will employers still be interested if I have run my own business?

[threecareers]

I quit my full time job ten years ago to have my 2 kids. I then did contract work for a while and then started a small business for eight years. I am a jack of all trades.After running and struggling with a small business with little capital investment I have now decided I want to go back to work for someone else as my skills and experience will be much more useful to a company who has structures and investment. However I am worried no one would want to employ someone who has been self employed and entrepreneurial. Any advice what I should do? Should I play down my CV and not mention my self employed experience or shall I be honest and highlight my skills? Do you think age matters these days? There are so many job websites out there I am confused as to whether I should go for all of it or should I be selective. Juggling work with running your own business can be very exhausting and IMO not as idealistic as I once thought. I work ten times harder and more hours for much less financial reward. I welcome any feedback or anyone similar to my positions or have been there to give some advice. thank you in advance.

hi, I'm in a similar position and have been looking for work for about a year. I ran my own (restaurant) business for 9 years, sold it 6 yrs ago and have worked since then. It was a big part of my life and not something I'd want to leave off a CV - alot of applications are online forms and you have to account for any gaps. I've had careers advice and they all seemed to think it was a positive thing that shows sprirt, flexiblilty etc. However I do get the impression (it's never spoken) that employers think you're a know-it-all or that you'll try and change things, or be less 'submissive somehow(esp if in same field).
What did you do/do you want to do next? Are you carrying on with your own thing and looking to get emplyed work alongside?

oh you certainly want to mention it -key is to bring out the relevant skills for the job you are applying for - where are you in the country - some areas its pretty hard to get a job at the moment whatever your experience

I am in London. I am trying to carry on with my own thing although I am having zero cashflow to run it. I know everyone said you should mention it however I just wonder what potential employers will say...if you are so good at running your business why are you looking for job now? And if you did not succeed in running your business will they want to read on. I wonder if I go for part time position whether it will be any easier?

I think that your point about a company structure and investment is good. And there are lots of businesses at the moment that aren't doing terribly well, I dont think that it is necessarily a reflection on you.

I have recently gone back to work full time after running my own business since having DS2 5 years ago.
I basically said on my CV that I had been self employed whilst the children were young but as they were now all at school I wished to return to paid employment. That I had loads of transferable skills (obviously listed them) and that as well as being really motivated and able to work alone I was a good team player (pointed out team type things I had done pre-children in employment and committees etc since having children).

Little MissGreen- Can I kindly ask you if you put just SELF EMPLOYED and then your business name for the five years you run your business on the CV. At the interview did they ask you why you no longer want to run your business etc. I would really appreciate it if anyone can comment on this also.....I am worried employers will google, linkedin and check your website and they will make all sorts of judgement already when they see my cv.

any recruitment agency specialists out there can anyone recommend some strategies for returning to paid employement after self employed?