How easy was it for you to get back into work after a break?

[Greatfun]

I am thinking if taking another 3 years off to look after the DCs basically due to the fact that I will be earning so little and going to considerable inconvenience to return to work whilst the DCs are so young. Including my maternity leave I woudl have had 4-5 years off by the time I go back. I work in a very specialised area. There is a chance I will be able to return to my current area but I would like to do something else. How easy is it to retrain and start again and just to get back into work in general after such a break. Its such a scary decision but I can't see how things will work out now - I have a 1.5 hour commute and will probably be earning no more than £300 per month for a 3 day week after childcare.

[nigglewiggle]

I've taken 2 years off following 1 year of maternity leave and prior to this I'd only been back briefly after the birth of my first DD. So I will have been off for a similar length of time.

I'm a bit nervous about going back, but it is now only 18 months away and I'm starting to look forward to it. I imagine it will be hard at the start - not having a clue what I'm doing! But it'll probably soon feel like i've never been away.

I'm planning on studying for a qualification before I go back which will help with the transition (I hope) and will build my confidence.

I will watch this thread with interest.

[Greatfun]

I am due back soon. I have childcare sorted but really don't want to go back. We can live without the extra £300 and I can't help but think its an awful lot of effort for little return. But then again there is more to work than money. If I handed my notice in by monday I can use my holiday allowaace as notice so won't have to go in. I am torn between the thought they are only little once and I should be here for every minute and the thought that its good to keeo your hand in at work.

[nigglewiggle]

It's a decision only you and your DP can make.

But for me, it was important to cherish the early years and spend as much time with them as possible. I haven't regretted it. They have changed so much already and I'm glad I've been there to be a full part of it.

I also know that I would be crap at juggling the two things and I would rather go back to work when I can fully concentrate on it and fully get my teeth into it. When both DD's are at school, this will be much easier for us.

I have another 15+ years to do at work before I can retire, so I think there is plenty of time to get my career back on track.

I am lucky that we can afford to do this and it is a personal choice, I am not making any criticism of those who choose to go back to work (they are probably better at juggling than me).

[tenren]

i am feeling totally suicidal about my career. dd is now 18 months and a year before she was born, i moved home after being overseas for 7 years.

discovering to my horror that previous jobs + experience apparently count for diddly squat. am really panicking, feeling more and more isolated and rapidly losing touch with my industry (which is PR). I know i am good at what i do but i don't know how to get back into my profession. networking etc - i am at home all day, so never see anyone!

feeling really low, worried, teary and desperate.

my advice - keep working. it's not about the money so much as having a career to go back to once the kids are at school. i feel like my life is over - i'll be 40 and totally unemployable by the time dd goes to school...

[morleylass]

I took 4 years off and found it quite easy to get back into work. However I did apply for jobs which were a lower level than the job I had previously. I feel that once you get your foot in the door somewhere it is much easier to make a move internally than to get in from outside. I think in the current economic climate I would have found it harder though.

I felt desperate to get back into work when I was off, but for various reasons didn't go back, however now I am pleased that I spent the time with the children.

I think that if you don't really want to go back to your old job and you can cope without the money then I would stay at home a bit longer. Rushing about all the time is hard work and I think unless you enjoy your job or are really gaining financially you do tend to resent it.

MLx

[Greatfun]

Thanks for your replies so far. Tenren - I am sorry you feel this way. Have you thought of setting up by your self or asking local PR companies if you can work free of charge for a few hours a week. Thats assuming you have childcare (I don't so know how difficult that can be). OR trying to get a PT role in a PR company. Maybe its just time for you to try a new area? Have been thinking the same myself.