How to Get over Fear & Anxiety After Being Away from Workforce for Several Years

Why don't you start out as a temp? Many big companies use these for their admin staff rather than hiring directly. And with all of the changes coming up with Obamacare I bet we will be seeing a lot more of this in all categories.

I asked a similar question a few months back. I worked from age 13 (full time summers and full time after graduating HS) until I had my daughter at age 33. My work experience was secretarial & executive assistant with some staff management responsibilities. I had an impressive resume - having worked for a major insurance company and on Wall Street in later years. THEN I was a SAHM for 14 years.

This past fall, I had a job opportunity fall in my lap. I knew it was my way back to the work world. I brushed up my resume and went in for the interview. I was a nervous wreck. I was so afraid I'd say something stupid or non PC - knowing things have changed so much since I worked a real job. Within just a few minutes, I realized it was like riding a bike. It ALL came back to me. The woman who interviewed me was wonderful. I found myself interjecting little stories about how I handled certain situations in my previous job. I got it across to her that I was a details person in everything I do - work, home, etc. We talked for over an hour and I could tell she really liked me.

I got the job and then I worried that I wouldn't fit in with all the people in the office - they seemed so young but there were a few people my age. To my surprise, I caught on to the job quickly and I can handle anything they throw at me. I'm not making very much money in comparison to what I used to make, but it's a foot in the door to a very good company I've wanted to work for for years.

So my advice is - you CAN do it. You have experience - something the younger people don't have. You know what it's like to work hard. Get your resume in order and make sure you're proud of it. Think back over your experience and have a few anecdotes about how you handled some tough situations in your past work experience. You'll find it's not as hard as you think. The hardest part of returning to work for me has been managing everything I do at home with being gone 20+ hours a week. I'm just more tired, but the paycheck is worth it. Best of luck!

I did as S.H. suggested. ;)

~ the office manager at the school suggested I apply to be a substitute so I could fill in for the 'classified' positions. Secretaries, Instructional assistants and para-educators.

It has made a huge difference in how I feel about myself from not working at all to being asked to return again and again to some of the schools.

It works out wonderfully with the school hours - for the most part, because I choose the jobs. If you have a smaller districit, you may need someone to be available for morning drop-off or pick-up. ~ there are now several moms who we trade this back and forth.

This was a 'baby' step for me. As I am also a HR graduate and know an office job would be better paying, but am content for the moment. Maybe next year I will actually take a full time post at one of my close by schools - all still during the time my boys are at school

best of luck!!!
~MK

You have been successful raising your children!
Sure you can't out that on a resume but once you get back into a routine you'll be fine!!!

You know what you are capable of and you can do that plus more.. Just remember that you have a lot to give and any company should be happy to have your expertise and ability to juggle tasks!!

You will do well! Keep focused! Best if luck!

I dont have much advice, mostly because I am in a similar boat! :) Although you are one step above me, I only have an AS. I will be looking forward to seeing the responses you get. I was off work for about 4 1/2 years then I worked for 3 in a totally different type of job. Then I was laid off and now I am trying to find another job in the clerical field with the State. I feel too old and not up to par with my computer skills. It is scary but I bet we can both do it! Good luck!

How old are your kids?
Many Moms I know, me included, after being a SAHM for so long... they have found jobs, at their kids' school.
And that way you have the same hours/vacations as them.
It is not as "intimidating" working at a school, depending on what you do there.
Many schools, may and do, hire "Moms."

Just feel good about yourself.
Don't feel inadequate just because you've been a SAHM all this time.
I've been a SAHM for about 10 years.
I never feel less than, just because I have not been in an "office" all this time.
And remember, there is ALWAYS other people who are less competent than you. So why feel bad about yourself? No one is perfect. But if you feel inadequate, that will come across to others.

I hear you. I actually went back to work when my son was in kindergarden and it was a mixed blessing. I loved the money, but the pressure and anxiety was horrible. I had to quit after 4 1/2 years. I looked into all sorts of home businesses that I could do so that I could pick up the kids ater school without stressing out, be at their school for parties and attend field trips. They are teenagers now, and I am so happy to be able to be there for them when they need me. I started a home business with a company that has products that are currently in demand, consumable, and has a growing trend. Now I love the money and the big bonus is I have the gift of time. I don't have to stress anymore about being on time, or making sure my kids can get to somewhere on time. I am my own boss and cannot fire or lay me off (as so many people are getting laid off). Keep your options open and think with an open mind and you will find the right fit. Good luck.

I feel the same way. My kids are still young and I don't think I'll ever be going back to a job (I have anxiety too about the workplace and my being good enough, but even after grad school I did, so I hear you!). But I never really had a "real" job anyway, just grad school stuff.
I will likely be a SAHM forever. There is plenty of work around here.

Yes, maybe a school for you? Lots of good ideas out there!

When my youngest was in high school I was in the same place as you. I made a resume and there was a 20 year gap! But I was told to put down my experience for any volunteer work I did. The school Counts for volunteering.

Then I wrote a paragraph about me explaining why I had been out of the work force and what I was looking for now. Folks hiring really appreciated that! They understood it is no easy task to run a family. I also listed qualifications that helped me raise my family...... like organization.

I don't know you but I bet you are smart enough and competent. Just knowing you are worrying about it tells me you think a job well done is important. I think you will be surprised that other people will see that in you.

Also, ask yourself when going to an interview....... "What is the worse thing that will happen here?" That you are embarrassed or don't get a job? So what? You will survive that.

There is a job out there for you. Visualize it.

Good Luck!