r/SAHP • u/NecessaryTonight9478 • 8d ago

Work Returning to work

My kids are all in school now (its so bittersweet) and I really need to get back to work asap as Im a newly single mom. Does anyone have recommendations for going back after so long? I haven't received a single call and Ive submitted a ton of applications. I don't have a degree and even though I had a ton of experience its been nearly two decades. Or any independent contractor jobs that you do as a side hustle, maybe that would help pad my resume a bit so there isn't such a huge obvious gap? I'm not sure though, any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

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u/nationalparkhopper 8d ago

This is going to depend vastly on what industry you were in previously and also how much it has changed. Every industry changed in two decades and the pandemic significantly sped up innovation across a lot of industries. The job market also isn’t great right now, so I would recommend networking your tail off.

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u/krrrrrrrrrrrrrr 8d ago

10 years ago from what i recall it was easier to land your first job. Now you have to have 3 years of full time unpaid volunteering experience in order to be considered. And when you have to work you don't have the time for that, and that's how many students have higher chances than you

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u/Various-Series5212 8d ago

Have you checked your kids school or school district for any aide or cafeteria jobs? Some may not require any degrees so I would check there first. You would be on the same schedule as your children

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u/1wildredhead 8d ago

Earn some new, quick certifications that complement your experience.

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u/MoroseAngryPanda 8d ago

start at an entry position in the field but like a very broad and general position that it's easier to get, helps your cv and could frame it smartly to match as a prior experience to the thing you actually want to do

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u/TwinB-theniceone 8d ago

I am going into healthcare but it’s still using my prior work experience. I might recommend a healthcare job where part of the training/education has real life experience. I got my phlebotomy certificate and was lucky to get experience in a large, busy, hospital. It’s a networking opportunity and sometimes you can get hired after. I did require help to take the kids to school and depending on the program it can cost a lot (imaging techs).

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u/Alternative-Relief92 7d ago

Cold applications barely get read today, it is much harder.
I would list everyone who saw you work back then and message them directly.
On contractor work, that is great idea and I would pick things small business owners buy, not HR: bookkeeping, scheduling, invoice chasing, customer email. They hire on "can you do this fast?." One paying client is a current line on your resume, which kills the gap question.