to think I can find a city job after 12 years as a SAHM?

[tanoshii]

12 years ago I left my much loved career in fund management to become a SAHM, whilst also moving to a rural location, two hours away from London. I do not regret this move, as I had my children late and really wanted to devote all my time to them after many years living the single life in the UK and overseas. My job at the time in front office involved a fair amount of travelling, which along with the long hours wasn't very compatible with having young children.
Post-Covid, my husband's role is very different to what it was. He used to work away alot, but now mostly works from home, for himself. This means he can be flexible with his hours and can take lots of time off between contracts.
My children are now both at secondary school, an independent, which allows Flexi boarding.
Although financially I don't need to work as such, I miss my former career, and am now considering whether I should apply to join a "returnee" scheme. Am I unreasonable to think I can find a role in equity analysis (I have the CFA designation) after such a long absence? I get the sense that many buy-side firms now offer hybrid working, so although initially I may need to be in London five days a week, I am hoping that if I secure a permanent role, I may be able to have some WFH days.

[OnceRuralNowUrbanbliss]

@Daniella36 that's the most ridiculous thing I've ever read in 15+ years of being in Mumsnet.

You're going to be shocked to know that despite having wombs and giving birth to the next generation many of us are in well paid senior roles in finance, law, medicine, government as well as education (head teachers).

Do you live in the 1950's?

[OnceRuralNowUrbanbliss]

I took a lower paid more junior role near to my rural home after following a very similar path to yours (quit a a well paid city role and moved away from London) when mine were in secondary after a 9 year break.

I aced it and a decade later I've been promoted over and over and am senior leadership. Didn't do a returner course. I was still brilliant despite the career break and considered top talent within weeks.

[Q2C4]

@Daniella36

If you worked in fund management in London, why on earth would you ask Mumsnet for opinions? They don't know you or your industry.

Whereas, if you want to moan about a teacher or being a teacher, crack on.......

What makes you say that?!

[EdgeOfACoin]

@Daniella36

If you worked in fund management in London, why on earth would you ask Mumsnet for opinions? They don't know you or your industry.

Whereas, if you want to moan about a teacher or being a teacher, crack on.......

Do mothers not work in fund management then?

[user1494050295]

@user1494050295

Trying not to be outing but CS are desperate to meet their I and D goals by 2025? I think. From the horses mouth so lots of opportunities there. I don’t think the Swiss govt will allow them to go under either. GS. Heard again more restructuring and layoffs expected

Forgot to add a real push for recruitment of people with good experience. Ie older.

[user1494050295]

@AffIt

Do you keep up with industry news?

I'm sure I saw something in one of the private equity trade rags a few weeks ago about a returners' scheme sponsored by Credit Suisse - I'm sorry, I don't have the link to hand, but might be worth Googling?

Trying not to be outing but CS are desperate to meet their I and D goals by 2025? I think. From the horses mouth so lots of opportunities there. I don’t think the Swiss govt will allow them to go under either. GS. Heard again more restructuring and layoffs expected

[LiftyLift]

I work in the industry on the buy side in a medium sized firm. I haven’t ever seen someone join back after an extended break straight in to an analyst role, but I don’t see why you couldn’t. These positions are very competitive though!

Are you on LinkedIn? Make sure your profile is up to date and add your CV so it is searchable by recruiters.

Best of luck!

[Setyoufree]

You should go for it, lots of career 'on-ramp' programmes around!

[StuckInTheUpsideDown]

Lots of places do returner schemes. I would look carefully at those as they are often a great way to get into a place or at least demonstrate current and up to date knowledge. Here is one example from first page of googling “fund management returner”
www.schroders.com/en/about-us/careers/returners/

[4thonthe4th]

@tanoshii

Thank you for all the supportive messages. I guess I was hoping that posters wouldn't think that I was bonkers contemplating a move back into a career which I left over a decade ago. Being out of the workforce so long, one's confidence does take a hit. I do worry about the impact on my children, but at least my husband is fully supportive of any decision I make.

I will certainly try reaching out to former colleagues, and make sure I'm up to speed with current market conditions etc.

Thanks

Good luck!!

[tanoshii]

Thank you for all the supportive messages. I guess I was hoping that posters wouldn't think that I was bonkers contemplating a move back into a career which I left over a decade ago. Being out of the workforce so long, one's confidence does take a hit. I do worry about the impact on my children, but at least my husband is fully supportive of any decision I make.

I will certainly try reaching out to former colleagues, and make sure I'm up to speed with current market conditions etc.

Thanks

[WandaWonder]

@Daniella36

If you worked in fund management in London, why on earth would you ask Mumsnet for opinions? They don't know you or your industry.

Whereas, if you want to moan about a teacher or being a teacher, crack on.......

How do you know?

You can only apply

[Daniella36]

If you worked in fund management in London, why on earth would you ask Mumsnet for opinions? They don't know you or your industry.

Whereas, if you want to moan about a teacher or being a teacher, crack on.......

[AffIt]

Do you keep up with industry news?

I'm sure I saw something in one of the private equity trade rags a few weeks ago about a returners' scheme sponsored by Credit Suisse - I'm sorry, I don't have the link to hand, but might be worth Googling?

[practicepracticepractice]

Go for it. You sound ready and your family life sounds ready.

There are a lot of returner programs.

[Mushroo]

Definitely go for it. Do you have any old colleagues you could get in touch with? A friendly coffee and getting your foot in the door that way would work better than a cold application

[4thonthe4th]

Go for it OP! I think you’ll regret not trying it.

[ginandheels]

YANBU. In fact, I suspect you will surprise yourself at the opportunities you now have. 100% go for it. Good luck!

[Epwell]

You won't know until you try! I am now back in the city as a lawyer after a 9 year career break. There are loads of returner schemes out there. I started back outside London but it was quite easy to find a job and easy to move on, even mid lockdown. It's becoming increasingly common. Make some calls and find out. We only have to be in the office 2 days a week - some firms are moving to 3 days. The city is absolutely dead on a Monday and a Friday. I was very nervous about going back but I'm so glad I did. Let us know how you get on!

[Yellowpotato]

Go for it! You are in a fantastic position to give it a shot. Worst case scenario, you don't succeed, or don't enjoy it, but that is far better than never trying. Good luck.