sahm for 6 years - is that too long

[jinna]

i realised that i have been home for the last 6 years - i have two boys - 6 and 2 - i just feel so guilty - time has just flown and i must say i have enjoyed most of the time with the kids. i have found the last year difficult and am looking for part time work as i have found my confidence has decreased a great deal. has any one else been at home for this long - i am a teacher and have used the time at home to write a book on teaching which was published in april - but i feel i must get back into the world of work!!!

Hi jinna, I don't have relevant experience myself, but do know plenty of people who have gone back to work after that length of time. eg I have a friend who retrained as a nursery teacher, and another who has been temping, just to get a feel for office work again, and see what out there and what she likes.
It sounds to me that you owuld have no problem at all with your background.
And to write a book as well is extremely impressive.
Why not just spend some time doing some research on what sort of work is available, talking to agencies etc
I am sure as well that you will get your confidence back really quickly, its just a mater of getting back into it.
Good Luck!!

I stayed at home for 6 years and then went back to full time work and now have my own company it can be done jinna! It is just that you think no-one will want you which makes it hard. then once youa re back the really amazong thing is that you realise you have learnt an awful lot over the six years. It sounds like you have used the time productively and I did too as I did a masters in the time. I bet they will bite your arm off once you start.

thanks guys - you've helped lessen the guilt - back to finding some work now!