Back to work after 15 years

[LBDD]

I've been a SAHM for 15 years but need to find a job as money is tight at the moment. DH's job varies weekly and childcare would be an issue outside school hours. Unfortunately pre children I didn't have a great career just an office admin job, so nothing really to return to and no formal qualifications to offer.
The only thing I can think of is part time Carer and there is a promotion this week in the local papers about Caring as a career, it is obviously a growth industry.
Has anyone else chosen this as a path to return to work? I've no real experience to offer and I don't really know what to expect. I thought the best thing would be to call a local agency and chat to them about it.
Any advice appreciated.

[Akire]

Caring is 90% common sense so if you have any you will be well ahead!
I'm disabled I employ carers often been mums back to work no experience etc. agency's can give you training and experience but long hours, lower pay and no choice of who you work for.
If you look on gumtree and other job cites people like me advertise for carers better pay and hours far less stressful. I just train people up its more important we get on and common sense!
Definelty talk to agency and possible get some experience but as you say it's definitely a growth area. or go straight out on your own. Good luck

[MagpieCursedTea]

I used to work as a manager in a residential care home and employed a couple of people who had been SAHPs. We didn't always look for direct experience but more the right personality and attitude to people. Things like respecting people's dignity, being person centred etc.

It can be a great job when you have kids as you can work shifts around them (our night staff tended to have school aged kids as it meant they could do the school runs and sleep while the kids were in school).

[LBDD]

Thank you Akire and Magpie, I like to think I would be good at treating people with respect and helping them to do stuff. I'm not sure about dealing with the hygiene side of care but I guess you get used to dealing with stuff after all I never thought I could change nappies/wipe up sick etc before I had kids.
As you say Magpie I need this to work around my family and there just aren't many options. DH says that he's always encouraged me to retrain and have a career but of course that would have to have been at the same time as looking after DC, house etc as he is often away at short notice and his job would always have priority so it just never seemed the right time to take it on.
I'll call on Monday and see if they'd be interested in someone like me.

[Akire]

Carer roles vary so much from no personal care to full on doubly incontient so don't let that put you off. Think people assume it's like 90% bum wiping :)
Good luck It's one few areas where always looking for staff and reasonable high chance of getting employed unlike other basic rate jobs where way much more applicants than jobs.