DH getting back into work after being a SAHD and student

[tulippa]

I did post this in a work topic but there doesn't appear to be much traffic there.

I'm looking for some help for DH.

He has been a SAHD since 2014 during which time he completed a BA and MA in English and creative writing. Before this he wasn't very career driven; he was a waiter for years but does not want to go to back to this. His ideal job would be a writer and he has a draft of a novel but this will take some time to redraft/perfect and he is aware that this is a very competitive field to go into.

I work f/t and we have also been using savings but our finances are at the stage where we need him to be earning money fairly soon. He has some anxiety about returning to the workplace after such a long time out of it. He is also somewhat disheartened about having to settle for any job after working so hard for his qualifications.

He would like to WFH if possible (ideally not call-centre type work). He has excellent organisation, problem solving, project management, research, listening and communication skills but would not be able to prove these in work based examples on a CV. Are there any jobs out there where he would be able to use these skills?

I was wondering if anyone has been in this position and how you made that first step back into work. What sort of job were you able to get and where has it led you?

Thanks in advance.

I know someone exactly like this. They have a regular job at a book store in a college campus. This brings in the money in a relatively stress free way and leaves room for writing in the evenigs/ spare time. Granted with kids that will be difficult. But maybe try and get library work or book shop work. He would have his finger on the pulse then in an area of Interest while sorting himself out. Good luck

Thanks - I'll suggest that -I'd love to work in a bookshop-

DCs are older now so don't need as much 'looking after'.

Communications, specifically editorial work where he'll be using his writing skills. If he knows his way around a video camera and basic editing, there are loads of jobs for digital/creatives right now too.

He'll need to be able to write to order, but I'm a massive fan of that and it will help with his novel.

Copywriting or proof reading can be done from home

Does he have any contacts in publishing or similar that might allow him to pick up some transcription or proofreading work?

Fiverr is a good website for on-demand copywriting, but it's a bit hit-and-miss as income streams go - however, it would allow him to build a portfolio, which would help in the longterm.

Alternatively, remote PA / virtual reception?

He's looked into copywriting and it's actually quite difficult to get regular work unless you're established. The actual work would be right up his street though.

Also the work doesn't necessarily need to relate to writing. Just as long as he still has some time to write on the side. Thanks for all the suggestions!

@tulippa

He's looked into copywriting and it's actually quite difficult to get regular work unless you're established. The actual work would be right up his street though.

I'd suggest not going freelance straight off to be honest. Much easier to get a job, build up experience and your niche, then go freelance. I don't mean to be picky around your responses but, ya know, he's got to start somewhere. You don't just wake up and turn into a successful copywriter on day 1, it takes years to build a business.