SAHM going back to work

[AustinTink]

How do you do it? I've been a SAHM for 10 1/2 years now. Just found out I need to start looking for something stat. I mean, I don't even have a relevant resume! I don't know where to start. Have any of you SAHMs had this experience recently. How do you spin the whole haven't worked in a decade thing?

 

[s&k'smom]

I don't know if this will help but when I went back to work I went down to the local mall and got a job. The stores there loved the mom's because they were mature, reliable and did their jobs. The three of us who did that have all either been promoted or did'nt take the promotion because of child care issues. It may not be glamorous but it's a start. Good luck!

 

[dismom2]

What is your prior work experience? Will you be looking for similar work? I think a lot of people realize that many women take time off to raise their kids, but you still have many skills you can mention. Just be honest and sell yourself; let the employer know that you are ready, and capable of getting back in the work forth. Good luck.

 

[AustinTink]

I worked in broadcasting and multimedia before becoming a mom. These are industries that will definitely leave you in the dust. Being away for 10 years, I may as well have never worked. So, I'm looking for office work since I have helped my husband with his small business this past 5 years. When the recession claimed our business last year he went back to work full-time. Now the company he works for is laying people off. We simply can't catch a break.

I've been very active at my son's school fundraising and event planning. One of my fundraisers netted $80k! I hope to use those skills to find an office job with a little more thrown in.

I'm so depressed and worried right now. My heart has been in my throat for the last 48 hours. But, no time for that. Must find a job...

 

[AustinTink]

I don't know if this will help but when I went back to work I went down to the local mall and got a job. The stores there loved the mom's because they were mature, reliable and did their jobs. The three of us who did that have all either been promoted or did'nt take the promotion because of child care issues. It may not be glamorous but it's a start. Good luck!

I'm heading there this week!

 

[Gabes_mommy]

Definitely include all your volunteer experience on your resume! Also write some really strong cover letters including all your experience and skills.

I just went back to work after 2.5 years as a SAHM and I actually really love it. I hope you find something you'll enjoy soon.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I will be joining you shortly. Not sure the direction I will be going. I did last yr. at a school in TX in the kitchen.

No volunteering recently though.

I will think good thoughts for you. I am just going to apply until I get a job somewhere.

 

[Caradana]

Two steps to start. First, draft a resume. Search online for resume templates and look for one that has an objective section on the top. Download it, overcome the fear, sit in front of the computer and start typing. You can do this. In thinking about the position that you're in, you have office and organizational planning experience, you need regular hours, your best shot initially may be as an executive assistant, if you think it's a role that might interest you. Austin has a vibrant corporate culture and a gigantic university. It has not been smacked around as badly by the economy as some other areas.

Second - I know this is hard - but are you calling your friends? I am a huge believer in networking and goodwill in the job search process. Someone you know knows someone who knows someone who needs your skills. Plan what you're going to say before you pick up the phone. Maybe it's something like "The time is right for me to go back to work. I think, with my background, I'd be great at X, Y or Z (fill in your thoughts). What do you think? Would it be OK if I sent you my resume so that you can share it with anyone you think might have contacts in these worlds? I'd be happy to go to any informational interviews to learn more about roles."

 

[kpm76]

I worked in broadcasting and multimedia before becoming a mom. These are industries that will definitely leave you in the dust. Being away for 10 years, I may as well have never worked. So, I'm looking for office work since I have helped my husband with his small business this past 5 years. When the recession claimed our business last year he went back to work full-time. Now the company he works for is laying people off. We simply can't catch a break.

I've been very active at my son's school fundraising and event planning. One of my fundraisers netted $80k! I hope to use those skills to find an office job with a little more thrown in.

I'm so depressed and worried right now. My heart has been in my throat for the last 48 hours. But, no time for that. Must find a job...

Unless you need benefits, what about marketing yourself to non-profit agencies do some of their communications/media relations and fund-raising? You could work from home and they can pay you on an hourly basis, though you'd want to have a contract for X number of hours per month so that you can bank of a certain amount of money each month. Check out non-profit jobs on Craig's List in your area....your previous experience with communications may not be as outdated as you think if you do something a little different with it. Non-profits are always looking for creative ways to get the talent and skills they need without having to pay a full time employee.

 

[Magalex]

At the same point in my life too but still may have to stay at home for 3 more years until DS can stay at home after school. We only have one child and my DH works in an IT dept. for a company so his day doesn't end at 5, he can also leave home at 4 AM. I volunteered for the local humane society as an office assistant during the school year but this year I would like to get paid. I feel in terms of job career or experience I have to start at the beginning again. Actually looking at a fast food restaurant. Maybe they will take me for 2 days during school hours/school sesaon only. I want to be productive besides volunteering at the school. Plus money is money.

 

[ahutton]

You mentioned fund raising for your son's school - if it is not a public school, do they have development director? That would be a great contact person who you may know and will know lots of other people in marketing and development.

Austin has some really great organizations who may have need for some part time or seasonal assistance. Settlement Home has a large fundraiser that comes up - I think in November - and they may need help cataloging and organizing items for the big sale. That would be a way to get back into the swing of working and where you could make really good contacts for something more permanent.

Often volunteer jobs lead to something permanent and rewarding!

 

[JoyLuck]

May I add my 2 cents?

I am a LOOOONG time lurker, but I have been a member on this message board for quite a while.

Your story may as well be mine. My husband and I were hit pretty hard this year with bills, and realized that I needed a fulltime job, and quick! I have been out of the traditional workforce for 10 years, I have no formal college education, I had worked my way up in an office from the bottom, and then left to stay at home fulltime. I've been volunteering, and keeping my husbands home office organized....that is it. I feel like such a dinosaur.
I typed up my resume using a template, and added my years outside of the workforce volunteering, and working in a home office---I made it clear that I have been keeping busy these past 10 years. I submitted my resume to everything that fit----just adjust your cover letter to reflect why you would be a benefit. Monster.com was great. I heard from a staffing agency about one of their openings...I dragged out some dress clothes, printed my resume, went in and met with them. I interviewed with some of the big stores at our local mall---I was offered a position there, but the hours were a bit tough. I scoured our local paper, and saw a position at a local senior living center that sounded good.....I interviewed and got the job! Not great pay, but to know that ANYONE wants you is HUGE. I start in a week...talk about nervous!
I will tell you to not lose hope----staying home was not a big deal to anyone, they understood why I chose to stay home....Most of the interviewers wanted to refer back to my last 'career' position and discuss that, so it wasn't so bad. Believe in your ability to do the jobs you are applying for, and DO NOT let the process overwhelm you....I have been on an emotional rollercoaster and survived it! I never thought I would have the courage to do this, but when it comes to taking care of my family...I guess my steel backbone comes out. You are not alone, there are others just like you out there, you can do this!

 

[AustinTink]

Thank you all for your wonderful advice. I have notified most of my friends and hope they may have some leads. My husband and I really spruced up the resume and surprise, surprise it looks pretty darn good. The volunteering really reads like I managed a full project lifecycle. And, hubby has filled me in on some of the latest lingo an interviewer will want to hear. Now if I can just brush away the cobwebs and remember it all, I'll be good.

Austin has been hit hard by the recession. Three of our biggest companies Dell, Samsung and Freescale are sucking wind big time. Half the parents in my son's class are looking for work. It's a scary statistic.

Keep your fingers crossed for me, please. Good luck to all of you who are looking too!!

 

[rie'smom]

Since you have experience in media and you've done great work with fundraising, I'd try the PBS stations around your area.

 

[AustinTink]

Since you have experience in media and you've done great work with fundraising, I'd try the PBS stations around your area.

I hadn't thought of them Thanks!

 

[rie'smom]

You're welcome!

 

[JoyLuck]

Just remember to keep a very positive attitude about the whole process! I cannot tell you how important this is----negativity will seep in when you aren't paying attention, in bed at night was a big one for me.

It sounds silly, but I started using my own form of meditation to help me over the times when I was ready to curl into a ball and cry----the words "this too shall pass" REALLY help me.

Also, I imagine where we want to be in 1 year, 3 years etc and know that it won't happen without hard work. I hope you know you aren't alone going through this....there are many people out there in the same position.