Possibly About to Be Thrown into the Workforce

Hi S.,

Having read your previous posting, I am really excited for you at the prospect of you starting ot explore your own interests!

If you are good with children, consider a preschool/daycare position. You will probably need to take a CPR/First Aid course, but those are quick and usually combined into one day.

You could also consider working as a mother's helper for working parents b/c you have experience in managing an household. We were looking high and low for someone who would be willing to do some housework, run errands, light cooking and occassionally pick our son up from daycare. We were willing to pay $25 hour for 2-3 days/week and couldn't find anyone!

Post an add in the local papers, on Craig's List and other service sites. If you were able to help two familys per week, you could make a nice supplemental (and cash) income! Just a thought as someone who would have loved to have help!

Since you want to help seniors, what about becoming a CNA (certified nurse assistant)? If you go full time, you can knock out the course in 3-4 weeks and then take a state exam. I heard that some nursing homes will pay for your CNA course while you work on-the-job. Call around and ask! Otherwise you can attend a CNA school and pay about $500 to take the course. Good luck!

I hear ya! I was out of the work force for more than 20 years! I was in the same boat as you 3 years ago. It will be okay!

Just raising your kids makes you an asset. I'm sure you have volunteered and juggled/organized schedules in the past 14 years. You are probably very responsible and desired by employers.

I started my own Shaklee business and so I can stay at home and work. I also loved health and so it was an easy fit for me. I'd be happy to tell you about it if you had an interest.

But, no matter what you decide, don't be afraid. You are a competent worthy woman! "I am Woman, Hear Me Roar!"

You have a pretty varied background which is really a great thing. It's tough finding jobs right now so at least you have different experiences to offer employers.
Start with what's available in your area and will work with your family schedule somewhat.
After my divorce, I hadn't worked for 10 years but I fell right into it like I'd never skipped a day. It was hard juggling a full time job and kids by myself, but it felt pretty empowering. Working can provide a real esteem boost. At least it did for me.

Best wishes to you. I'm sure you'll find something and be a great employee!

there are lots of opportunities for caring for the elderly. I had a friend who did that, had similar experience as you. She worked for a company where she went t their homes, helped bathe them if they needed, prepared them food, brought groceries... call around to local nursing homes and assisted living centers, they can probably give you a lot of information.

I know its scarey, but think of it is a new adventure! You're going to learn so much about the person you are and the one you want to become. You'll have new challengs and new reasons to be proud of yourself! You can do it, and if motherhood teaches anything, it's tenacity. You have whole new gifts to bring to your job that you didn't have 15 years ago.

I don't know which path you should take, but I hope that whatever you decide you go into it knowing that you will be a valuable addition to your field.

Best of luck to you!

S.,
First- I love the spelling of your name-I've never seen that before! ;) Have you consider working from home? There are so many different options today. I can give you information on just one of the options. I have a 2 yr old and a 5 month old and didn't want to put them in daycare to go back to work this month. So I researched a few work at home businesses and this one checked out, and so far has been a blast! And I no longer feel guilty for not helping with the bills! :) I know raising our children is helping, but I have always had a job till our 2nd was born.