What are my employment prospects please?

[Travailleuse]

Hello,

I would be very grateful to anyone who will take the time to read my post and advise me accordingly as I absolutely need help.

I am married, have 2 DCs, late thirties, have a BA and MA in Humanities. I am a British Citizen but not originally from the UK and both my degrees are from my country of origin. My work experience (7 years as a whole) before coming to the UK a decade ago was in media, PR/ communication as well as a stint as a part-time lecturer at university while working full time. This last one lasted only one year as I left for the UK at the end of that academic year. I also speak and write perfectly two languages besides English (English is not my native tongue).

I have never worked in the UK and never looked for work before now as I was raising my DCs full time. My youngest will start school in September and I would like to start looking for a job. Ideally, as a start, I would like something part time or flexible that I would enjoy doing. WFH would be ideal. What would you suggest I start doing now? What are my prospects? If you are a recruiter or a company boss, would my qualifications be attractive enough for you? What about the 10 year gap in my work experience? I've always enjoyed working and excelled in whatever I did.

Thanks

have you thought of working as a TA or language support assistant in a school?

Are your other languages likely to be of use in local schools?

Thanks @54321nought. I have never been interested in teaching at primary level before but I might if it's a local school. I am not sure about the languages taught locally (mine are Arabic and French). Would I have to retrain or gain specific qualifications before being able to do that?

no, a teaching assistant that can help new English speakers is always valuable, and just knowing the language they speak is enough to help them. French and Arabic are very sought after languages

@54321nought Thanks! So, what do you advise? Should I just contact my local schools or just check if there are any vacancies available?

Do you have universities close to you? I know a couple of people who work in part-time communications/ PR roles for our local university. Both started as part-time.

well, you could just firstly try offering a few days volunteering at your child's school, and then see if you think it is an environment that suits you, then ask at that school about vacancies, and look around at other schools for vacancies

@Itsmemaggie Thanks! There is one not very far away but I have already looked and they are not recruiting anything in my specialty and nothing part-time.

Or have a look at any international organisation with presence in french and arabic speaking countries - law firms, big 4, banks. Some will have schemes to help women get back into the workforce after a break.

@Itsmemaggie

Do you have universities close to you? I know a couple of people who work in part-time communications/ PR roles for our local university. Both started as part-time.

This is another place where you might be sought after for your language skiils - lots of overseas university students bring families with them, and again, French and Arabic would be valuable in communicating with partners, etc, and setting up contacts/ social events

Don't undersell yourself. If being a TA is something that you want to do obviously go for it, but the pay is about a quarter of what someone with a masters and fluency in three languages can reasonably expect to command.

If flexibility is your main priority, obviously this limits your options, but I would recommend having a think about what you want to do and then getting your foot in the door in that direction, even at a lower wage.

If you're looking for flexibility and something to get you out of the house, obviously TA, shop assistant will suit.

If you're looking to begin to rebuild your career and/or gain a significant income, these options would not be as sensible.

Also with a lecturing and background in languages this organisation which runs what are essentially foundation/ language courses for international students who want to attend uk universities www.intostudy.com/en/universities

I worked as a temporary lecturer for them a few years ago - of course this depends if you’re anywhere close to their sites.

@54321nought I looked at my kids' school and there are no vacancies. I will look at the other local schools but I am not very optimistic as it is a relatively small town with not much French/Arabic speakers who might need help. What about salary, do you have any idea how much a TA in this context would be paid? Do you thinks it would be presumptuous of me to just email local schools and ask/ "propose my services"?

I would look at international charities.

@Itsmemaggie thanks! The problem is that I live in a relatively small town hence the lack of big corporations, international firms, etc. But I will certainly have a look at what you suggest :)

Could you qualify as an interpreter or translator?

@FatJan thanks! Yes I certainly don't want to undersell myself but because I am looking for something flexible/ part time because of the kids I know the options are limited. Also, I am looking for a job to start contributing financially, not to get out of the house as that is easy enough. We have a mortgage and I would like to relieve the pressure off DH a little.

@Itsmemaggie Thanks! I will have a look :)

@SalsaLove Yes, excellent idea! I had a look at one such organisation and there was something that really would have suited me but it was London based :(

@Babymamamama I think it is possible but I don't really like translation but I might give it some thought :)

Or give private language lessons to kids learning your languages for GCSE? Less dull than translating?

@Babymamamama

Or give private language lessons to kids learning your languages for GCSE? Less dull than translating?

This is a very good idea. If your intentions include bolstering the household income you can make a very decent amount as a language tutor. Flexible too.

@Babymamamama and @FatJan thanks very much for your pots. Do you think I can be a private language tutor even though I don't have proper qualifications in Arabic and French which I master to native or at least very advanced level? Also, do I have to register with any kind of authority or ask for authorisation before starting doing that?

Have a look at jobs in the civil service. Even if you get an entry level job you could quickly work your way up. They are extremely family friendly and offer flexible working and job shares etc.

Your local careers office/centre will offer free careers advice. If you contact them they will give you a free hour of advice.

I think after 10 years out, you would be looking to return at an 'easlier' level so to speak, to show your employer that you can adapt after the career break.

Which part of the country are you in? X

French tutoring is something you might be able to set up now, but hours would be same times as when your kids are home. Could that work?