Those Who Took Time Off Work to Be SAHM...

How difficult was it to get a job again after leaving the workforce for 4-5 years? And what field are you in?

I'm wrestling with the idea of taking 4 or 5 years from work and then going back again when the kids are in school.

Thanks!

Re: Those Who Took Time Off Work to Be SAHM...

I don't have any experience first hand but The View had a guest on last week or the week before and she spoke about this topic. Carmen Wong Ulrich from CNBC. She said that it depended on your age. Basically what she found is that 26 was the cut-off...if you were 26 and under you're basically penalized for leaving the work force, if you are older than 26 and defintiely if you have children in your 30's you aren't as penalized.

Re: Those Who Took Time Off Work to Be SAHM...

I think it also depends on how unique your qualifications are, and the job market for your field. I finished my doctorate so that I would have an additional credential to compete with others if I got to take time off (which I did not).

Re: Those Who Took Time Off Work to Be SAHM...

I'm not really sure, but I gather it would depend on the field your in. I am in Engineering. I was home for 5+ years with my 2 kids. I gradually started picking up some more hours last year when I had both in school. I am still very PT, less than 15 hours a week.

However, while I was a SAHM for that time, I still had to keep current in my line of work since I am licensed in NY to practice. So I never really left, which was a HUGE help in adjusting back in after 5 years. I will probably never got back FT, the flexibility I have with my company and working PT is a really great.