Oh how I now regret becoming a SAHM and relinquishing my financial independence. Would like to leave h so need to return to work - any suggestions?

[hmc]

I've been unhappy for a while so lets call this a medium term exit strategy (i.e. I can tolerate the situation and can wait until it suits me to go - he isn't abusive or anything) so this might increase my options, i.e. I have time to retrain. What can I do? - I can also afford to retrain (h will pay - he won't know my plan, I'll just say I am keen to return to work...lets not go into the morality of that!) I want to earn a decent amount of money as I will need to support myself (and the dc) now and into the future and make pension provision etc. Of course h when the time comes will pay maintenance - he is quite honourable in that respect.

This is what I have to offer:
Degree (Politics)
MBA
14 years experience in NHS management at a senior level - responsible for £10M budget, 500 staff that kind of thing
Excellent organisational skills
Excellent communication skills

Downsides - Haven't worked for 7 years!
Don't want to return to NHS management under any circs
Am 44 (too old for some employers?)
I will have childcare responsibilities to balance as a single parent - dc are 10 and 8

Interests / Likes / Dislikes
Enjoy analysing, problem solving, report writing etc
Interested in fitness and nutrition
errr...

I can't think straight!

Teacher training massively oversubscribed (esp primary and secondary too unless you teach maths, physics, modern language). Also you will not make decent money for a while.

What about starting out back with the NHS then getting into consultancy? I have a friend who did that and can charge quite a bit for her daily rate. That way you get to avoid all the crappy politics.

Hmmm - I figured it might be. I had wondered about consultancy actually - a friend of a friend has gone down that route.

It's well-paid, flexible, and you get to flex your commercial muscles by winning new business, keeping clients etc which is quite satisfying.

I have just returned to NHS management after 2 years break being a SAHM. I too said I would never go back to NHS and yes have been lured back on a temporary contract. Loads of temp/short term contracts around at the mo whilst the PCTs in particular are in transistion. I have gone back a couple of bands lower than I was on and enjoy walking out the door at the end of the day and leaving it all behind.

Also check out who the temp agency is for your local NHS/LA area (e.g. Core People) and register with them. If poss register as a self employed management consultant as they can be used and it doesn't come out of management costs - lots of project work around.

Good luck!

any return to work type posts or retraining?
would you go in slightly grade to get current experience
have you written to local trusts, can you shadow anyone for day

Don't do teacher training -not that family friendly.

no to teacher training as stop gap in Scotland hardly any jobs after probation year
pgde is v demanding
try return to NHS at lower grade and work up