I was out for 6 years and I was so nervous about dusting off the resume and getting back into the work force and actually going on interviews again. I was very fortunate to find a job that works really well for me and for my family- good hours, off most of the days that my kids are off, and pretty much everyone I work with has young kids and we are all good about covering for each other when needed.
As far as getting ready for the interviews, I contacted some of my previous co-workers to see what the current trends were that I needed to read up on. As I was reading a lot of stuff just started coming back to me, and I realized I hadn't forgotten as much as I thought I had.
I also got hired about 2.5 months before I started working (I teach and got hired at the beginning of the summer) and I took that time to really organize the house, do some painting and other odd jobs that needed to be done, do some bulk shopping, etc... just stuff to get ahead.
I was really worried about being able to get everyone up and out of the house on time, but I've found that we all just work a little better when we are on a fixed schedule. I'm more organized because I have to be and nothing gets left to the last minute.
I've really enjoyed returning to work for the most part. The only really stressful part has been using sick days to care for sick kids (running out of sick days) and feeling guilty because DH or Grandma stayed with them instead of me some days (but I know my DH and my mom can care for them just as well as I can... I just need to let go).
