Has anyone ever had a successful career after being a SAHM?

[Dontforgettoscreamatthebear]

I gave up a great career to be a SAHM until our DS is at least 2 for several reasons and it's working well at the moment.

The company have said the door is open for future roles and maybe it is although I'm not relying on it.

I read a lot of very sensible advice here on what a killer time out is to career prospects and I'm prepared for that to be a reality, but I was interested to know if anyone did have any success stories?

I don't regret what I'm doing but it would be a bonus to know there is hope!

I guess not 🙈 never mind!

My mum did in the 1990s!! She was a SAHM. Went to work as a teacher. Retired a few years ago as head of department in a good local school!

Good topic - I've observed two - even after a very long gap. In both cases they put a lot of thought and effort into re-entering, one did a lot of constructive networking and engaged with her professional body, the other completed a Master's in a highly employable area that built on her previous skills. I should add that they had kept a light link to their previous professions but mainly concentrated on family.

I took ten years off and went back to a few grand less but within a year was promoted past where I had been. When returning I got the first job I applied for - surprised me!

Yeah I had kept up with changes and had continued to do bits of free lance etc

What do you deem successful? I took over 5 years off and walked back into a teaching job so I’m happy enough. I work 9.00-2.40 and collect my kids at half3 latest so I can’t complain 🙌💕

yes, I know three people who retrained during several years off as SAHM and went into teaching/occupational therapy and now earn more than they did in their pre-sahm days. I also retrained when I was a sahm.

If I hadn't had those years as a sahm, I wouldn't have been able to retrain and do the job I always wanted to.
I would probably still be festering in the godawful desk job I was stuck in prior to my second maternity leave!

It depends how you define success. I have a lawyer friend who took four years out. She’s back and earning very well but she’s really frustrated that she can’t seem to break out of fixed term and ad hoc stuff. Don’t know how much that’s to do with her time out the office but she certainly thinks it’s linked.