7 years at home

[Mol1628]

I have been a stay at home mum for seven years. Oldest child is 8 I did go back to work for a short time after maternity leave.

I’ve got an interview for a part time retail job. And I’m just so worried. I want to earn my own money. I want something outside of the home and my family. I would rather it wasn’t retail but this is where I have experience so it seems the easiest step to take.

I am concerned about suddenly being on someone else’s schedule not my own. Not always having free weekends to do what we want. The job is only temporary though and I can always quit.

I wondered if anyone else has been in this position and if it’s the right thing to do. Obviously I might not get this job which is fine but I’ll keep looking.

I’d love to start a career, I have experience working with animals and would love to begin doing something like a veterinary assistant or a receptionist but I feel it’s unrealistic to wait for these options to come up, and I’ll need something at least recent on my cv.

I’m just having a bit of a wobble about where to go in life and wanted to hear from others in the same position I guess!

Not in the same boat as I work FT, but as a recruiter, any recent job looks good on your CV. Retail means you do cash handling, communication with colleagues and customers. All positive, transferable things to have on your CV when a better job shows up.

Thank you for your reply :) Good to hear!

@Mol1628

I have been a stay at home mum for seven years. Oldest child is 8 I did go back to work for a short time after maternity leave.

I’ve got an interview for a part time retail job. And I’m just so worried. I want to earn my own money. I want something outside of the home and my family. I would rather it wasn’t retail but this is where I have experience so it seems the easiest step to take.

I am concerned about suddenly being on someone else’s schedule not my own. Not always having free weekends to do what we want. The job is only temporary though and I can always quit.

I wondered if anyone else has been in this position and if it’s the right thing to do. Obviously I might not get this job which is fine but I’ll keep looking.

I’d love to start a career, I have experience working with animals and would love to begin doing something like a veterinary assistant or a receptionist but I feel it’s unrealistic to wait for these options to come up, and I’ll need something at least recent on my cv.

I’m just having a bit of a wobble about where to go in life and wanted to hear from others in the same position I guess!

I totally understand your desire to have a life outside the house. When my first child was tiny I did a bit of voluntary work and they paid for childcare. It was a lifeline for me to have adult company and no baby talk!! I then started a small business with some friends which we sold when our children all got to school age. I've been self employed ever since which has always given me the flexibility to work around my family. Not without its stresses of course. They are now all in their twenties and appear to be well rounded humans, so I must have done something right. What's your dream job?

At the moment I would be content with a nice chilled boring office job. I am hoping a job in retail which I have more chance of getting will help me find something else at least then I’m currently working.
I think I need interview practice because I hadn’t realised how daunting being back in that environment would be and I didn’t do so well !

My dream job would be working in a veterinary setting. Either as an animal handler/assistant or reception/admin duties.

@Mol1628

At the moment I would be content with a nice chilled boring office job. I am hoping a job in retail which I have more chance of getting will help me find something else at least then I’m currently working. I think I need interview practice because I hadn’t realised how daunting being back in that environment would be and I didn’t do so well !

My dream job would be working in a veterinary setting. Either as an animal handler/assistant or reception/admin duties.

Perhaps approach some animal charities to see if they need any help?

Thanks I’ve already looked at an online role for a dog rescue voluntary.

Turns out I got the job I applied for at the shop and I’m not sure if that makes me feel better or worse.

You could consider doing an veterinary assistant apprenticeship. The money wouldn't be the best, but you'd get the qualification and hands-on experience. They aren't just for school leavers. There are plenty of career changers who have taken the path. I'm currently trying to get on one for software engineering after teaching for almost 8 years (making progress but not to the point of an offer yet).