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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

I don't know what job to apply for after a decade at home

51 replies

wildlifeintegration · 08/05/2023 10:56

Sahm for 11 years and I've basically become less than a school leaver. I don't have any qualifications and I don't have any experience but I do have a big fat gap on my cv.

I have good GCSEs that is all.

I don't know what to do or what job to look for, I have 4 children 12 and under (youngest is 3 so starting school soon)

I just need a little bit of a push because September is approaching and I'm not ready. Should I give the first year up as a volunteer? I only have 15 hours free as it's nursery.

It didn't seem like such a big deal before but now the time is coming up I feel really under prepared.

OP posts:

Easterbunnywashere · 08/05/2023 10:58

I think volunteering to start with is a great idea. Not only does it put something on your CV, but it will also give you more confidence to get back into the workplace.

As far as jobs are concerned, around here companies are crying out for carers and offer on the job training. If that is something that you would consider then it may be a good place to start.

mrtumblesbagisspotty · 08/05/2023 11:00

Look for jobs in parish councils. These are often work from home and very flexible around childcare. Also you get training on the job

Gettingbysomehow · 08/05/2023 11:01

have you thought about doing a degree - healthcare, or for a specific job?

Heroicallyfound · 08/05/2023 11:02

I would use the first year to invest in your education and get some relevant volunteer work or a small job in the right sector.

Look at the Governments new skills boot camps - you can get free qualifications and a job interview at the end of it.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/find-a-skills-bootcamp

Find a Skills Bootcamp

Skills Bootcamps offer free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks. You'll be offered a job interview with an employer once you complete the course.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/find-a-skills-bootcamp

Original poster

wildlifeintegration · 08/05/2023 11:03

@Easterbunnywashere same here but to be considered for the carehome you have to be available for some over night shifts and as my dp works nights I can't do it.

I don't have a car for at home caring either.

I've never thought of that, @mrtumblesbagisspotty I'll have a look into it. thank you

OP posts:

Willmafrockfit · 08/05/2023 11:05

community caring?
a volunteer somewhere
playgroup

VestaTilley · 08/05/2023 11:05

I’d think more about what you want to do, and look at access courses at your local college. Do you want a job in a bookshop or supermarket, or a profession where you need qualifications?

I’d probably leave it if you can afford to until your youngest starts school, as 15 hours a week to fit with when DC is at pre school doesn’t give you a lot of time to work. Unless you’re happy with just one shift a week at a shop or similar.

Willmafrockfit · 08/05/2023 11:05

oh sorry you dont have a car
some caring can be done on foot

FatAgainItsLettuceTime · 08/05/2023 11:05

Did you work before becoming a SAHM?

What did you do then, did you enjoy it, would you want to go back into it?

Are you looking for sociable environment, busy atmosphere, practical hands on work, office environment, shop environment, hospitality, computer work, working with children, young adults, adults, elderly people..........

Think about your skills and personality traits to start to guide your search.

thanksamillion · 08/05/2023 11:06

I did exam invigilation as a first job after being a SAHM. It gave me a reference and a recent job to put on my CV but was only a few hours here and there.

Willmafrockfit · 08/05/2023 11:06

can you do cleaning?

Original poster

wildlifeintegration · 08/05/2023 11:07

@Gettingbysomehow I wanted to do a degree but my dh is worrying that'll mean 4 more years of no pay so he's hesitant BUT my sister is doing a degree and she got a maintenance loan to help with costs of rent while she's only working part time. I don't know if that's something i should look into, but my partner earns 30k I don't know if we are edible?

@Heroicallyfound Thank you! I'm going to have a look right now

OP posts:

Willmafrockfit · 08/05/2023 11:08

a degree in what?

KateyCuckoo · 08/05/2023 11:11

A degree just sounds like you're kicking the can down the road. What about something with on the job training?

What job did you have before children?

MooseAndSquirrelLoveFlannel · 08/05/2023 11:15

I also took 10 years out as a SAHM and I went back to my old profession but in a lower role, however I got promoted back to my previous level 9 months later. What did you do before you had your kids, could you go back to that?

Don't limit yourself to 15 hours, you can use a childminder to cover your working hours and may qualify for childcare cost help through UC.

Also, care homes are crying out for staff and are usually flexible in hours because they are in need so don't assume the night shifts are a given.

Otherwise volunteering is always a good thing. And the usual supermarkets, clothing stores etc

Original poster

wildlifeintegration · 08/05/2023 11:17

I didn't, I was still in education and left when I had my baby, that's why I have no qualifications. Young and foolish.

OP posts:

FatAgainItsLettuceTime · 08/05/2023 11:22

If you're wanting a qualification then an apprenticeship might be a better option, pay is low but at least there is pay and you get dedicated training time at the same time as building your work experience.

A degree if you dont know what you want to do is just a waste of time and money.

Original poster

wildlifeintegration · 08/05/2023 11:26

@MooseAndSquirrelLoveFlannel to be honest, I only got that information anecdotally, I haven't actually applied for anything or even called up. There's a carehome near my children's school and it would be so easy to drop them off, work for 2.5 hours and collect the youngest.

lts a catch 22 because I can't afford a car until I have a job but the ones that are available or posting on the boards I'm watching are too far for me to get to by public transport or need a car to get round (cleaning/ caring)

Exam invigilator and parish Council jobs are the ones you just don't think about. I did apply for a cleaning job at a school, 10am-2pm. Perfect hours for me! (only a couple of hours childcare a day. could have made it work) but an 18 year old got the job, and quit a few weeks later. I was absolutely gutted.
But school leavers are seen as more reliable as mothers as they have less responsibility. I only know as my friend works there and told me about the job. I did also apply for a work from home job my dads friend works at just didn't get an interview, but my two 18 and 19 year old cousins did. I think having a big gap puts potential employers off.

OP posts:

AmazonAmazine · 08/05/2023 11:28

Volunteer for something just for reference purposes, girl guides or something not time-consuming. References were my barrier when I returned to work after 10 years

AmazonAmazine · 08/05/2023 11:30

Look at the government website for free courses, lots are vocational. Clerking, accounts, electricians etc

CabbageKale · 08/05/2023 11:30

Are you in a city or countryside?

OddBoots · 08/05/2023 11:31

You have loads of experience caring for young children and childcare is a growing sector, especially with the new changes coming. Could you volunteer at the place your youngest will be attending and see about doing an 'on the job' Early Years qualification?

CabbageKale · 08/05/2023 11:32

What type of job interests you? What were you thinking of as jobs that you’d like to do when you left school?

RettyPriddle · 08/05/2023 11:33

LSA at a local school. They are always recruiting. They train on the job and a good head will nurture you. Some heads will also allow you to work flexible/shorter days.

greyhairnomore · 08/05/2023 11:35

Setting up a childminding business at home ?

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