How long out of the workplace before it becomes a problem?

[putthekettleon]

I'm in a dilemma whether to start looking for a job.

I went back to work part time when DD1 was 12 months, then fell pregnant again 5 months later. Around the same time DH got offered a promotion that would mean moving house, we decided to go for it so I quit my job to be a SAHM.

Now I haven't worked for just over a year, and have 2 DDs age 2.7 and 5 months. I just can't decide whether now is the right time to start looking for a job. My maternity allowance will stop soon so then we will be pretty skint, though we'll manage. But if I work most of my wages will end up spent on childcare anyway.

I think the sensible thing would be to wait til DD1 gets her 15 hours free childcare next September, plus by then DD2 will be 15 months and not so dependent. But that will leave a gap on my CV of 2 years, and I think it will be even harder to find something then.

How big a gap is too big before it becomes a problem, do you think?

Waiting until she qualifies for free childcare sounds sensible.I think a lot of people have that gap and it's for a justifiable reason. You can always keep your skills up and show you are dynamic and hardworking by helping run a creche or playgroup. It can really help remind your brain of working life.

Not sure what you work in, but I have a professional career, and was a SAHM for just under 5 years before returning to work just recently!
I do have 6 kids though and couldn't have contemplated returning before now. Even now is a bit early for me TBH, but finances, together with an opportunity presenting itelsf meant it was necessary.
For me I think anything over 5 years would have made it more difficult - but maybe not impossible.
Good luck in whatever you decide!

thanks for the advice. I think looking at childcare costs it's just not feasible til DD1 gets her free 15 hours.

My worry is I was a bit of a late starter career-wise (did a masters age 24 and got my first 'proper' job age 25) and a bit of an early starter with kids (had DD1 age 28). So, including my maternity leave with DD1 I only have 5 years experience on my CV, so a big gap would not look good! I worked in publishing and was just starting to get somewhere when DD1 came along, but it's an industry that doesn't have great salaries and I'll probably have to start at the bottom again in a new company.

Well done for going back to work after 6 kids overflowingmum, that is impressive!

I have just randomly applied for a job just to see if I get an interview, so at least I'll know if I'm employable...

A year is a short time out of the workplace really. I work in publising too and had five years out of the workplace (three dc), although I did freelance for the last two of those (usually 25-30 hours per week). Is freelancing a possibility for you, to keep your CV current and develop your contacts in the industry? I went back to work for a different company in April this year, and although I love the job, I work more or less full time and have more or less had to start again at the bottom.