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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 stronger but I do miss working full time and putting my self to work. I have been for the past few months 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 just few 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. Your recruiter was probably right and "had the nerve" to tell you the truth, in the short term. You need to re- establish yourself. Many people will volunteer for a period just to secure a paid position. You were lucky to have been offered a paid position. If you don't like this answer there is only one other:- Lie, lie, lie and then lie some more. Would you hire you?
2. If you want to jump into job market right away, you might have to accept this offer. However, I have the same situation where I took a very low pay job after I just was being a full-time mom for a year. I stayed with that job for three years, with unhappiness and low self esteem, and finally I quit. Which city do you live? some places have very low mobility, it took forever to find a job. That has to take into consideration too. However, I wonder I should take a little bit longer time to find a suitable job with reasonable pay at that time, then I did not have to waste my three-years. try ' jobster.com' or '4jobs.com, they are free meta job search engines, then you don't have to search all job sites. these sites will pull all available jobs in one spot for you. Best luck to you.
3. I sympathize with your situation, but unfortunately, what laotzu4272 has answered is true. Once you're off the market for a while, employers do tend to think there's "something wrong" with you. I have been home raising my kids for 18 years and I am settling for finding a reasonably paid temporary clerical job...and even that is very hard to find. I did do a lot of volunteer work during that time but employers seem to think that doesn't really count. However, I do support your decision to stay home with your daughter and build your relationship with her, it will help her in the long run, and a few years down the road, you won't be wishing you had spent more time with her during her childhood. I think you just have to keep at it and don't allow them to drag you down. Settle for a "good enough" job for right now if you have to, then you can update your resume and go from there. Best wishes to you, I hope you find your dream job.
4. ,Just realize that your life is your own and tell them that and tell them to shove thier job up thier Kyber Pass I know someone who works in retail and they get Half an hour off if they get a customer to take a store credit card WHAT AN INSULT TO ONES INTELLIGENCE . its like saying we are giving you a bit of your life back Incidentally Its John Lewis store in England It seems like an American Idea do you write from America?
5. A good way to explore the job market after a break is to take some temporary work. Many employers will bring on temporary workers with the intent to "try before they buy". This could show a potential employer your "worth" and increase your earning capability. Unfortunately it is difficult to jump right back in at the level where you left off. Most employers consider your skills to be stale and aren't willing to go all out with salary. Once you prove yourself you will be able to improve your situation. Best of luck.
6. Don't sell yourself short. If you think you are more than what is offered to you, don't accept the job just because you need one. I know jobs, specially for women, are far and few but it doesn't mean that you jump at the first offer even if it isn't to your liking or the position is below par. Just keep on checking in the ads, in the internet, there will be one just right for you. Don't despair.
7. I think the problem is the job market. If you have a solid background don't worry too much about the time off. It takes time to find a job that you really want, so hang in there unless you really need the money. I have some friends who have worked with recruiters and the offers have been less than previously discussed. They are just trying to get people to interview for jobs that nobody else really wants, so they lie. Your recruiter gets paid for filling these positions and may have his/her own best interest in mind.