Gap in employment matter?

Published

I worked 2 years as a RN prior to having my first child. Now she is a boob fiend who still refuses to take a bottle. I ended up quitting my job to be a stay at home mom. Original plan was to return to the work field after she weans for good at 1 years old or so. But I’ve been wanting to stay at home with her more and more. How hard would it be for me to find a job if I had an employment gap of say…2 years?

I LOVE being a a nurse. But I also love being a mom. I’ve been struggling with this for weeks. A part of me hates feeling dependent on my husband for income. And I worry that it’s career suicide. But it’s such a blessing that I am even financially able to stay at home. Let me know your thoughts/experience. 

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology, ID, Hepatology, Occy Health.

I  had 2 years out of nursing, attending language school full time when I first came to France and then doing TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). I justified it is as quite simply wanting to try something different. Had no problem re-entering nursing.

Nurses are in such short supply everywhere, and it's not getting better, hence I can't see re-entry being a problem. You have a way better reason than me for your career break! 

Some parents can't wait to get back to work. Fair choice. And some mum's or dad's choose to be stay at home parents. Fair choice. It's whatever works for you.

When you're a couple you're a couple. My partner supported me though higher studies, and now I'm supporting him through non-activity/handicap. It isn't about who earns what. Your husband brings in the pennies; what you do at home is valid too.

Enjoy your baby and stop worrying!

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.

When my husband was home with our kids, my income was our income. I made it clear early on that he never had to ask me about spending money, buying anything, etc. There was no allowance and no "permission" needed. My job had a paycheck, his job didn't. And we were fortunate that we could afford to have one of us at home for a number of years for our kids. It worked for us, it doesn't work for everyone. Do what's best for you and your family. 

With the job market as it is these days, you may not be able to jump right in to your dream job after a gap, but you're most likely going to  find something. Although I've haven't been looking for a RN job recently so maybe someone with more recent experience will have a better answer for you. Good luck!

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in school nurse.

Does it have to be an all or nothing situation? How about finding something (very) part-time then working more as your family situation allows?

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Unfortunately, yes. She’s exclusively breastfed ? 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion