Having Trouble Returning to Work After Being a SAHM

Updated on July 31, 2009
C.A. asks from Corpus Christi, TX
6 answers

I had my daughter two years ago and enjoyed being a SAHM. Now I am ready to go back to work, but I can't seem to find a job. I am a teacher and have a bachelor's degree. With the economy, I really need to return to work now. My husband's hours have been cut and we really cannot afford for me to stay at home any longer. This is only adding more pressure to my job hunt.
I have been applying for everything with no luck. I was in the same grade for 6 years so it is hard to convince principals to hire me for a different grade level in which I have no experience. We are going into debt and really need the money. I need to get a teaching job or something equivalent in pay. There is about 1 month left before school starts so I have to find something by then. And this job search is beginning to get to me. I am getting depressed and stressed over our finances and the job declines. Any help or advice is appreciated. Also, are there any other options with a teaching degree? Thanks!

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L.A.

answers from Austin on

Get on all of the sub lists that you are qualified for. Many times here in AISD, the best subs can become permenant subs at schools. This will allow you to take jobs when you want, but also be able to stay home when your child is ill.

Also consider working at a "Sylvan" or "Kumon" center. These will also help you get your name out there as a teacher. Depending on what grades and subjects you taught, consider tutoring from your own home.

Our daughter needed math tutors middle school through high school, cause I was hopeless at helping her with any of that advanced stuff. We paid $45 - $60 per hour to her advanced math tutor. The tutor had kids almost every weekday afternoon and evenings going straight to her house.

The other need right now are in home assistance. These are people that help homebound adults that essentially need baby sitters (In home care givers). Most of the caregivers we hired to care for our grandparents prepared simple meals. Made sure medications were taken correctly, visited and documented what our grandparents did all day. We paid at the time $12 - $15 per hour for daytime work and $60. - 75. per over night stay. You will need to be CPR certified.

Consider sales at a Teacher Supply store. Of course I am sure you would be qualified to work at the local school district administration offices, the IRS, City offices. Just apply to all sorts of positions that maybe have nothing to do with teaching, but that you are qualified to do.

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K.N.

answers from Austin on

You could also consider a job at a preschool or daycare, especially if you need some sort of FT paycheck coming in. See if there are any childcare facilities in need experienced/accredited *kindergarten* teachers. Most programs don't hire accredited teachers for grades below kindergarten but need an actual teacher for their private kindergarten class.... Although I've heard that Montessori schools want accredited teachers for all grades. Just an idea. Good luck!

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A.R.

answers from Austin on

Continue to stay on top of things. My school had to hire 2 teachers in the 2 weeks before school started last year. I know that happens every year. If you haven't already, get out and personally meet the principals jsut to give a face to the name on the resume. Don't just rely your resume/application to get you an interview. Use your previous contacts as much as possible. I am in my 3rd year of teaching after spending 4 years in sales. All of my jobs have been opened up b/c I didn't just rely on sending in my resume.

Also, as another response stated, look into being a long term substitute. I am in G'town ISD and at my school alone we have 3 teachers that will be out on maternity leave beginning in October (including myself). Schools everywhere are always looking for good certified teachers for long-term sub positions.

Lastly, if you really want to be back in education consider being an aide for a while if it will give you enough income to make it till next year. It helps you get to know the principal and opens up opportunities for next year.

Good luck!

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L.A.

answers from Austin on

Don't sweat yet. I know many schools that have a need to hire the week before school starts-just keep looking! Take some online courses to keep up your hours-there are some free one-hour courses out there.
Trust that something will come your way-and follow all the good advice the other poster has! Good luck!

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L.G.

answers from Houston on

Tutoring. Find ways to advertise your service.

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R.L.

answers from Houston on

I agree definitely get on the substitute teacher list for schools in your area. Also check places like Sylvan learning center, Kumon, and other tutoring agencies.

Any preschools that needs a director or assistant director (which will pay more than a regular teacher, daycares don't pay that well.) Also check any private schools.

Maybe after some experience as a substitue you will be able to find a job in any grade, that should give you some extra experience. Also you may want to consider private tutoring while substituting until a permanent teaching job becomes available.

I write professional resumes and cover letters as a side business. So please feel free to send me a private message if you need assistance with that.

Good luck!
R.

1 mom found this helpful
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