Could really do with some advice from those who know about the best way to approach this

[Zog]

Gave up FT work 8 years ago when pregnant with ds. Since then, have done part time work here and there (but not in the same field) and also started to study/retrain for something different but have since discovered it's not for me.

I'm now thinking that I want to go back to what I did before having kids as I was really good at it and loved it (plus it paid well).

But how on earth should I go about it? Do I come clean and say "I'm very rusty, I can only work 2-3 days a week, I need the school summer holidays off etc etc" or do I say nothing? How do I get round the fact that my skills are rusty and outdated (although a friend still in the industry says that it wouldn't take long to update them). How can I convince someone to take a chance on employing me?

Help!

Anyone?

more employers are offering part time options now but i think it is very hard to find one that will also provide the school holidays off too

There's no way I'd expect to have all the holidays off, but I'd struggle in the long summer holidays as I've got three kids and childcare would be very expensive for that long.

It's more the rustiness of my skills that is worrying me - how to persuade a potential employer that I am a much better bet than a youngster who's been doing the job for a couple of years IYKWIM.

I just typed up a huge reply and lost it! I've been doing low-paid part-time work for 10 years to fit in with the kids, but on 8th Jan am about to start a proper job. It's 3 days a week, and I asked at the interview if I could do 2 long days and one shorter one, so I can get my DC to school. Before I accepted the job, I checked that I could cover the hols with friends and family. In a couple of years, this won't be an issue as DSs will by 13 & 14. Summer childcare will be a reciprocal arrangement until then.

Rustiness of skills - I'm worried about this, but they've offered me the job, so they must think I can do it. Think of the positives - I've had my family, so won't go off on mat leave. I'm so grateful for the flexibility, that I'll over compensate and probably work twice as hard, and I'll never take time off sick, just in case I need a day off if the DC are unwell.

I think employers are more enlightened than they were 8 years ago, and the fact that you've studied and worked while bringing up a family will be in your favour.

I'm desperately hoping everything I knew about marketing 11 years ago floods back to me on 8th Jan. If I can do it, anyone can.

Thanks MrsMuddle, that's really helpful. Did you answer a job advert or did you write to them directly? Mine is such a specialised field that I'm probably going to have to write to companies directly, hence my dilemma about how much to say IYKWIM. God, I feel so nervous about this, it's ridiculous!

Lots of luck for the 8th Jan . BTW, what do your children think about you going back to work?

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Can you use word of mouth? Are you still in touch with anyone you used to work with?

Is it really feasible that your industry will accommodate flexible working? For example, I work in IT and gave up any thought of contracting / private sector work when I had ds, because I know it simply would not accommodate me. So I earn a reasonable whack in the public sector, but probably half what I could earn provided I didn't mind missing my son's entire childhood (Not really my favoured option!) Would a switch to the public sector be an option for you?

Can you offer to do some work on spec / short-term contract, so a company have a chance to suss you out? This is the word of mouth factor again, you need to get yourself known in order to overcome what employers may see as your negative points.

Re: rusty skills, is there a training course you could do to offset that, or would it be far too costly?

Best of luck - hope you find something that suits!

I'd go for it, apply by whatever means you can highlighting all the relevant skills and experience you have.

Don't mention the childcare nightmare (which I have too) until you get to the end of the interview, but bring it up then. By that stage, you would have been sifted, got your foot in the door and they would have already decided whether they want you or not and will hopefully be a bit more willing to consider your requests.

Your willingness to train, and enthusiasm for the job is what has to shine through, and a good employer will spot this a mile off and will be more than happy to send you on training courses.

I've been in the same position as you and have just recruited a mum in the same boat. We (collectively) have huge skill sets, the nack is to wave this in front of an employers nose in the way they'll understand it - you have to be quite blatant!

Also, dont forget the childcare drama and expense doesn't last forever. Think of it as an investment in your family's future.

Best of luck!

Can you get your skills updated? If so I'd do that and then, and maybe people won't agree with me, but I'd go for a perm f/t job if these seem to be advertised with the aim of some short term pain (i.e. ft) for long term gain, i.e. getting your skills current again and then applying for part time/term time only/compressed hours once you've demonstrated what an asset you are to your organisation.

That's how I'd tackle it anyway.