Discrimination in this area against stay at home moms ? (daycare, job market)

[TNGal78]

Has anyone experienced this ?

I have been a stay at home mom for 9 years to my two kids. I am just now trying to find a "real" job. I've had a couple of side jobs over the past nine years , but nothing signifigant.

Seems like I get no responses on my applications lately and I'm wondering if it's due to the fact that I chose to stay home and raise my kids?

I was talking to a doctor in the area (weekend clinic) and he is from the midwest. He said that people in that area are much more accepting of stay at home moms as far as seeing the choice as an actual career choice.

The reason I chose to stay home was to be with my kids first and foremost, but also because we could not afford child care. At the daycare where my aunt works it is 140.00 per week for an infant.

One of my kids is in elementary school now, so I would have to find after school care for her as well.

Anyway, do you think this area is more discriminatory ? Let me tell you...staying home with kids and running a household is work....I wonder if potential employers don't see it that way ?

Also, I have noticed a trend that nobody wants to train an employee. Even though I have some college experience , I have no work experience. Everywhere I look I see "Must have 1 year experience"......."Must have at least 3 years experience...." is that more common in this area or is that everywhere ?

[jeannab]

I just moved from JC in Nov & worked PT for almost 4 yrs there after staying home w/my kids for 5 yrs. I think the problem is likely more of the economy rather than you. Jobs are slim pickins' everywhere, and w/ETSU graduating soon, teens looking for summer jobs right now, and just the general bad job market right now, it makes it extremely tough for anyone right now--especially those w/a staggered work experience. One thing I've learned is to definitely mark your time at home on your resume. Mine is noted as "Stay-At-Home Parent and Community Volunteer" with my organizations listed and time frames noted. HR won't assume you had kids & that's why you elected not to have outside employment. They'll just dump your resume to the bottom of the pile. Don't note it as "Full-Time" parent--we're all full-time parents and it might irritate the HR person who has a little one and both parents work

[rccrain]

It's not discrimination, especially in this area. It's the fact that finding a job is tough right now and 95% of jobs aren't filled via a public process. The best way to get a job is through your network.

Even though it's apparent that you are exceptionally literate, you may want have someone (related to the industry you are seeking) review your resume or the applications that you fill out.

[jabogitlu]

Agreed. Network your butt off. And maybe hire a headhunter. The expenses associated are even tax deductable! (FWIW if you do have your resume reviewed, any expenses incurred there are also TD)

[Bailey.]

There are plenty of people I know just out of college with a degree who have no choice but to go back to whatever fast food chain they worked at in highschool, if they are even hiring.

The job market sucks right now. The company I worked for went belly up, and I was only able to find work at home employment in the last month.

[ljay42]

Start looking for work at places like elance. There is plenty of work to be had if you have skills...if you need money but don't need benefits, just get online at reputable sites and get hired. There is always new work available and you're not tied down to your local job market.

[kamoshika]

Originally Posted by TNGal78

Even though I have some college experience , I have no work experience. Everywhere I look I see "Must have 1 year experience"......."Must have at least 3 years experience...." is that more common in this area or is that everywhere ?

Employers everywhere prefer some work experience. Your lack of such is a much bigger red flag than your stay-at-home status. With no work history, most employers will be hesitant to give you a chance even if you can legitimately claim some skills that will transfer into the workplace. With no verifiable track record of what you can do and what kind of work ethic you have, you're a greater risk in employers' eyes.

Your best option, IMO, is to get some work experience through a temp agency and possibly through volunteering before you approach potential employers directly. And/or, try to get at least an associate's degree if you can.

Good luck to you!

[TNGal78]

It's a tough time right now. Feeling like....did I make a mistake staying at home ?!

I do work for myself (have to be careful what I say on the board) for the past 2 years and have retail experience from college /child care experience from college but that is not the type of job I am looking for.


My husband makes decent money, but now it's just not enough since we have 2 kids with growing needs and prices on everything keep going up, but dh's salary is not ! I bet many are in the same boat rowing along with me.

[jabogitlu]

I'm sure they are, and I'm sure I'll be there in a few years. Good luck to you on your hunt, TN Gal. I don't know if you mentioned, but in what area(s) are you looking for work? Take any networking opportunity you can, including the fine folks on this board! I bet more than one job has been filled due to someone knowing someone on City-Data.

[mbmouse]

Originally Posted by jabogitlu

I'm sure they are, and I'm sure I'll be there in a few years. Good luck to you on your hunt, TN Gal. I don't know if you mentioned, but in what area(s) are you looking for work? Take any networking opportunity you can, including the fine folks on this board! I bet more than one job has been filled due to someone knowing someone on City-Data.

Very true! Actualy if you want to work nights and weekends, I actualy know of one.