| returning to work
Posted: 3/17/2008 9:29:55 PM | anybody else have a hard time re-entering the work force after taking off a few years to raise a child? I don't know if it's the economy, or the 4 year gap on my resume, but
I am getting really frustrated.... | |
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| returning to work
Posted: 3/17/2008 11:19:07 PM | Yes. It was a nightmare... and my gap wasn't quite as big as 4 years.
Have you considered temping to get some up to date work info on your resume, while you are job hunting? | |
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| returning to work
Posted: 3/18/2008 1:12:37 AM | It has been difficult for me to return to work full time..... so.. I work part time and we do with less money....but I have the flexibility to take care of the children.
you could try a temp agency, I did that for a few years.... I was on call a lot...but sometimes at one location for a month or more... it was a good way to get back into the work force.
There was no going back to my old career......too much time had passed and I had to change my priorities.
Most employers do raise their eyebrows at a gap in employment, but I found that when you tell them that you were a stay at home Mom they are relieved and understanding.
I was asked why the 4 year gap and I told them I had 3 kids...they smile. | |
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Posted: 3/18/2008 1:54:58 AM | I too have had a 4 year gap on my resume, whilst raising my child. However, in those 4 years I have done many courses that were on offer to me and did some voluntary work, so atleast I have that to add to my resume.
I am actually waiting for the new financial year to start in April, then I will be going for an interview as a Community Link Worker for the Sure Start organization. Its actually my dream job so am really hoping I get it!
The money is pretty good, thats the only reason I can afford to go back to work. All the other jobs in this area just dont pay enough to bring up a family single handedly.
Just keep trying, you will find something. | |
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Posted: 3/18/2008 3:26:33 AM | | I have just returned to part time work after 19 years. I was apprhensive and my main worry was my rent as im in a high rent property. But im on more money than before and my main worry was leaving my children home alone but they have been of great support to me. | |
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Posted: 3/18/2008 4:30:22 AM | Even without a 4-year gap in my resume, I'm having a hard time finding stable employment.
My ex-wife has been a stay-at-home mother for the last decade. She is having an incredibly difficult time finding work. Although most guys seem to have a problem with paying out money to their ex, this is precisely the reason alimony was created. She stayed at home to care for my kids while I worked. Now that she's going to work, her job prospects have been limited by this time period. (Which I find ironic because during this time, she was managing schedules, balancing budgets, handling conflict resolution, and many other skills that would seem in-demand. Unfortunately, most companies do not value time spent running a household.)
Just keep in mind, it's partly due to the gap in the resume, but it's largely an economy issue. Things are tough all over.
Good luck to you. | |
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| returning to work
Posted: 3/18/2008 8:20:17 AM | I didn't have too much trouble re-entering the workforce after staying home for 4 years with my children...I did run a home-based craft business during the time I was home and used those acquired skills in my updated resume.
Before leaving your children to return to the workplace, you might want to consider a couple options:
1. Retraining or Upgrading skills
2. Volunteering- We have a Volunteer Canada website that offers volunteering opportunity, but I noticed you're not Canadian! The idea is to get current experience on your resume...and a lot of organizations are looking for help. Here's a link to volunteer centres in your state...http://www.volunteerflorida.org/volcenters.html
3. Starting a business or company of your own. There are books and websites about home-based businesses...use your passion to build a new career.
4. Find resources and organizations for single parents that link you to employers and jobs ie...http://www.singlemom.com/CAREER/CAREER.HTM
5. Have your resume reviewed by someone in the employment industry. We have a lot of local resources that help individuals write resumes and job seek. I'm not sure what you might have where you are...but get someone to look it over...don't undersell yourself.
Good luck,
Dev | |
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| returning to work
Posted: 3/18/2008 9:49:49 AM | It is probably a bit of both. I can't get through your e-mail restrictions. I have written resumes on and off for close to 20 years and would be happy to take a look at yours.
Are you not getting calls or are you not making it past the first interview? You have to remember too that depending on the industry or type of position, it is a hard position for an employer to be. They know that you have skills but there can be a significant learning curve even with just 4 years out of the workforce.
Temp might be the way to go because many companies wind up hiring a good temp and find them a decent position. | |
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| returning to work
Posted: 3/18/2008 10:14:46 AM | anybody else have a hard time re-entering the work force after taking off a few years to raise a child? I don't know if it's the economy, or the 4 year gap on my resume, but
I am getting really frustrated....
Its understandable that you are frustrated,, its easy to get that way. but chin up young lass,,, things have to get better.
I worked during the 90's for an agency that helped women who were recieving public assistance become part of the workforce. some of these women had never actually worked a day in their lives, and had multiple children. some were returning to work and as the agency trainer, it was part of my job to identify the things these women did while raising their children that were also marketable skills.
it will help if you can get recommendation letters from ppl you came in contact with along the way.( group leaders, your kids school teachers, etc.) ask yourself some questions here,, were there any volunteering that you did>? what were your tasks and what function did you serve as part of the organizzation>? committees, groups, etc. employers want to see that you were still doing "something" in addition to being a mommy. oh , and dont downplay the being a mommy thing. employers like to see ppl who make difficult decisions and commitments. ( thats what you did when you chose to stay home with your child).
get a book on writing resume's, ( the library is a great resource for such things and other printed materials on the subject) check out resources on the internet on interviewing techniques, etc.
one thing ppl seem to forget about is to pay attention to how you speak, dress and carry yourself during an interview. depending on what job you are interviewing for, should dictate your dress and demeanor. regardless of the job,, when picking attire,, remember, less is more. you want to appear compitent and reliable. | |
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Posted: 3/18/2008 5:03:59 PM | I had a 10 yr gap in my resume, altho some of that time was filled with smaller part-time work as well as my involvement with online groups (parenting sites) and real-life support groups that I helped fascilitate.
It was a bit of a struggle.. but I managed it. Simple explanation for me was I was married to a military man and was at home raising the kids. Most are fairly understanding about it.
Oh.. and as for interview attire.. skip the perfume... | |
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| returning to work
Posted: 3/18/2008 7:03:10 PM | Thanks for all the advice.
I had worked since I was 18 for some pretty big companies, in NY at least. I have my AAS and a paralegal certificate from NY. Then I moved to FL in 1998, worked for an attorney for two years, had a baby and stayed home until he was 3, then worked p/t until I had to quit because of my son's school schedule, he has autism and at 3 went into a really great program at a public school, but couldn't handle the aftercare program, too long a day for him, and between days school closed early and summer break, etc... I just couldn't do both, work and parent since my now ex wasn't willing to help out.
Before having a child, I never had a problem getting a job, sent out resumes, got plenty of interviews and job offers. I don't know if it's the employment gap, or the economy with so many people being out of work in Florida, especially since the real estate slump is terrible here and there are so many forclosures, the economy is terrible. It's not like I even get any calls from resumes I send out, zip, zilch, nada....
A temp agency is a good idea, haven't tried that yet, although I have sent my resume to employment agencies as so many positions listed on-line are through an agency, not directly through the employer.
Package Deal - I sent you a message, thanks for the offer, will take you up on it!
Beatiful Deviant - Thanks you for the links, will definitely check them out!
Guess I'll just keep plugging along, just really frustrated, and starting to worry.... | |
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| returning to work
Posted: 3/18/2008 7:04:30 PM | I have no personal experience with this, but my mother had to go back after over 20 years out of the workforce. She got a job with H&R Block (tax agency), which pays and trains everyone at the beginning of the tax season, and she ended up getting a job with them after tax season was done. Kept getting more and more training and now works as a bookkeeper for another agency.
This worked for a few of her friends as well.
Most places that offer seasonal work do a lot of training upon hiring at the beginning of the season.... definitely something to look into anyways. | |
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| returning to work
Posted: 3/18/2008 7:42:20 PM | p-trishthedish,
Below is second paragraph of my cover letter where I addressed the issue of the employment gap. What do you think?
"Upon reviewing my resume you may notice a gap in recent employment. For the past several years I have been raising my seven year old son who was diagnosed with autism. This experience was and is more challenging than any salaried position I have ever held. I had done extensive research on all available therapies and implemented several which have enabled my son to be as successful and high functioning both in school and home as he currently is today.
I am now able to return to the professional work force, and feel that I would be a good candidate for employment with your firm. ...." | |
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Posted: 3/18/2008 8:39:03 PM | I was going to email my comments to you but your parameters wouldn't let me...But I still wanted to share some thoughts with you in the hopes that it may help.
My godson has autism so I understand some of the demands of parenting an autistic child i.e. the challenge it can be, the patience, the research you have to do because most "agencies" are not forthcoming with information and the ability to demand what your child needs diplomatically. Most people and more importantly most employers are not likely to understand the skills that you have obviously perfected while doing the best you can for your son. Kudos to you as it's not easy!!!
In the job market...I would suggest that you should ensure a potential employer is aware that you made a "personal choice" to raise your child during his "formative years". Please don't be offended...but, I think you should consider whether you are sending a message that has "red flags" in such a tight marketplace. i.e. you may not always be able to work when scheduled due to dr's appointments, bad night's sleep, disruption/changes to your son's schedule ect. ect. Single parents are already viewed as a "risk" in the marketplace and yes...that's discrimination but...IMHO...it's still the reality. The potential employer may view you as an even "higher risk" therefore into the pile of "not considered" your application would go.
IMHO...If any representative of any company reads anything that could be interpreted as a "red flag" in the content of your cover letter they will not even read your resume. Your cover letter has to entice them to continue and read your resume so they can see that you have skills to offer , your resume then has to entice them to move to the interview stage so they can see you have a personality that "fits". After that...you are employed. 
Best of luck with your continued job search... | |
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| returning to work
Posted: 3/18/2008 9:18:34 PM | hockeyanyone,
so how else would you word it? My son is doing awesome and is getting mainstreamed, we don't have therapy, doctor appointments, etc...on a regular basis anymore, his sleep isn't an issue as he goes to bed by 10 most nights and stays in bed, so I would hope that the autism wouldn't be an issue, I was just trying to explain why I had taken a few years off...
should I take that paragraph out of the cover letter? if I do that then won't an employer wonder what the heck I was doing for four years? | |
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| returning to work
Posted: 3/18/2008 9:42:07 PM | | personally I wouldn't mention your child's medical problem at all .. I was out of the work force for almost 10 years before I returned a year and a half ago. I stated in my second paragraph that I had taken time off to stay home and raise my family. It was as simple as that .. no medical problems mentioned .. when during interviews I was asked why so long off .. I merely stated it was important to me that I stay at home with my children until they were firmly settled into school. Certainly mention in your cover letter that you took time off .. they don't have to know what extent you needed or wanted to. I was very fortunate that I am in a trade that is severly understaffed all over the country. I had 5 offers on the table within a month of returning to the workforce. Good luck in your job search. | |
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Posted: 3/19/2008 10:31:47 PM | Juzlookin:
I would keep it brief and simple...I agree that you would want an employer to know why there is a gap but I wouldn't provide quite as much detail. I think you should consider something like:
"When reviewing my resume you will notice a four year gap in my work history. I made a personal choice to stay home and care for my family during the formative years as I felt it was important."
I think whatever wording your comfortable with is best provided it implies positive behaviour. I believe that pointing out that it was a "personal choice" indicates that you are able to make tough decisions as needed. It implies that in making the choice now to return to work, you are committed. Pointing out that it was during the formative years implys that your child/ren are in school full time and in effect should not interfere with your employability outside the "normal" expectations of being a parent. Both of these implications send a positive message.
Basically, mention the gap, explain the gap briefly and move on to your next paragraph (which I thought the opening statement was very good).
During an interview, I would also keep it as brief as in your cover letter when responding to the employment gap . If the situation (questions asked) is appropriate mention the time management, prioritizing, patience, conflict resolution required to be an at home parent but do not go into detail about the medical history and the "challenges" you faced. If asked for any examples try to avoid one that requires explaining your son's medical history as that will send a "red flag" during the interview. Be prepared for the questions as it is more than likely they will be asked. The only exception would be if you are interviewing for a position where your child's medical history and the challenges that come with it would be pertinent such as a case worker or a teacher's aide.
I hope it helps move you forward... | |
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| returning to work
Posted: 3/20/2008 3:16:03 AM | I went back to school for a few months and got back my LNA license, that made it an open door for me because I had done the work twenty years ago, and there is always a need for nursing assistants.
My problem is more emotional....I hate not homeschooling anymore, and I hate not always being home when they get home from school. Although I am usually home within an hour of them, I still hate it. | |
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| returning to work
Posted: 3/20/2008 7:20:05 AM | Try reentering the work force in your chosen career after 15 years away.. It was damn tough.. I took some low paying jobs to get some current experience but am still suffering fromthe after effects.
I left my career as a manager but can't seem to get back to that level. Everyone seems to think I need current management experience.
It chokes me because my most current "manager" hired me because technically I know more than he does. He's book smart but has very few implementation skills. He's also the same ethnicity as the CEO which I think has quite an impact. In fact, I'm sure its why he was hired. He certainly wasn't hired because of his great HR skills.. LOL
The most frustrating thing is to work on a project and see him walk it into the senior management team and claim it as "his".
I'm currently looking again..
BTW, to the man who said alimony was created because of women staying home to raise the kids.. thanks!!! I wish more ex's understood that.. My ex seems to think I cannot take care of myself. As a recruiter, I got him his last two jobs and raised the kids alone while he travelled overseas for work. I think alimony should be mandatory.
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| returning to work
Posted: 3/20/2008 10:36:18 AM | My ex had a 'seeing problem' after 7 years out of the workforce to be a SAHM...she didn't 'see' herself going back to work. 
But seriously, she had many years experience in banking, indirect lending specifically and she did have a bit of a hard time finding a job when it was time.
I think it would be in your best interest to not mention your age, marital status or parental status while interviewing. There are many restrictions that HR people can't ignore. Besides, it's really none of their business.
I'd hate to see you 'swift boated' because Dogbert the evil HR manager thinks you're a bad risk because you have a child. | |
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| returning to work
Posted: 3/22/2008 3:06:54 PM | p-trishthedish,
Below is second paragraph of my cover letter where I addressed the issue of the employment gap. What do you think?
"Upon reviewing my resume you may notice a gap in recent employment. For the past several years I have been raising my seven year old son who was diagnosed with autism. This experience was and is more challenging than any salaried position I have ever held. I had done extensive research on all available therapies and implemented several which have enabled my son to be as successful and high functioning both in school and home as he currently is today.
I am now able to return to the professional work force, and feel that I would be a good candidate for employment with your firm. ...."
sorry it took me a few days to get back to this forum. and i am sorry,, ( well not really cuz im waiting for a dinner date to pick me up) but i will send you my thoughts tomorrow.
briefly,,instead of saying its more challenging, say something along the lines of equating the challenge as similar, not lesser or greater. i would be careful of being too specific, unless the job you are going for is with a firm that deals with special needs children and families specifically. you might consider using what you know and the past work experience to go into another field. something along the lines of an adovocacy group. this way, you will be able to use your professional training with a company that is already compassionate about your situation as a parent of an autistic child.
more later,, email me , i think my paramters are open. if not ill send more here later. | |
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| returning to work
Posted: 3/26/2008 11:23:18 AM | This is how I wrote my resume and didn't mention my career change in my cover letter. Provide proudly and NEVER make excuses, you are applying for a job. With that in your cover letter, they will never look at your resume. Employers are not allowed to ask about your personal life for legal reasons - don't give them things they don't need to know. Can you do the job, that it. I was home for 10 years with both of my children who both have issues - I NEVER put that in. I went back to work after my X walked out and was VERY fortunate to find a job in a very competitive and small discipline. God was wacthing out for me, the right thing came along at the right time and very quickly. Market your skills no matter where they came from and don't sell yourself short - all you are doing is translating your home skills into workplace language. This is what I use in my resome - and people remember me. Choosing to stay home with you children is much more common now. Back in my fast track days day, we were told that you would NEVER get back into your career if you left AND especially if you left for a long time. I'm not up to speed yet, but I am on the right track. I wish you the best!
CEO, the XXXXX Family November 1996 to November 2005
• Responsible for all aspects of family, specializing in operations, logistics, corporate culture, human resources, finances and benefits planning.
• Proficient in multi-tasking and crisis management.
• Creative Memories Consultant October 1999 to March 2006 (Home-based scrapbooking business.) | |
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| returning to work
Posted: 3/26/2008 12:03:26 PM | i did have a hard ttime going back to work, b-coz i got pregnant.....lol, my partner was a dead beat DAD and had to raise my child on my own, but hey >>>>>>> I left the deadbeat dad.....lol
And i moved back home:: where i grew up and i met and dated guy which....i already knew him cause we went to elementary together. We have a beautiful daughter now she's 4, 1/2 yrs old, but her daddy is no longer with us, he passed on in winter 2002 when i was a few weeks pregnant so>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
once again i had no choice but just to accept>>>> be a single parent which is my fulltime job already anyways....lol and my 6 yr old is in school all day and my 4 yr old is with me all day still giving me a hard time even though her big sister is away
but now im ready to get back to work in September 2008 and my 4 yr old will be in kindergarten and da rest of the day at childcare....whoopi   | |
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| returning to work
Posted: 3/27/2008 6:05:06 AM | I was high risk during my pregnancy and not able to work (dr's orders)
However, a few months after my daughter was born and I split from my ex, I looked for work and daycare and found great places for both. I would say that came out to be roughly a little over a yr. I didnt have a hard time re-entering because I had been working since I was 17 and always have/had a good work ethic. It was tough for a few months leaving my daughter in child-care, but, I had no choice, I was a single divorcing mom and needed to work to support us and our new home. | |
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| returning to work
Posted: 4/16/2008 12:15:24 PM | I got a job
Thank you so much to everyone who posted, and to everyone who sent me e-mail messages offering to review my resume and cover letter, I really appreciate all the help! | |
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