Probably need to retrain in order to get a job...?

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I have a feeling this is going to be a long one but I’ve name changed so I can go into great detail!

I’m 36 with 3 kids and feeling so lost & stuck at home (lockdown is obviously exacerbating this!). We moved back to the UK last year after 2 years overseas, and since then I’ve had 3 job interviews for run of the mill admin jobs, none of which I’ve got, apparently due to my lack of experience. I can’t imagine it’s going to be easier job hunting once lockdown has lifted... because the problem is I don’t actually have much experience, & no career to go back to.

I have excellent academic results including a First from a good university & a MA from another, but because I had DD1 during my MA when I was 24 & made various choices after that, I haven’t worked much - some temporary medical secretary work before my MA, a few interesting voluntary projects that I can make sound good on a CV but aren’t enough, one year working in local government, and then part time working on a health education project delivering sessions in schools. There isn’t a common thread and I don’t really have enough experience in anything to be looking for anything other than an entry level job.

I’m in a really fortunate position in that we are financially okay without me working, and DC3 starts school in September, so I could afford to retrain as something. I really want to work outside of the house, so I am not particularly keen on working from home - having colleagues is really important to me. The complicating factor is that we have moved to a rural part of the UK where options for employment and for retraining are fairly limited, but the big city an hour away probably has everything. Except - what should I look at?

TLDR - please advise lost bored SAHM who did have a brain once somewhere.

Volunteer with a charity as lots of jobs are internal recruitments and they can be more flexible with experience.

Yes - once my DC3 is in school will definitely do that. I’m currently PTA Treasurer so I do have something to claim to be doing but not enough!

Honestly you are in such a similar position to me....unfortunately that means I have little to offer in terms of ideas!!!!

I just read your post and empathised so much!

We have three DC's and the youngest is starting in September. Over the last couple of years I have been looking for the light-bulb moment where an idea comes to me which offers both fulfillment and flexibility!

I too have a decent degree from a mainstream university. However having started my family at 24, I have little experience in the working world.

I have looked at going into law and taking the CILEx route, which is a little bit more flexible and a shorter entry. However having spoken to quite a few lawyers and parents who are also in law, they have firmly put me off the idea!

There is little hope of me securing a job without a) a strike of major luck! or b) (more likely!) retraining!.

I have considered something small scale and a work for yourself option e.g Pilates teacher / personal trainer / even training as a hairdresser. However i'm not sure I have enough 'front' to set up on my own and sell myself to others!!!

I'm so sorry I don't have the answer you were looking for but I will definitely be keeping an eye on the thread to see if anyone comes up with brilliant ideas!

In the mean time, I plan on improving my computer skills....maybe enroll on a course when we are out of lock down, just so I feel more confident with all the office programs once again!!

Good luck!!

Can you sign up for some agency temporary office work. Perhaps covering sickness or maternity. The company that you work for may offer you a permanent job in the future or you could apply for some vacancies once they know you

Alternatively, get someone to " refer you as a friend" to work in the company that they work for

I’d second the idea of temping. They’re less bothered about you having experience. Every temping office job I’ve ever had I’ve been offered a permanent job after a while. Even if you don’t get a permanent job you get experience.

Have you applied for jobs at Councils, hospitals ?

I'm a big fan of retraining. I moved abroad for a job 13 years ago, never intended to stay but then met DH. Left that job, freelanced for a bit then realised I couldn't continue when my DC arrived. The language barrier means I'd struggle to get a similar FT job in the industry so I decided to do a 2 year MA in something else, which I'm just finishing.

I was also living just outside the big city but I was lucky in that I only had 1 DC so we found a childminder whose hours meant I could commute the 3+ hours to uni every day.

I'm aching to get stuck into a job as I'm very sociable, I'd like to get out of the house to work once lockdown is over and want to have a bit of financial independence again. I also wanted to do a job that I'd enjoy (finally) so for me it was an easy answer to go back to uni. Is there anything you'd like to get into that you enjoy or are passionate about?

Also have you thought about graduate schemes? There’s no age limit in them as far as I’m aware and maybe they’d be more forgiving of less experience? You’ve got great academic credentials. Civil service?

With your qualifications you should be able to get a job
What hours are you willing to work ?
What job are you willing to do ?
What salary ?

I know people who work in an office ages range from 18 to 60+