Career after a baby...

[Youcannotbeserious]

I'm really looking for some advice and wondering if anyone has been in this situation before...

I have worked solidly since leaving University and have a pretty good CV - BUT... I'm an industrial chemist and I don't want to be one!!!!!

I'm finishing work a week before my baby is due and not going back (my contract has been cancelled) so I've got to find a new job in a few months...

I'd really prefer to do something in marketing or at least something that involves interacting with other members of the human race!!!

My entire career is really based around chemistry and I think I need a few training courses to make me more 'marketable'....

I do have an MA in Management, but everything else I have is very techincal (Chemistry, Analytical chemistry, polymer chemistry, formulation chemistry... >>)

Anyone got any ideas of courses I could do that I could do at home / or with a young baby that would help me with my 'people' skills?

[vonsudenfed]

Had you thought about volunteering to get the experience?

I'm, slightly, in the same boat; might want to move sideways into marketing as a freelance when I need to earn some more money as my previous career is not remotely child friendly.

I was going to try and get some experience by doing some free work for local charities/festivals etc - writing press releases that kind of thing, in order to get some experience under my belt. Would that work for you?

[Monkeybird]

I imagine teacher training would bite your hand off. If you can cope with the stress/poor salary/lack of respect from the general public etc...

[PhDlifeNeedsaNewLife]

huh, funny meeting you here vonsudenfed!

I can't help, YCBS, but will watch your thread as I'm in similar boat but with rather more holes and no clue where I'm going.

say I wonder if anyone on here is a careers counsellor?

good luck, anyway

[Youcannotbeserious]

Thanks!!

Yes, Teacher training WOULD bite my hand off, but I'm not sure if I'm ready to be a teacher... Certainly something to think about, what with the holidays!!!

I didn't think about doing something for charity though... that's an idea to look into!

One thing I am really thinking of is starting a little 'business' - a little cotage industry. I have a few ideas and it's something I'd like to try but not sure how difficult it is just to 'set up'.... I wouldn't be planning on making a fortune, so tax wouldn't be an issue.

I'll keep you posted!!

[Nighbynight]

are there any marketing courses in your area?
It could be worth looking at your local CFE, they sometimes run HND or HNC courses.
I did one of these, which combined with a degree in a slightly different subject, got me started back at work. And they sometimes have creches.