Career after kids?

Fireflyaway

For the past 10 years I have worked part time to bring up my child. It was the best decision for me and I don't regret it for all the great experiences I enjoyed as a result. Next September when secondary school rolls round, I plan to look for a full time post and try to advance in the workplace as much as I can.
I have found working part time has really held me back from progressing. Most part time roles are low paid or not very challenging. I saw male colleagues and those without kids advance whilst I was left behind.
I'd like to know if anyone has successfully ' relaunced' their career after a break like this? Will I be deemed too old for promotions? What can I do to up my chances? Or should I accept I will always be 10 years behind?!

Guest101

What sector / industry?

Fireflyaway

HR but as a newish person to the industry. I have supervisory skills and some recruitment and admin experience but don't actually work in a pure HR role. I don't mind starting junior and working up but I'm nervous I might get overlooked in favour of younger people. I think life experience counts for a lot but I felt uncomfortable at a recent interview. Everyone was young and slim and nicely dressed with high heels and makeup but that's not me! If I am honest having a younger boss would bother me too. I know that's my failing. Just being honest.

motorguy

Fireflyaway wrote: »

I saw male colleagues and those without kids advance whilst I was left behind.

Presumably because they were prepared to apply for full time permanent promotional roles and you weren't?

Guest101

Fireflyaway wrote: »

HR but as a newish person to the industry. I have supervisory skills and some recruitment and admin experience but don't actually work in a pure HR role. I don't mind starting junior and working up but I'm nervous I might get overlooked in favour of younger people. I think life experience counts for a lot but I felt uncomfortable at a recent interview. Everyone was young and slim and nicely dressed with high heels and makeup but that's not me! If I am honest having a younger boss would bother me too. I know that's my failing. Just being honest.

My only concern with what you wrote is the ageism you seem to display.


It's self deprecating to yourself as you could be seen to be making excuses for yourself. (e.g. oh I don't understand this, it's for you youngsters to know) - honestly that really wont help you - because as you point out...


It's quite possible you'll have a younger boss. Which again makes no difference in reality, but you have a problem with it. These kinds of things do show and a lot more than you'll notice yourself.


Many organisations value life experience, it's one of the reasons that 'young' managers will hire older people and will support them with training and CPD. But not if you have an issue with reporting 'down'.


That aside HR is a strong sector, obviously you need to look at some personal qualifications to set yourself above others. Consider working as a junior and asking for support with development. If you are talented, companies will want to keep you on and keep you happy.

motorguy

Fireflyaway wrote: »

HR but as a newish person to the industry. I have supervisory skills and some recruitment and admin experience but don't actually work in a pure HR role. I don't mind starting junior and working up but I'm nervous I might get overlooked in favour of younger people. I think life experience counts for a lot but I felt uncomfortable at a recent interview. Everyone was young and slim and nicely dressed with high heels and makeup but that's not me! If I am honest having a younger boss would bother me too. I know that's my failing. Just being honest.

Whilst not for the same reasons I've relaunched my career several times and started from effectively zero again

Life experience does count and some companies will see maturity as an advantage. A lot will in fact

Passion and enthusiasm help a lot and being realistic about a starting point

You need to get your head around having a younger boss though....

amandacat

Blimey don't let that sort of attitude show during any interviews or in your work role or you'll have no chance of promotion. Working in HR you'll need to promote equal opportunities and deal with discrimination issues. This might include examples of ageism.

divadee

It is possible. I had 14 years of menial part time roles while my daughter was growing up. I then got a full time but slightly less menial role when she was 14. Now I am a manager to my staff and in charge of 2 different sites, and a massive budget that I have to control. So entirely possible.

Although my manager is 8 years younger than me so you really have to get over that!!! Especially wanting to work in HR. You need to show equality and diversity in all walks of life and you are failing that at the first hurdle!!!! Would you refuse a job purely based on the age of your line manager? Would you treat them any differently? What happens when you reach the age of 65 are you really expecting a 70 year old to be your line manager?

FBaby

I've certainly seen it in my industry, but I'll be frank, most women who come back to FT position after being part time for some time to be with the kids struggle with the demand of it. One of my colleagues who did exactly that has just asked if she could go back to her old job. She was working 3 days as an assistant. She applied to a FT role as an officer, but although she likes the jobs, she isn't coping with the hours and the intensity of FT work.

I think it is a lot harder to move up from PT to FT in addition to the increase demand that comes with any promotion than when you've always been FT (and don't know any different). Those who I've seen do it well were those who didn't enjoy so much being at home with the kids and did so mainly because of childcare issues and pressure from family and couldn't wait to get back to focusing on their career.

A key to make it successful is confidence though, so don't let your decision to take a break hold you back. If you want to get back onto the ladder, than of course you can do it.

missbiggles1

Did you do any training and/or updating while working part time?

trailingspouse

I've had several careers -
- a 'proper job' in insurance from leaving school until my second child arrived
- re-trained as a teacher, as it fitted around kids and allowed some flexibility (as a part-time job, supply teaching has to be one of the better paid ones)
- kids grown up, disillusioned with teaching, started business with husband, just coming to the end of our 6th year, life is good.

You don't say how old you are. I was 36 when I retrained as a teacher, and 50 when we started the business. Other people's ages don't matter one jot - there will always be some who are older and some who are younger (although, to be honest, at 56 I'm finding that most of them are younger...)

I work with a group of people who are vibrant, lively, enthusiastic. I can be a guiding hand, calm troubled nerves, explain the other's point of view, and generally use my experience to help and support. I've (pretty much) seen it all before. I'm also amazed at how much more confident the young women I work with are, compared to how I was at their age. And I love it.

Oh, and as to being young, slim, nicely dressed and wearing make-up - 'young' is the only one of those three you don't have control over, and even that's relative.