How in the hell do you get back into the workforce after being a SAHM for 14 years. Prior to having kids I worked in Admin. No formally qualifications, just worked my way up from a 16 year old. I have been actively looking for a job, any job, for the past 2 years and it is doing my head in. I have pounded the pavement dropping resumes into shops and businesses. I have applied for everything that comes up online (seek, Indeed, Gumtree). I have contacted agencies only to be told that they can't help as their clients prefer candidates who haven't been out of the workforce for more than 2 years. I have even resorted to cold calling businesses which has be fruitless. I have applied for jobs in admin, retail, cleaning, housekeeping, call centres and can't even get an interview. I have had my resume re-worked a couple of times but it hasn't achieved anything, probably because apart from some volunteer work at school I haven't worked since 2004. I even tried to startup my own business a few years ago but with no money to invest in it went no where. Study is out of the question as we just can't afford it (can't even afford to scrape the money together to do a TAFE course). The cost of living is killing us right now, and we have no debt. I was rejected for Uni 3 years ago after spending 6 months doing a bridging course so I am obviously not cut out to study anyway. I just want to work. Not only do we need the money but I need the social interaction. I am now starting to wonder if I will ever work again and being in my late 40's that is a huge concern. If anyone has any advice I would appreciate it.
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Look up your local volunteering website, it is not just feeding the homeless, I was surprised, there are admin, marketing, book keeping jobs. This will give you some recent experience for the temp agencies and temp work most often leads to permanent work. You will also be out and about, making contacts within the community and gaining some confidence. These things can always lead to jobs. Good luck, I know how hard it is, especially if you are in a regional area, I am in Cairns and unemployment is so high. It also easier to get a job when you have one, not fair I know.
Yep, have tried to get volunteer work but as I live in a regional area most of the organisations only accept volunteers who are part of the work for the dole program. Those that don't just add your name to a waitlist and say they will call when something becomes available.