CV help after 18 years as SAHP

[Beanso]

I would like to get a little part time job after being a sahp for the last 18 years. My eldest is autistic and we have moved around a couple of times including spending 3 years in another European country. I have several health conditions and was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer 3 years ago. I‘m not currently on treatment but still monitored regularly. I don’t even know if anybody would employ me tbh.
writing a cv seems like the most daunting, overwhelming task and I’ve no idea what to put, how much to keep from my pre kids experience and what to write about my 18 year gap - this is what I’m struggling with the most! I’m probably massively overthinking it as I’d just like to get a little job maybe in retail, even though I don’t really have any retail experience. My pre kids jobs were mainly in customer service including as an office manager.

Can anybody help?

Should I post this on a different board? Feeling desperate

Honestly I have no idea but didn't want to read and run. From what you read in the papers its hard enough for women who've been in full time work who are out of their 30s to get a job these days if they've been made redundant. It maybe AI screening for interview but reports suggest there is a huge recruitment prejudice in favour of youth over experience.

For your CV possibly go heavy on any previous work, go light on dates (don't lie but just put previous experience without labouring the dates).Assess your life over the past 18 years carefully and look for things you've done that may show skills.Things you wouldn't necessarily think of like organizing a parent teacher group or helping with a school outing or church fete or anything at all.They may show different skills.

Possibly look at getting a volunteer role in a charity shop for something more recent to add.Others here will have better advice than me.

I would be delighted to help you. Do you need help finding things to apply for or just CV assistance?

I don’t think this is true at all. Youth unemployment is a massive issue. It’s hard for everyone at the moment.

Don't give up do a skills based CV and put everything on it to get through the AI rejection bots.

Have you done anything during the 18 years like volunteering, helping out at the school/group for children, part of any sports groups/any type of club, any freelance work or own businesses (even if small), any training courses or study?

Thanks, this is helpful. I have considered volunteering in a charity shop so I think this couldn’t be a good idea. There’s a large branch of a of a big retailer opening near us next year so I’m thinking it could be a good option for me but of course there may be lots of young people applying and they won’t be remotely interested in me. I possibly have time to get some voluntary experience in the meantime.

The best thing is just to be honest.

‘After a long period of caring for a disabled child and living overseas, I am looking for a new opportunity to gain work experience in a paid or voluntary role.’

I often helped out with the school pta but on more of an as and when basis than an actual role. I did have a role at one of my kids clubs for a year before we moved house again so have got that down.
My partner works away a lot at short notice and we’ve had little family support so it was difficult for me to get back to work when the kids were younger

Care work?

1-2-1 care for someone local to provide respite for the family?

You sound like you would be a good teaching assistant OP - experience of SEN and working with kids, an interest in how the school runs etc

Possibly selfishly, I don’t want to and nor do I think I would be capable of taking on caring responsibilities.

Are there any training courses you could do? Your local Adult Ed centre might run courses relating to returning to work/employment skills. Google your local authority adult education - or call into the centre if it's nearby.

Look for any volunteering opportunities. Local libraries sometimes use volunteers. Churches sometimes want volunteers to help at coffee mornings (you don't have to be religious).

Guides or Scouts, if you like working with children/young people?