Any previous SAHM returned to work?

GracefulStar · August 2014

Hi all, I'm a working mom now but once my second child comes I will be staying home, at least that's the plan. I'm scared about my re-entry to the workforce, explaining my resume gap, etc. do any of you have insight as to how returning went for you? Thank you!

HobbityBarb · August 2014

I did stay at home with my two right until youngest started kindergarten, but I haven't attempted to rejoin the career I had - DH had lost his job so I needed something in a hurry, so I went for a temporary job in a store and then a part-time admin job - my qualifications and experience were all ten years old by that stage, but it wasn't a problem. My job is at a hospital working with a small team of people and we're all women and a lot of part-timers so it was an easy fit for them once they decided they liked me.

In terms of explaining the resume gap - I'd suggest just telling the truth, there's no glossing over it so don't try. Depending on your career area, there might be ways that you can stay current even though you aren't working that will look good on the resume.

Good luck with your second baby!.

anchalmasako · August 2014

I was a stay at home mom for 2 years, but honestly, there was never really a legitimate gap as I was finishing my masters degree (remotely) and I did an internship in that time as well.

I would suggest doing something in the meantime to "keep up" with your skills, whether attending networking events or continuing education of some sort. That way if you address the gap in your resume, you can also include that stuff to show that the gap was not void of the line of work completely.

But as PP said, definitely don't be shy about disclosing the reason for the gap. Hiring managers will appreciate the honesty, and there's nothing wrong with being a SAH parent to them, as long as you are the most qualified candidate!

Mustardseed2007 · August 2014

A friend of mine is an attorney and she recently decided to stay at home. Since she has just started this, I don't know what it will be like for her going back, but she is volunteering her legal services while she stays at home with a government agency, so she's not going to have an exact gap when she comes back to work. I think it's a really good idea.

KL777 · August 2014

I SAH for the first 3 years. Like pp mentioned, I was honest about the gap. I said "I had a baby and took some time off." I already had 9 years of professional work experience and I went back to the same employer but a different department. I did do a very small amount of contract work in my field that I think helped in my interview. I would recommend doing something very part-time in your field for pay or as a volunteer.

rodiesmum · August 2014

Thanks for posting this OP. Still on the fence if ill SAH once LO#2 is born. There is an early retirement prog in the ofc which i can avail of. So Im wondering abt the same thing especially since i work on a field wherw if have to keep up with an ever changing field of clients. I just keep thinking abt the saving grace which were the other areas i could still work for that doesnt need much networking to keep up.

chloebeth930 · August 2014

I stayed at home from November 2011 - March 2013.

My situation is slightly different because I partially was a SAHM because DH was deployed to Afghanistan, which is what I stated in my interview.

When explaining why I wanted to reenter the workforce. I talked about how I felt like I was in a place in my life where I could dedicate myself to a position, and not have to be coming and going all the time.

Mrs_Lady · August 2014

I did some consulting work in my field part time, did a interim remote assignment for previous employer.
I only did this for close to 2 years before I started at new co making more. I was happy to have the time with LO and happy that my lo can socialize without mommy

rab41380 · August 2014

I took 4 years off, and recently went back. I didn't have a gap due to part time work for my moms business. I did have a gap in my field, but due to my connections and knowledge of my industry I was able to land a decent Job. I love being back at work, and I feel balanced since I did get the chance to spend the early years with both kids. Daughter was 5 and son was 2.5 when I went back....

nosoup4u · August 2014

I was a SAHM for about 4 years. I volunteered and took a v PT job in my field before I started applying for jobs again. Even tho I was out of the market, my previous experience (before kids) definitely helped me get decent positions (I teach). I had a short sentence about having kids in my cover letter when I first was applying to jobs, but no one asked or gave me a hard about it.

lorist202 · August 2014

I was a SAHM from 5/2011 to 1/2013. Upon returning, I broke back into my field immediately, but spent a year taking lousy pay in two lousy positions to amp up my resume again. I would do it all over again, as the time I spent with DS I'll never get back. Now that I finally have a decent position and opportunity for growth, I'm too nervous to walk away from my current position. Therefore, at 12 wks post partum from my new baby, I'm returning to work part time.

As other posters have said, be sure to do something to stay involved or current in your field if you SAH. I did not, and it felt like an eternity just to finally get my career back on track. Good luck!

GracefulStar · August 2014

Thank you ladies, you've all given me important things to think about!

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