Can a 40's+ woman take a career break and get back in?

[Anonymous]

I've worked in media my whole life, love earning money and building a career. But I'm not a high-flye, don't have much management experience and have failed to 'climb the ladder.' Still, I'm good at my job and have a decent resume. Problem is, we (husband, 2 kids ages 8 and 13) are making a major geographic move and the kids will need support adjusting for the first few months, or even the first year. (Someone who can focus on signing them up for activities, facilitating playdates, being home to listen if they've had a difficult day, etc.) My line of work requires intense focus and long hours, so if I were to get a new job right away the kids would likely fall through the cracks. Since my husband earns a lot more money than I do, I'm considering taking 6-12 months off while we settle down. I could freelance or volunteer during that time of course, but I'd officially be stalling my career. I'm in my forties and am very worried that nobody will hire me when I reapply after a hiatus because of age discrimination. Should I be worried?

[Anonymous]

Everybody is worried about age discrimination but if you freelance, who cares as long as the job gets done? Have you been networking?

[Anonymous]

OP here. I'm not worried about discrimination during the freelancing phase, but after I try to get back in full-time. Yeah, I've been networking but I'm not a great at it. Also many in my network are also women in their forties.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I'm not worried about discrimination during the freelancing phase, but after I try to get back in full-time. Yeah, I've been networking but I'm not a great at it. Also many in my network are also women in their forties.

Hopefully freelancing can lead to a full time offer.

[Anonymous]

You can take a break, but you will likely have to take a pay cut and work your way back up. You will be lowballed if people see you are not employed.

[Anonymous]

I took a break from 38-40 for the same reasons you stated. It took me 9 months to find a new job and I was definitely underpaid at first. But I was able to get in there, prove myself and have made a huge leap from where I was before my break. It's taken a lot of hard work (I work significantly longer hours than I ever have) and a decent amount of luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can take a break, but you will likely have to take a pay cut and work your way back up. You will be lowballed if people see you are not employed.

Depends on whether her niche is in demand

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I took a break from 38-40 for the same reasons you stated. It took me 9 months to find a new job and I was definitely underpaid at first. But I was able to get in there, prove myself and have made a huge leap from where I was before my break. It's taken a lot of hard work (I work significantly longer hours than I ever have) and a decent amount of luck.

OP here: Good to hear! What do you mean by 'huge leap?' In pay, or responsibility? Did the break help give you perspective? And do you work longer hours because you have to or you want to?

[AmyForever]

freelance or volunteer sounds like a plan you can also use your contacts and be a digital marketer, content writer and social media thing all these can be done remotely

[Anonymous]

You will be almost 50 trying to find a new job in a new city while currently unemployed and out of work for at least a year or so? Good luck. I would not want to be you. Can you swing on just your DH salary, and basically retire to freelancing (or take up tennis) with this move.

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure I would take a career break at your stage. Yes, your kids will need all that you mentioned and yes that would be best/easiest if it was you. BUT what about hiring a nanny or college student to help with driving to school activities etc while you focus on establishing your career. There are certainly parts of being a parent I would prefer to pay someone else to do so I can focus on being their for my kids when it counts (sports games/school activities). I don't need to be the one to drive them every where. My advice would to be to find a job or at least free lance to keep yourself in the game.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You will be almost 50 trying to find a new job in a new city while currently unemployed and out of work for at least a year or so? Good luck. I would not want to be you. Can you swing on just your DH salary, and basically retire to freelancing (or take up tennis) with this move.

Jerk

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You will be almost 50 trying to find a new job in a new city while currently unemployed and out of work for at least a year or so? Good luck. I would not want to be you. Can you swing on just your DH salary, and basically retire to freelancing (or take up tennis) with this move.

Jerk

I wasn't trying to be a jerk. I've run into a lot of ageism in my own job search. She needs to brace herself for what is likely to be a difficult move.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You will be almost 50 trying to find a new job in a new city while currently unemployed and out of work for at least a year or so? Good luck. I would not want to be you. Can you swing on just your DH salary, and basically retire to freelancing (or take up tennis) with this move.

Jerk

I wasn't trying to be a jerk. I've run into a lot of ageism in my own job search. She needs to brace herself for what is likely to be a difficult move.

Ageism is horrible to go through. Unless you get into an accident, become ill, or get shot by a jealous spouse, we all get older. I know someone who started her own company. She did fractional work and then four clients became one job. The Inc 5000 is full of professional service companies. Also, she has three kids so even if DH is a solid earner, they still need the money for college and retirement.

[Anonymous]

Even with ageism, nobody can take away your accomplishments or degrees or licenses.