SAHM (for a year or more)

(I hope this is not moved . I think it belongs more on the parenting board since most parents are on this board).
If you are a SAHM and have been one for a year or more. Are you afraid that you taking a time to stay home with your child will prevent you from getting a job in the future?
I am not planning on going back to work full time as a writer or in the office just yet, but I would like to get something part time, like babysitting 1-2 days a week. I posted earlier on the other board that someone made a comment about me being a SAH too long (19 mos) and that they will not be able to find me anything bc most families look for a recent experience.
And it got me thinking. What if I decide to go back to a corporate job . Is this the problem I am going to come across? Am I not going to be able to get a decent job or is it going to take me a long time to find something bc I was a SAHM and took time off?
Do you ever worry?
JUST TO CLARIFY, I DO NOT WORRY ABOUT IT AND I LOVE BEING A SAHM, i WOULDN'T CHANGE ANYTHING NOT FOR ANY AMOUNT OF MONEY. IT'S JUST YESTERDAY'S INCIDENT AND TALKING TO THAT PERSON GOT ME THINKING FOR A SEC AND WANTED TO VENT (OR SHARE OR WHATEVER YOU WANT TO CALL IT )ON HERE
I am sorry for caps

Message edited 3/27/2009 9:33:04 AM.

Re: SAHM (for a year or more) kind of PR

Well, i've only been a SAHM for 5 1/2 months, but I didn't work throughout my pregnancy either. I have thought about this as well. Employers always ask you to explain gaps in your work history and I hope they will understand. If not, then thats not going to be the job for me anyway. My family will always come first.

If you're going to be looking for a job babysitting, I wouldnt consider it that you haven't 'worked'. Technically you've been doing the same job... just your own children. I would think other parents would appreciate the fact that you stayed home to take care of your children.

Re: SAHM (for a year or more) kind of PR

I worry about getting rusty but I just figure I will deal with it when and IF the time comes.

Re: SAHM (for a year or more) kind of PR

I work very PT right now to keep my face in the field and also not get rusty so I think Ill be fine when I return FT (when DD goes to kindegarten)

Re: SAHM (for a year or more) kind of PR

I've been home 5 years now. However, in my field (engineering), I couldn't be "out" this long without keeping up in my field. And my professional license requires that I have a certain amount of continuing education credits. So I have been keeping up and can very easily go back full time with no issues. It wasn't easy keeping up - I really had no desire to be truthful, but I know that being home forever is probably not in the cards, so I will eventually go back to work one day if I want to enjoy some extras, like vacations!

Message edited 3/26/2009 6:21:05 PM.

Re: SAHM (for a year or more) kind of PR

I'm not a SAHM, but will say that it all depends on the field you're in.

My husband has a union job so if a female co-worker were to go back as a SAHM years later, she'd have to pay her back dues, maybe take a test & she'd be right at the same pay scale as everyone else.

I'm in HR. If I were interviewing someone who took a few years off for say an admin position, I don't think it would make a difference. If they were in technology, as long as they kept current they'd be fine.

I know a SAHM on my block was looking for work after staying home for the past 8 years. She's had an extremely trying time. I know someone else who was out for 2 years. She went from making $65K to making less than $40K.

The bigger issue I've found with anyone returning to the workforce after an extended absense (from SAHM to unemployment) is a confidence factor.

Re: SAHM (for a year or more) kind of PR

I agree with Barb on the fact that it depends on the job but from my experience in Corporate and a lot of companies I worked for, not working for many years "could" hurt you. Mostly because you will probably start back to square 1 and be considered an "entry level" job making a lot less $$$.

I work PT. I cannot be out of my field. I need to stay "in shape" as I have a physical job and it takes time to get endurance doing 5-6 massages per day without getting hurt.

While I would love to not work.

PT has been the best of both World.

1/ I still bring $$
2/ I can always work more hours if needed
3/ I am not out of the loop on my resume and finding a job is much easier.

Re: SAHM (for a year or more) kind of PR

I do. I try not to think about it b/c I know that I just can't go back to work right now! I can't leave DS! If I had thought of this years ago - I might have chosen a different career path (i am an attorney). However, I do plan on going back after i am done having kids and they are all around 2. I figure it may be VERY hard but I will make it work! The time with DS has just flown by and I look at is as I only will have a few years out of my whole life with young babies so this is what I am doing for now.

Re: SAHM (for a year or more) kind of PR

I will be taking classes as soon as possible to go into the education field (not sure what yet!) and i've worked here and there PT since I've been home.

I don't worry about it too much..I knew I wanted to be home, so I concentrate on that now and hope the future brings a good job!

Re: SAHM (for a year or more) kind of PR

Re: SAHM (for a year or more) kind of PR

This is just my 2 cents. I have been a SAHM for one year, but have no intention on going back to work until all my children are in kindergarten (and even then, only part time). I have no idea what type of job or at what pay scale I will get, but THIS, what I am doing right now is FAR more important than money will EVER be in my and my childrens lifetime. Luckily my DH makes great money and I don't really have to stress (at least at this point) about work, but I imagine when I do, it will be for less and I'm fine with that.
I think the greater amt. of women would like to stay home at least for a time period. So be happy you can for as long as you can.
My SIL is a kindergarten teacher. She says she can 100% tell the kids that have gone to daycare and the ones that have a parent at home before even finding out just by their behavior and actions. This came from her, but she's doing this 10 years and has always been right on, so I believe her.
So again, you'll find a job when the time comes, don't sweat the amt., just know this is the right thing to do for you and your child.

Re: SAHM (for a year or more) kind of PR

I don't worry about it too much..I knew I wanted to be home, so I concentrate on that now and hope the future brings a good job!
That was exactly my thinking . I always knew I was going to be a SAHM at least first few years of my DC's life(that is if we could afford it) So here I am.
I never really thought about not being able to get a job down the road. I never worried about it at all.
But yesterdays incident just got me thinking for a minute or so,lol. The person was so rude about me being SAHM and taking time to raise my child(and believe me I am not reading too much into it, SHE WAS RUDE ,although her boss apologized later) all I asked her was to get me a part time babysitting job 1-2 days a week
BUt I am over it now. I am just going to continue enjoying raising my DD and take every day as it comes

Message edited 3/27/2009 9:25:34 AM.

Re: SAHM (for a year or more) kind of PR

I have only been a SAHM mom for 9 months. Although about 8 weeks before Ryan was born I was put on permanent bedrest.

Anyway. My situation may be a little different. I worked "the corporate world" before Ryan. But have no intentions going back to that environment at any time.

DH has a "career" which in turn does not offer any flexibility.

As long as we are in the same financial situation now in the future, I'd probably just look for part time work. Maybe billing or administrative work for a doctor's office, small company, etc. Something that would give me flexibility to be available for Ryan and any other DC we may have by then.