OP here. Yes, volunteering will probably be a great way to start networking. I don't think that there will be many part-time opportunities out there but that would definitely be ideal. I am also a former Federal employee so that could help down the road, and my former bosses will happily serve as excellent references. We'll see. Thanks for the constructive input.

I have it but I've been here 20+ years. My boss is terrified of my quitting. So long as the work gets done and I take his calls, he's fine with my flexible schedule.

But I had to put in the time to get here.

Hey OP,

When you find that job, be sure to let us know! I want one too. As do all my friends!

OP-not familiar with your particular job field but is it possible to look into something part time to start so that you have more time with your family?

Anonymous wrote:I have been a SAHM for the past few years in another city. We are moving back to D.C. within the next 1-2 years and I would like to go back to work. When I lived in D.C. I had a decent career track in an International field for 7 years. I have been out of that field for 9 years (did other things before having kids) and would like to get back into it when we move back...but not in exactly what I was doing.

I have no problem starting in an entry level job with the government or a non-profit in a job related to International Affairs. However...my big BUT is that I really need it to be family friendly. I don't need to work from home, per se, but I would love a flexible schedule where I can work 7-3 a couple of days a week (or more) so I can pick up my kids after school and not do aftercare 5 days a week.

Is this possible? Does this exist? Do I even have a chance? Am I kidding myself? I miss working and using that part of my brain but I also want to have at least a couple of afternoons with my kids during the week. My DH works a fairly demanding job (he will be in the same job in D.C.) and is the breadwinner (obviously) so he will not have a lot of flexibility.

This is what almost everyone wants.

Honestly OP unless you have unique skills, I think you are setting your sights in an unrealistic fashion. You are going to be competing with kids straight out of MA programs and a couple of years experience who are eager to work and very astute about networking and promoting themselves. (I'm frequently on the receiving end, and it's mind blowing.) Your previous experience is nice, but it's very dated and it doesn't give you much leg up over a recent graduate of most IR programs in town, unless you bring something special to the picture. I have a friend who is in a similar position except she has 12 years experience and several graduate degrees. She came back to DC and thought it would take a month or two to find a job. It's going on a year, and she is now temping. One of the things that surprised her was how much the technology has changed in the few years she was not working. If you have some specialization that is valuable, or connections who are well placed and well disposed to use them, then you will find more traction. But the reality is that if you have general "international affairs" interests and background, it's going to be a long tough slog to find a job, much less one that is mommy hours. I'm being blunt because I know my friend wishes she had had a better appreciation of what she was up against. I know the PPs were more reassuring but I suspect that they are dealing with different sectors of the economy around here.

I got that by first volunteering at a nonprofit, proving my worth, and then they hired me. I was hoping to be hired on a consultant basis - I talked up how I didn't need health insurance etc. Instead they hired me full-time but I negotiated to leave on time twice a week to pick up the kids. The pay sucks but it's a job. Good luck!

Many federal jobs will allow you to start early, as long as you put in 8.5 hours (including 30 min for lunch). It shouldnt matter tht you would be a new employee. So to leave at 3, you would need to get in at 6:30. Bits also possible that you may not need to leave at 3. Our school bus in MoCo doesn't get home till 4 and my federal job is 15 minutes from my house.

What about consulting op? That way you could set your own schedule. A lady, who had been a SAHM for 9 years, joined our team about 3 years ago. She helps on all our projects and is happy to muck in wherever help is needed. She has been given 150 days of work each year and she schedules her time so that she comes in after drop off and leaves to pick up her kids. She is a very valuable team member and we all work with her schedule. Sh tells us which days and hours she will be in each week and we accommodate her.

Another friend of mine had to head to work after 8 years as a SAHM after her husband lost his job. I introduced her to a contact of mine and she got a job within a couple of months. She works from 7.30-4 at a job she loves. She's decided to get her masters so she can progress in the field.

Both these women got their jobs by networking. Yes, it's hard to apply cold for a job like the ones described above but not impossible. Just talk to people, I am in the process of helping 2 other friends to jump into the workforce .

I think your best bet is to luck out with a part-time or job-sharing job. Those aren't unheard of, but not easy to come by either.

If money is no concern, you may try to intern or volunteer in a non-profit in your field and parlay that into a part-time gig in a year or so. I know that sounds amateurish, but there are plenty of people here willing to start fresh and work for nothing, and this is often how connections are made that earn your benefits like part-time schedules.

Good luck!

Anonymous wrote:That's a tall order, OP. Entry level and flex schedule are usually at odds.

OP here. That is what I was worried about.

That's a tall order, OP. Entry level and flex schedule are usually at odds.

I have been a SAHM for the past few years in another city. We are moving back to D.C. within the next 1-2 years and I would like to go back to work. When I lived in D.C. I had a decent career track in an International field for 7 years. I have been out of that field for 9 years (did other things before having kids) and would like to get back into it when we move back...but not in exactly what I was doing.

I have no problem starting in an entry level job with the government or a non-profit in a job related to International Affairs. However...my big BUT is that I really need it to be family friendly. I don't need to work from home, per se, but I would love a flexible schedule where I can work 7-3 a couple of days a week (or more) so I can pick up my kids after school and not do aftercare 5 days a week.

Is this possible? Does this exist? Do I even have a chance? Am I kidding myself? I miss working and using that part of my brain but I also want to have at least a couple of afternoons with my kids during the week. My DH works a fairly demanding job (he will be in the same job in D.C.) and is the breadwinner (obviously) so he will not have a lot of flexibility.