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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Of course WOHP's raise their kids.  And I can see why they are touchy about the whole, "stayed home to raise my kids bit." But as a SAHM this thread has been instructive.  You do have to tread carefully and watch what you say, because some people will IMPLY judgement of their choices when they hear about the different choices you made.  There are moms in particular around her with some baggage surrounding this issue, and some of them are WOHMs.  Hope you aren't interviewed by one of those.  There are also ALOT of negative stereotypes about SAHM's being thrown around in this thread.

So if you are a SAHM:

1. Keep skills current, possibly through volunteering, but only mention that if it sounds serious enough.  Definitely don't mention something called a gala unless you are applying for a job throwing galas.

2. Be as matter of fact and brief as possible about any details of your personal life.

3. Don't, for god's sake, say you, "stayed at home to raise your kids."

4. Hope you're being interviewed by someone who doesn't have as many negative emotions about this topic as many of the women here, because if you are, you've got a big deficit to overcome with that person.  They are starting out not wanting to like you.  It is what it is.   Gotta find a way around it, by being awesome if you can.

5. Go home at the end of the day, whatever happens, and thank god you got to make the choices you wanted to (not implying the WOHM's didn't get to make the choices they wanted to...so relax on that one) and got to spend the time with your kid you wanted to (again, not implying the WOHM didn't get to spend the time with their kid they wanted to, just hope the SAHM did).  You'll find a job.  It may take longer and pay less than you'd like, but you'll find something.

6. Hope for some resolution to this impossible struggle (WOHM vs. SAHM) when our kids are our age.  [/quote]

A rational, constructive post in this thread is so refreshing.  I agree with this 100%, and I am a WOHM, with no plan to be anything else.  I would add only one thing:  If you have been out of the workforce for a while, it is worth it to talk with someone working in your field, or with a career consultant, before starting the hunt so that you can avoid some of these errors,.  I actually think there are many WOHMs (including many posters in this thread) who would agree with this.  There's a lot of B.S. lipservice paid by both WOHMs and SAHMs to "respecting each other's choices," with very little effort put into trying to identify and overcome the biases we probably all harbor.  We don't all have to be buds, and some judgment of others' choices is inevitable.  But the big picture is that the only legitimate way to judge applicants in any pool -- women and men both -- is by their skill, attitude, and other relevant qualities.  I've seen plenty of people screw up interviews (and resumes, and cover letters, etc.) by not doing basic research on the place they're applying to, acting entitled, or being flaky.  These people were not SAHMs; they just weren't very attractive candidates.[/quote]

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