finding a new job after maternity leave

[moodlesoup]

we moved city when i went on maternity leave with DD1 and i quit my long term job as we figured we'd start afresh in new city. dh had been commuting to his job in new city for 1 year and 6 months after we had moved (and bought a new house) he was made redundant.
my DD1 is now 9months old and i've gone back to my old job for 3 days a week, commuting 4 hours a day... the good thing is DH is looking after DD1 on my days at work, but this is about to change as we need 2 incomes or we'll end up bankrupt. i'm going to find a new job locally so that i don't go crazy and he is going to start freelancing.
i'm really worried about finding a new job and having to perform - generally that means working late in my line of work. generally, my colleagues don't have children (about 20% of them) and working long hours for no overtime is the norm. i'm scared that although i may find a job quite easily, i'll probably end up losing it because i'll be rushing to and from childcare.
has anybody got any tips on starting a new job after maternity leave - i.e. with a new employer. and is it worth mentioning you're a mum? i'm tempted to not mention it as i don't want employers assuming that i'll be leaving at 5.30pm every night. any tips at all very welcome... thanks.

[moodlesoup]

bump bump

[gingerninja]

Just bumping this for you as am about to start a similar thread.

[holsnovell]

Me too. Although i'm starting whole new career and don't what to do!

[gingerninja]

Moodle, I wouldn't mention it unless it came into conversation naturally. I'd also start as you mean to go on. ie don't stay 'til 7 if ordinarily you'll have to leave at 5. I'd probably stay an extra 1/2 an hour max for a while but don't do it every day. Even before I had a baby I was never one for staying late even though my colleagues did. I always got in mega early, not that that seems to count in most offices unless your boss is an early riser too. After the initial uncomfortableness it is just expected that that is the time you leave. Providing you give it 100 percent while you're there I don't think it's a problem.

You may be suprised at the attitudes actually. I just went for a new job and the fella said to me. Providing the office is covered 8.45 to 5 I don't mind what time you come in /leave. (thats in PR which is also a bit long hourly, young and childless)

What line of work are you in?

[moodlesoup]

thanks ginger ninja. i'm a project manager in graphic design so i suppose its the same kind of the same pressures as pr, i.e. beck and call of clients.

have decided not to mention it unless it comes up. thankfully i've got my old job back on my cv as they've had me back for the past 2 months freelancing so i don't have a gap in employment even though i've had a year off so it shouldn't be an issue.

thanks for the advice, has made me feel a bit happier about it all!

[chocolatekimmy]

Don't even mention being a mum or what responsibilities you have.

If they ask you, or ask ages of chidren just say 'I am reluctant to answer that question'. If asked why 'its a known fact that mothers of young children are the most discriminated group in the workforce' then leave it at that

[Majah]

Have you thought about becoming a Phoenix Trader instead? Its something that can be so easily done around children and with a group of Mum's at the dance school - there is your first potential market. I do it and have signed up several Mums in just your situation. It has great potential. Check out their website on phoenix-trading.co.uk. If you want someone to sponsor you I'd be happy to or you may find someone in your area can.

[Genidef]

Don't mention you have children in the interview but also don't come across as incredibly defensive if they do ask you. The person could just be making small talk, in theory. Many many people just get roped into interviewing by colleagues, are not trained and don't know the 'rules.' If the questioning is very pointed and clearly they are straying into discrimination territory, just keep it at a simple yes, I do have children. Don't be drawn into details about childcare arrangements, just say that you have arranged permanent childcare cover which enables you to take on employment.

[moodlesoup]

thanks, that's all really useful stuff. its a minefield isn't it! why the world is so skewed against families - its ridiculous.

I'll look into Phoenix trading, but right now, we are so desperate for money that i have to start earning doing something i know i can bring in the money quickly - thanks for the suggestion though, its appreciated.