ADVERTISEMENT
If you are under the age of 30 you may not get this… look closely. The video says ‘blonde’ which is just a stupid joke, but there’s a larger point to be made here.
Is it hard to get back into work if you’ve had a long break? What’s your story?
And, we’ve just launched our jobs board so if you’re looking for work (or need to hire someone) give it a whirl!
[youtube mFCCFS_lhA8 640 390]
Tags:
video
Top Comments
How timely for me to read this now! I am a single mum of one who, prior to having a child (and divorce) worked up a 12 year career in marketing... for the past 5 years I have worked for myself (very part-time, from home, and I'm SUPER grateful I was able to do that to have time with him), but now my son is in year 1 I wanted to branch back out to J-O-B land.
Now in Perth, looking for part time, preferably school hours but I'm flexible. There are NO marketing management jobs part-time (my last position was in the UK where many colleagues returned part-time 3 days a week, or even better, job shared), there are only lower-experience level part-time positions being advertised, and that's about 1 a month. I have been offered full time opportunities but they aren't practical for me now - particularly with the hours and travel requirements. The big thing for me to swallow is, after having spent years working long hours and cultivating skills and experience - I need to weaken/water down my CV so the employers will even look.
I understand the perceived threat of 'over-qualified' - in that they fear I will be bored, expect a higher salary or will jump ship at the first opportunity. And I really don't have a major issue with going back in at a lower level, and adjusting my CV to get their attention.
My main point is - 'what a shame'. I feel I have a lot to offer and I really do wish more positions were flexible for returning mothers who have built up career experience in one particular field.
However this time with my son is very special and precious, so that comes first. I'm hoping to get back into the swing while he's young, and when he's older and has flown the nest (sniff! sniff!) at least I can migrate to full time again having had recent part time experience... that's the long term plan, anyway. :)
Best of luck to you!! I completely understand your woes, while never having been in your situation. I am lucky enough to work in an organisation where I have been allowed back on extremely limited part time basis. While I've been given so much in terms of flexibilty and time in regard to returning to work, I am desperate for a more challenging position. But unless I give up time with my 19 month old, it is just not going to happen. I hate being in this dilemma. And this is before complaining about not even working in my area of my degree...
There are professional jobs in Perth that you can do part time but they are not advertised. Most advertised jobs are full time. This is a network city and you really have to work super hard at developing one if you want to hear about the part time projects that are around. I have mostly had luck in the contracting sphere. Once you get settled in to an organisation and they get to know you and get used to you being part time it is much easier to find a more permanent role.
Only three comments? I was hoping for some words if wisdom from mums who have done it. I'm hoping to go back to work in the next tear or so and am so nervous already. I feel like I can't use word anymore! I was a legal secretary but am not keen on going back to that area so I guess that leaves me open to other admin jobs but I really have no idea what I could possibly do. It's been 5 years since I last worked.
hang in there, I had 4 years off with kids and found a nice cruisy job. So cruisy that after 8 months I am bored and I have decided to do uni at the same time. You'll find your feet. My bosses are wonderful and really like older people with experience and not just PYT (pretty young things) mind you I am not that old only in my early 30's.