As I waved the Teens off this morning something suddenly struck me.............................Not literally like a brick or something......................Metaphorically hit me.
I need to start thinking about going back to work........................................................Hang on..............................................................I'm just composing myself and checking that I did just say that out loud.
I have been a stay at home Mum since 1997 and that folks is a whopping 17 years...............................Mr DG and I decided that it was the right thing to do and that is what I have been doing ever since. I have loved every minute and will always be grateful that I had the opportunity to do it BUT.......................................................And its a big BUT..................................I want more......................................It's time to feel that I am doing something for me.
The female Teen is off to Uni next year and that in itself is going to be challenging (for me not her) and the boy Teen is so self sufficient that I sometimes forget that he's even here until he asks for food or money.
I think there have been warning signs that I spend too much time at home..........................
1. I actually found myself hitting the schedule button for Jeremy Kyle
2. I cleaned my kitchen floor not once but twice by mistake
3. I know exactly what time it is purely by what's on the TV
4. People ring me then sound shocked when they have to leave a message because I am out
5. I find myself talking to the dog.
Its not that I want to go back to work full time but I need to start putting things in place, maybe a little part time job.......................................................But............................Doing what exactly ???
This is my dilemma, I love the craft business I run with a friend but it really is seasonal. I love blogging and reviewing things but its a very solitary activity.........................................................
I think the biggest part of it is that actually I am terrified of venturing back out there into the work place. It all comes down to confidence doesn't it and that my friends is my biggest problem......................................
I would love to hear from anyone who has gone back to work after a long spell at home, any tips would be gratefully appreciated.
Wish me luck
Lots of Love
Me
xxxx
I'm so with you on this. It's amazing how spending time as a SAHP can knock your confidence, whilst I want to get out there and do something, I'm feeling much to shy to actually do it.
ReplyDeleteWill be interesting to see what others, who have been in a similar position have to say.
Hope you find something suitable, have you considered volunteer work? A few hours a week to get you started before venturing out in to the big wide world!
Wow, 17 years is a long time to be out of work. I'm glad you're so motivated to try to get back to work. I have never worked so have no tips fo ryou, but I wish you the best of luck.
ReplyDeleteGood luck! I went back (albeit part time) after a ten year gap when my middle one was 5, I found a job in my bookshop, which had always been my dream being a bibliophile, and loved it- it wasn't world changing and I didn't earn much but I loved it! Am now a SAHM again after our surprise third and starting to wonder what I might manage to do after he starts school. am hoping the small amount I earn from blogging may allow me to stay a mostly SAHM for another few years yet!
ReplyDeleteEek I know there will come a time when I need to get a proper job and by that I mean working more than 10 hours in my husband's company! Right now I think my children still need me at home after school but there comes a time when we need to think of ourselves. I love your crafty mumma stuff - can you make that less seasonal and do more of it? What happened with your website building course? You will do it, I know you will - have faith in yourself x x
ReplyDeleteWishing you lots of luck, I am sure you will be absolutely fine once you have decided what it is you want to do x
ReplyDeleteI haven't been out of work for a long time before, but I am back at work right now on a Keeping In Touch day and it is very strange! It was daunting turning up just after a few months, sounds like the idea of venturing back after many years feels much more scary to you.
ReplyDeleteI think the best thing to do is just go for it really. Remember you have been doing lots of 'work', even though it might not be considered work in the traditional sense. Parenting and blogging give you transferable skills in IT, web design, social media and project management...if you sit down and think about it I reckon you'll come up with a great list of things you've achieved and can use as examples - hopefully that will help boost your confidence too?
Have you heard of Women Like Us? They do great workshops n offer advice for people just like you - I did one of their workshops n found it really helpful couple years ago. Offices are behind Tate modern. Go check them out. Whatever you do, don't throw out the wonderful skills uv built up blogging and crafting. X
ReplyDeleteOh I am dreading this feeling, but I have a while yet as the boys are only 8 and 9.
ReplyDeleteAnother one totally on your wavelength - but maybe not "there" yet. I've been a SAHM since 1999 ad am terrified of returning to work. That's not helped by the fact that every time I've tried some health incident (usually the kids) has prevented it. One day soon it might be possible, and whilst I am kind of looking forward to doing something for me, it is completely and utterly terrifying too!
ReplyDeleteDo you know what? I was only a SAHM for a couple of years, and then I totally felt like my confidence had dropped going back to work. I cannot imagine what it would feel like after so long, but I think as you say a part time job may be a good place to start - especially something you are interested in or which has flexible hours x
ReplyDeleteI went back after 10 years for a while and it wasn't as scary as I anticipated. It was nice to have conversations - not just typing on a screen. Do you know what you would do? Best of luck.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine what I would do faced with a dilemma like that! It is finding something you like doing which is the tricky bit, I think.
ReplyDeleteTalking to the dog is entirely normal. The problems only start when the dog starts talking back.... all joking aside, I wish you luck. It's fantastic you want to do something for you, and if you have the confidence to bare your soul on the internet, I'm pretty confident you'll be great going back into the workplace. I got around this issue myself by becoming a school governor and standing for local election next year.
ReplyDeleteI'm contemplating going back after just 2 1/2 years and I'm really nervous. 10 years must be really daunting. I hope you find something you enjoy xxx
ReplyDeleteHow exciting, new ventures and opportunities afoot! Perhaps you could do an internship or volunteer to find out what you'd really like to do. Good luck Zx
ReplyDeleteThat's a tricky one! How about doing some volunteering to get you out and about and boost your confidence?
ReplyDeleteI haven't gone back to work but I was getting a bit fed up of being home all the time so I've started volunteering at our local charity shop while the kids are school. I'm really enjoying getting out and talking to people and I feel like I'm doing something worthwhile :)
ReplyDeleteWe all should do what's right for us. Don't go back if you don't feel comfortable about it.
ReplyDeleteGood Luck. I know how terrifying this might be.
Aww these made me smile - especially the washing the floor twice (that would definitely not happen in this house!!) and talking to the dog. Good luck with whichever choice you make!
ReplyDeleteGood luck - I am not sure I have even washed my kitchen floor once this week, never mind twice!! I am a SAHM at the moment and do miss the adult conversation of work
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