K.S.
N.,
It was funny that I ran across this question. I am returning to work after 17 years at home. About 1 1/2 years ago i got a call from a company called tentiltwo.com. i had forgotten that I had put a resume online 2 years prior. It is a company specifically for professionals that stayed home for a while. It is a placement company for permanent part-time jobs--the employers and employees both know this to start with. I worked a job for 9 months. It was great--getting my "feet wet" again. After 9 months I was laid off. It has taken me a bit to find another job--but I am going to work full-time in two weeks. The way I got this job was knowing somebody. They overheard someone talking about a position that wasn't even posted yet. I sent in my resume via email--and viola!
Networking (tapping into the people you know) is your best way to find a job after a long time. You have acquired some amazing skills while "being off"--and keeping current is a HUGE plus! Let people you know know that you are "seeking employment"--and what it is you are looking for. You will be shocked at how many positions are out there. Don't waste your time looking online and in the paper. Most of those are already gone before they're even posted. Word of mouth is your best bet. Also, have someone who is in the field go over your resume and critique it.
Good luck! If I can do it--you can too!!