I feel hopeless.

[Jellybeansincognito]

I have been out of work for 5 years now whilst being a sahm.

I just had a refusal for a temporary 15 hour job at a supermarket- didn’t even get to interview stage.

It has really stumped me.

I really would like a career but I really don’t know what and how. I’m 29, am I too old?

Keep trying. I got my first job at 47 after being a SAHM for 14 years.

Wow that’s amazing @dimsum123 may I ask what sort of work you went into?

It's tough and competitive for any type of job. You need to send out lots of applications and keep reviewing and amending your CV/details. Keep objective and toughen up - it can feel personal but it's not. Good luck.

I did an access to science course before having my daughter- my now husband really pushed me into doing it when I wasn’t ready (My mum had recently passed away) I really wasn’t in the right headspace and really messed it up.

I wouldn’t mind doing another Access course but I feel like the course I did 5 years ago will really go against me in terms of my absence in both mind and person and then completely ballsing it up.

Would I be stupid to even want to give it another go?
(I really wanted to get into midwifery) but now actually thinking about it I would love to go into social work.

It’s a complete minefield.

& you’re right. My confidence for all of this has completely dropped to zero.

When we advertise for staff at my work (be it temp admin positions or full time advanced positions) we receive literally hundreds of applicants.

So don’t take it personally that you never got an interview. Unfortunately it will be a case that people applied who had previous supermarket experience or who are very flexible with what they can work etc (sucks)

But what I recommend is seeing if in the mean time you can volunteer anywhere to add some experience, fill the gap and it will look really good on your CV as it shows you are enthusiastic to work rather than be looked at as ‘just needs cash’.
(As some people want)

Good luck

Thank you!

That’s crazy isn’t it. Sadly not enough jobs to go round.

Keep trying is the best advice. I started back at work in October after being a sahm for a decade & I'm 40 this year.

Make sure you have a decent cv & covering letter & be flexible.

Good luck xx

I started off looking for an office admin job and got nowhere and felt totally demoralised.

But then I got a zero hours contract doing hospitality and events which I really enjoyed and they didn't care that I hadn't worked for 10+ years and had no experience etc as it just wasn't necessary for that role. Alongside that I volunteered in a local charity in office admin for a year and that meant when I did apply for jobs I had recent experience, and could provide a good reference and I felt much more confident at interviews and that's how I got my current job in office admin.

Thanks guys. It’s reassuring to know you all have gone from a long stint out to a job.

I’m going to look at volunteering- I actually enjoy admin type positions (I do want to return to education I think at some point but some money alongside would be helpful) so we’ll see where I go!