SAHM returning to work... Anyone else finding it hard?

[hypnorm]

Well I have been a SAHM since June 2005 and I am looking to return to work part time about 20-25 hrs per week.
I don't think I coudl cope with full time plus I would never see my kids! And I want to be able to spend some time with them when they are on school hols. Robyn has another year + before she goes to school.

But I am finding it so hard to:-
1. Get an interview
2. Find something that will fit in to the hours that I can get child care
3. Getting employers to look into my skills from my previous jobs and not just see veterinary nurse and think fluffy bunnies!

All my jobs have been veterinary based and I am applying for any jobs really, I have experience with reception, sales and customer care. I would love to go back to nursing but the hours are awfull lots off shifts, night duties, weekend and late shifts which when I can only get childcare between 8-6 make things awkward especially as my OH often works away so may not be back if I am on a late.

I've even applied for pet shop roles and hyrotherapy roles but had no luck.

I've only done one other job and that w secretary work for my hubby business.

Every job I have seen requires 'flexibility' which I don't really have when I have the kids, I try not to mention them but they often pop up in interview, and at where they seem to lose interest.

I wonder if I am after the impossible of a job, ideally 3 days a week would be good with few weekends, and I need fixed shifts not a rota as it makes cold care even more of a night mare! My mum is recovering from a heart attach and so cannot cope with the kids and it also 30 mins away. I have no close friends nearby.

Seems impossible! Maybe I might find a job by the time Robyn starts school!

Just don't know where I want to end up at the moment! Veterinary/childcare/medical.

Thanks for reading the rant!

 

[frantastic20]

Hi there... haven't got too much advice but just wanted to say good luck!!

The only tip I would have is to review your CV - as you said people are just focussing on the job role, it would be better to have more of a skills-based CV. I think if you look online and see some examples you might find one which suits your experience.

I recruited a few weeks ago and was amazed with some of the CVs sent my way - one of them sold himself and his skills so well that I was amazed when I actually got to the employment history and saw he was only just finishing Uni!! We rate our applications based on the skills and experience that we want, scoring each one based on the evidence in the application, so I would also recommend tailoring your CV each time to ensure you're highlighting the relevant areas. There's nothing more disheartening than reading an application and realising it's obviously a generic identikit one which has been sent to loads of different jobs...

Good luck again!

 

[Purplelila]

Hi there

Its a really really really tough job market out there! I've been looking for a new job for a long while something closer to home, but havent had any luck .

If I'm honest with you its easier to negotiate the hours you want to do around childcare if you are already working for a company than coming in from the outside , as they dont expect to tailor to suit you .

You say youre looking for a few hours a week or a few weekends - that sounds like possibly retail could be suitable? Or maybe working in a care home?
Or call centre ?

Without 'relevant' experience its reallytough . A lot of places will only consider you for the role if youve done the exact same job previously.

Have you tried volunteering in say a charity shop or the citizens advice burea answering phones etc? That will get you out into the workplace , and back into the routine of working. And hopefully open the door to paid employment.

I never mention my son in any interviews , just in case. I know they are not allowed to discriminate , but I worry it might count against me . I worry they might think it in their heads , but not say it out loud .

Oh before I forget have you tried your kids schools for playground assistant roles and things like that? These types of roles are keep popping up in my sons school , and are only a few hours a day during school hours . I mean it would be ideal for you if you found something like that , because then you could spend your time with your kids in the summer holidays.
Ask around the local schools if there is anything going or try your local council website as they advertise on there as well .

Or have you thought of becoming a childminder?