How do you find your place in the workforce after kids?
I have 4 kids aged between 4mths and 9.
I have a qualification but no desire to work in that field anymore due to the high level of stress, paper work and long hours with no flexibility.
I went back to work not long after my 3rd in a totally different field of work I found it great to be back at work after 3yrs off but it wasn't mentally challenging enough for me.
My question is how do mums find jobs that fill their desire to work and is mentally stimulating also but fits in with family life?
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4 Replies
Its hard. I am finding it virtually impossible to get any kind of job after being out of the workforce for 15 years. Cant even get a casual job in a supermarket. If I can't get something by the end of the year, I am going to retire (I will be 49). The job market doesn't seem interested in giving long term SAHM's a go, with or without qualifications.
I haven't been out of the workforce for long whilst having kids; 14 months for the first and 6 months for the second. Due to the shorter period I was on maternity leave. My job is as a professional and at the level I am (manager level) most of the firms I could work at would be reasonably stressful and likely long hours however I ensured prior to having kids that I am working in a place that has flexibility and limited stress. For me being mentally challenged is highly important. Prior to having kids my career was a significant part of my life and partly defines who I am. Achieving in this career is important and I enjoy it.
It took a few different workplaces to find a place which suited what I wanted. Do you want to continue with your current career (ideally)? Is it what you enjoy? Also out of curiosity what is the career? Perhaps people may have certain tips/recruitment agencies/workplaces which may be better suited so you can have the balance you want.
Early childhood was the qualified occupation, I worked in it for 10years. I could never find one that was flexible to work around my family eg. Hubby's hours and my hours not clashing so there was someone to pick the kids up etc. I was working 9hr days and would basically drop them off and be home to put them to bed so it wasn't working for us.
I am on maternity leave from a retail job which was mainly night fill work
I found it really hard, so I changed course completely, studied a grad dip and now work in a totally new field. not all the jobs in each profession are high stress, find a casual or part time option that would be less demanding on your personal life. I like that Im still gaining experience so when the kids are grown I will be ready to step up my career and will have options available.