Returning to work after 12 years as SAHM

[BoldLizzy]

Hoping for some advice/ideas :)

I used to be a high level executive assistant at an investment bank. After my daughter was born I was made redundant during mat leave so didn't return to work. I have since had more children, the youngest now at school. I am interested in going back to work part time but I have no idea what to do! I feel like I've been out of the 'game' for so long that I won't be taken seriously as a candidate. And as I have four young kids, will employers be put off by that? Do I go back to admin or try something different. I am totally lost! Xx

Have you approached recruitment agencies can they place you?
Are there return to work courses or refresher courses
No don’t discuss being a parent, bet your arse the men don’t rock up handwringing about being a dad
You need good childcare. Your partner needs to step up to support you too by sharing childcare

Finally , good luck

I went back into finance after 5 years. What I found is its good to cultivate relationships with agencies as more and more companies are offering flexible staffing opportunities and agencies are the ones in the know. Have you considered being a virtual assistant, working from home but doing the same type of thing. I know a few therapist types/consultant types who need people like this to manage their workload. There are definitely roles out there but also you probably need support at home. I'm a single parent wfh and it's hard juggling it all.

What I would add is I've seen exec assistants in the finance world having to come in and still work lates because their bosses do, so this may no longer be the type of industry for you (if you were in that industry)

Schools and colleges employ PA's/ admin support.
They are really very valued.

I'd second trying an agency first, if you can get a temp contract even just for a few months, it's an excellent way to get back in the workplace whilst not committing to a particular role and adding recent experience to a CV. It's easier as well as once you have registered with them they do a fair bit of the legwork of finding somewhere, as it can be daunting when applying for stuff after so long.

I'm an Exec Assistant, no way could I do this part time so frequently work late, in weekends and often during leave, I also part time care for my mum so my hands are full

Can you do any volunteering? That would look good on your cv right now
Agencies will always submit their best 2-3 candidates for any role, with so many experienced people looking you need to make your cv desirable if you want to work in admin.

Maybe do some online courses and refresh your Microsoft skills, will every update they do there are new things and I'm constantly learning new things and I use it everyday