what do you do when you have been off work for years?

[micegg]

The title says it all really. I am having a dilemma re: whether to give up my career or not.

Do any of you have a job which fits in with kids and if so what is it? I am thinking of something that could fit around school hours/holidays? Is that asking for the impossible?

I am just thinking ahead. I have worked hard to get where I am in my current job. ie went back to university and gave up a previous career, etc.I dont want to say what I do but its not the type of job that have transferrable skills. So if I gave it up I would be starting from scratch.

I would also like to know if any of you have given up a career to look after kids and then got a job later and regretted it.IE. Did you wish you had kept your previous career going on a part time basis whilst the children were young.

This is the way I see my job now and in the future:
PROS: Gives me really good maternity leave (6 months full pay)
flexible working.
I have negotiated a 3 day week with hours to suit me without any problems.

CONS: I wont be given as many opportunities as work because I am part time (I know this shouldnt happen but it does).
The money is also very poor when I take out nursery fees but obvioulsy this will improve in the future.
What do I do with the children during school holidays?

sorry, am confused - do you have kids yet & are you wanting to change jobs/careers again anyway??
IME can't plan for everything so plan on most likley scenario or around what you have now..
yes, is possible to keep career going with young kids - if you want/have to..depends on sector on how easy it is to step back in if you do take a break.
As for sch hols - kids' clubs/gps/taking own hol etc - most people seem to do a mix & match. No easy answers, sorry!

I have a DD who is 9 months but would like number 2 next year. That would mean taking a long career break (2 years) as my pay wouldnt cover 2 nursery fees. Just wandering if I should thin of alternative career and wanted to know what others do.

micegg, I have recently given up a part-time job in the city to be at home more with my kids. I have started my own business selling, educational books, toys & games through Mini IQ. I started in September last year while I was still working to make sure I could make a go of it, and I left my job in April. I haven't replaced my salary (yet!!!) but am bringing in some money and am confident that my business will grow. I have started to build a small team and I am loving it. I work the hours I want to and fit it in around my kids. If anyone is interested CAT me and I can give you some more info.

micegg, I never returned to work after having dd2 3 years ago, instead I started my own business selling organic healthcare products with Forever Living Products. I'm now 5 months pregnant with dd3. But I work around my other commitments, ie family, school run etc.
I LOVE what I do, it's much more rewarding than my old job in recruitment. I know have the ability to help people, both with their health and giving them the opportunity to take control of their lives.
I also have the option to earn a 6 figure income, not bad for a part time job!

If you want some info CAT ME or give me your email and I'm more than happy to share some info with you

for the reasons of school holidays and what if they are ill etc etc I started selling Childrens books (not sure if I am allowed to mention the name?!! but I have an advert about it in the jobs section!!!! )

It is half price to join up (£19) I got a lovely kit of books and stationary and I now sell to friends, toddler groups etc etc

I can choose when I want to do bookings and can still be there before and after school and the holidays

and my children have a lovely selection of books!!!! (many for free)

Hi micegg. I know where you are coming from - been there myself. I worked as a medical secretary up until dd1 (now 7) was born. I gave up my job to be a SAHM and intended to go back to work (maybe the same type of work or a complete career change) when my children were in full time education. I wanted to get something that would fit around their school hours.
I recently found a job as a doctor's receptionist which was 15 hours a week. Would have had to struggle through the school holidays with help of family and dh who was going to use his annual leave. Once dd2 was in full time school this October it would have worked out perfectly. Unfortunately, the surgery wanted to swap my hours around for holiday cover and I was unable to do that due to childcare. Had to give the job up after a week.
Am hoping to go back to my previous place of employment on the clerical bank, have an informal interview in two weeks' time to discuss. Hopefully this will be much more flexible and I will be able to pick and choose what hours I work, if and when they become available. Can't guarantee a regular income though.
Must admit, it's not as easy as I thought getting the hours I wanted. Glad I spent time with my dds though - it was hard work but wouldn't have missed it for the world.
Good luck with whatever you choose.

Miceegg, Knowing now what I know I wouldn´t have given up my job but kept at it for as few days as I could get away with. Getting BACK in the job market and only part time is difficult. You seem to have a reasonable employer and ,may well not get such a good deal in the future.

To me, given the efforts you have made changing career and the fact that you are not 100% sure about what you want to do, I would stay as you are.

I have started applying for jobs that are term time only as I have a ds with sn and he needs my care during the hols
the local council are trying to find me a job in a school ie dinnerlady,classroom asst etc
ok the money and prospects arent great
but my kids are all in school now and want to do something for myself iykwim
good luck
xxx

hi there
i have given up my career to look after my boys and now even though i have only been out for 3 yrs i dont think i could return to it although i am not too worried now as i feel i have found the perfect job for me or any stay at home parent i have become a Mini IQ associate i still get to be with my children and i get to meet vnew people and have a job and not just be mum for a change i am absoloutly loving it if you would like some info feel free to email me
[email protected]

good luck and i hope you find whats right fo ryou like i have