How do i start? (re-enter work force)

[akhenaten]

Hi all..... I know that lots of folks on the DIS have great ideas and lots of experience.....so ......here goes...

I have been an at home mom for the last 18 years. I went back to college and just completed my Associates. I would LOVE to go on to complete my 4 year degree....but DH job is freelance and hitting a dry spell. I have a 17 year old starting college next year and a 13 year old and a 4 year old who will be in school full time next year....so

Where do I start to look for work?
I have absolutely no idea how to re- enter the work force. Everything I really want to do requires a Masters degree and I know I have to go back to work way before I can complete that!!

So I ask again for ANY ideas on what to do...... will any offices hire a 44 year old who has been out of the work force for so long?

Before SAH I worked customer service, retail, and was a projectionist/manager for a major theatre(union job).


edited to add: The careers I am interested in are School Guidance Counselor and Librarian/Media Specialist.

 

[pfishgirl]

what about starting off as an aide is a school? then get the experience you need to advance..

Best Wishes

 

[malibuconlee]

I think that's great advice. Plus since you're so used to being with the kids, you'll still be able to be with them during days off from school and breaks!!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Start applying!!!!
I recently got a job with my local school district after being at home for 10yrs.
I work in the cafeteria but there are many jobs within a school.

 

[DVCindy]

Here's another idea .... I recently got on the sub list in our school system. I happen to not want to be in the classroom, so I just get calls to work in the front office, library, board of ed office, etc. It's a really great way to get a bird's eye view of what it's like working in different areas and it might help you make a career choice for the future. Of course if you want to be in a classroom, substitute teaching is an option also.

 

[golfgal]

I just started back to work after 15 years of being a SAHM. I used careerbuilder.com for job searches. I like the features they have, you can search by distance from your home which was important to me. I also like the way they display the listings.

I sent out many resumes and it took a while but I did have some interviews and did get a job that is a mile from our house, flexible hours and for the pay I wanted.

I also did apply at a temp agency and did get several calls for jobs there too. I did one assignment where I was going to look into working there full time but they lost their temp budget so that job was gone. They called me the day I got offered the job I have now and wanted me to come back, but I said no.

 

[akhenaten]

Thank you all for the advice!!

I do like the idea of working in a school sytem.....still close to the kids schedules..if not the same!!

I never knew the sub list could be for other jobs too....I will look into that!

Thanks for the careerbulder.com link....I will check it out!

Flexible hours are really still a must for me....with the 4 year old and of course..I think a 13 year old boy needs lots of tending too als o....gotta keep those eyes on him...hahaah

Carol