SAHM forever, now want to work

[Aloneonprecipice]

Hi all

In need of some desperate advice. I have been a SAHM for over 15 years. I have 4 kids between ages 15 and 6. I am done now and really want to get back to being a bit independent. Have a separate personal life.
Before anyone criticize being SAHM was my choice and I am willing to take that I put my self in this position.

My degree in masters in computers is 16 years old and I think that professional world is far far memory now. I don't want a career now, just a bit of getting out and earning some money.
I feel like I don't know a single thing in job world, I am scared and feel utterly incompetent and my self confidence is no where to be found.
Am I being stupid thinking of job now with stupid covid and home schooling. Should I just satisfied by home schooling kids.
Please advise.

Whilst you're homeschooling, how about signing up to some courses to get your skills a bit dusted off, get your cv updated and get ready so when the children go back in you're able to take off again.

What do you want to do? Have you thought about signing up for a temp agency and getting some insight into what's out there and 'ground' yourself and your abilities and take it from there.

Do you live near a university? They have a steady stream of jobs or temporary jobs sometimes too, my uni has a temp agency on site that we use and look foe all sorts of skills

Even though you feel scared now, you'll quickly see it's like riding a bike

Good luck!! Get ready and get prepared foe the rest of your working life - get yourself in the best position you can

By the way - job centres or careers centres - get all the help that's out there

agree that volunteering is a great start, did wonders for my self confidence. Ideally in a role where you could put your skills to use, if not don't worry and embrace the chance to learn something new.

If you have time when doing this spend a few minutes every few weeks reflecting on what tasks and jobs you did, how your contribution helped others or made a saving of some sort. That way when you start to complete applications/build your CV in the future you've some real life examples of your skills and the difference they made.

IF * exams ever happen again maybe consider contacting schools to see if they need invigilators? I do this and whilst it's all up in the air at the mo we may be needed again one day and in the case of our schools many of our team weren't able to do mocks before Christmas as they were older and shielding. We definitely could have done with more people to call on. But it's a great way to dip your toe back in as you can pick up the hours that suit you, get used to working in a team again and it's another reference for when you find positions you want to apply for.

Good luck OP ...I remember how daunting it is and it's easy to forget we were once excellent at things other than being a mum. Believe in yourself

Good luck & be brave
Now is time to start thinking about your future, do you have a pension & have you been paying into the state pension during your time at home? (Assuming you are UK)

Have you had a look at the British Computer Society website? They may have some helpful suggestions that would give you more ideas as they quite often have initiatives regarding Wise (women into science and engineering).

Those of you that mention volunteering - what kind of places do you mean? I've been researching online but I still have no idea where to look or who may be offering volunteering opportunities!

Volunteer where you have an interest? Then you would gain experience in an area you may find work.
There should be a local volunteer website with opportunities.
Ask friends, local places, community hubs, library etc

Hi OP, a friend of mine worked for Techmums so just sharing in case this is of interest to you:

techmums.co

Might also be worth checking out:

digitalmums.com/about

Good luck!

@summerof66

Those of you that mention volunteering - what kind of places do you mean? I've been researching online but I still have no idea where to look or who may be offering volunteering opportunities!

summer I did reading in DDs school for a few years, storytelling sessions at local library (are there any of those left? ) and more recently helped run a local social group for visually impaired people. The same charity were also crying out for volunteers to befriend people. Obviously these aren't quite as relevant in the current climate but def try approaching local organisations. There may be ways you can use skills remotely?

Oh and (when it's an appropriate time again) charity shops are always good places to try. Not just the shop floor duties but stock room and sorting through donations. Its mind boggling when you see what people give them

As a PP suggested please look at returner programmes. They are designed for people just like you. They don’t expect you to be up to date.

There are computing/coding returner programmes if that’s still of interest.

Did you work at all or did you go straight from education to SAHM? Sorry if I missed this.