Hello,
I have read a couple of threads about this issue, but thought I would ask you guys for some input and opinions re. my particular case.

I am 44, gave up a career in IT 6 years ago to be at home with my boys. Spent 5 of those years in the US. Came home last summer and now want/need to go back to a paying job.

I have a B.Sc in Computer Science, and 15 years IT experience in various aspects of the IT industry, 11 of these years in a large US Multinational.

Now the obvious option would be to reapply to this company now I am back to see if they have any openings. Two problems, one is that we now live quite a distance from the companies offices, the second is that I really was never interested in IT to be honest. It gave me a very comfortable living and I travelled extensively with my job. But....it just never sparked me and nothing makes me want to go back (except the fact that the money would be nice...)

I call myself 'a weekday single parent' as OH travels mon to fri most weeks. So I am somewhat limited in terms of getting kids to school, if one of them is sick I am the one on duty. But I could get an au pair if I had a wellpaid job.

I am currently studying journalism part time as I have always been interested in words and writing. But since I started this course I am not sure if this is the right career for me, not to to mention it is terribly hard to break into and the pay is rubbish at least initially.

I have 2 children whom I love dearly but I confess this love does not extend to everyone elses child so becoming a montessori teacher or childcare worker (which 2 of my friends have done recently) is not an option. Elder care is badly paid and I don't have a huge amount of patience!

Going back to study for 2 plus years is not really an option. I feel I am too old and also want to start earning money sooner rather than 2 years down the road.

I have to say (and this makes me sound like an idiot) I don't know what I would like to do. I have read books about career change, I have done endless research on the internet, and I have just yesterday put my CV up onto one of the recruitment sites. I know it looks bad I have been out for 6 years, so my skills would be somewhat stale.

I am beginning to develop an inferiority complex about this whole job issue. When I meet someone new I hope they won't ask me what I do.

Oh, the final complication is that we may move back to the U.S within the next year, so whatever career I choose has to be somewhat portable, so to speak. That is why the writing attracted me initially. Though the qualification I am studying for right now I am sure will not be recognisable in the U.S.


Any ideas or suggestions or similar experiences? To be honest even writing this all down has been helpful for me to 'get it off my chest'.

Thanks for reading,
Karen.

Hi Karen,

You're a brave lady actually looking out there for a bit of advice and I can relate! Except I was left on my own with two kids 25 years ago, no money and no prospects either!

What did I do? Well, I retrained (teaching) and have had a great career ever since - the last several years overseas - and, I had a bit of a mini-enterprise while the kids were little . Nothing grand, just buying stuff cheap and selling stuff on either through classified ads, car boot sales or little village/town type markets.

It made all the difference in those early years of single parentdom and some years, it meant the difference between keeping the car on the road or servicing big bills or even managing to find the money for those new school uniforms every year.

If the internet had been around, I think I would have started an online business rather than troll around the markets etc some weekends/holidays - and with your expertise, knowledge and understanding of IT you have already, a skill-set that automatically gives you a head start over the rest of us!

Just a thought. There's a few bob to be made though. I know. I've been looking into it myself recently as we begin to plan for moving home and finding something to generate a bit of dosh that's not in teaching....

Hope this gives you some ideas!

Believe it or not, I worked in careers guidance many, many years ago. As you clearly want something satisfying, I think you should try to sort out what you truly like to do, separating it at the moment from what you can do, where the jobs are, the pay etc.

This is, in fact, a great opportunity. Many people don't get the chance to step back and take stock and choose their new direction.

A practical way to take a first look is what do you most like doing day to day? Not dreaming of, but doing. If you get some unexpected free time are you likely to read a book, do some crafts, go shopping, phone some friends and go out for a drink -- or whatever.

On writing, have you thought of tech writing? You have the tech background for it, and it can often be done at least partly at home. Another possibility is library sciences, but that would need study. You might want to think about different jobs within the IT industry that you could do and would enjoy.

If you can take the time to do some study, the opportunities open up even more.

Just some ideas and places to start from. If there is a good careers counsellor available to you, give them a try. Not to find a job, but to get some ideas.

Hope it goes well,

Bev

What about something to do with the internet, web design or such like. Quite portable, an area of our life that is always developing and ultimately you could probably do it from home. Good luck.

Wub, Bevm and Northernbirs,
Thanks so much to each of you for your replies. A few good ideas so I have something to be going on with. I just had felt I was in a bit of a rut and couldn't get myself going, so its great to get some input from you.
If i come up with the ultimate super portable career I will report back to this forum!

Thanks again,
Karen

Hi Karen

I enjoyed your post...

...I think writing seems to be your thing. You're doing journalism and enjoy writing. How about blogging or writing articles or websites. It may be hard to get yourself motivated but with a bit of gumf you can do it.

Do you have anyone, a friend or a family member who can give you the extra push you need to get going? Often that's all you need.

Good luck with the career!