What Do I Do When I Go Back to Work?

I have not tried it, but I heard a recommendation for the Campbell Interest and Skills Survey, which you can check out online if you google it. There is a fee for it, but it is supposed to help you see which types of careers you would fit into and how. As an aside, I know how you are feeling about returning to work. I worked as a teacher but then stayed home quite a long time with my boys. When I was getting back into work I did not want so much of a demanding job, so I have just been sub teaching. I think you are on the right track not wanting to jump back into the full three ring circus right now. I love the fact that I can work but still have flexibility and can spend the time with my family and be there for my boys. It will pay off for you to take this time to look and choose carefully. Good luck to you!

Something to keep in mind too. I know it is scary but self employment is not a bad option. Especially in this day and age. I quit my job and started my own business six years ago. I work my own schedule now, which is great for my son. The benefits that used to exist with a large company are really not there any longer: no job security, less benefits, long hours. The benefits of being self employed really outweigh the risks, for people who are self starters and motivated to succeed. I have grown my business every year. I now sell franchises of what I developed (not that you want to go that route, I can tell you about it if you want to know). My point is for the right people self employment is a great option!

Check with a temp agency. Maybe they can give you a few different jobs and you can see what you like, with out the obligation. Also, they do training with the new systems since 11 years is a long time.

FYI-I work for a big company, and I have been here for 13 years. It is not what it used to be 10-11 years ago. A lot has changed and not necessarily for the better.

My husband is in IT. IT is crazy. With 4 boys, you surely don't want that craziness.

How about teaching computers?

I'd get a book on careers --just do a search at Amazon. There are some amazing books out there (I have a PhD and left academia, so the only books I'm familiar with are specific to leaving academia.)

I would head to the library and check out a couple of books - who moved my cheese, and what color is my parachute and check out other books about figuring out what to do with your career. I would also maybe talk to a counselor - just to talk about where your life is at, what's important to you and what direction you feel yourself going. You might also just look through monster.com to see different job titles and get ideas. Maybe look through a local college catalogue - not that you want to go back to school but just to get ideas of what direction you might head. Good luck!

I'll be you would enjoy working in school libraries or in school computer labs. You may not make amazing money to start but since you have time you might research where you could still be around after school and available for the now five year old.