Back to work - where to start?

[SomeSunnySunday]

I've been a SAHM for almost 5 years now. During that time I've had 2 further children (in addition to the one I didn't go back to work after having) and lived abroad with DH's work.

DC3 is still teeny, but now that we are back in the UK I am desperate to go back to work, partly for financial reasons (I'd just like to earn some money of my own, rather than us particularly needing me to) but more for my sanity. I'd like to get a job when she is around 10 months - 1, so 8 to 10 months from now. But if the right thing came up sooner I'd try to take it.

I'm a solicitor by training and gave up quite a good legal career. I'm not keen to go back to corporate law / private practice (it's not compatible with the sort of family life I want to have, and I want a job that I can really commit to and put a lot into without having to regularly work until midnight). I would consider in-house or public sector legal jobs, but am quite keen to get out of law altogether. I don't really feel qualified to do much else though, although I have extensive volunteering experience and would like to work in the third sector. I have a good degree (RG uni 1st) but I'm not sure how much that counts for this far down the line.

Anyway, what would my first steps be to getting back into the workplace? Put out some feelers to contacts / former colleagues? Speak to recruitment consultants? Just start looking for and applying for jobs? And how far off piste is it sensible to go in terms of applying for non-law jobs? Am I best to go back to law as a starting point and then consider a career change (on the basis that it's easier to get a job when you already have one)? It's all quite daunting.

I have no advice in your field but just wanted to say good for you!

I was going to say get your childcare sorted! Think long term when looking at schools - do they have a breakfast club? Do they have an afterschools? What will you do in the summer?

In relation to finding a job, yes to meeting up with former colleagues even to get a sense of where the profession is now.

Thanks Wisps. Our eldest DC's school is great re wraparound care, partly chosen by us for that reason. Middle DC will start at nursery there in September, so the eldest 2 are taken care of. I'm not sure what I'll do with baby DD - it will depend on what sort of job I get. Ideally I'd like a nanny to also cover a bit of wrap around for the older DCs so that they don't have to spend 11 hours a day at school, but if I get a less well paid (but more rewarding ) job we'd probably have to opt for nursery and breakfast / after school club. Fortunately nursery waiting lists aren't enormous around here (although if I wanted to take her into the city with me, rather than leave her at home and commute, we would have waiting list issues, so that's a good point - it might be with putting her name down now as an option).

Sounds like you have some soul searching to do!
It's not easy looking for a job. It get's easier when you know what you want.
What do you actually WANT to do?
If I were you I would take time out to really think about what would make you happy. How do you want your work to make you FEEL? This may sound idealist, but you have a much better chance of being appealing to an employer when you are passionate about what they do.

I went back to work about a few months ago working at a reasonably casual company that would allow me to work on flexible hours in order to look after my son who also lives with me. He goes to childcare at work for two hours and then we both go home, there were a lot of sexist problems where the men felt it is unfair to work flexible hours when they have to work full hours until 8 at night so they gave me a lot of grief and finally decided to talk to the boss and install a vending machine so they could drink in their grief.

I work in the voluntary sector and love it - PM me if you would like to chat!

Hello :). Firstly I'd like to say well done as I can imagine its extremely hard trying to juggle between work & family. And anyone thats doing so its incredibly inspiring.

Id like some advice though im sorry if this doesnt really relate to your post but i am in desperate need of some advice.

I have a 3 year old boy and I was working part time which was great although it was 10 hours a day, 3 days a week that was pretty light as I generally enjoyed it but unfortunately was made redundant due to them wanting someone mon-sat 10 hours each day.

So it has been 4 months now and I recently got offered a job position ...however, its full-time tues-sat 9-6. As its been so difficult trying to bag a part time position I had to accept because I have so much things I have to pay for (arrears) so I didnt really have much of a choice although I am happy but its quite dwelling too because I know I will miss my little boy terribly.

Has anyone been/is in the same position??? I could really do with some advice

Aww I can only imagine how that must feel!

I know I ended up working more and more hours because it seemed like there weren't many part time options that pay decent money!

I have been lucky enough to find part time work from home now building my own business. I think it will be a while until I earn enough to give up work but for 15 or so hours a week from home to suit me, I am giving it a go!

Hope you can find your balance too x

@Laineya52 can I ask what you do at home? I prefer working from home and would love to start a business, but just not sure what. I have my own websites which I make money from, but it's not covering my outgoings.