Work after 3 years off.. scarey!!

[Clayrebear75]

Hi there girls,

I am new to this site and have a right situation on my hands and wondered if you could shed any light or advice on what to do.

I have a gorgeous 3 and half year old daughter who is at pre-school for 15 free hours per week. My husband has just resigned from a very stressful job and we are both in process of finding work. I have good CV and have had lots of interviews for both PT and FT work, but head swamped by possibility of having to work FT after having 3 years off looking after little one.

We cannot both work FT as we do not have childcare support from family, so would need to pay childminder during holidays and over 15 hours, plus I would need to buy a car, as we live in sticks and buses not very regular. In short stuck between a rock and hard place. I guess am ready to work in a temp job on decent money and give that up once hubby gets a permanent job. Its so stressful trying to decide what to do. I have been offered a PT job at council but money less than JSA once taken rent and CT off. I wish we could find a solution that works for us as a family. Its just scarey as the prospect of working in a really full on consultancy type role at the moment. I would like to get a job in a childcare setting, a child minder or early years TA or something but could only do free course.

Any ideas or feedback would be greatly appreciated. I have had over 10 interviews and jobs just not right... AGHHH.

Have you considered something like bar work or waitressing. Easy jobs to get, ok the money isn't brilliant but it will help you gain confidence and get back in the saddle again. I did this after a serious illness that meant I couldn't work for 3 months and lost a lot of confidence in my to do a " normal" job. I'm not saying waiting tables, prepping and pulling pints are not " normal jobs" but it is fast paced, fun and help restore your self worth,.
Once you are in employment it is a lot easier to access other jobs, especially if you are working with the public, face to face,

Shite grammar but I think you get my drift.

Thanks so much for your advice!! I think the main thing I have to consider now is supporting my family. I need to get a half decent job as hubby has just lost his and cannot sign on. He is in a really specialist field and I have loads of admin experience so its easier for me to get a PA job or something, just a scary concept at mo.. needs must!!

If you're offered a job - take it! You might really enjoy being back at work after 3 years at home. And if not, you can always re-assess if/when your DH gets a new job. It's easier to negotiate something part time if you're IN a job - so it may be that he can find something part time, and you try to negotiate a new deal at the stage. And of course, make sure DH is picking up the slack at home if you are going to be the full time wage earner, otherwise you'll be exhausted!

I have called the council about if they can offer me more hours, 4 full days would be ok, and a day off in week to enjoy family day!! If not got second interview for marketing job, great money, and interesting so will see. XX

I'm hacked of with the jobs I've been offered the last few years. If something sounds to good to be true it probably is. Hedge your bets and go for the council job. I smelt a rat when I went for the interview for my current job; you just know don't you, if something isn't quite right. ( see my posts) Marketing can mean anything, what is the job exactly? Is it paid on commission?

Its a marketing co-ordinators job, half traditional marketing (my background, ie advertising, telemarketing, events, brochers etc), other half e-marketing (twitter, facebook, website, writing articles, etc). Sounds good but very intense. waiting to hear from council, and from temp agencies.

I'd say that in todays climate I'd opt for the safest option, if something sounds great get written conformation of the contract. I have been duped at my latest job. Temping is lots of fun. The secret is to phone/email the agency on a daily basis. You can't wait for them to contact you. I don't think there has ever been a more difficult time to secure "proper" work. Grab anything going: van driving, factory work; all these jobs can lead to something more secure, just show willing. All the best in you endeavours x.