Back to Work After 11 Years

**Minner77** · 01-08-2006, 12:44 AM

I started back to work this week after 11 years of being a SAHM. Of course, working 50 min a day really isn't much..... but it's a foot in the door!

I'm teaching two classes -- Basic Writing and Technical Writing -- at the local technical college. I'm quite excited at the opportunity, as I only have my bachelor's. The thing is, my degree is in business, although my passion is for writing. I'd much prefer to work as a writer, and most of my career was spent writing (because once your bosses learn you can write, you're the designated writer!), but as my resume says "B.S., Business Administration," the preliminary screeners always discarded it before a communications department could get to look at it. This was confirmed by a good friend who was the manager of the comm department at a huge corporation for which I worked long ago. She knew I was a good writer and would have happily hired me, but said she would have NEVER seen my resume, as the company was so large that HR screened resumes solely on the basis of degrees.

Anyway, I'll work more than that 50 minutes each day as I'll have office hours to keep and many papers to correct. I'm just thrilled to have been given the opportunity (I stumbled into it -- I can talk my way into just about anything!), and hope they like my work enough to invite me back for more. Too, it's nice to finally be bringing in at least a few extra dollars.

Tell ya what -- these students are sure a lot nicer than the corporate executives I'm used to working with!

Kindest regards,
Mary

**SHOPGIRL** · 01-08-2006, 12:46 AM

Congratulations! Good luck

**Pepper** · 01-08-2006, 02:06 AM

Good for you Mary!!

**Michelle** · 01-08-2006, 08:42 AM

Mary!

I just got a PT job too after 7 years out of the workforce.

**dwallyfam** · 01-08-2006, 08:48 AM

Alright Mary way to go

Kellie

**webjoba** · 01-08-2006, 12:55 PM

Good for you Mary.

And you are so right about the resumes. I am an ex-HR person and unless that resume has the exact degree and exact experience it wouldn't get consideration. Too many resumes come in for every job.

Now - I am on the opposite side of the fence since I am unemployed.

I have a bachelors in Internet Technology (which is pretty useless right now!), background in recruitment, HR, administration, real estate and user experience management AND I want to work in the human services field. Nobody will hire me and thats when I am applying for jobs at a third of my last salary.

Very disheartening, but sounds like you are making a breakthrough with your teaching.

Congratulations

**Mom23boys** · 01-08-2006, 01:30 PM

Congratulations Mary! It sounds like something you are going to enjoy.

**Minner77** · 01-08-2006, 02:31 PM

Thanks, everyone! I really am excited!

WTG, Miss Michelle! Good luck to you, too!

And Joanne -- I suggest you try a functional resume. Really play up every last accomplisment you've had in the HR arena, especially any and every success you've had in saving money. My favorite layout for a resume (and I've done dozens and dozens for people), and one that's highly approved of by my VP-of-huge-corporation friends, is to list your "Professional Qualifications" at the very top -- summarize in bullet form. This gives the reviewer a chance to see at a glance your expertise before his or her eyes take that flying trip to the end to see your education.

If you'd like, PM me, and I'll send you one I've done that was well-received. (Hey, when I quit doing them, I was batting 1000!)

Blessings,
Mary

(P.S. I just realized that now that I've mentioned I'm a writer who teaches writing, you will all be scrutinizing my posts! Please let me make a typo or two.... please???

)

**Darlene** · 01-08-2006, 02:54 PM

Don't have to worry about me sending the word police after you. Just wanted to add my congratulations to the bunch and my wishes that it leads to more opportunities for you to enjoy.