Have no work to go back to - what to do?

[OwlMother]

Basically I haven't worked really since having ds1 13 years ago. This was at exactly the same time as I graduated (in english and history - so not really leading to work).

Since then I have been a sahm, although I enjoy it now, really this was a choice made from necessity - no job I could get would do any more than cover the childcare. Dh has a decent wage and we have never been eligible for anything tax credit wise.

The problem is now I find myself at a bit of a loose end. All dc are at school all day, but if I had a job they'd have to go to holiday club and after school club. I can't see what job I would get that could cover these costs. Dh seems to believe there is a magical 9-2 term time job that I could get, I know this is not the case!! What can I do? The more I think about it the more trapped I feel.

What do you want to do, if money, training, experience no object?

Teaching Assistant or something else school based? I've just got a job as a TA and I'm delighted as a) I know I love the job and b) I'll be home in time for tea. I need an hour of wraparound childcare at the end of the day but that's affordable.

If you want to go down that route, start by getting some school experience. Volunteering is your friend here, you don't have to do it all day, every day, just regularly. It gives you a great insight into what happens in the classroom, or in the office if that's what you'd rather do.

Thanks for replying. I think the biggest problem is I don't know what I'd like to do. Even if money/qualifications were no issue I have no real idea. I think possibly something for myself, self employed. But in what field I have no ideas and I have given it thought.

Teaching assistant is a logical thought. The hours are about the only ones that work with school. I feel horrible saying I'm not sure I could work with kids all day. Plus, TA jobs, at our schools at least, are like gold dust and fiercely competed. Most of the TAs at school seem to be ex teachers, not sure I can compete with that.

Tutoring? Proof reading?

Try volunteering maybe?

I stepped away from a full time plus on call job when the DCs were small. I didn't need to work and I didn't want the hassle.

I used the time to try a number of things. I ran DH's company for him, did some freelance work myself and started my own business. I also became a school governor, a mental health advocate and a youth mediator (all voluntary). It's been fab! I've learned new skills, developed skills I already had and it's led to two lovely flexible jobs. I now have an interview for a much more demanding job and I'm fairly sure that my volunteering is the main reason I've been shortlisted.

Many charities need quite "senior" volunteers. I mean senior in terms of public speaking, event management, governance etc. you're a graduate and you would be able to do some if those things really well.

Maybe find a charity you believe in and ask them if they can use your skills.

Sorry posted too soon!

Maybe volunteering would refresh your CV and help you decide what you'd like to do.

Regarding a flexible job a couple of my friends work part time at home for the NCT. The jobs seem quite flexible and you can pick your hours. I think they're called PSAs or something like that. Might be worth keeping an eye on their website?

Some shops take on staff to cover lunches, particularly if they get busier over lunchtime. This is worth investigating although you may also be required to work some weekends.

I wouldn't do teaching just for the hours - it is quite a vocation and hard work!

I also wouldn't restrict yourself to working within school hours as you won't have a lot of options. Wraparound childcare is available in most places - I'm not saying every day, but a couple of times a week to enable you to work full days.

Good idea about volunteering. You may need some training to get into a new career, so it's worth spending some time looking into the options before you invest time and money into it.

Good luck!