Career break

[Xztop]

I was an administrator for 15 years and when dd started school I wanted to be home for her and left. I got a job washing up in a school kitchen...
Dd is now 14 and can be left alone while I work but for the life of me i can't even get an interview for admin work let alone a job offer! I am careful to only apply for jobs I am more than capable of doing hut because I have no recent experience no one wants me.
What can I do? I can't do any refresher type courses as I have no spare money. I'm at a loss as to what to do! Help!

Have you applied for any temp work? Usually this is an easier way back into admin roles than permanent jobs where there is often a lot of competition - sometimes a temp job can become permanent if you do well, or at least it gives you some recent experience to put on your CV and a recent reference. You might need to accept a lower salary at least at first as a way back into the door.

I would look at agencies like Reed and Brook Street - also your local NHS trust may have a staff 'bank' for temporary admin staff you can ask to join - often plenty of work for part-time Band 2 receptionists, ward clerks etc and again with some experience under your belt you could probably progress up to Band 3 and 4 administrator, medical secretary or PA roles particularly if you are good at minutes, diary management and so on.

Volunteering may be a way to upskill and regain confidence. Many charities need volunteers to man phone lines, do admin and help with fundraising events.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Unfortunately I need to stay where I am until I get a permanent job as I'm a single parent with a mortgage to pay. I could do temp work I'm the holidays though.
I have applied for some volunteer work from home jobs but heard nothing back.

Not all courses cost money. There are countless online courses that can be done for free, and while they may not give you a recognised qualification they are something you can put on a CV to show current engagement with relevant working practice.

If you browse across the threads on the Mature Study and Retraining board, here:

www.mumsnet.com/talk/mature_students

you may find some helpful ideas.

Where courses do cost money there are often grants, bursaries, loans that can be accessed to pay for them. It really would be worth investigating, there are sure to be options you’re currently unaware of.

Futurelearn and openlearn offer free online courses. Do you have any availability to do in-person volunteering(local library, marshalling at parkrun or supporting a summer community event for example), your dc could even perhaps accompany you if needs be. I would say you may need to be patient though, as voluntary organisations can rely on people managing time to communicate outside their core role.