Jobs & Education5 mins ago
Lone parents trying to get back to work
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For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.I sympathise with you. One of the problems of spending any amount of time out of the work place is that you lose the ability to be able to compete on a level playing field. Not because of anything you do, but because demands on employees skills and abilities change and those in work keep pace, those outside looking in, don't. When you apply for a job you find that the skills and competancies you had 12 months ago are not quite enough to give you the edge you once had.
Of course this has an effect to a greater or lesser degree depending on the industry you work in. Working in low skilled service industries I would suspect that you could get a job easily but I guess your looking for more than just shop work or waiting tables and the like.
The way to regain the edge you need is to try and keep abreast of developments and "new thinking" within your chosen sector. Buy the trade magazines and journals and if possible talk to people working in the industry. It's not fool proof but you may be surprised how a little "new" knowledge goes a long way.
Not sure where you're based, but there's a great website for women wanting to get back into the workplace after taking time out - most of the jobs cater for mums too (e.g. flexible working hours, etc.).
http://www.womenlikeus.org.uk/http://www.women likeus.org.uk/
Sorry, I'm assuming you're a mum, rather than a dad!
And don't feel like a nobody - you're doing the most important job in the world (and this from a non-mum!).
Hope this helps!
I worked as a baker before I had kids so when I wanted to go back to work the hours did not suit anymore. You dont say if you are still married or not.I went to see the Lone Parent Advisor at the job centre and she advised me to retrain and take NVQ Business Admin. With this qualification you are put on a placement. I passed the NVQ and they were so impressed with me that the company I was on placement with gave me a full time job. I have since gone from strength to strength and now have a very well paid job.
Hope this helps, good luck