DEAR HARRIETTE: At 36, after I've spent 10 years as a devoted housewife and raising our three boys, my husband's recent job loss due to health-related issues has brought us to a crossroads: How can I return to work? I had a thriving career before deciding to focus on our family, but the thought of reentering the workforce after such a long break is daunting. I find myself questioning my skills and wondering how I'll fit into a rapidly changing job market. Despite feeling uncertain, my husband believes in my abilities and encourages me to consider working again.
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As I contemplate this decision, I wonder: How can I rebuild my confidence and transition back into a career? What steps can I take to update my skills and work on potential questions like explaining my career gap? I worked in marketing. -- Housewife With Career
DEAR HOUSEWIFE WITH CAREER: Put on your marketing hat and review your skills, especially those you have engaged during this 10-year period. Look to identify transferable skills, such as creative problem solving. Find examples of how you have navigated challenges with your children, their school or extracurriculars. Think of projects you may have taken on with the PTA or other organizations. Even if it was to help your school, what did you do? For example, at my daughter’s elementary school, I served as auctioneer at their fundraiser and raised a significant amount of money. I also created pop-up shops to raise money. Think of outside-the-box activities you spearheaded or participated in that point to your skills.
Look at jobs that celebrate young people. If you can find something that directly focuses on a target market you are deeply familiar with -- your children -- it can be easy to sell yourself. Keep trying. You have a unique experience. Present it so that others can see your value.