Unemployable SAHM. Any advice?

[Bobbinbora]

I'm new here. And was hoping for some advice please. I can't seem to get a job since leaving my previous job after maternity leave. I've been a SAHM for 3.5 years.
I've applied for all kinds of jobs in my field and the feedback I have had goes a bit like this..

1. you've been unemployed for years
2. you have no recent experience of the job
3. you're too junior for this role (applying at management level)
4. you're too experienced for this role (applying for an exec level role)
5. you're too creative for this role
6. you'll get bored of this job
7. it's a risk employing you due to the lack of recent experience

And today's feedback was

8. we've decided to choose someone who is more committed to the role (i.e no children)

How on earth do people get jobs after being a SAHM? How do people pick themselves up after constant rejection?

I feel absolutely shit. I work in design & marketing btw but have also applied for any admin roles.

My worst response was "why on earth should we employ someone who hasn't had a job for over 3 years"

Help!

Was a SAHM for donkeys years and do now support with learning disabled adults. No qualifications needed, flexible hours, yes ta minimum wage but it’s interesting and rewarding work. No way could I have gone back to an office job as hours just didn’t work and my skills are so outdated but this is could and more important it makes me employed so instantly more attractive to prospective employers. Worth thinking outside your comfort zone sometimes and there is always work available.

user148 thanks for mentioning that. I probably should look outside my comfort zone, but it's difficult. All I know is office work. What did you do before?

I think giving up work to be a SAHP can be one of the worst things you can do; it's career suicide in my view. It shouldn't be like this, absolutely not, but the sad fact of the matter, is that this is exactly how it is. Keep applying, do voluntary work, update your skills, do courses, what ever it takes. I'm still on the job hunt 12 months after losing my last job. It's soul destroying and hindsight is a great thing e.g leaving a well paid career ( teaching) when not knowing what to do next! I am guilty of career suicide and paying the price!

Sadly dimsum, employers want recent work experience. That said, my friend who used to volunteer with Cab with me, has just secured a part time admin job. It took her one year to get that.

dimsum - sorry been on a long shift. Before I was a SAHM I worked in an office based job always doing administrative work or sales, I never imagined doing anything like I do now and most people who know me would think it unlikely. Today I have been out shopping, lunch and a social club, every day is different and when a shift is over I know I’ve made a difference to someone’s life in a way I never did before. It’s not always easy but it’s always rewarding.

user148, following your suggestion, I called up about a role I had seen which looked like it might suit me but was way out of my 'office' comfort zone. They asked me in for an interview and basically offered me a job! I said I needed to think about it so have not committed to anything.

I am struggling with the fact it will always be just a job, never a career and will always be low paid.

Prior to your post, I had been going down the office job route in an area which definitely has potential for career progression and increased earnings. BUT it will be very, very, hard for me to break into this area with absolutely no experience so even though in theory it is the 'better' option, in practice it may never actually materialise.

I have the chance to work shadow in the job I was offered so I will do that in the new year, and I suppose that will give me a clearer idea of whether it's for me or not.

I have had my contract not renewed whilst pregnant with number 3. It was awful. I got maternity pay but have had no role to return to. Now my baby is 15 months and after 6 months of looking I am getting all the same responses. So I am being forced to stay at home.... not what I wanted as with my first two I already took a hit after staying home for 3 years.

I was on 35k before, so not top... but now I am competing with 22 year olds who are willing to work for 20k. They do not appreciate experience at all! I also already have a post grad diploma and masters....

I am depressed and cry a lot. I have been rejected so many times. I cannot afford to volunteer. The childcare costs are too great. We are struggling and my husband feels all the pressure. I want so bad to work and contribute and no one will even give me a shot.

I was told "not enough experience" and wont be put forward to jobs with certain recruiters. So then I applied for at least 30 junior roles and was also told "not right for you, too junior" and "you are overqualified"... its like "no kidding but I am applying because I need a job and are willing to do the work and accept the lower salary"... how cannot I not even get the lower admin positions?!??!

I really don't know what to do. Was looking into career change, retrain...but its all too expensive (tuition plus childcare.) But just wanted to tell you all that I am in the same situation. Misery loves company.

bumbleandbumble, hope you find something soon, just keep going! Sometimes I feel like being punished for take time off for looking after my children, the world seems to think this is an excuse for laziness but it was the hardest job I've ever had.

MiaowTheCat *lots of hugs**

You are definitely not alone, this is a soul destroying process. Just keep trying, sounds like you have valuable experience all you need is some luck to turn this whole thing around!