Has anyone managed to regain a career after 2-4 years off for children?

[SAHMFear]

I realise the future job market is uncertain and might make this even harder, but can anyone give me examples of those who've managed to regain some kind of career after taking consecutive time out for children? In our case will be around 3-4 years probably

I'm aware of how difficult it can be and the risks but I can't change this now, (and have very much appreciated the opportunity) and so would love to know if there are any positive stories? I knew the risks but only hear the very sad stories on here so wonder if there are any positive outcomes ever!

Yes, 5 years off then I combined my office skills + my teaching assistant skills and I work in Secondary school data. People are understanding of taking time off during the baby/toddler years.

Depends on your skills set, easier if you have professional qualifications e.g. nurse, Dr, lawyer etc. You might not go back in at the same level but you'll get something. Also keep your hand in with volunteering.

Yes. I had 4-5 years off after being an Head if HR, I started off on linked in messaging previous bosses and connections etc and decided to go freelance. Worked out really well and I'm now working at max capacity for more money than I was before!

I took almost three years off from work after having a child and started a role at a higher grade and more money than previously. Crucial to this was staying in touch with my network as it was an ex colleague that referred me for the role. So my advice is to not disappear off the radar, stay in touch with people via LinkedIn / WhatsApp / Facebook / meet for coffee/drinks where possible. I have also referred other people for roles in the past or tried to help when others have been made redundant and were job hunting so luckily people have done the same for me.

What do you mean by a career? I've been back twice after breaks, this time after 5 years not doing any paid work. I got a job I wanted, only the second one I applied for, great hours for childcare, family friendly employer and possibility of progression (although that has been screwed by Covid, obviously). Pay not great but I work in charity sector/education so pay is just low for everyone. I'd get more money going back into teaching but never see my kids so I'd rather not. I got something that was absolutely ideal for me after about 6 weeks of looking, and about a year of planning. (loads of voluntary work, studying)

Yes! I took nine years off as a SAHM and have managed to work my way up again, though I moved into a different industry to do it. I started off part time and moved gradually to full time as my children grew up. I'm not going to be specific about what I do as I don't talk about my work on here, but wanted to tell you that it's definitely possible.

I was SAHM for 8 yrs, and got back into same general industry but different specialism after that. I was happy to start back quite junior. Some of the skills I previously had become very obsolete but I learnt lots of new things, instead. The new field is a lot more interesting.

Are you hoping to go back to the same career you had before or something new? Did your previous job have any skills you can keep up, or do you have any qualifications you can keep up?

I'm a teacher taking a break to be with my children - at least 5 years. I'm keeping up my skills by doing private tutoring, volunteering with children and doing exam moderation during the summer. I hope this will be useful when I eventually want to return.

I was a head of department in a corporate setting. I'm not necessarily looking to return to the same industry, although I keep up to date with legislative changes etc. I worked my way up there quickly after moving from a different industry. I do have a professional qualification of sorts and would also be happy to train before joining somewhere

I don't necessarily mean a high flying career and am happy to start from bottom again but something that will mean I'm financially ok should DH leave etc

I believe that for various reasons (including medical needs in family) our decision was the right one for our family but the many threads rightly warning SAHMs of their precarious position terrify me!

Thank you for your replies btw, it's really encouraging to hear your stories!

I think it depends on your level when you left. 5 years off in my industry has less of an impact if you were a senior manager / VP than if you were a junior. If the former a return to work programme while networking / upskilling is usually enough. Junior people struggle as my industry typically prefers young recent grads doing that type of work as it’s long hours / high commitment.