Who has returned to work after being a SAHM??

[SeaSpray]

I'd love to hear experiences, good or bad, from those of you who were SAHMs for many years, then went back to work. Was it a shock to your system? Were you able to adjust to a work schedule easily or did it take a while??

This SAHM of 18 years is planning to return to the work force, soon. LOL

For 2 years I worked 1 day a week for our accountant, but she lives over an hour away so last fall I told her I just couldn't do it anymore. It wasn't worth my time or gas money.

But now with DS18 graduating high school next week and starting college in the fall, it's time for me to get back "out there" and earn some money.

I've been extremely fortunate to have been able to be a SAHM for these past 18 years and I've loved every moment of it, and I'm a bit excited of the thought of returning to work, but I also feel anxiety!! If anyone could share their experiences with me, I'd appreciate it.



P.S. I am looking for work in the admin assistant field... anything in an office, basically. I've already applied with a temp agency and registered on Monster.com and sent out a few applications from there.

 

[lajones81]

No personal experience here, but I want to say best of luck Cape Girl! I admire the working moms at my school! They are amazing!

 

[Planogirl]

I have but I wasn't out quite as long as you. I stayed home when DS was a baby until he was about 3. Then I worked until I was laid off from a job when DS was 10. I just stayed home and recently returned when the kid was 12.

Both times were a bit of a shock. I immediately missed the feeling of freedom and felt a bit rebellious for a while. Actually, being rebellious is normal for me anyway but it was worse than usual. I'm adjusting to the routine and rules now, and I like getting a paycheck and staying busy but if I could get back home and somehow do my own thing to make money I would!

 

[buddy&wooz]

I'm where you are- I've been a SAHM for almost 17 years but I plan to go back to work in the fall. The hardest part is trying to figure out where to look for a job. I want to be home when my youngest gets out of school.

 

[nwdisgal]

First of all SeaSpray, good luck with your job search! I wish you all the best!

I was a SAHM for four years with my DS. I found that when the time was right to go back to work, my heart felt ready for it. I transitioned to the change in schedule by updating some of my skills with classes at the college (to get used to being on a rigid schedule again). Then from those classes, I transitioned into part time work through the school. Finally, earlier this year, I decided I was ready to go back to work full time. I was actually able to rejoin a company that I had previously worked for before I went out with my DS. I am finding that with this lastest work I am having to rebuild my credibility and prove my skillbase (it is almost like being a new employee). From that standpoint, it is a bit disheartening, having to essentially start over again, but my son was worth it - I wouldn't have changed those four years for anything!

 

[Snowysmom]

I was a SAHM for 12 years. I actually started back to work 2 evenings a week and every other weekend at first so DH would be home with the kids. Then I signed up with a temp agency and worked part time in accounting so I could be home with the kids when they got home from school and on vacations and during the summer. Now I work part time days and will until youngest DS graduates from high school next year. Then it will be back to full time which I am sure will be a shock to the system. I have found that part time is not so much of a shock and it was nice to be out earning some money and doing what I went to school for. Also, the companies I worked for were very friendly places which made it easy to go to work. I am so not looking forward to 40 hours a week but need to keep paying those college bills! I hope you find something you will like.

 

[kpk89]

I was a SAHM from the birth of my 7yo until last year. I'm still mostly at home, and it's been a gradual shift as dh started his own company. It started from home, and now we have a couple of offices up and running so I work a bit helping with that. We have a sitter who watches the kids at our house, so I'm happy that they are SAHK's.

The biggest thing is that this new career path is totally different than my previous life. I was a teacher before, and now we're in real estate. Very different. But I like the flexibility. My kids are still little so a teaching job would take me away from them too much.

Good luck to the OP -- enjoy your family AND your job!

 

[ADisneygirl]

I was a SAHM for 11 years. Now I am an elementary school teacher and while it does afford more time with your kids than any other job I can think of, it still was a major shock to my system to be at work every day. It is hard to get used to being required to be somewhere at a certain time when you are so used to the freedom that being a SAHM affords. I think it is hardest when you don't feel well. When I was a SAHM if I didn't feel well, then I spent the day in my p.j's and watched tv and took care of the kids. Now when I don't feel well I must juggle my choices: drag myself out of bed and get to work?......am I sick enough to stay home?.....will I feel worse tomorrow and wish I stayed home then?..... should I save my sick days for when my kids need me to take off?.......

Thankfully I am now on summer break! Friday was our last day. Yay! Good luck SeaSpray. Hope you find rewarding work that you enjoy.