thinking of going back to work after almost 6 years as a SAHM ..

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and I am crapping myself! I recently posted asking what people thought about me applying to be a classroom assistant in my son's school. It turns out that although there aren't any TA jobs going at the moment, I have heard via the school secretary that there are teaching jobs. I am a qualified teacher (reception) but only have 5 years experience. We need the money, all my kids are at school now, and deep down, I know I could do the job, but I am terrified at the thought of a) failing, b) being judged by other parents, c) being judged by other teachers who know me as a (slightly dizzy and disorganised) mum.

4 friends in the last few days have told me I should send in my CV NOW to the head. I already work in school as a lunch mum and help out once a week with reading but applying to work on a professional basis is really scaring me. Does everyone feel this lack of confidence after staying at home for quite a while? Any advice to give me a well needed boost?

Thanks all

A little early but please allow my unconfident bump

Maybe you're just lacking in confidence generally & would feel like this about applying for a new job regardless of how much experience you have or how long you'd been a SAHM?! My advice is go for it and stop thinking/worrying so much about it. You sound like someone who would be a really caring, committed teacher who would give 100% to the job and that counts for ALOT. Focus on the positives - how hard you'd work to be successful in the job, the great qualities you could bring to the job etc.

I think you should apply to teach at a different school

but you could ask if you could shadow a teacher for a couple of days and maybe act as a voluntary teacher for a couple of days to get your confidence back up

you have my sympathy, I'm not a teacher but have been a SAHM for over 4 years .. after a responsible career .. the thought of returnign to work fills me with fear .. will be doing so in a few more years

Twiglett, the shadowing thing is a good idea. Sadly, this is one of only 2 English speaking schools in my area and the other has no vacancies. The nearest other would mean at least 2 hours commute each day and with 3 kids to think about, it just wouldn't be practical.

I know how you feel - I've been at home for a similar amount of time and the thought of going back is terrifying (but quite exciting too!).

Could you volunteer to do supply work for the moment (at the school)? One of ds's friend's mums does this at their school (because of the preparation hours teachers get now, they seem to need more cover than before) and she really enjoys it. Ends up working a few days here and there rather than diving straight back into a full time job.

i have bucket loads of sympathy for you- I am a teacher and left last July to have my son (now six months old). I have been asked to apply for a 0.4 post as a reception teacher for Sept and i am terrified!! On the one hand I want to 'do something' and I don't want to be out of the teaching loop for too long. On the other I feel like it is another world away and i have only been away for eight months! Being a sahm is like entering another world and all of your former life seems to evaporate before your very eyes. I was invited to a 'drinks party' last month by a friend of a friend. My friend couldn't make it so I went alone- it was just so strange being in a room With people who were all working and most of whom were childless.

How about putting yourself forward as part time / jobshare to ease yourself back in? They might be really keen to have you at all.

I was a SAHM for 6 years and found it quite a steep learning curve to get back into work, even though I started doing very basic stuff (after having had a professional career before kids). I started off doing just 20 hrs a week on a temporary contract, which was a nice gentle introduction back into work.

I think to go back into school on a full-time contract you really need to be feeling 100% confident, enthusiastic, organised and efficient. If you are not feeling this way yet, I would go and have a chat with the Head about ways back into work.

Be realistic too about what you can achieve.

Ideally I would recommend a job NOT at your own son's school, because it'll be easier to get used to wroking life again wihtout feeling you're being watched or judged by people who see you as a mum. It might also be easier for your child. HOWEVER, as it seems that jobs are very few and far between in your area, I'd say definitely go rof it rather than do nothing. It may be years before the right sort of vacancy crops up again. It IS scary taking that plunge back - I was shocked by how 'green' I felt even after 6 months maternity leave, so i imagine it's harder after 6 years. But I bet you'll feel chuffed with yourself if you make that step.

Oh thanks everyone for your advice and support. The job which I think is going is for 1 and a half days a week, basically, covering maternity and long term sickness, so its not like I would be plunging back into FT teaching. I have decided to definitely speak to a couple of teachers in the lower school today and give my CV and covering letter to the Head. After all, the worst that can happen is that they say no or that it doesn't work out and my pride is hurt. At best, it could be a new start. Am feeling positive - the sun is shining outside

good luck .

I hope it all goes well for you. I'm sure by the end of next term you'll be wondering why you ever worried!! Good luck and enjoy it!!

well I went into school today and spoke to the Primary Head ..... and he was lovely!! He was very encouraging and said that they are always looking for qualified teachers and was not at all put off by the fact that I only had 5 years teaching experience. I have to get my teaching qualifications validated so I can work here but he said its just a formality and I have all the forms to send off today.

He also said that in this kind of ex-pat environment, lots of the teaching staff have taught in the same school as their kids (although not taught the same class as their kids IYSWIM). It is possible to get work before my documents are validated which could take a couple of months but I would be paid as a teaching assistant and then reimbursed the difference once everything is leagalised.

I explained feeling a bit nervous after being out of teaching for a long time and asked if I couldsit in on a few mornings next week with one of the very experienced group 1/2 teachers which he thought was a great idea.

So in short, thank you so much for the support and advice - it looks like it may work out really well