About to go to work after 12 years SAHM

[lolaflores]

Having a sandwich before I start. It's a few hours 4 days a week.
I'm bricking it and want to cry and run away.
I've got MH and mobility issues and am so scared it s all going to go tits up in every direction for the 1st week.
I feel like I'm 15 years old.

Well done you for getting back to it! Good luck. I'm currently a sahm but will be returning to work in a couple of years. May I ask, did you return to the same industry?

Well done!

Can I ask what you’re doing? Husband in similar situation but no luck getting a job so far

I went back last year after 15 years at home. I loved going out to work and of course it was daunting and hard getting used to it but ultimately the best thing ever.

The job itself was secondary to the huge boost it gave to me in many ways.

Good luck and enjoy!

Not my original industry which was social work (of a kind). I applied for lots of my old job roles but didnt even get a response. I'm working a few hours in the local library. Saw it on council website. The salary isnt enough to feed a mouse ut luckily we arent dependant on me. Perhaps it will open other opportunities and get me past tue first hurdle of actually doing it.
At one stage I never thought I'd work again or have the confidence.

Congratulations - well done. It will be fine. I empathise. I keep coming up with excuses not to go back to work after 15 years as a SAHM. The main reason is lack of confidence, so I applaud your effort to actually get up and go and get a job.

The biggest problem? Getting references! I worked for NHS before and it was a real trial of patience ringing ndepartments. Luckily I'd kept in touch with a manager from another job and he helped but otherwise I would gave been a it stuffed and I didn't see any alternatives

Good luck!

Bless you all...off I go

Good luck!

I’ve just gone back to work after 7 years

It was scary but it’s now week 4 and I’m still going

The first shift is always the hardest but you can do this

Good luck

Watching with interest as after 26 years I'm thinking I'd like to work. Not for the salary but for the self esteem, trouble is I've no idea what to do!

Having done it before after 10 years as a sahp, and about to do it again, after a couple of years (and in a new country to boot!), I truly sympathise.

It sounds like a great first job back, hopefully not too stressful, or with too steep a learning curve, and with nice people. Be as kind to yourself, as patient and tolerant, as you would with someone else in that situation.

With reference to the reference thing, for other people looking to do the same thing, can I suggest that doing some volunteering both looks good on the CV, and does provide references? I volunteered as Treasurer on my school's Board of Trustees, and at the Community Law Centre, and they provided my references.

In the run up why not treat yourself, if possible, to a facial or a mini shopping trip to get a couple of nice things for work. You could even practice the commute and scope out nearby lunch places for that first week.

You will be absolutely fine. It is normal to be nervous on your first day. Come back and tell us how you get on

With reference to the reference thing, for other people looking to do the same thing, can I suggest that doing some volunteering both looks good on the CV

Yes, good point. When I have looked at application forms, one of things that makes me nervous is the complete lack of references. None of the companies I worked for, nor the management in them, are still around/alive - I literally have nothing in the way of references.

Does anyone know if dated letters of reference and/or copies of appraisals and awards would be acceptable alternatives??

I’m full of admiration for you. Enjoy it!

I have a pain in my face from smiling!!!! Hi my name is....hi my name is...hi...
Even with a gun to my head I can't tell u who was who.
But it was the school of...her ye go, they this. Which is the only way. Everyone very sweet and welcoming, happy to show me the ropes. Just had to keep reminding myself inhad fot this far in life because I can do stuff and have done previously.
Smiling seems very important. A couple of times injustice heard blah blah blah
..so I did a big smile and nodded. Too much to remember.
The computer systembisnt too bad just need to spend time with it.
I have a headache though. But I feel satisfied inhave a good account of myself

Oh well done!!

The first shift is always the worst and now you will have the confidence to go back!

I don’t have to deal with customers (apart from the last half an hour), so I can get away with being grumpy until then

Well done! So nerve wracking going into a new job!

Have some to congratulate yourself

Well done! That's fantastic news - top first day!

Sounds like a very good first day, well done .

I had a Finger of Fudge, cup of tea, two biccies and a left over something from Halloween. Felt most deserved. Thank you all. Great to have a crowd behind you. Means a lot to me cheers alk

Smiling is important, it smooths the way. Have a lovely day tomorrow

Well done, I'm in the same boat (especially about the references and relocating a couple of hundred miles hasn't helped that aspect either) so I'm watching with interest. Glad the first day went well.

Well done on a successful first day.