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How to establish credibility when I previously took a 1 year career break?

Hi I am a 34 year old professional female who decided to take a career break a year ago after having worked all my life. Last year I got married and (me and my hubby) decided that I should stay home with my 8 yr old daughter (from a previous marriage) and to give a shot at being a "homemaker". Being a homemaker has definitely made my relationship with my daughter a stronger one but I do miss working full time and putting my self to work. I have been for the past few week job hunting and I am under the impression that having taken this career break (which reflects on my Resume) has definitely close the doors to many opportunities out there. I have sent out Resumes and have answered mady Ads with no results. I even went to a Head-Hunting Company and got an interview with a famous Insurance Co. They offered me the job for much less than what we had previously discussed! My recruiter had the nerve to tell me to take it since I have been "off the market" for a while!!!!! Help!!!!

Public Comments

1. Keep looking. Don't give up or take a lower paying job just because you feel you "need" to. People take time off/out these days. The flipside is that employers want people they can count on to come in every day and stay at the job for long periods of time. Hiring somebody costs a lot of money, what with all the governmental compliance crapola they have to go through to put somebody on the job. If you really want to get back at them, start your own home-based business and never look back. Herbalife is the best one out there, bar none.
2. First of all, do not compromise. That recruiter is just trying to make a fee - they should be trying to secure you the best placement. Next, it is true that many companies do penalize women who take the "mommy track" instead of the "career track." However, companies are starting to learn that there is not an infinite supply of new employees out there, and surprise! some of them actually have personal lives. Try doing a search for family-friendly companies, women-owned businesses, etc., in your area. A year is not that big of a deal in terms of a career; I've interviewed many folks with similar gaps due to layoffs, having a child, etc. Calling it a "sabbatical" makes it sound more important than playing Hi, Ho Cherrie-O with your 8-year-old, but there is nothing wrong with the truth either. Good luck!