As you know I am in the midst of pursuing my artistic/money making ventures and looking for possible work. In the last three weeks I have put in probably 25 resumes. I was looking at my cover letter and resume last night - trying to see if I could jazz it up - and something occurred to me - To explain the gap in my employment, from when I left work until now, which is when I have been a SAHM.......I just have an excuse. It goes something like ' As you will see there is a slight gap in my employment history blah,blah,blah'.
I was thinking ( which is always an issue) being a mum is my greatest achievement and also the most difficult thing I have ever done in my life. Maybe I should detail it like I would any other position in my employment record. After all, I have learnt numerous skills and widened my knowledge base immensely during the last four years (I left work when I was pregnant as I worked in a high risk job and had a high risk pregnancy).
Maybe something like this.
Stay at home mother 2006 - current
* Hostage negotiator - successfully negotiated the return of car keys, iPhone, laptop and pet dog.
* Resident cook - I have the ability to cook a wide variety of meals for just one meal time and also the patience to wait out anyone from 3 years old to 35 years old if they wont eat their nutrient laden food.
* Financial wizard - I have the skills to stretch a budget as far as the eye can see as well as actually pay all bills without having money! Who knew?
* Zen master - I am calm in a crisis - including public tantrums, removing children from various barricaded situations, etc.
* Extreme work ethic - Because of my current position I have the ability to work 7 days a week, 365 days a year whilst only sleeping anywhere from 30 minutes to six hours per night.
* Rally Driver _ I posses the ability to drive for hours on end in a rural community in order to get said child to sleep.
* Conflict resolution - I posses the ability to solve conflict between a 3 year old and 35 year old as well as numerous other people. I am not concerned about race, religion, personal issues I have the ability (and the wine) to make them get along.
I don't mean to suggest that those who do not have children are any different to those who do. I am just starting to see that i did not spend the last four years in a fog of mushy food and bad nursery rhymes - I actually have used my skills and knowledge and definitely developed new ones.
There is a CEO position out there for me....don't you think?
6 comments:
For sure Katy! For sure! It is the worst paid job in history with the worst working conditions and longest hours and yet, the best job we've ever done. How does that work??? Hi from the Fibro!
I agree with Multiple Mum. You shouldn't be apologetic about 'having a gap'. Being a mum is certainly the hardest but most rewarding job I have ever had.
If I were a manager again (a position I held before kids), I would certainly look at a few resumes differently now that I know how adaptable, patient, organised ... SUPER ... mum's have to be.
Good luck with the job hunting. :)
Hi Katy
I came via The Fibro too. I love your skills list. Forget a CEO position - I think you could take over a small country!
Great post! Not sure where you're at with your job search now, but it's a mistake so many mums make to leave that gap without thinking of all the new skills they've acquired in their new mothering role. I particularly like conflict resolution and hostage negotiator!
Thanks for Rewinding at the Fibro this weekend. :-)
Just popping over from Weekend Rewind and love this post. I think there are so many things that being a mum is that is employable. And you for CEO? If you can have kids and survive? Definitely! Love your blog, by the way. So now I'm following ;) xx
I think it's great!
Love Hostage negotiator! ;)
Joining up with you through Weekend Rewind!
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