SAHM going back to work?

[what2donow]

I've been a SAHM for 6 years now and since kids are in school now, I'm seriously thinking of going back to work -- for PAY I'm working on my resume and I'm just not sure of a couple of things.

 

1. Do I include a cover letter explaining that I've been taking care of kids/family full-time?

 

2. I currently teach piano and have held a job and had my own business for 4 years. Do I mention any of this?

 

3. How do I get myself back into "interview shape"? My last job interview was over 12 years ago! Any ideas of how I can get my mind back into the game of things you should and should not say?

 

ANY advice/tips would be appreciated. There is currently a job opening that I am going to apply for, even though I know my qualifications are not exactly what they're asking for. However, you have to start somewhere!!

[what2donow]

Anybody out there??? Oh man, am I really in that much trouble for staying out of the workforce that there aren't any ideas???

[climbergirl]

Hey!

 

Include everything in your resume........volunteer work (either in or out of school), lessons you've taught etc.

 

Above all, try to secure a face to face interview. This way you won't be just a name on a resume, but a person with a strong desire to work outside the home.

[norajane]

1. Do I include a cover letter explaining that I've been taking care of kids/family full-time?

 

Your cover letter is supposed to explain why you are applying for a particular job and what skills and experience you have that would be applicable to that job.

 

It's not a good idea to bring up family/kids in a cover letter, because they might use that info not to bring you in for an interview. Employers aren't legally supposed to ask those kinds of questions because it can used to discriminate against you, so you shouldn't volunteer it. Stick to what is relevant about the job you are applying for.

 

During an interview, they can ask questions like whether you are able to work overtime, etc., but they can't ask if you have children or are married.

 

2. I currently teach piano and have held a job and had my own business for 4 years. Do I mention any of this?

Your business, your job, and your piano teaching (which can be another business, if you market yourself correctly) should all be on your resume, complete with skills and accomplishments.

3. How do I get myself back into "interview shape"? My last job interview was over 12 years ago! Any ideas of how I can get my mind back into the game of things you should and should not say?

There are a lot of good resources online - If you google interview tips or go out to any of the job sites like Monster, they have entire sections on interviewing and resume writing. Look at the typical interview questions they list and figure out ahead of time how you would answer those questions. They probably also have advice for people re-entering the workforce after an absence.

 

If you have a friend who can help, have her do a practice interview with you, and have her observe your posture and body language, as well as how you speak - you shouldn't do a lot of shifting around or use a lot of "ums" and "uhs" in your answers.

 

Alternately, you can look up some placement agencies in your city. They have both temp and full time jobs they are trying to fill, but they also can help you with your resume, practice intervies, and can give you all kinds of advice on how to direct your job search to something where you would be able to leverage your skills.

[what2donow]

Thanks for the replies! I felt a little silly listing the "non-professional" jobs I've had, but I guess I'll leave it all in. Thanks NJ -- I did mention in the cover letter about quitting to raise kids, so I'll remove that.

 

Wish me luck!!!

[norajane]

Thanks for the replies! I felt a little silly listing the "non-professional" jobs I've had, but I guess I'll leave it all in. Thanks NJ -- I did mention in the cover letter about quitting to raise kids, so I'll remove that.

 

Wish me luck!!!

 

What are these non-professional jobs? Ideally, you can identify skills that are transferable to other jobs.

 

Good luck!

[bella_girl]

what2do... I'm not sure what sort of work you're looking for... but in some greats bits for your resume (straight after personal details) might be:

 

Career interests and goals - have like a couple dot points saying where you want to go this can be pie in sky things like 'complete a masters' 'continue to teach children the love of music through panio' or whatever. You may not necessarily ever do some of these things but it's what you'd LIKE to do. Ie I'd like to do a masters but don't think I ever will, or any time soon but its still a career goal of mine!

 

Also...

 

Recent personal achievments

This is a section where you can put personal stuff like 2004 birth of my first child. 2005 establishment of panio teaching business with 20 students or whatever.

 

This can help explain what you've been up to for the last couple years and put in stuff you are REALLY proud of. I've found these 2 sections work REALLY well at telling people about stuff I've done in my personal life and that might be the reason why I was off work for a year travelling.

 

I would absolutely put in other work - why not call it 'Other work' rather than 'Non professional'. Make sure you emphasis stuff like organisation/timetabling/managing money whatever you've done with the piano teaching and other businesses. I assume you have various students so you must have a timetable of lessons - that's time management, it's all about how you make the skills you have relevant to the position available.

 

In terms of interview skills I would do what NoraJane suggested have a look online. Also get someone to do a mock interview - I know these are horrible... but they do help you prepare for the real thing.

 

Good luck!

[what2donow]

I just got a call that I got the job I interviewed for!! I CAN'T BELEIVE IT!!! I thought this would just get me back into things gradually, but wow...

 

Problem is H doesn't want me to go back full-time. My problem is any part-time work would not be interesting/satisying to me. I have my MBA and most, if not all, part-time work around here in an office situation is filing and answering phones.

 

So now what? We could use the money, but our marriage is in trouble. The MC we saw a few months ago told me this is what I needed to do -- find meaning for myself outside of H and kids. I hate to tell him that I'm excited about this!!!

 

I really didn't see this coming...... anyway, just had to share the news!!!

[IfWishesWereHorses]

Congratulations! Wow, is your life gonna change! As a SAHM I can tell you that your husband and kids have a life and happiness and find purpose and meaning outside of the home. You deserve as much. How can you finding happiness in something hurt your marriage. Also, it is never wise to keep all of your eggs in one basket. I'm happy for you, you must be so very excited!

[RecordProducer]

Recent personal achievments

This is a section where you can put personal stuff like 2004 birth of my first child.

You are joking, right?

 

I just got a call that I got the job I interviewed for!! I CAN'T BELEIVE IT!!! I thought this would just get me back into things gradually, but wow...

 

Problem is H doesn't want me to go back full-time. My problem is any part-time work would not be interesting/satisying to me. I have my MBA and most, if not all, part-time work around here in an office situation is filing and answering phones.

 

So now what? We could use the money, but our marriage is in trouble. The MC we saw a few months ago told me this is what I needed to do -- find meaning for myself outside of H and kids. I hate to tell him that I'm excited about this!!!

 

I really didn't see this coming...... anyway, just had to share the news!!!

I am so happy for you. Congratulations! Your counselor is right and don't obey your hsuband's wishes. How would he feel if you told HIM to work part-time? Who the hell does he think he is to give you orders and taylor your life? This really pissed me off.

 

Do what you think is best for your own happiness and don't let him inject the feeling of guilt because of the children in you. Husbands come and go, but your career is the only pleasure you're paid for to enjoy.

[what2donow]

Thanks Wishes and RP. I still can't get over it because I really thought I didn't have a shot. Now all I've been hearing from my 2 best friends is "I told you so!" This is one time I don't mind hearing that!

 

Well, H is now wanting me taking the job. I decided to not hide the joy, and pride, I felt about this and he agreed that this might end up helping our marriage -- plus the money helps! He says by my getting this job, he won't worry so much about finances and he will become a happier person again. I hope so, but I'm not holding my breath on that one. If we do get a divorce, I at least have the ability to provide for me and the kids now. The kids are even happy for me! Even though she's only 9, my daughter seemed to understand how I needed this job for me and told me how proud she was .. she's some kind of wonderful!!!

 

I don't know where I found the b*lls, but I asked for more money and I should hear this morning about it. Then the sad part comes -- calling all the moms of my piano students and tell them next week is the last lesson. One little girl has been with me for just over 2 years and I loved watching her grow and develop her talent. I'm trying not to feel guilty, but I just added 2 students this month. I'll miss sharing the joy of music with them. I wish I could do both.

 

I just realized how many !!! I've used -- even this early in the morning!!!

[RecordProducer]

Well, H is now wanting me taking the job. I decided to not hide the joy, and pride, I felt about this and he agreed that this might end up helping our marriage -- plus the money helps! He says by my getting this job, he won't worry so much about finances and he will become a happier person again.

Good. The marriage problems will be lessened once you have a life, but it takes effort to make each other happy. Be nice to each other. Not every issue has to be resolved immediately and directly through painful discussions that end up in fights. Sometimes it's wise to just show affection and take baby steps at resolving the problems. Try to re-connect with your husband and don't think of divorce as an option. Be optimistic!

 

 

I don't know where I found the b*lls, but I asked for more money and I should hear this morning about it.

Kuddos to you for the balls... so how did it go?

 

Then the sad part comes -- calling all the moms of my piano students and tell them next week is the last lesson. I just realized how many !!! I've used -- even this early in the morning!!!

Can't you give lessons a bit longer than 'till next week? How about one more month? Give yourself a chance to see what the job would be like and give your students a chance to find new teachers withough getting out of shape.

[what2donow]

Well, it's official!! I start next Monday.. still can't believe it sometimes. They met me halfway with the salary amount, so I'm pretty happy about that. Most importantly, the kids are still ok with everything.

 

I called all my piano parents last night and told them this was the last week of lessons. I did think about trying to do another month, but with so many changes, and added stress, I decided that I want to devote as much time as I can to the kids. One of my students cried today :(

But, I'm good friends with another teacher and most will continue with her, so I'll be able to keep up with them. In fact, this other teacher and I are starting a non-profit music academy here, so those that aren't continuing because of money (I gave some a break on what I charged) will be able to get back into it through that. I hope anyway!

 

Now to just keep my nerves under control!!