HOW am I supposed to work?

[KetoQueen]

I’ve taken a lengthy career break because if my autistic son and husband who is always away in London.

I’m from a financial services background but I can’t work full time. So FS seems to be out.

I apply for jobs which are more junior but don’t get responses - I think the minute I put my old salaries down, they are out off. Yet you can’t lie about your salary!

I’m a trained journalist who used to work as a writer for investment banks so fairly niche. Yet anything related to writing pays buttons now and I know the market is swamped with candidates.

I thought about doing another masters but I know it will be loads of work but doesn’t guarantee any improvement in my prospects.

I want to work three days a week out of the house preferably.

Anybody in my shoes? I’m bored to death at home and need a way out. Currently trying to find career consultants or somebody who can advise me.

I had a look at career consultants and they seemed crazy expensive. Although you might get some clarity from a free session (most offer) and some have free resources (webinars etc) eg https://www.clairebrown.co/

I started working through school of life workbook on Careers. I think it's important to find out what you enjoy doing, are good at and what motivates/excites you.

If you're seriously actively looking for work you might want to register for Job Seekers Allowance. Having JSA also means you're eligible for government funded careers sessions and other services you would otherwise not be aware of.

Getting a volunteer position may help you brush up on skills and experience which could inform the types of roles you want to apply for (and increase your chance at getting them).

Hope that helps. Good luck 🤞

Could/would you freelance?

When you put down your salary could you caveat with “Salary as [last job title] was £X, for this position I would look for a salary of £Y - £Z”?

Financial services are crying out for experienced staff. Apply at the grade you want, regardless of how it is advertised and when they want you, ask for part time. It may feel uncomfortable but that's how it tends to work at the moment. What have you got to lose? Head head high - remember who you used to be before you had children? You're still that person, but better 😉good luck!

Check these out http://www.ten2two.org I got my part time role in FS through them

I think PT is very much possible in Financial Services? I did it for years and many of my former colleagues are now reducing to 3 days as they approach retirement.

The jobs will be advertised FT, but that doesn't mean you won't be able to negotiate PT. Recruitment is tough in all sectors currently, it's a job seeker's market.

I think part time is very usual in FS now, lots of flexible working arrangements in place as far as I can see.

Find a FS recruitment consultant who'll be able to sell you as a bargain who's serious about an apparently overqualified role.

Loads of people (women) in FS work PT - half the women I email at work have a "my working hours are..." coda on their signature.

It's easier to negotiate if you're returning to a prepregnancy role but it's still largely a sellers' market so it's well worth a go.

I work in financial services and part time is very normal, from associates up to partners.

webpage content curating & production, in financial information sources ?

I feel sure that recently the BBC finance/business correspondent Felicity Hannah owned up to mostly homeworking nowadays.

What about corporate comms / content in a FS start up (revolut sort of thing). They won’t care about your last salary as start ups always know they’ll pay less!

Thanks everybody. I’ve taken your advice and started to apply for full time roles ….