Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Work

Chat with other users about all things related to working life on our Work forum.

Original poster

Any SAHM returning to work success stories?

24 replies

Twoweekcruise · 08/09/2017 16:31

Because I'm beginning to think I will never get a job again, ever!
I previously worked for the NHS in admin and have been a SAHM for 9 years and have done a bit of voluntary work here and there. I love being a SAHM and can keep myself very busy but the truth is I want/need to earn my own money and the extra cash would really come in handy.
However, I'm struggling, I have been applying for jobs for the last year or so and have so far only had one interview. It is so depressing and it's really hit my self esteem.
Ive just started a little job as a midday assistant but it's not really ideal but I'm beginning to believe it's all I'm fit for these days.
So, if you've successfully gone from SAHM to being employed, how long did it take and what did you do to get employed after being at home for a while?

OP posts:
Nasreen · 08/09/2017 17:53

In the same boat here. Last job as a teaching assistant came to an end at the end of last year. Been applying for jobs, but no success as of yet! Suppose it depends on what kind do work you want to go into? I'm a volunteer advisor with the CAB so hoping I will be able to find advisory jobs to apply for. That said, I haven't seen any yet! Just keep applying for so many jobs as you can I guess? At some point you will strike lucky! Is retraining an option for you? Doing course? Extra qualifications?

TheNotSoGoodWife · 08/09/2017 18:00

Me! I gave up work when dc1 was born 16 years ago. Did a bit late f supply teaching between dc3 and dc4 then studied accountancy part time while. I finished that last year, struggled to find work (no experience) so worked voluntarily full time at a local accountancy firm for 4 months - but I contacted approx 20 local firms and most just said no (email and phone call).

My current boss gave me a chance after I was recommended by one of my college tutors. Been there 6 months and love it. Clearly I'm doing ok as my boss has just agreed to me reducing my hours to help with childcare (3 days worked over 4). Plus the firm I volunteered at recently called with a job offer when a vacancy came up.

Panicmode1 · 08/09/2017 18:43

I was a senior level surveyor before I stopped after my fourth child. I did a lot of volunteering during the 6 years I had as a SAHM. I started applying for a range of admin/school/part time jobs, and either didn't get interviews, or was being told I was too overqualified, I'd 'get bored' etc. Eventually I got lucky and found a very part time, highly paid admin job which I do two days a week, school hours only. The downside is that I have to do school holidays, but the upside is that I get paid as much for two very short days a week as I would have done doing a full time admin job in a school.....

Keep going, apply for lots of things and you WILL prevail!

LizzieMacQueen · 09/09/2017 20:09

Have a look at the Women Returners website. There's lots of Returnship programmes out there, designed mostly for professional level but maybe you could fit some of the jobs being offered.

Original poster
Twoweekcruise · 09/09/2017 20:16

I'll just keep on trying! Thanks lizzie I will take a look.

OP posts:
CollieBobs · 09/09/2017 20:22

This sounds too familiar, OP. I can't get a job either aftr just 3.5 years as a SAHM.

I've been applying for jobs for AGES. I was invited to an interview 2 weeks ago and I thought "wow that's a surprise!" Then I got a call saying it was a mistake and they didn't want to interview me after all.

The general replies I've had are "you're too qualified", " you'll get bored", "we have candidates with more recent experience" etc etc.

I have even applied for volunteer work which I haven't been successful with either and unfortunately we have no Returnships in my region.

All I can say is keep trying and good luck Flowers and you're not alone.

JennyOnAPlate · 09/09/2017 20:33

I'm in the same boat op. Sahm for almost ten years. I do a fair bit of voluntary stuff and have done the odd bit of book keeping on a self employed basis, but I keep applying for jobs and not even getting an interview. It's so frustrating when you can tick every box on the person spec and job description!

notonmynelly · 10/09/2017 10:35

I've been at SAHM mum for 8 years this December. Previously I worked for an investment bank in the city.

I applied for literally hundreds and hundreds. It did get me down a lot. Just got to keep on going and it will pay off. A great cover letter/personal statement helps and remember your worth when your start getting down.

It took me about 6 months to find a job. It really irritates me how employers make us feel like we aren't worth hiring. They are missing out on so much!

Good luck!!

GreenTulips · 10/09/2017 10:39

I think you need to revisit your CV and covering letter - CVs change shape!

Original poster
Twoweekcruise · 10/09/2017 11:28

It really is so frustrating, you know that you are more than capable of the job but you can't even get to the first hurdle. I have revamped my CV several times now, adding every new thing (voluntary etc) onto it and re-evaluating the supporting info on the application forms. Most of the jobs I'm going for are online application forms which do not give an option for a covering letter?!
I would love to retrain but I just do not have the finances at the moment. I am seriously thinking of becoming self employed!!

OP posts:
GreenTulips · 10/09/2017 12:27

Are there any blank pages to sell yourself?

One thing I noticed was if you 'pass' online tests you then have to book yourself into an interview - but spaces are limited - for example 10 people pass only 6 interview spaces available

Are you reading the emails/results properly?

Original poster
Twoweekcruise · 10/09/2017 18:24

Greentulips I can't say that I have ever come across that before?! The only blank space I usually see is the supporting your application section which I spend ages on, google to get extra ideas etc but alas still no luck!

OP posts:
LizzieMacQueen · 11/09/2017 09:31

Please do have a look at the Women Returners website. I am just about to re-enter the job market after a significant employment gap. It has some useful articles as well as current vacancies (though limited to larger cities mostly).

buggerthebotox · 11/09/2017 09:42

Me too! I've been sahming and working very part time for-ahem-15 years now. I've trained as a piano teacher, I'm volunteering for CAB, I've booked myself onto an excel course and I'm going to an Uber session today.

I've got a 23-year solid work record, a degree, a Masters', several professional qualifications.....but I'm OLD.

Every time I jump through a hoop, another one presents itself.....

ProfYaffle · 11/09/2017 09:47

I've been a sahm Mum for 12 years, applied for 2 jobs this year - got the second one. I start next week.

My job's with a local authority, they tend to be better with family friendly policies/accommodating returners than private sector. Also, have you tried doing temp Admin work at Agencies? Doing that for 6 - 12 months to get some recent experience can only help.

SongforSal · 11/09/2017 09:55

I was a SAHM for years. Youngest had health problems, so the longest I have 'not had a job' was 5yrs. I took a temp position last year for 4months F/T. Since that finished, I spent 8mths applying for jobs. The whole thing was really depressing tbh. Especially when I would apply for a job knowing I not only met the essential criteria, but also had the experience.....wouldn't even get an interview!

I have now been offered a F/T job, been studying with the OU for 4 yrs whilst at home, and I believe that was one of the reasons I was hired. I start in 2 weeks, and am nervous about fitting in studying, cooking and housework in all honesty, plus spending actual quality time with Dc's. I am looking forward to my new income though! As is Dp.......I just accidently found his 'list' on Amazon of new gadgets he's looking forward to finally being able to buy!

Keep going OP. Full sympathy, a few weeks ago I was really down about my employability. It really is a numbers game, just keep applying.

BeeFarseer · 11/09/2017 10:01

Me, hopefully. I start in a week.

I was actually dismissed for ill health from last job (I didn't recover from serious medical treatment quickly enough for their liking) and I've been a SAHP since then, for four years.

I've stuck like glue to public sector employers because of the recruitment process being fairer. Everything is fairly anonymous until you get to interviews, which are competency based,, so there are no nightmare questions about your current role when there isn't one! I messed up my first interview because my examples weren't strong enough, but it was great experience for the next role I went for, which is the one I was successful for. Reference requests are easier to deal with too, as they make allowances if there's no previous employer to ask, so you can use personal references.

It's been fairly straightforward even though I had to jump through occupational health loops to be declared fit for my role. It took most of this year from when I first applied, to now, being about to start. I haven't been applying for lots of jobs because I've been very selective and waited for roles to be advertised that I knew would skew the odds in my favour, if that makes sense?

My background is with a similar employer (who dismissed me) so my advice would be to play to your strengths AND to go for roles that are part of a big recruitment drive. If there are lots of people being recruited, you stand a better chance.

ProfYaffle · 11/09/2017 10:08

Good point about the public sector competency interviews. I had the same experience. Lots of questions about my previous role (I had trouble remembering what I'd done!) and absolutely nothing about my more recent voluntary roles or why I wanted this particular job etc. I found it tougher but fairer and better at drawing out my experience than the previous interview which was traditional q and a. (and in the private sector)

Original poster
Twoweekcruise · 11/09/2017 19:56

Thanks all, quite a few positive stories there which has given me hope. I will keep applying!

OP posts:
MakeItStopNeville · 11/09/2017 19:58

I was a SAHM for 18 years before I started my own business. It's been a success so far!

BeerBaby · 11/09/2017 20:14

I've been a sahm off and on for ten years. I've worked temp jobs for 6 months at a time. Was self-employed. Volunteered for most of the 10 years. I have experience, degrees and MA and lots of other qualifications.

It took me 3 years to find my current job which is only 2 days a week, school hours. Basic administration. I've done it for the last year. It's been really good. I've had a great introduction into the business area. Feel like I've updated my it skills and all in a job that's no stress. I do get interviews but I always just miss out on the jobs. I keep going because what options do I have!

infromthewoods · 12/09/2017 14:18

Please have a look at the other thread I have created about the returnship biz I'm starting up to help women just like you x

infromthewoods · 13/09/2017 11:07

I really want to reach women and chat to them about experiences they've had going back to work but MN deleted my other thread :(

Original poster
Twoweekcruise · 15/09/2017 22:10

makeit I would love to start my own business, not sure what I would/could do though! Where/how did you start?

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page