Full-time Mom Scared to Get Back into the Workforce

Updated on March 29, 2008
A.P. asks from Huntington Beach, CA
9 answers

I have been a stay-at-home mom and wife for almost 5 years now. My husband and I originally planned on me staying home until my daughter was in school full-time. Since I am in the middle of a divorce, I will have to start looking for a job very soon. I am scared. I have never worked to support myself and my child. I know everyone can do it. I want to keep the house I am in now which costs $2400 a month. I know that seems very materialistic but I am afraid if I have to sell....I may never have the opportunity to buy in Southern California again. I plan to get roommates to help cover the mortgage. I am educated. I have a Bachelors in Psychology. The unfortunate thing is that you need a masters to do anything that makes good money. (I really don't want to have to go back to college.) From being a stay-at-home mom for so long...I feel rather uneducated. I have all this anxiety just thinking about a future job. I never had a career. I just had jobs. What can you suggest to help me gain more confidence? Do you have any stories to share on how you made it work for yourself?

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi A.,

I am in the process of looking for people that would like to be wellness coaches. You can earn 500.00 to 2500.00 PT. I will teach you everything you need to know all you need it the will and desire.

Give me a call if you think this might interest you and I will go over all the details.

Stay strong

L. C
Personal Nutritionist
###-###-####

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.D.

answers from Las Vegas on

Unfortunatly in this town people with degrees dont make the money they are worth, its all about the service industry and that gets old believe me! I am a 28yr old wife and mother of 2 little ones and I had had some pretty great jobs here in Las Vegas from cocktailing to work at the Palms for over 2 1/2yrs and although the money was good, not being able to spend the time with my kids and be in control of my time got old really quickly! I now thankfully work for myself around my families schedule doing my Arbonne business and as a freelance makeup artist. Soon to be licensed as an aesthetician(skincare specialist), thankfully you dont have to be licensed anything to do Arbonne, our company has everyone from former SAHM's to Dr.'s, and coporate exec's who have used this opportunity to make a great living for themselves while maintaining their family life and dreams. Just a little bit about the company they are amazing skincare/wellness products that are safe for all ages and skintypes. Please visit my uplines website www.erinmartin.myarbonne.com to see the products and opportunity for yourself. If you feel like you would like to commit to a career for yourself, message me and I would love to share more with you about it or send you some information. Best of luck to you and your family, and God bless you. Contact me anytime.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.F.

answers from Los Angeles on

Sorry you are having to go through this.

But if you would be getting roomates, that is a sign that your house might be too big. How much would you get if you sold & downsized?

Finding work can be hard, and if you want to utilize your degree, you might have to go back to school, while working part-time.

You can always find receptionist work, the problem is that it doesn't pay a whole lot. But the up side, is being in your situation, you shouldn't have to pay for school.

You can always try a home based business, but unless you plan to work it full time, it would be hard to make the money you need to pay your bills.

I would sit down and make a budget and see what you would need extra money wise and then plan the best course form there.

Good luck!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

its ok to be nervous or scared.i went back to work when my little was 3 and it was a little scarey. it will get easier little by little then time will have gone by and you;ll remember the way you are feeling now and realize hey i'm doing this what was i so scared of....

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.C.

answers from San Francisco on

A. ~ I am in almost the same situation (minus the divorce - I am very sorry to hear that it didn't work out, but it sounds like it will be better this way). The 1st thing that came to mind when you said you had a psychology degree is, why couldn't you do some entry level counseling/psychologist work for someone or maybe even start a business of sort of your own. I don't know how much it would pay but it is a thought. Well I wish you good luck and know that everything will work out in the long run. Best Wishes, K.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.F.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi A.,

I have been in your shoes and went through the same feelings you are going through. Just remember these are normal feelings. I'm sure you know this being in the psychology field.:):)

Change can be scary, it's like the fear of the unknown.
You will get through this. You are educated and have a lot going for you. You may just not see it right now.:)

I work at home and wouldn't change it for the world. Feel free to contact me. Maybe we can brainstorm and figure out how you can stay home too.

One thing to ask yourself is what is your passion in life? If you could do, be or have anything and money and time were no object, what would it be? This might help you in deciding what you want in a career.

I've read a few books by Cheryl Richardson that I've really enjoyed.I also love Joel Olsteen's book - Your Best Life Now!

Blessings to YOU!
L.
____@____.com

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.D.

answers from Las Vegas on

Allison,
I just started back to work, myself. I am working as a substitute in the Clark County School District. Because of the teacher shortage, there are a lot of programs available to help people start teaching full time while getting licensed. They'll even pay for your education! It's not a bad way to get back to work and build some references.

I'm just subbing for now a few days a week. I'm planning to get my masters in a few years when my younger son is in school full time. You know, you might actually enjoy getting out into the world again. It's nice to not watch Blues Clues every day.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

I.P.

answers from Los Angeles on

A.,

I am a single parent that had to get back into the workforce due to a divorse and I had a couple of children that have not finished school. Being a stay home mom for years I finally found a perfect fit from home. Here is a link...see if it helps you> www.ireneperez.worldventures.biz when at this link click 1,2,3, DreamTrips.

If you have any questions e-mail me > ____@____.com
Good luck, I.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

First of all I applaud you for staying home with your child. You are not just a stay at home mom you have been so much more. You have been a doctor, a teacher, a taxi, an accountant, a housekeeper, a cook I could go on and on. So please do not put yourself down lift yourself up because your commitment to being a stay at home will benefit your child imensly now and forever. As far as the here and now and going back to work, evaluate what you love doing and go for it. Life is way to short to just get a job. Get a career that you you love. I am a licensed child care provider and have been for 15 years. I love what I am doing (I am investing in the future of Hummanity) Be true to yourself. God Bless

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches