Stay at Home Mother Looking for Work

I'm married and have soon to be 5 children. I've pretty much always been a stay at home mother since my eldest has been born, almost 12 years ago. I did have 1 job about 5 years ago as a home to home carer which lasted 6 months. I gave it up because it was such unreliable hours. One week I could be working 12+ hours where I wouldn't even have time for a lunch break, the following week I could only have 1 patient/customer and I couldn't afford to keep working there because you need a more expensive car insurance etc. I have helped my husband out at his work with some admin work, but I wasn't on payroll so I don't think this counts as work experience. I have done some college courses to get me out of the house and for my own mental health. I am now half way through university, studying accounting and finance. Would it be difficult to find work in my chosen field because I have little experience and being out of work for so long? Unfortunately, I'm too old for an apprenticeship. I'm 35.

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I have an opportunity for you if you’d be interested in another source of income, choose your own hours, you can earn a residual income x

@Hollie thank you. I am planning to look for some low level jobs next year when the baby is born and at least 4 months old (that's when nursery said they start taking on babies in my area). I know I'll have a disadvantage to people with more experience but I'll just have to keep trying until I find something. I have also thought about asking around if I can volunteer in some accounting firms so that I can put the experience on my CV. But not sure I could afford the nursery fees (£65 a day) without the extra income.

@Zara thank you. I've tried to marketing in the past such as door to door sales for Sky TV and Avon but I struggled getting the customers.

@Natalie no problem, I’m an independent travel agent so I just book travel for friends and family and earn from that then save on my own travel. It’s handy to have in your back pocket as people are always wanting to go on holidays anyway so it’s just earning the commission back.

You can absolutely use the skills you’ve used being a mum to bulk out your CV! The amount of organisation, effective communication and time management even one child can take are really beneficial. Have you ever heard of Smart Works? They’re a brilliant charity that help women who have been out of work with CV writing and interview skills. You can also have an appointment with one of their stylists who will dress you for an interview (for free!) and if you secure a job they may also provide you with some outfits to see you through till your first payday too. It’s great. The clothes are new and all donated by different stores - some are even designer! https://smartworks.org.uk

You are not too old for apprenticeships btw. I work for an apprenticeship training provider.

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