The Pongo Blog
Job Seeker Q&A: Mom Looks for a Part-Time Career
November 19, 2009 (1:00PM) by Traci
Traci (pictured with her children) is a 32-year-old mother who lives in Massachusetts. She was laid off a year ago from her full-time job as a senior administrative assistant. Since then, she's been looking for a new, part-time role that involves about 20 hours per week, preferably during "mother's hours" (9am-2pm). Despite keeping up a regular job search schedule, she says she has yet to land any interviews. We asked Traci to tell us how she's been handling unemployment.
PONGO: There are plenty of obvious disadvantages, but have you found any advantages to being out of work?
TRACI: The one good thing about not working is being a full-time mom. For many years, I juggled a job plus trying to be a good mom. I think at times I put my work before my child because of how dedicated I was to my job. But in the end, it didn't matter how many years I worked at the company or the dedication because it came down to budget. I was a little bitter about getting laid off, but it is just a job.
PONGO: What's been the most productive day, in terms of your job search?
TRACI: I get excited on the days when I have a chance to submit my resume for a job that actually fits what I'm looking to do. My main goal is to have a career, as well as be a mom. Sometimes that seems impossible.
PONGO: And what's been the hardest day in your job search?
TRACI: My hardest day is when I open the paper or look online and can't find any job postings that I'd be interested in. I feel at times that I will never get the right job that works for me and my family. I worked for 12 years full time while raising two infants; that is not what I plan on doing again.
PONGO: In addition to your job search efforts, how do you fill your days now?
TRACI: I've been volunteering at my children's school and spending time with my elderly grandparents. I have an amazing family that is healthy and happy, and that is the most important thing in life. A job can be replaced but spending time with your children and family cannot. So in a way, this turned out to be a good thing.
RELATED LINKS
One Woman's Layoff Yields a Needed Reminder
Jobless? Somtimes You Gotta Leggo Your Ego
Survival Tips for Moms Returning to Work
You said, "I feel at times that I will never get the right job that works for me and my family."
Does that perfect job really exist?? Most families with 2 working parents struggle to balance work/life. Once you find something that you want to do the rest will fall into place. Good luck!
Posted by: Amy | November 20, 2009 at 9:09 AM | Quote This Comment
Traci:
I know how you feel. I too was laid off work last April, 2009. I've tried everything from employment agencys, to looking in the paper, and on the internet. So far no job yet. I'm hanging in there, as I'm sure you are too. Good luck.
Posted by: Sue | November 20, 2009 at 8:37 PM | Quote This Comment
Like you said family, health, spending quality time with the your love ones is family that is an important main factor in any ones life................But being laid off going on 2yrs has been hard for me at times searching for that right job!! I sometimes tell myself will that day ever come when that prefect job approaches I am still waiting and searching in all areas.
Posted by: Olga | November 20, 2009 at 8:57 PM | Quote This Comment
Try going to a job posting site that will let you check those positions you might be qualified for but are not presently available-sometimes they will email you when the jobs become available. For instance, I'm on a Insurance job website that will notify me when something comes up that is within my job criteria. I've had one or two interviews but nothing yet. Lawyer. Workers' Comp. In a State w/ high unemployment. I know how it feels. I have started to do some cases on my own and feel lucky that I can get some income from that even though self-employment has some costs.
Posted by: Christine | November 20, 2009 at 9:58 PM | Quote This Comment
You keep on trying Tracy, when the time is right, you'll get that job. Family , kids, grow up to fast and you dont want to miss that! I've been looking for a job for about a year and I even went back to school and now im looking again! Just gotta have faith!
Posted by: Margaret Alcala | November 20, 2009 at 10:00 PM | Quote This Comment