I stayed home for two years to raise my son. How do I reenter the work force without looking like a slacker ?

Question:

I went to grad school have two Masters degrees from Syracuse University. I started my own company and wrote a book that's with an agent. I am in the Information Management field and specialize in Project Management. I feel that I left my career right as it was taking off. I want to go back to working with records and information systems, but I feel as if I missed out and will now have to take a step back. Also I feel that I'm good at so many things, but don't really know anything completly.

What jobs should I be looking for and how should I word my resumee to explain the gap in time. Ideally I'd like to work for a consulting company at a level with some responsibility that escalates, but doesn't jump into 12 hours a day right away. Also if anyone knows of a mentor who can help me it'd be great. I'm really confused right now and would love to talk to someone in the field who understands. Thanks!

Answer:
Before I offer some advice, I am so damn sick and tired of people asking "why do you want to go back to work?" "Why don't you want to raise your child?" Do people ask the fathers this? No! Okay, breathe!
Okay, I'm calm.
LOL.
I am in the same situation. I am returning to the workforce in August, and I too have a Master's degree (psychology), and I stayed at home to care for my daughter the first year of her life. I kept the gap on my resume and when I am interviewed, I plan to tell the potential employer that I took some time off to care for my family, and contemplate my next career move. I think you would be great at a company like Booz Allen that hires people with your background to do Performance Management/Project Management.
Returning to the workplace does not make you a bad mother. It makes you a well-rounded mother, who can handle a career, and raising a child. Best wishes to you.

Only 2 years?! You have it made! Best place to start- your friends. Everyone I know got a job through a friend. I would concentrate more on what is available more in the market than what you want to do- you are selling yourself. Good luck.

Look at Monster.com and the business section of your local newspaper- what are they looking for? What is hot that you could possibly qualify for?

Please don't even use that word regarding your decision to stay home with your B-A-B-Y.! This is the single most important job in the world- you only get one opportunity to raise your child! Must you go back to work? Didn't you get satisfaction from being there for your little one? It isn't slacking- it's called taking responsibility! Your career will always be there- do youreally want someone else to take care of the raising and nurturing of your child? You can pay for child care- you can't pay someone to LOVE your child.

I am staying at home (10mos now) and have changed my mind about going back because I found a career I can do from home. Ever consider affiliate marketing? Visit www.hellodreamteam.com for more info. If you're interested then visit www.helloworld.com/fish2heaven... you can e-mail me with any questions

You don't sound like a slacker at all! Put it plain and simply...you took 2 years off to care for your child. People HAVE to respect that and take it into consideration.

Hi! I think you should open a new notebook. Real Estate is great for getting the speed to complete the goal you can set and not spend to much time away from home. Pray for it start today. Psalms 1 can give you the way to think about the big corporation you can send that resume into. But don't stop there read more on what you feel your obstacles might be at getting control on your life and family.

I am in the same situation..I have mentioned it on my resume as professional sabbatical. Usually the first question I get asked by recruiters is to explain the professional sabbatical part. I tell them that I took time off to assess my career path and to raise a family.

It's very common for women to take off some time for a child. An employer is going to accept that. Put in the resume stay at home Mom for the two years. Contact your past employers and co-workers and ask for leads and recommendations. Most jobs are filled by someone recommending a person they know.

ink760, I am in business myself with my husband and he is exactly that, a mentor to people to start their own business without being alone if you are serious and it sounds like you are, I would be more than happy to tell you more but, I can't tell you over this page because thats just not how we do business and he is excellent being A mentor to those around him he really has A passion for what he does and he will go to the ends of the earth to make sure you have success!! you can write us at www.damongngdmnd@aol.com and I know he would love to help!! oh, and by the way, there's no charge!!

I stayed home for two years to raise my son. How do I reenter the work force without looking like a slacker ?

Hot Topic