Help! Return to Work - am I looking for a unicorn?

[Anonymous]

I think it's a unicorn in the sense you don't have any connections or network.

You are starting from scratch and it's going to be more challenging to get your perfect job. You may have to be willing to bend on certain aspects of your wish list.

[Anonymous]

Have you considered starting your own business, OP?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have you considered starting your own business, OP?

Yes, although this option seems even more daunting.

When I was in my 20s, right out of grad school I did some freelance work. One example : a small venture capital company that was not incorporated as a nonprofit, but had a nonprofit like mission was kind of floundering, stalled and not sure what to do next. I conducted a capital needs assessment and trend analysis of the local small business market, researched what other venture firms and NPO's were doing in the market and wrote/recommended a new business plan for them. Other than meeting with the board chair at the beginning, and presenting to the board at the end, I did everything independently on my own schedule and it probably took me about 5 hours a week (I had a month to do it.) They paid me a flat $1,500 for the report.

If I could land gigs like this on a consistent basis I'd be in business.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Way too inflexible!

I don't have to work, I just want to. The schedule and pay need to work for me to make it worth my while.

I think that employers might think you are a great candidate, but they would worry that you wouldn't be totally dedicated to the job. (That happened to me when I was looking for work after being a SAHM.)

You'd have to find a way to demonstrate that you are very determined and really want to work and do the job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I'm not sure why everyone is being pissy with you.

What you're looking for does exist.

I work PT for a couple NPOs. Mostly WAH, a few meetings / events here & there, occasional travel. I bring home about what I did before with FT work, but I have much more flexibility. I have no benefits, but it's a trade-off to be home with my LO at 3:30 90% of the time.

Also, when you're PT, you have more leverage in some ways than FT--it's much easier to say, "I'll be gone that week" or "no, I can't do a 7pm call." On the other hand, if you miss two days, you've missed the whole week, and the FT world keeps spinning without you, so it's sometimes hard to keep up--especially if you have high expectations for your work and want to set firm boundaries about availability.

I have to hustle, because some of my work is contract work with definite end dates. Sometimes I do extra consulting.

I never had a real work gap, though, since I switched to this shortly after DS was born.

I think op's focus on what she wants from the job, in terms of flexibility, low hours, relatively high pay, no commute, interesting work, without any mention of her particular skill sets or what she brings to the table, is rubbing people the wrong way.

Oh, please. 90% of the job ads are "we want we want we want" with no mention of what the candidate will get in return. It's okay to know what you're looking for.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Have you considered starting your own business, OP?

Yes, although this option seems even more daunting.

When I was in my 20s, right out of grad school I did some freelance work. One example : a small venture capital company that was not incorporated as a nonprofit, but had a nonprofit like mission was kind of floundering, stalled and not sure what to do next. I conducted a capital needs assessment and trend analysis of the local small business market, researched what other venture firms and NPO's were doing in the market and wrote/recommended a new business plan for them. Other than meeting with the board chair at the beginning, and presenting to the board at the end, I did everything independently on my own schedule and it probably took me about 5 hours a week (I had a month to do it.) They paid me a flat $1,500 for the report.

If I could land gigs like this on a consistent basis I'd be in business.

This was 15-20 years ago, right? You probably won’t consistently get gigs like this at first, but do you know anyone (even your contacts in DC) who have work like this available? Get one gig, and use that reference to get a second, and a third, etc. Alternatively, what kind of volunteer work have you been doing? Can you start a business doing that kind of work? Use your current ED as a reference to get a first gig, etc, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Have you considered starting your own business, OP?

Yes, although this option seems even more daunting.

When I was in my 20s, right out of grad school I did some freelance work. One example : a small venture capital company that was not incorporated as a nonprofit, but had a nonprofit like mission was kind of floundering, stalled and not sure what to do next. I conducted a capital needs assessment and trend analysis of the local small business market, researched what other venture firms and NPO's were doing in the market and wrote/recommended a new business plan for them. Other than meeting with the board chair at the beginning, and presenting to the board at the end, I did everything independently on my own schedule and it probably took me about 5 hours a week (I had a month to do it.) They paid me a flat $1,500 for the report.

If I could land gigs like this on a consistent basis I'd be in business.

This was 15-20 years ago, right? You probably won’t consistently get gigs like this at first, but do you know anyone (even your contacts in DC) who have work like this available? Get one gig, and use that reference to get a second, and a third, etc. Alternatively, what kind of volunteer work have you been doing? Can you start a business doing that kind of work? Use your current ED as a reference to get a first gig, etc, etc.

+1

I do this kind of consulting, and have slooooowly built up my work over the past year. (Left FT position last 12/31.) First client was a $500 day-long training session. Then a several-week project for about $1000. Then an ongoing per-diem client. Just scored my first $20k client.

It's possible. Hustle.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Have you considered starting your own business, OP?

Yes, although this option seems even more daunting.

When I was in my 20s, right out of grad school I did some freelance work. One example : a small venture capital company that was not incorporated as a nonprofit, but had a nonprofit like mission was kind of floundering, stalled and not sure what to do next. I conducted a capital needs assessment and trend analysis of the local small business market, researched what other venture firms and NPO's were doing in the market and wrote/recommended a new business plan for them. Other than meeting with the board chair at the beginning, and presenting to the board at the end, I did everything independently on my own schedule and it probably took me about 5 hours a week (I had a month to do it.) They paid me a flat $1,500 for the report.

If I could land gigs like this on a consistent basis I'd be in business.

This was 15-20 years ago, right? You probably won’t consistently get gigs like this at first, but do you know anyone (even your contacts in DC) who have work like this available? Get one gig, and use that reference to get a second, and a third, etc. Alternatively, what kind of volunteer work have you been doing? Can you start a business doing that kind of work? Use your current ED as a reference to get a first gig, etc, etc.

Yes, a long time ago! My portfolio is dusty to say the least. I'm actually starting to give this more thought. I've been out for so long, my thinking was that getting a job (an employer) would be more in reach than trying to snag multiple clients. But I'd have more independence even if it is more slow going if I go the freelance route.

I don't want to get too specific about the volunteer work (don't want to out myself, I've already said a lot.) My role has grown over the past year though and it could lead to something if even a reference.

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Have you considered starting your own business, OP?

Yes, although this option seems even more daunting.

When I was in my 20s, right out of grad school I did some freelance work. One example : a small venture capital company that was not incorporated as a nonprofit, but had a nonprofit like mission was kind of floundering, stalled and not sure what to do next. I conducted a capital needs assessment and trend analysis of the local small business market, researched what other venture firms and NPO's were doing in the market and wrote/recommended a new business plan for them. Other than meeting with the board chair at the beginning, and presenting to the board at the end, I did everything independently on my own schedule and it probably took me about 5 hours a week (I had a month to do it.) They paid me a flat $1,500 for the report.

If I could land gigs like this on a consistent basis I'd be in business.

This was 15-20 years ago, right? You probably won’t consistently get gigs like this at first, but do you know anyone (even your contacts in DC) who have work like this available? Get one gig, and use that reference to get a second, and a third, etc. Alternatively, what kind of volunteer work have you been doing? Can you start a business doing that kind of work? Use your current ED as a reference to get a first gig, etc, etc.

Yes, a long time ago! My portfolio is dusty to say the least. I'm actually starting to give this more thought. I've been out for so long, my thinking was that getting a job (an employer) would be more in reach than trying to snag multiple clients. But I'd have more independence even if it is more slow going if I go the freelance route.

I don't want to get too specific about the volunteer work (don't want to out myself, I've already said a lot.) My role has grown over the past year though and it could lead to something if even a reference.

Thank you!

You don’t need the money, but you do need the flexibility. I would go this route. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Have you considered starting your own business, OP?

Yes, although this option seems even more daunting.

When I was in my 20s, right out of grad school I did some freelance work. One example : a small venture capital company that was not incorporated as a nonprofit, but had a nonprofit like mission was kind of floundering, stalled and not sure what to do next. I conducted a capital needs assessment and trend analysis of the local small business market, researched what other venture firms and NPO's were doing in the market and wrote/recommended a new business plan for them. Other than meeting with the board chair at the beginning, and presenting to the board at the end, I did everything independently on my own schedule and it probably took me about 5 hours a week (I had a month to do it.) They paid me a flat $1,500 for the report.

If I could land gigs like this on a consistent basis I'd be in business.

This was 15-20 years ago, right? You probably won’t consistently get gigs like this at first, but do you know anyone (even your contacts in DC) who have work like this available? Get one gig, and use that reference to get a second, and a third, etc. Alternatively, what kind of volunteer work have you been doing? Can you start a business doing that kind of work? Use your current ED as a reference to get a first gig, etc, etc.

+1

I do this kind of consulting, and have slooooowly built up my work over the past year. (Left FT position last 12/31.) First client was a $500 day-long training session. Then a several-week project for about $1000. Then an ongoing per-diem client. Just scored my first $20k client.

It's possible. Hustle.

OP here. I wish I knew you and could invite you to coffee to pick your brain!

[Anonymous]

Op, your experience is out of date. As a full time working mom of 2, I'm really glad I never took significant time out of the workforce. can you work your connections to do "consulting" in your field, rather than work for one employer?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op, your experience is out of date. As a full time working mom of 2, I'm really glad I never took significant time out of the workforce. can you work your connections to do "consulting" in your field, rather than work for one employer?

Yes, I know, but I still have my brain cells. I'm happy that your choices have worked out best for you. I'm also happy that I did take significant time out of the workforce to be a SAPH. No regrets. Does it present challenges? Of course. But I'm excited, not afraid of the path ahead. Yes, the more I think about it, the more I think the consulting route is the preferable route as I get my experience up to date again, one project at time. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op, your experience is out of date. As a full time working mom of 2, I'm really glad I never took significant time out of the workforce. can you work your connections to do "consulting" in your field, rather than work for one employer?

Yes, I know, but I still have my brain cells. I'm happy that your choices have worked out best for you. I'm also happy that I did take significant time out of the workforce to be a SAPH. No regrets. Does it present challenges? Of course. But I'm excited, not afraid of the path ahead. Yes, the more I think about it, the more I think the consulting route is the preferable route as I get my experience up to date again, one project at time. Thank you!

LOL, I meant SAHP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a Master's degree in public policy, about 10 years experience in government affairs. I have 3 children and made the SAHM leap about 10 years ago.

I want to work close to home or from home from about 9 am to 2 pm, I want interesting, rewarding work (not interested in sales), I don't need benefits and I only need to net roughly $2500-$3000 a month. I am also willing to put in more hours from home after the kids' bedtime if needed.

Online searching is leaving me feeling discouraged. I know that I need to network,but not sure how/where for what I am looking for. I have a ton of contacts in DC, but live in the burbs and don't want to commute.

Am I being unreasonable?

Can you start your own business or work as a contractor or consultant? I did that and worked the schedule you outlined making that amount of money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Have you considered starting your own business, OP?

Yes, although this option seems even more daunting.

When I was in my 20s, right out of grad school I did some freelance work. One example : a small venture capital company that was not incorporated as a nonprofit, but had a nonprofit like mission was kind of floundering, stalled and not sure what to do next. I conducted a capital needs assessment and trend analysis of the local small business market, researched what other venture firms and NPO's were doing in the market and wrote/recommended a new business plan for them. Other than meeting with the board chair at the beginning, and presenting to the board at the end, I did everything independently on my own schedule and it probably took me about 5 hours a week (I had a month to do it.) They paid me a flat $1,500 for the report.

If I could land gigs like this on a consistent basis I'd be in business.

This was 15-20 years ago, right? You probably won’t consistently get gigs like this at first, but do you know anyone (even your contacts in DC) who have work like this available? Get one gig, and use that reference to get a second, and a third, etc. Alternatively, what kind of volunteer work have you been doing? Can you start a business doing that kind of work? Use your current ED as a reference to get a first gig, etc, etc.

+1

I do this kind of consulting, and have slooooowly built up my work over the past year. (Left FT position last 12/31.) First client was a $500 day-long training session. Then a several-week project for about $1000. Then an ongoing per-diem client. Just scored my first $20k client.

It's possible. Hustle.

NP, here. I have similar situation as OP, but I am in a STEM field and haven't been out of the workforce as long. I've thought about pursuing consulting, but since I am not a business person, I find myself stumped on the first step. Before reaching out to one's network or pursuing gigs, is it best of form an LLC or small business? Or is it best to just become a 1099 independent contractor and let the employer/client handle the business end? What is your payment arrangement? Do you need an attorney, or just an accountant? Thanks!