Trying to find a job after being a sahm.

[cmissamy]

What do future employers of me see when they look at my work history and see it blank? Do they see someone who is lazy and did nothing? For the past 7 years have been a sahm, and 2 years before that was in college. How do you explain to them the housework you have done, the sleepless nights and sometimes days? How do you explain that your value is something much more than not working for the past 9 years? How do you explain that you were not the welfare mom they often expect? I get so frustrated walking into an interview only not to have a call back or the hear the position is filled.. Right now I am willing to work anywhere, and yes fast food is not something below me. I just need a chance to prove to just one employer that my value is more than just mommie.

[Nenasam]

May. 30, 2011 at 9:27 PM

 You know what, I might be in the same boat. Only I still work in the daycares 2 days aweek 6 months after I have my son. Rather then that I have no experienced whatsoever.

  Good Luck!! Dun stress yourself out!

[Lb128f]

May. 30, 2011 at 9:44 PM

I hope you can find something soon! GOOD LUCK!!!! Maybe a job working with children like the PP has would be something you could do?

[Ruthmom802]

May. 30, 2011 at 11:03 PM

You're right...mom's never get the reward they deserve. We work extremely hard, the job is demanding, days and nights can be lonely and we don't get a penny for this...

There is the right job out there for you...just be patient. You are an intelligent human being whether or not you've received any "credentials" or not. In God's eyes, you've done the most honorable job a woman can do...you've been a keeper at home and raised your children. You'll get an awesome job...I promise. : )

[kansasmom1978]

May. 31, 2011 at 9:31 AM

I have the same problem, except it's 10 years for me.  No one in the job market seems to think being a mom is a job.  They are so wrong!

[SelaCarsen]

May. 31, 2011 at 9:45 AM

I discovered that I was able to take the volunteer experience that I got while I was a SAHM and turn it into a part-time job. Since my kids started school, I've been volunteering in the school library once a week. Last year, I heard there was a part-time temporary position available as a library assistant at a local high school and got the job with no trouble. I'd been a SAHM for 13 yrs.

If you've done anything outside the house -- been a volunteer, run a Sunday School class, been an officer in your MOPS group -- play up that experience when you apply for work.

[busysahmom]

May. 31, 2011 at 10:30 AM

I gave up on trying to get hired. I just work from home now. I make money than most of these jobs are offering anyway and I don't have to pay for daycare. Good luck. I know it sucks. I'm not suggesting that you lie to anyone......but my mom has her own business and let my cousin use her as a job reference. Got my cousin a job when she was pretty desperate after not working for 3 years. I don't think  could pull it off, but she had to find something and it worked the first time.

BTW can someone tell Miss linliijuni that no one is interested in her happy shopping?? I have deleted her comments already this week. No one likes SPAM. :(

[mellypoo]

May. 31, 2011 at 12:38 PM

i'm pretty sure that's how they view all entry-level workers, not just those who chose to be out of the workforce for an extended period. you just have to accept that this is what it's like to start at the beginning. good luck.

[Momforhealth]

May. 31, 2011 at 1:16 PM

Let me tell you..being a stay at home Mom is 100 times harder than being a working MOM.  I have done both..and I think I have gained more skills being a stay at home mom.  Im sure you have more patience, wisdom, insight, promblem solving skills, perserverance, integrity, relationship skills, multitasking skills, thanyou did before kids.  I am sure you know exactly what the consumer is looking for.  8 hours is nothing compared to the time you have put in being a SAHM.  Do not downgrade yourself.  Write down every good quality about yourself and all your interests..and sell youself.  This is a fresh start and you may bring a breath of fresh air to the place that hires you. There is a great book called..."What Color is your Parachute" that might help you. Go to the library and find a resume book...I just found one on  Going back to work after 5-10 yrs....it gives some really great ideas.  You can do this.  ( It is scary though I have been home for 10yrs. ) 

[ohbladi]

May. 31, 2011 at 2:13 PM

You might want to read "The Price of Motherhood" and "Maternal Desire"...they're both basically about how much a SAHM (and mothers in general) actually contributes to society and how little credit she is actually given. But with statistics and economics and junk to back it up. It's a little depressing, but it's also empowering...once you know what you're up against, it's easier to fight it.

[MammaRed]

May. 31, 2011 at 3:24 PM

I can assure you they don't view you as someone who was on welfare or who didn't work hard.  They just see someone with outdated credentials and they want someone with more recent knowledge. 

There's a new version of Microsoft Outlook every year.....computer software is worse than dog years it changes so fast, and hiring managers know that its tough for people who stayed in the workforce as it is, nonetheless someone who was out for almost a decade.  They are not trying to devalue your personal worth, but this is one of the consequences of staying at home all those years unfortunately.   Good Luck and stay patient.