SAHM Trying to Prepare for Re-Entry Into the Workforce
Moms View Message Board: General Discussion Archive: Archive July 2005:
SAHM Trying to Prepare for Re-Entry Into the Workforce
I have been at home now for 16 almost 17 months and there are parts of it that I really love and enjoy. I would have missed out on so many little things had I gone back to work. As many of you know I am 33 weeks pregnant now and still plan to stay at home for the next 5 years at least.
Sometimes the prospect of being at home and at times feeling quite isolated is daunting to say the least. I've been in a bit of a funk for the past 3 weeks and I'm not sure if it's just plain old hormones or cabin fever. I've tried the play groups and find that they are o.k. but I'm not getting the kind of intellectual stimulation I'm looking for.
I was at the hair salon a month or so ago and my stylist was talking about his wife, they have two children and she has been at home for 5 years. He suggested in the beginning that she re-educate herself and prepare for the time when she would re-enter the work force. She did not and is now panicking at the thought of going back to work. She cannot get back into her industry or previous profession and does not want to go back to work for $8 an hour (her words not mine). I understand how she feels. My job included a lot of responsibility and a great deal of travel, DH has a very intense job with the same. So going back for me will not be an option, it just won't fit with our family plan.
The conversation with the stylist has really got me thinking and I really do believe that I should be prepared to go back to work at some point. DH suggested day care and I've thought about it. It really doesn't solve my problem though. I would be stuck in the house even more and after doing this for 5 years, I might have a bigger bank account, but it really doesn't provide me with job skills to take out into the work force other than day care which is not something I'm terribly passionate about.
I have a spare room off the back of the house, my idea was to train as a hair stylist over the next few years, I could do it part-time in the evenings. I could use this room to set-up shop, I would just need a few supplies, a sink, a mirror, a chair and table. This would give me some flexibility. I know that I would definitely have to work on Saturday's and a few evenings, but I would still be at home and once my children are older they will become more self sufficient. I could also specialize for people who have specific hair loss problems as I would have a private space for them to come and perhaps offer a line or two of wigs.
I mentioned this to DH and one other friend and they both said "Hair Dressing??????" in a kind of eeeww gross way. I actually heard of a study from the U.K. where when polled Hair Stylists were one of the happiest people from a professional stand point. I also thought of doing massage therapy at home, but the classes are very expensive and the program is 3 years full time, not to mention it's a really touchy feely industry and I'm not entirely sure I want to get that close to strangers.
Anyway I just wanted to put this out in the universe and see if you all had any comments or suggestions.
locate you community college and just start taking a class a semester. They will offer weekend classes and evening and taking only one class you could take it from like 6-9 in the week or 9-12 on a saturday. Hair dressing sounds good if you think that you will like it. Even if you take classes that are just for personal interest it will be worth it to learn and get out of the house. It really wouldn't be too expensive either.
I think if nothing else it would be a great hobby! Every SAHM needs a hobby that gets her out of the house on occasion and something that involves adult interaction. I am not sure about rules for setting up stuff in the house as far as a business goes, but it would pay for itself it you did all your own kids cuts and hubby's cuts!
Do what you want and GO FOR IT!! That sounds like a great idea to keep busy, show your family that this is something you enjoy, and earn extra money while you're doing it!
Scott and I have the same discussion since I'm a teacher...I've got to keep my license up...thanks for the reminder!
I think you are very wise to be thinking so far ahead.
But - before you get really into this plan, check with your local municipality and your state about zoning and licensure. There may be issues in both that would affect your ability to carry out this plan.
Thanks Ginny, very good advice. We are constantly talking about moving so I don't think I'll hold off due to zoning laws as I have no idea where we will be living in the next 5 years. I will talk to our lawyer and accountant before putting the whole plan into action though. I think the comments above about just getting out and doing something is really valid and where there's a will there's a way.
If I can't make it work at home, at the very least I will have a new skill to take out into the work force and it will keep me independant, cause you never know in life what hand you will be dealt, always best to be prepared.
I am going anon, cause frankly what I am about to say is embarrassing, so I hope it's ok.
I have been a SAHM for long time. I loved being a SAHM. My dh was very supportive of me, and me 'not working' was never an issue. I stayed very active doing volunteer work and such, but never felt the need to go out and work just to stay fulfilled or busy. I loved being at home with my kids. Unfortunately, due to some bad business decisions by my dh, I am having to find a job. It's darn near impossible to find a job after being out of the job market for 20 years that pays more than minimum wage. All my time chairing events, using my organizational skills, isn't really translating that well into the job market.
So, if you can find something that you can do part time and maybe down the line turn it into full time if you need it, go for it!
Thanks Anon, that's the kind of situation I'm hoping to avoid when I say you never know. I'm very sorry you are going thru a difficult time. I hope your situation improves and you get back on your feet and find a job that not only pays the bills but is fulfiling. It really is unfotunate that people don't recognize all the things that mothers do and the value they bring to the world. Hang in there, be persistant and something will come thru for you.
Anon - if you can go for computer/word processing training, I strongly recommend it. There is almost always a good market for skilled typist/word processors, and a lot of employers prefer mature women who know how to behave like adults and are pretty much through with child-care issues.
My hairdresser drives a Mercedes she makes so much money. You might have to work in a shop for a bit to develop a client base and then move it to your home if your zoning allows for it. My hairdresser used to own her own shop, but she said the hassle of ownership isn't worth it. You make more renting a spot in a shop.
You are doing the right thing thinking about this now.
Thanks Heaven, good luck to you too.
Ginny, I am actually quite a good typist with great word skills, have tested with various agencies. Not finding that employers are preferring mature women. 
Anon - have you tried big law firms? They hire word processors.
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