Return to work after 6 years

[holmesy77]

Hi, I wondered if anyone has found themselves in a similar situation to me....? I have 2 children age 8 and 6 and haven't worked now for 6 years. I am really trying to find a job in a school in administration , I keep getting interviews but not getting the job. I am really wanting a job that works around the children and school, and wondered if anyone has any ideas about what other jobs I could look at? Prior to having children I worked as a Personal Assistant for over 16 years so have loads of organising, p.a experience. Any ideas much appreciated xx

Hey I'm in a similar boat, keen to go back after 6 years and judging from your username we are similar ages, no advice but an ex-employer told me to believe in myself and know my worth.

Can you do some volunteering in schools to build your experience?

Where in the country are you?

I have just completed a Teaching Assistant Level 2 course, to give me experience of schools, and it really helped with the interview I last had (which was a school receptionist role) in terms of my knowledge of safeguarding etc (I still didn't get the job mind!!). I know I could go on and do the Level 3 TA course but I really don't think I would be suited to it, all my experience is in an office.
Yes I guess I could volunteer within a school and see what comes up, I really want to start being around people though as I am starting to feel very isolated...I just turned 40 and am having an 'oh my God what am I doing with my life ' phase! Xx

I am between Leeds and Wakefield, in West Yorkshire

I'm an administrator through and through. I did my course at college in 2002-2004 and have worked in offices ever since then. I love that environment and that type of work. I thought about retraining to work with children but if I'm completely honest, it's not what I'm passionate about and I would be doing it to get the desired hours.

Administration jobs within schools in the area I live are very few and far between. They always get a lot of applicants and always list SIMS as essential, which is quite hard to get if you've never worked in a school! I also found that the school jobs were not quite the hours I wanted. Of course it was term time only but those hours were 8am until 4pm, requiring both breakfast club and afterschool club.

Doing all the school runs was the most important to me and I found that the NHS are really good at advertising part time jobs like that. Hence applying for 3 jobs with them and getting an offer of employment :)

You will get there.

Thank you mrskhw, I never thought about the nhs, its good to know they are flexible with family life. I'll look into it 👍

Im trying to get back to work after a long spell at home. So far I have had one interview (unsuccessful but a good experience).
Ive taken a break over the school holidays but will begin again next month.
Like mrskhm I thought about doing a couse in childcare but I know its not me, I really enjoy office type work so will stick with that line of work.

What about setting yourself up as a Virtual PA?

You could also consider an admin position in a university. It's not usually school terms only, but the summer quiet time is well timed for the school holidays.