I have spent the last 9 months looking for a job and have had a few interviews that went well but didn't work out for various reasons.

18 Comments

1. AnonymousOctober 20,2023 at 7:03PM UTC

   You haven’t worked in 8 yrs. You’re not likely to find a quality remote job. Those jobs will go to people with experience and proven success at working remotely. If you want flexible or part times hours, try schools or retail or restaurants.

2. AnonymousOctober 22,2023 at 5:18PM UTC

   I hadn't worked outside of the home in 8 years, and I did find a decent-paying, somewhat flexible (PT, but needed to be available during core hours), remote job. There are options!!!

   As another respondent noted, the OP did not convey information about educational background and prior work history. Also, it is unclear if the OP is targeting specific types of jobs in a certain industry or is targeting any remote job that might fit the bill. Establishing clear objectives is a first step in job searching. To get assistance in gaining clarity, utilize career services resources offered by your alma mater, place of residence, etc. Once you develop a job search plan, reach out to those in your existing professional network for help. Request informational interviews. Expand your professional network by using LinkedIn and by asking your former colleagues and supervisors for introductions to those who might provide insight into employers and roles that might be a good fit for you. You might learn that upskilling would be beneficial for you to reenter the workforce.

3. AnonymousOctober 20,2023 at 10:51PM UTC

   Yes, your career gap is impacting your job search. Unfortunately, so is your wish list for a flexible, part time, work from home option. IMO, a lot of the hybrid / work from home / pick your own schedule jobs are going away. And there are pretty many business publications that are saying the same.

   I agree with the other poster that these flexible jobs are going to well-established, know commodities.

   I think your best bet is to get your foot in the door somewhere, establish yourself and your work product and then ask for some accommodations. I’d also strongly encourage you to look into some free certifications up show potential employers that you’ve remained up to date on technology.

4. AnonymousOctober 20,2023 at 11:46PM UTC

   Unfortunately the years of pandemic relief are gone. I have to agree that remote and most hybrid jobs are used as rewards and retention tools for highly regarded employees that have earned a highly valued position. Many established employees will trade a big raise in order to wfh. Those are the people I've noticed receive those coveted job arrangements.

5. Sarah ROctober 21,2023 at 12:36PM UTC

   For flexible work, you can try working as a caregiver/CNA, as needed or part-time.

6. Tammy ThomasOctober 21,2023 at 12:48PM UTC

   Try a temp agency. Tell them your situation. Sometimes they have classes you can take to improve your skills. You can also look into volunteering to gain up to date skills. Udemy has low cost courses. Coursera has courses but cost more. You can go on indeed and look for contract or temporary jobs too. All of this can be done remote.

7. Michelle S.October 21,2023 at 1:20PM UTC

   I just came here to say Good luck and I hope things continue to improve for you!! I can't imagine how daunting it all is, because you are going through some of the most stressful things that a person can .. but all at once. Don't be worried of any gaps, you are raising a whole human being. A lot of women have been there and will be willing to give you a shot despite being out. I'm not sure about your financial situation but if you do have an opportunity to get a certification in your field or related, there are a lot of cheap options out there that will give you a bit more credibility after a gap. Good luck!!

8. Michelle S.October 21,2023 at 1:23PM UTC

   Also, there are a lot of places hiring for work from home, especially nationwide companies, insurance companies, etc. I would look at LinkedIn, angel.co, work from home.com... I would stay away from the indeeds and CareerBuilder due to scams.

9. AnonymousOctober 21,2023 at 2:07PM UTC

   I went through a company called The Moms Project RISE program where you can get a certification and they support for going back to work. I ended up getting a job through the program as well. Here is the link if you would like to know more about it : https://work.themomproject.com/risesignup I work remotely now, and love the flexibility. I think upskilling your tech skills will open doors for you.

10. AnonymousOctober 21,2023 at 4:00PM UTC

    there's alot of information that you are not sharing here, so hard to give really good/precise advise. Have you done volunteer work during the last 8 years? network there. Do you have education/experience prior to becoming a SAHM? if so, can you reach out to that network? Also, consider taking an online course and make sure your computer skills are up to speed- very helpful when re-entering the work world. Consider being a substitute teacher or another worker for local school system- could could slowly get you back into the work world without alot of time commitment- and will give you "school hours" to accommodate your children. (I am a medical professional but worked for two years as a sub teacher and LOVED IT)....create a LinkedIn profile, update your resume and skills (LinkedIn has some freebie courses you can complete at home), get a good haircut and spiff up the wardrobe...You've got this!

11. AnonymousOctober 21,2023 at 5:00PM UTC

    Sign up with temp agencies and see what kind of work they can offer. Check into customer support roles where the function is primarily phone work and can be done remotely. It is taking 9 months plus in some roles to find new work, keep at it and apply to any and everything that seems close to your skills.

12. AnonymousOctober 21,2023 at 8:26PM UTC

    I read somewhere that there’s a publisher - it’s either Simon & Schuster or Harper Collins, I forget which - they have a program for folks who are entering the work force again after some time away. There’s lots of remote jobs in the publishing field - and I know Penguin Random House is mostly fully remote now, as well.

13. AnonymousOctober 22,2023 at 1:21PM UTC

    https://www.flexjobs.com/

14. JmaciveredwardsOctober 22,2023 at 1:21PM UTC

    https://www.corpsteam.com/

15. JmaciveredwardsOctober 22,2023 at 1:22PM UTC

    https://www.virtualvocations.com/

16. AnonymousOctober 23,2023 at 1:29AM UTC

    My mother was in the same boat many years ago. She was a stay at home mom for 10 years. You have not mentioned about your education level or the jobs you hold previously. These information is important as well.

    Also, what field are you looking to get into? What type of jobs are you interested in applying.

    If income is an immediate concern, I suggest keep knocking every door you can and be flexible about your work conditions. The first job you get probably aren’t going to be great. You will be to build up your confidence and experience again.

    Good luck and you will find something soon.

17. AnonymousOctober 23,2023 at 12:58PM UTC

    Schedulers for hospital systems are often remote.

18. William WestOctober 25,2023 at 10:04PM UTC

    You have a tough but not unworkable situation. I was a se

    nior lender at a bank and did all the hiring of lenders and lender support people.

    people who are good at hiring usually have a profil of skills and attitudes they are looking for.

    I suggest you sit down and lis your skills as well as you jobs. Find out what kinds of jobs need your skills, thourouly research the jobs and industries that utilize those skills. Find the companies that are in those industries. Prepare a resume. There are many sources for how to prepare a winning resume. A good headhunter can be a great source for helping you. Make sure he/she is good. Never go into an interview unprepared. Make a list of an ticipated questions, prepare and practice your answers so they don’t look over prepared and go for it. Preparation and practice are key. The hard part is looking natural with answers. As if you are familiar with the business. But the interviewer will be flatter that you researched his or her business and impressed that you know the industry. It’s work to be prepared properly, but will definitely pay off. Good luck ! I hope you find something you like and is challenging. You full time job now is finding a job. Good luck. You can do it if you want it.