Working Mom Wannabe.
by Christina Michael
I have a new job title: Working Mom Wannabe. It has been a strange, bumpy on-ramp for me. Six years of not working (other than raising two crazy, energetic, sometimes too aggressive, and sometimes even sweet boys). And here I sit at my computer, day after day, night after night, trying to find a job, some for which I am far too over-qualified, some far too under-qualified, and most of which are very, very full time.
Meanwhile, my kids sit in the other room watching yet another TV show (even I have succumbed to Cartoon Network) eating their fifth “healthy” snack of the afternoon (Goldfish are now “whole grain,” aren’t they?).
Though I am a lawyer by training, I have applied to a vast array of jobs: Real Estate Broker’s Assistant (yes, I took the California Real Estate Broker’s Exam and passed – now I have another California professional license I am not using), Director of Government Affairs, Legal Recruiter, Training Coordinator, Paralegal, Intern, Staff Editor, Judge’s Clerk -- the list goes on and on and on. What is so discouraging, so disheartening, and takes the wind out of my sails is that no one calls, writes, or expresses any interest in me whatsoever. I thought I was accomplished and had a good enough resume and job experience to find a job, ANY job. I am flexible, and have even been open to taking a job paying HALF the amount of my last job and at a level of someone who would have reported to me in the past. Wasn’t slaving away to gain an education and working 24/7 as a lawyer for nine years worth something? Maybe even just one measly interview? It appears that it is not.
What has become clear to me is that the six-year gap in my resume (gosh, when I off-ramped, “Blackberry” wasn’t even invented except as a fruit out of which someone could bake a pie) is a big problem. In fact, one of the very few responses I have gotten to my countless applications was a question about the infamous six-year gap. When I explained to the HR person that I have been caring for my two young kids, she said, “I assumed it was something like that.” That’s the last I heard from her (or anyone, for that matter) until I got that rejection in the mail.
What’s next? What I do know that I am stubborn, persistent, and know that I will not quit (I am my mother’s daughter, that’s for sure). I am continuing my search, religiously checking the job boards and my in-box at all hours of the day and night. I am talking to any contact I ever made, and even have shamelessly approached my old boss (remember, the one I cried to when I resigned?) begging for work. Like the movie we all love with Jack Nicholson, “Something’s Gotta Give”. You will soon see the trailer to my new movie called “Something Will Give.” I must end here to check my in-box, check HotJobs, and change the channel for the kids (at least I’ll put on PBS this time, I promise).
10.23.07
Ok so you might have a six year gap I say so what. Tell them what you have been doing for the last six years. to me it sounds like you have been a domesticated engineer. You have ran the house you know what I mean. You sound like a very educated lady use it!!! make it sound great and when the call you, and they will I think you will be surprised.
10.11.07
Hi, I'm in CA and would be interested in hearing about your agency as well. Would you mind posting a message about it? Thanks!
09.08.07
I'm with Kathy on this one. I think you'd be great as a consultant. Check out some agencies and sites that specialize in consultant projects/positions. Sites like www.sologig.com, guru.com, thehiredguns.com. It doesn't have to be directly related to law - you're clearly a great writer and there's a HUGE need for great content on the the web. There's also a need for experts - so you could write about, um, law! (and raising kids...) Hang in there.
Best,
Jackie (www.theselfemployedmom.com)
09.05.07
In my experience, you can't sit back and wait for employers to contact you. My husband is in sales, and during my last job search he helped teach me to sell myself. The most important lessons I learned are that follow up and persistence are the best ways to differentiate yourself. Good luck!
09.05.07
Stories like these are evidence that our culture has not yet found its way to valuing mothering in its many forms. I hope that by the time our daughters are making choices about raising kids and careers, those "gaps" will be seen as adding to a person's resume rather than detracting. Which reminds me...have you seen "mom resumes" with fancy titles like Chief Transportation Officer and Director of Programming...hilarious and also true!
09.04.07
Thanks! I am in CA. Let me know your e-mail.
09.04.07
i can only imagine your frustration. i'm certain that any mom trying to on-ramp is facing great obstacles, but i especially feel your pain as a fellow attorney! there is no profession less forgiving, less understanding (or inhumane) than ours. i left a big firm after 3 years of he** after having my first child and went to work for the federal gov't. it was the best decision i've ever made! the work environment is VERY family-friendly. there are people of ALL ages given the same amount of responsibility. the hours are great (flex-time, telework, PT). and shockingly, the pay is very reasonable. all that to say that you shouldn't give up! know that there is a job out there for you. and umm...do you have any gov't agencies out your way?
actually...if you're in CA, send me an email...my agency has 2 offices out that way.
good luck!
08.30.07
Sitting behind my computer as a SAHM gone WAHM of two babies, I totally understand what you are doing. I believe you are qualified enough to start your own business. You have "on ramp" motivation from my perspective and it doesn't matter if you were eating blackberries instead of typing on one for the last few years. In my opinion start by listing out your assets, goals and dreams. Work backwards then your job search will become more about the future instead of trying to explain your "off ramp" years to a 25 year old HR person who is nursing a hangover.
I can't wait to hear more!
Kathy Haskell