I feel like there is an existing thread about this but I can’t find it. If there is, I’d love to be pointed in the right direction.
I inadvertently am being considered for a job (long story). I’m super excited that someone doesn’t think my skills are obsolete but I’m also super nervous about the possibility of going back to work. I’m most concerned about losing my flexibility in seeing my D, my parents, and traveling with my DH.
That said, I would like to go back to work, and have been searching for a while for a part time position that speaks to me. I’ve applied for a handful of jobs over the past year that haven’t panned out but this one seems like a great fit.
Feels scary though to even be considering going back into the work force after so long!
I can’t offer advice as I’ve always worked at least part time if not full time.
But if it’s a job you think you would enjoy and it wouldn’t turn your home world upside down in a bad way, AND you’ve been looking, why not try? It’s a great way to grow your world!
How long since you last work? Does the job sound fun/interesting/in your wheelhouse?? Be sure to ask about the flexibility for those things important to you - like time off for vacations or school functions, etc.
I was a SAHM for almost 20 years. I liked working when I returned, but it was difficult at times after being used to managing my own schedule. If you don’t like it, you can always quit … so it’s worth giving it a shot. Congratulations!
I haven’t had a paying job in over 10 years. Been super active as a volunteer in my field the entire time though.
This job is absolutely in my wheelhouse. It’s a great fit for me, and I think for the employer. It’s a very small operation though so my big fear is vacation time/flexibility.
Ideally I was looking (unsuccessfully) for contract or short term project work, but this would be 30 hours/week.
I’ve done that twice now after I left my career. Wanting to do something PT, but not wanting all the working stuff (asking fur vacation), etc.
The first was contract and came to an end. The 2nd I quit after 10 weeks because it was a hostile work environment. Both places I really enjoyed the work, the busyness and the paycheck.
It’s scary to jump off that ledge. But my DH tells me if I hate it, quit!
I hope it’s a perfect opportunity for you! I’m quite frankly terrified that when I finally try to go back to work that I won’t be qualified for any job anywhere. It’s scary to be out of the workforce for so long!
I got pregnant (and had to quit PT job due to hyperemesis) w/ my eldest 7 months into marriage so I was never able to establish any sort of career. The thought of trying to find something once my 12 yr old doesn’t need me anymore (Sob!!!) is terrifying!! I’m so excited for you and a wee bit jealous. Best of luck!
Good luck @momofsenior1! I am sure you will do great! I haven’t worked since S was born 16 years ago but like you, have been a constant volunteer. Volunteer skills are much like those needed in the workplace and I am sure this employer recognizes that. Go get em!!!
Like @conmama said, if it gets to be too much then just quit. Best of luck!!!
Go for it. If it doesn’t work out, you can always go back to your SAHM status. It sounds like you are excited about this opportunity. All the other moving parts will fall into place!
Thank you all for the kind words of encouragement! After talking to my H, I sent a “thank you” and let the employer know that I’m interested in exploring the opportunity further. I know they have another group of people to interview next week so it’s definitely not a done deal. It’s just a boost to my confidence that someone is even interested. I will keep you posted on what happens.
@momofsenior1 I agree that it’s scary. I left full time work when S19 was born over 18 years ago. I did a lot of volunteer stuff at school including being on the grade school and middle school PTO boards but my volunteering at high school has been less. I’ve been a private math tutor for six years but would like to work more once D21 graduates. It is scary! In my case, it’s so hard to think about working for someone else anymore. I set my own hours and make between $60 and $100/hour and going back to a salary makes me crazy when I divide it up by the number of hours and see how much I’d make per hour. Plus, the vacation thing and less flexibility is a problem. Who will walk the dog? He’s going to be alone all day if I work? I’d feel bad about that. That sounds like an excuse but I really do see it as a problem. And only two/three weeks vacation would be hard.
All of that being said, I feel like it’s time to move on from the SAHM life so I get it and i’m happy for you! It feels good to get out and be around people and be productive. I hope it works out for you. I imagine any change will take some time to adjust to but go for it! I agree with the posters who say you should give it a shot and keep in mind that you could stop if it’s not what you expect it to be.
I worry about the dog too @homerdog! This position’s hours have a big break in the middle of the day so it’s perfect to go home and take care of the woofie
@homerdog, if I could make $60-$100 part time I’d be quitting my full time job pronto! That’s wonderful you have had the best of both worlds.
@momofsenior1 I think it’s also important to know that you can work and still be “available” to your D or whoever else needs you. Just because you aren’t available 24/7 doesn’t mean you are not available. I feel like you said your D is a junior. If so, I’d say this is great timing. She will see her mom start something new just as she is making decisions on “something new” for herself.
I returned to work full-time just over 6 years ago after being at home for 10-ish years.
In my current job, they are very inflexible about taking time off, and three weeks a year is not much when you are accustomed to having the time you need to visit aging parents, take a real vacation, or pursue your own interests.
So you are right to be thinking about that aspect of taking a job.
I started my string of part time jobs after my daughter started full day first grade (so I was a SAHM for about 6 years). I have had part-time jobs with various hours and flexibility - one was Monday through Friday for 5 hours a day, one was with a school - so I could only take off in the summer, my current one is only 6-10 hours a week and mostly work from home. I quit a few of these jobs when they were just too much because something was happening in my household that needed my full attention (family illness, house renovation, daughter’s senior year in HS, etc.)
We are now empty nesters and my husband recently retired. Most of my friends have part-time jobs (some who were SAHM for over 20 years), doing a variety of office work- insurance paperwork at a doctor’s office, receptionist at a brokerage house, assistant fora tax preparer, etc. All of us were always active as volunteers for our kid’s stuff - library, scouts, PTO, church etc. They all agree that they needed something to keep them busy (“keep them out of trouble”)
After leaving or getting laid off, I have been able to use connections to find my next part-time gig. Although the space between jobs has varied - from almost no time to almost a year.
Do you mind sharing what kind of work you are looking for? It’s hard to find companies that accommodate your travel requirements. BUT there are some companies that are very good with work-life balance. Good luck with your search!
@nhatrang - Ideally I was looking for short term contract work, in health care or research.
I live near a major university and they often are looking for short term projects, especially over the summer, which would actually be the best time for me. Nothing has turned up yet though and this other opportunity fell into my lap.
At this point I don’t have anything to lose by continuing the conversation with the potential employer. It just took me by surprise as it’s not a position I even applied for (long story).
