How to Restart Your Career: Getting a Job After Being a Stay-At-Home Mom for 20 Years: Are you a stay-at-home mom who is ready to reenter the workforce after dedicating the last 20 years to raising your children? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Getting a job after a long break can be intimidating, but with the right strategies and a positive mindset, you can make a successful transition back into the professional world. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of getting a job after being a stay-at-home mom for 20 years. From clarifying your career goals to upgrading your skill set, we’ve got you covered. So, dust off your resume and get ready to embark on this exciting new chapter of your life!
Clarifying Your Career Goals
Returning to the workforce after two decades as a stay-at-home mom can be a daunting prospect. The first step in this journey is to clarify your career goals. Reflect on your strengths, passions, and the type of work environment you are seeking. Are you looking for a job that aligns with the skills you’ve developed as a mom, such as organization and multitasking? Or are you aiming to resurrect a previous career? Establish clear objectives to guide your job search.
Revamping Your Resume
Next, you’ll want to review and update your resume. Highlight any volunteer work, part-time jobs, or informal work you’ve done during your time at home. These experiences can be valuable to employers. Be sure to focus on achievements rather than just listing responsibilities. Tailoring your resume for each job application and using relevant keywords will help your resume pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Optimizing Your Social Media Presence
In today’s job market, your online presence can be just as important as your resume. Optimize your social media profiles, particularly LinkedIn, to reflect your professional brand. Ensure your work history is up to date and includes a professional photo and a compelling summary that communicates your career aspirations.
Upgrading Your Skill Set
Before jumping back into the job market, it’s crucial to refresh your skills. This might mean taking refresher courses or obtaining a certification in your field. For example, if you’re interested in becoming a fitness trainer, consider getting a certification from a recognized fitness organization. This will make you more marketable and confident in your abilities.
Soft Skills and Their Importance
Do not underestimate the value of your soft skills. Skills like communication, problem-solving, and adaptability are highly sought-after by employers. Reflect on the soft skills you’ve honed as a stay-at-home mom and how they translate into the workplace.
Interview Preparation
Preparation and practice are key for a successful interview. Anticipate common interview questions and have ready examples that showcase your skills and experiences. When explaining gaps in your resume, be honest and focus on the positive aspects, such as the skills you’ve gained during your time as a stay-at-home mom.
Volunteering and Freelance Work
Starting with volunteering or freelance work can be an excellent way to ease back into the workforce. These opportunities allow you to build up recent work experience and can sometimes lead to full-time employment. Additionally, they can be a source of professional references.
Gathering Insights from Others
Ask others about their experience in returning to the workforce after a long break. Their stories can provide inspiration, practical advice, and may help you set realistic expectations for your own journey.
Building Your Network
Networking is crucial. Let people in your network know you’re looking for work and attend events or join online groups related to your desired field. Leverage existing relationships for referrals and consider reaching out to recruiters or career coaches who specialize in helping professionals re-enter the workforce.
Considering Suitable Careers
Think about careers that are well-suited for moms re-entering the workforce. Jobs like interpreter, fitness trainer, customer support representative, and home health aide not only offer flexibility but also have a range of salary expectations, catering to different levels of experience and commitment.
Job Title Average Salary Top 10% Salary
- Interpreter and Translator: $49,110, $97,760
- Fitness Trainer and Instructor: $45,760, $75,940
- Customer Support Representative: $36,459, $51,000
- Home Health and Personal Care Aide: $29,430, $37,010
Turning Home-Based Hustles into Income
If you’re looking to make money while searching for a job or need a flexible work arrangement, consider home-based side hustles. Jobs like transcribing, virtual assistance, proofreading, freelance writing, personal training, and blogging can all be lucrative, with some offering as much as $60 per hour. Start by choosing a field that matches your skillset and interests, and then gradually build your portfolio and client base.
Embracing Entry-Level Positions
Don’t shy away from entry-level positions, especially in a new field. These roles can provide you with current experience, help you understand the latest industry trends, and serve as a stepping stone to more advanced positions.
Job Search Tips for Returning to the Workplace
Finally, it’s important to make time for your job search and approach it with a positive mindset. Create a job search plan with daily or weekly goals, such as networking, applying to jobs, and enhancing your skills. Update your social profiles and own your career gap with confidence. Prepare to address tough topics like your time away from work by focusing on your still-relevant skills and your eagerness to contribute to a new team.
Re-entering the workforce after a long hiatus as a stay-at-home mom is certainly challenging, but with a strategic approach, the right mindset, and a commitment to refreshing your skills, you can successfully navigate the transition and embark on an exciting new career path.
FAQ & Common Questions about How To Get A Job After Being A Stay-At-Home Mom For 20 Years?
Q: Is it hard to find a job after being a stay-at-home mom?
A: After staying at home as a full-time caregiver, getting back to work can be challenging. However, it is possible to balance motherhood with a career, even if you’ve been a stay-at-home mom for a long time.
Q: How can a stay-at-home mom still get income?
A: There are several ways for stay-at-home moms to earn income, such as launching an eCommerce store or finding part-time work. It’s important to make the time to find work, get in the right frame of mind, and update your social profiles to increase your chances of success.
Q: How do stay-at-home moms get back into the workforce?
A: Stay-at-home parents returning to work can overcome common barriers by focusing on still-relevant skills they had before taking a break. It’s also important to clarify goals, update resumes, optimize social media profiles, refresh skills, and prepare for interviews.
Q: How to get a job after being a stay-at-home mom for 20 years?
A: To get a job after being a stay-at-home mom for 20 years, it’s important to clarify your goals, review and update your resumes, optimize social media for professional profiles, refresh your skills, prepare and practice for interviews, and provide a clear explanation for resume gaps.
Q: How to find a job after being a stay-at-home mom?
A: When looking for a job after being a stay-at-home mom, it’s important to be patient and persistent. Job search tips for getting back into the workforce include clarifying goals, updating resumes, optimizing social media profiles, refreshing skills, and preparing for interviews.