Returning to work...

[Cativari]

I'm re-entering the job market soon after being a SAHM/SAHW for the last 5.5 years, to say the least I"m excited but a little nervous. I've loved being a SAHer and will prolly go back to it, in the future but right now it's best for me to go back to work so we can save a little extra money. The irony is that's why i started SAHing and at the time we saved a bit of money is just now I've have an offer of free childcare and would only have to spend money on gas to get to work so it all is savings.

What prompted this was a long term layoff (6 months) that sent us into bankruptcy. We had savings but only 3 months of it and no matter how you save a 3 month deficient is hard to over come and the industry my husband is in is not fully recovered yet. I don't think I'll ever feel secure again until I've saved 6months to a year of expenses.

Anyway I suppose I"m here to get some pointers on getting back into the job market, and hear your experiences in balancing home and work. Also those of you who had stayed at home before working how did returning to work affect you? Was it a good thing or not? I just want to be prepared

Thanks

[sparklett]

Best of luck on your job hunt!

Are you looking to go back into the work you were doing before you became a SAHM, or are you trying something new?

I don't have much advice for you since my circumstances are a bit different, but I will say that nowadays it is much harder to secure a job than it used to be. For me, each job application includes a customized resume and cover letter, development on an on-line portfolio, sending multiple follow-up letters, and presenting a full portfolio at the interview. It's crazy and horribly time-consuming! But my industry is so incredibly competitive, and that's what's required.

As far as returning to work goes and balancing work/family, I'm not much help there. I was very fortunate to have a well-paying job that allowed me to be a WAHM, so I've never had to leave DS to go to work except to go to meetings.

I hope you are able to find something! free child care is awesome!