I've been at home for the last 10 years with my 3 Dses, one of whom has ASC & needed additional care particularly at preschool age. I loved doing it & DH & I agreed it was right for our family & we were fine financially too (I was very frugal which helped).
Now DS3 has started school (In September) & I've been looking to get back into work. I had an interview in November & was offered the job the following week 
It's with local authority so there are certain procedures to follow, but it's taking a lot longer than I expected! First of all they wanted 2 work & 1 character reference, which I wasn't able to supply as the employer I had before maternity leave now no longer exist. I did have 1 reference from volunteering, which they accepted. I also gave my father's business partner as a reference & am not sure whether this will be accepted - I've known him for about 30 years & worked on & off for the firm (solicitors) so he can vouch for me on a professional & personal basis. The HR firm has also been asking for details of my secondary school education, which surprised me, I'm 41 now so not a school leaver!
In retrospect, I am glad I've done the volunteering I have & wish I'd done another role too, as it would have left me in a better position wrt references etc. I am also struggling to see how the system accommodates people who have been working in small family firms or on their own, as have lots of mums I know e.g. a couple who do accounts for their DHs etc.
I am very much hoping it all works out for me as I'm excited to get back to work plus it is a job I very much enjoy (it is basically a paid version of my volunteering role iyswim).