical" business roles. For instance many office positions with the Red Cross are 100% volunteer. I've volunteered with the American Cancer Society and they are always looking for administrative help, but the work is unpaid. The same with many animal shelters - they need a lot of administrative help.

I can understand not wanting to return to teaching in any capacity. I also can empathize with wanting to start in a small place so that you can help knock down some of the shyness. I think working in an administrative role is a great way to get out of the house, flex your brain, and interact with adults. So I wouldn't give up on considering "volunteer" positions because I think you could find one that is not what many people traditionally think of with volunteering (e.g. Working in a soup kitchen, reading to elderly nursing home patients, etc.).

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

OP, report back!

[Anonymous]

I know you said you didn't want to volunteer, but maybe considering trying it at a hospital. I currently volunteer in a front desk position at a small hospital and I have a set schedule that I got to choose and I work with the same small group of people everyday. You would get so much more flexibility and get to take vacations when you want. I have also made some great contacts there and the hospital would probably hire me if I ever applied to a job as they often hire volunteers.

[Anonymous]

It's not the job; it's the marriage.

Anonymous wrote:It was a mutual decision to quit my job when DC#1 was born. I was a teacher and knew I did not have enough mental energy to teach other people's children and be a good mom to my own kids.
Fast forward DC#2 is finishing 2nd grade and I want to go back to work. I've done the volunteering and PTA stuff as well as trained for and finished a few marathons in the top 10% of my age group because I needed some challenge during the day. Several of my good friends have moved away and others are back to work FT. I'm lonely, bored and need new challenges.

I recently applied for an administrative assistant job and am waiting to hear after 2 good rounds of interviews. DH is not being very supportive as the job really won't allow me to take 2 hours off for a school assembly, walk DC to school or go on field trips and DH thinks since I was so involved at school with DC#1, DC#2 deserves the same. The job would also require some sacrifice on DH part. This job I applied for has set hours so he would have to do the morning drop off and get to work about 9:15. plus attend school activities like class plays and a field trip here or there. Evenings - especially on sports nights and with homework would be more chaotic so he would have to step up then, too. And until I built up leave, he would be the SAHP on sick days...things he's really not interested in doing as it cuts into his work time.

I'm feeling somewhat resentful as I feel I sacrificed my career for 10 years, he can surely give three years and go on the Daddy track - until #2 is in middle school.

He says that since our HHI is > $1M a year, there's no reason for me to work. He just doesn't understand my desire to do something for myself after 10 years of focusing on children.

Please don't tell me to volunteer at some non-profits. I'm actually quit shy and find it hard to be constantly walking into a room/activity of new people. I'm not a leader - I'm a helper. This job is in a small office with less than 20 people and it would probably help me shyness.

Clearly we don't need the money but I want some sort of career (not a job working at Target or Gymboree). Am I being ridiculous? Is it worth it?

[Anonymous]

Wish I were in your shoes, OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At the risk of being rude, it kind of makes me mad that when there are so few "unskilled" jobs like these to go around for the people who truly need them, someone with a HHI of $1M is taking one to avoid being bored.

+1.

+2

[Anonymous]

OP, I am so not in your shoes, but I get it. Since the income isn't the issue, and it sounds like your husband doesn't want to sacrifice any work cred, I would look for something with hours that aren't as conflicting. IF your husband still ahs a problem with this, well, then it's a real problem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At the risk of being rude, it kind of makes me mad that when there are so few "unskilled" jobs like these to go around for the people who truly need them, someone with a HHI of $1M is taking one to avoid being bored.

+1.

+2

but the majority of her paycheck would be going to taxes. Isn't that a good thing that the government could then just turn around and give her hard earned money to that unskilled person who really doesn't want to work anyway?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At the risk of being rude, it kind of makes me mad that when there are so few "unskilled" jobs like these to go around for the people who truly need them, someone with a HHI of $1M is taking one to avoid being bored.

+1.

+2

but the majority of her paycheck would be going to taxes. Isn't that a good thing that the government could then just turn around and give her hard earned money to that unskilled person who really doesn't want to work anyway?

wouldn't you want the person who is receiving public assistance to have the opportunity to work for it at the type of entry level job OP is considering (if possible)? I think your presumption that all unskilled individuals who receive public assistance don't want to work is a bit of a leap.

OP, if I was in your position I would focus my energy on a volunteer opportunity so that the greatest good could be estalished - you would support a charity that is making a difference for a cause you support, you would find meaning outside your home, and someone who really needs the income provided by your possible future entry level job would be able to get it. There are many workerbee positions at charities, you don't have to be an extrovert to make a significant and positive impact.

[Anonymous]

Starting your own business is the way to go.

I am impressed that you have trained for and done so well in marathons. There are so many Type A people around who want to "amp up" their training and so many other people who need to get into shape.

I found this resource for a friend who is needing additional income. You could become a "speed and agility coach" through www.nestacertified.com and provide workshops, one on one training etc.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At the risk of being rude, it kind of makes me mad that when there are so few "unskilled" jobs like these to go around for the people who truly need them, someone with a HHI of $1M is taking one to avoid being bored.

+1.

+2

but the majority of her paycheck would be going to taxes. Isn't that a good thing that the government could then just turn around and give her hard earned money to that unskilled person who really doesn't want to work anyway?

This comment makes zero sense. Are you attempting to say that someone who could be employed as an admin assistant is the same sort of person who's on welfare? There's so much fail in your comment that I don't even know where to begin.