Will anyone employ me?

[MrsHelenBee]

Hi everyone,
I've been a full time mum for 4 years now, but with DS1 starting school in September, and DS2 just having turned 1 and due to start nursery in September too, I'm keen to get back to work.
Not only could we do with the extra income, but I feel like I really need some more regular adult company, and to get my brain working on something again.
I'm a teacher, although I've lost all confidence in my ability in that role, so I'm looking for something else. I've looked at LSA roles and admin roles in schools, but wonder if anyone would consider me after 4 years out of the job. I know there are countless mums out there who must be in the same position too, but I really doubt myself after such a long gap.
I only want a part time role for now, I don't want DS2 in full time childcare at a year old, unless it's absolutely necessary, and DS1 has a number of special needs issues, and may take a while to build the stamina for full time schooling, so it's really important to me that he has the stability of me dropping him off and meeting him, whether that's at lunch time or the end of the day, and I'm struggling to find anything suitable, hours-wise. Some pt roles in schools finish at lunch times or have flexible hours, but almost all have a start time of 8:30am. I used to start at 7am when I taught full time, but now I have children and will need to do a school run and nursery drop off, this is far from practical, and even if I could afford to send DS1 to a breakfast club, I'd be dropping him at 8am at the latest, which is going to be too hard for him.
I worked in recruitment for a while from 2007-2009, and I loved it. It was still education based and my role was very varied, so I know I have string admin skills, but with no formal qualifications in admin, and only a bit of experience, which ended 6 years ago, I suspect I'm not that attractive a prospect.
I feel a bit useless. I'm not seeing anything which will accommodate me hours-wise (and I don't have nearby family to call on for help with child pick-up/drop-offs), and feel like I'm as good as unqualified in most things. I'm worried I won't find anyone to take me on, and even if they do, what happens in school holidays? DS2 will still go to nursery but I can't dump I DS1 on family miles away every day.
Any advice?

I have no specific advise but want to express my sympathy. Good luck.

Hi - I'm sorry I can't offer any advice but I am the same position as you.
I have been a SAHM for 7 years now and other than cleaning or care work I just don't know how I am going to get back to work. I would like to train to be a counsellor but the courses are so much money.

It sounds as if, much as you want to, it is just too early for you to go back to work, with all the restrictions on your hours and the necessity to be flexible around your DS1. Until your DS1 has built up stamina for school and DS2 will then be a bit older, could you look at something like childminding or working in a pre-school which would presumably have short enough hours to accommodate your needs? Or, as a former teacher, what about after-school tutoring?

Hi, It might seem impossible, but there are employers out there who value the experience you will bring and are open to flexible terms of employment. Work from home roles would be an option for you, telemarketing for instance, something you can do in the hours that suit you. There is increasing focus on output rather than input so hours should be more flexible.
Good luck with your job search.

How about working as a researcher for a recruitment firm. Many will let you do it at least partially from home. How about asking your ex-employers for advice? are you friendly with anyone from your old jobs?

How come children give you so much but seem to drain self-confidence?

Or how about asking at the nursery/school your DC attend?