Is the jobs market really so dire or am I missing a trick somewhere?

[GetSmart]

Here's the rant.....I used to work for large multi-national in a decent career (sales role) prior to having kids. Decided, and was very fortunate, to take redundancy and have a a few years break to raise the children, thinking I would think of a new venture, or get into a new line of work when the children are a bit older. That time is now! I can't believe how dire the situation is. Unless you want to sell make-up, or books (and there's nothing wrong with that by the way, it's just not me), or have a few quid to start something of your own up (which we don't have following a break), there are ZERO jobs that even remotely suit the hours needed when you've a family.

I've now also found that I'm actually not qualified to do any other role as they all want experience. Sales isn't a career for returning women to the workplace.
Is it just me? What's everyone elses experience?
It's a shocking situation as there's tonnes of talent amongst the Mum community thats just going to waste, which is a very sorry state of affairs.
Come on employers and seriously embrace the flexible working please.

It is tough when you have taken time out of the workplace; I speak from experience! Some women manage it, but I am struggling. Ex teacher, took time out to raise children and deal with cancer. Next thing, I am ready to go back to work (not teaching) and after 2 fixed term jobs which have come to an end, I am back to square one, no job!

Currently volunteering with local CAB. Looking at free courses etc and frantically applying for anything which looks remotely appealing. Have knocked retraining on the head (will be nearing 50 by the time I qualify in anything, then got to get a job). All in all, a nightmare.

There should be far more home based jobs available in the digital world in which we live.

I feel taking any kind of break is career suicide, but others may not agree. Some are lucky and find paid work out of volunteering etc; also depends where are you based geographically I guess.

Best of luck.

Most jobs now they want fully flexible which doesn't suit family life .

I'm finding exactly the same thing, having been out for a year with the kids. I didn't have a career before, but have a masters and a couple of professional jobs. I'm struggling to get admin roles!

It's tough out there, and it's entirely because of the gap in the cv I think. I'm not sure what the answer is though.

Thanks for your message and sorry you find yourself in this situation too. I hope your health is on the right track now.
You're right, having a break is career suicide (if only I knew that at the time!) and I would never have left.
I've considered teaching (but as you know the hours are terrible), I've done a couple of random courses but not sure what to do next. It's soul destroying as I'm a hard worker and degree educated (another waste of money!) but struggle to find something purely because I want to do some of the school runs and want to spend some holidays with my family. Right or wrong, all my mum friends who work rely so heavily on grandparents for pick-ups/holiday cover etc which is something I don't want to do if I can help it.
Do you have a craft you could turn into a business maybe? I'm trying my hand at a few things but none are biting just yet.
Crikey, this is madness!! xx

Apparently the local doctors advertised for an adiminstrator role and had over 250 applications, all from mums! I, like you, can't get a look in as my experience is in other areas. I can't do the role I did before as it was super long hours and it was all over the country.
I'm not sure what the answer is.
I know I'll be advising my young daughters to do something they can park and pick uo again, if they would like to consider a family!
It's a shame as I feel that I haven't been able to really enjoy the time off as I've been forever thinking, what next?! and failing miserably ! xx

Welcome to the club. I left a well paid job to look after my kids too. I am fortunate enough to get a job that I am over quality and experienced. Have been promoted since but still only on 60% of what I used to earn 12 years ago. I am well unpaid for my skills set but my career gap look so bad that I can not walk into another job like it was 12 years ago. Getting old doesn't help neither. I am 43.

I left teaching for a while to look after my mum before she died. I have a low paid NHS job but can't get a sniff at a teaching post as they go to cheaper NQTs. I literally had feedback today that there was nothing to distinguish between me and he successful candidate so I can only go in money being the deciding factor.

Admittedly I don't especially want to teach mainstream - I want to get into a specialist teaching role but there is nothing in that sector at all.

Really depressing actually. I have a job but I'm a minion to the many chiefs, principals and heads in my service and have no professional autonomy at all.

I was thinking earlier that I'd advise younger women in my position that maintaining career status is all important but it shouldn't have to be that way.

I'm afraid it seems to be, where I work recently advertised for 2 jobs and got over 500 applications in a week. It's not ever a 'good' job, minimum wage 0 hour contract, expected to work some evenings and weekends. Reading through all those cv's from all those people desperate for a job we couldn't offer was awful.

What made me feel even worse is we're such a small place we don't have the man power to even read them all (managed about 200) let alone respond to unsuccessful applicants. Such a depressing state of affairs.

It’s when I read posts like this that I am glad that I worked part time after my maternity leaves. I was as pissed off as anything at the time that I had to go back because we needed the money whereas other friends didn’t and they got to have a long career break instead and be at home.

I only ever worked part time (which in itself has probably screwed my pension) but speaking to those same ‘lucky’ (as I then perceived it) friends recently, I have learnt that they cannot get work at all-even one of them was refused work as a bank staff mid day assistant. It’s knocked them for six as they were experienced and in well-paid roles.

Combination of factors but mainly it's an employers market at the moment due to the poor state of the economy - I think last time I checked govts own figures were 3.5 times more jobseekers than jobs - and even then that's official jobseekers (those on jsa) so doesn't include

Those financially supported by a partner or parents and so not claiming jsa

Those that have been long term sick and are dipping their toes back into employment.

In terms of jobs though it includes all jobs - part time, temp, zero hours contracts...

Dd was job hunting last summer and on some of the online sites it shows how many have applied - usually well into the hundreds and for the very desirable jobs over 1000

I'd say last 20 years at least family friendly jobs have all but disappeared.

When I was a child my mum worked in pubs (Licencing hours made the hours friendly), shops (Sunday closing then and sometimes even half day Wednesday's) our 24 hours society has meant people are expected to work Sunday's, evenings, even major holidays now. It's ridiculous and largely unnecessary.

The only places that need to be open 24/7, 365 are emergency and health services, social care, utilities maintenance - at a stretch places like hotels. We don't NEED shops open Boxing Day or even Sunday's, we don't NEED tech support ALWAYS open

Getsmart I totally empathise, it is a nightmare in all honesty!
When the time comes, I too will be having words with my daughter about re taking time out/ having a family because I really feel I am paying the price. However, some events were out of my control and the road to recovery health wise, took far longer than I ever anticipated, which delayed me returning to the work place.

What new things are you trying out? I am not particularly crafty but willing to give anything a go right now!

I can well believe the post for the administrator role received 250 applications; total madness and as ForeverBubblegum mentioned, many of these jobs advertised aren't even well paid/stable jobs, which makes it even worse!

Think it is a case of persevering. Keep your options open and just go for anything which looks remotely appealing.

Letseatgrandama, being knocked back for the midday assistant role must have been soul destroying for your friend. This happened to me a few times last year. I went for bank catering assistant role at the local hospital, catering assistant role at a college and a cleaning job.Got the same response - UNSUITABLE. What can you do?

What about setting up as a freelance Business Development Manager? Lots of small businesses can’t afford someone full time but pay freelancers for 10-20 hours a month (my husband does). That or just get a normal job but accept you have to pay for a bit of childcare as wrap around.

Its a nightmare returning to work, Ive been looking for years with no luck.

I cant go back to my previous role. The hours are too long and I still have dc to sort out. I cant be leaving the house at 7am and returning at 7.30 pm plus weekends like I used to.

I used to be a very efficient PA and was head hunted frequently. I have tried applying for similar roles but more entry level as I've been out the workplace for a while (admin, secretarial etc) via an agency (or 20) and as my last salary was in excess of £28,000 I said I would look at anything around £20,000+, figuring a 30% drop in salary would be realistic. They laughed at me and said I would be lucky to get £15,000 on a 0 hours contract and I'm expected to be fully flexible with my working hours. They also feel technology has replaced a lot of the work I used to do so my skills are redundant.

They haven't found me anything remotely similar to the work I'm experienced in, they've only offered warehouse packing and picking.

I have found 0 hours, NMW, in a hotel with flexible hours within school hours but now the Christmas/New Year is over they don't have the hours for me. I have worked 3 hours in the last 2 weeks

Ive even applied for Apprenticeships and although had interviews theyre not keen because they already have more than half their staff over 25 doing an apprenticeship of some description and they want genuine entry level, no experience, no need to pay more than £5odd an hour after 12 months type applicants. Plus they don't want anyone who might need to rush off and collect a sick child

My advice to my daughters is that if they have children either be the boss and do the hours they need to or return to work quickly so they will always have options.

ReinettePompadour I am also looking at apprenticeships now, although working for below the minimum wage, doesn't motivate me in the slightest.

Wracking my brains to see what kind of business I can set up at the age of 46, as securing paid employment seems to be well out of my reach right now.

Just can't believe how so many of us have been written off, just for taking time out, whatever the reason. You can't have experience in all areas of employment, it just isn't possible. Currently looking at brushing up on my IT skills, but even finding a course for that is proving a challenge!

I'm struggling to get admin roles!

Of course you are, you’re not an administrator. Why would someone employ you in an admin role when there are people out there who have already done the role. Admin is not an easy role, it’s very hard to find good administrators, I’ve had a fancy for 6 months which I can’t fill with anyone decent. I need someone who can hit the ground running and that’s not generally someone who hasn’t done that role before. We. We’d to stop thinking it’s the default of you think you can’t get another job. Aim for where your skills actually are

ReinettePompadour try universities - I'm an admin manager at a university and its surprisingly difficult to get quality admin/PAs to be honest. The wages aren't brilliant, but would be better than what the agency said!

I ended up working in a pub/ restaurant (was actually good fun and good for my confidence plus evenings so no childcare costs) - and I still swear that's what got me back into 'proper work'
I had done loads of voluntary roles while being a SAHM but didn't get a sniff at a job offer but once I had a current employer on my cv who was prepared to pay me I got taken seriously . Also took a gcse so had recent study on my cv.
School jobs are always very popular as family friendly hours and entry level always means a wide field of applicants . I think you either apply for something that might seem a bit lowly as a foot in the door where they always want staff (eg pub type stuff) or something really specialist anything in between is so hard to get into

@Mrscog I will have a look at Universities thank you. Do they usually advertise on their own website or elsewhere?

@Thirtyrock39 Goodness Ive done so much voluntary work but I am finding it difficult to get anyone to accept 'volunteer role' references. They just don't view them the same as 'paid employment'. Ive worked (volunteered) as Special Constable with the police, first aider/medic for sports clubs, education assistants at museums, school governors at primary, high and FE, I could go on plus despite needing months of training, assessment and qualifications in complex subjects like safeguarding, PREVENT , business and finance , leadership and hr management, law , first aid and all the refreshers annually etc I cannot get anyone to actually pay me.

I think the difficulty with voluntary roles is for everyone who slogs their guts out for free for hours of their own time gaining valuable transferable skills there will be the odd person who turns up once in a blue moon to man a cake stall or similar and it can be difficult to 'prove' your contributions over these types. I think there's an (unfair) stereotype of sahms being more of the latter and a lack of awareness of how much being chair of a playgroup or being a peer breastfeeding supporter etc involves

Crikey, it really is a big problem. It just makes me sad that we've so much talent between us and a really healthy work ethic, yet because we don't have certain experience, we can't get a look in. Not sure how employers expect to get the right 'experience' if they won't let anyone start at the beginning (well, not Mums anyway), I'm sure we all have tonnes of transferable skills and can learn extremely quickly on the job. We'd be an asset to most places, if only they would give us a look in!

Times must change. I feel it's sad as it's the children that will suffer long term as all incentives are pointing at staying in full time employment which means we don't get adequate time off on mat leave or a career break because of the fear of being disadvantaged down the line. Even all the government incentives are aimed at getting the kids into childcare so we can get back to work for 30 + hours. How about offering some tax relief for our partners when we are off and incentivising companies to encourage job shares, or alike, so we can do the jobs we're trained to do but within achieveable hours so that the family doesn't suffer. Win, win. Sane Mums and kids that see their parents!
I think we are all reasonable people, prepared to take a step back if need be, and even a big pay cut if necessary, but not to get any opportunity in the first place is just bloody frustrating. Such wasted talent!!
Thanks so much for sharing your stories xx

I have just returned to account management within the software industry after an 8 year break, and the break didn’t seem to matter. Stay positive, if you were a good sales person with a track record of over achieving then the gap is irrelevant. Is your linked in profile up to date? Do you still have contact with past managers and colleagues, could they write something on your profile?

I copied Elon Musk’s CV format, lots of examples online, it’s very visual and probably stands out in a pile of bland CV’s. I clearly put the gap in there, like it was a job and added my children’s ages. In application letters I made it clear that my youngest had started school and now was the right time.

I accepted the first job I was offered, I too was conscious of the career gap. Interview preparation took 3 full school days, the feedback I got was that my interview was exceptional. I knew the product, prepared a swot analysis on myself and handed them a 30/60/90 day plan. I also bought a book called Strengths Finder by Tom Rath and left them with a copy of my strengths.

I started in November and am loving it, I’m on a home based contract, with 30 clients to visit, I plan my diary and am around for all school activities, when the dc have been poorly and off school it’s worked out that I haven’t needed to miss work. I’m just coming to the end of my first quarter and am doing well target wise.

Please stay positive, the only skill I need that isn’t up to scratch is excel! If anything children make you more focussed.

It's almost impossible to find part time roles. Every job I've gone for has wanted full time. I took 16 years out and ran my own business which fitted in perfectly around my family. I took a degree and a few other courses. Since finishing the degree I've had three jobs, on wages equal or less than what I earned 17 years ago. All full time with employers expecting complete flexibility for them but no flexibility for me. I'm now working full time, imposed o/t, constantly ammended rota, no rota in advance, 15 hr shifts with no breaks, anti social hrs, and sleep ins. I have requested part time in accordance with their own policies and been turned down. Employers seem to expect more than ever before. I'm working with a completely demoralised team of sleep deprived, depressed and desperately down trodden people who seem to have just given up.

I have never had trouble being offered jobs, but I haven't been able to find a job I really want to do. I'm now going after a job that offers 18 week's holidays, weekends free, 4 days a week. I suspect that this time I'll have competition, and probably won't be offered the job.

If you have managed without the 2nd salary all this time, I would be inclined to research the possibility of working for yourself. I wish I could turn back the clock and hadn't wound up my business at the first hurdle.

It's slightly different but I fell pg with DS in my last year of uni. While friends were getting well paid grad jobs I was at home with my baby. When the time came to find work, nobody was interested in hiring me because I had no relevant work experience.

In the end we were so desperate for money, I took a job through an agency picking and packing in a factory. (Despite having a degree and a masters!) whilst there I was still applying for 'office' type roles, and got offered an interview for a start up company as administrator, full time for £150 a week. Even though this was clearly ridiculous (and potentially illegal...) the person I replaced at this company got me a job at a large consultancy in the city centre as admin again for £16.5k which felt like loads! I've been there 3 years now and have been promoted 3 times with decent salary increases each time.

Moral of the story is, take ANY job. Cleaner, factory, pub worker... it will almost definitely lead to something else.

I think you're right, take any job. However I've done this and it's hard when that "any job" impacts so negatively on family life. But, I've had the reverse situation, I can't get a job in a shop, cafe, pub,.....I've tried, "over qualified" and yet having done a degree in still working at the same level and in the same field as I was 20 years ago! Employers want something for nothing. If they could get away without paying wages they would, but instead they seem to expect you give up control over your own life and devote it in its entirety to them.

It's really depressing reading these stories. A decade or so ago all the talk was of flexible employment, family-friendly working etc but things seem to have swing in the opposite direction instead. I'm lucky to have a part-time role but I hope things have improved by the time my daughters grow up.

Good luck to all the job-seekers out there.