Career killer?
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I’d like opinions here. I’m considering resigning from my current programming position and taking about 5 years off to take care of my kid during the day (my wife would work full time). I’m in my early 40’s and I have ~6 years of solid VB6 and C# experience. Now, I know I could and will spend 20+ hours per week keeping my skills sharp and current, but I fear that when I re-enter the workforce (in Northern California) I’ll find that no employer will be interested in me. Has anyone experienced this? Any thoughts? David Dave
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I’d like opinions here. I’m considering resigning from my current programming position and taking about 5 years off to take care of my kid during the day (my wife would work full time). I’m in my early 40’s and I have ~6 years of solid VB6 and C# experience. Now, I know I could and will spend 20+ hours per week keeping my skills sharp and current, but I fear that when I re-enter the workforce (in Northern California) I’ll find that no employer will be interested in me. Has anyone experienced this? Any thoughts? David Dave
here in Belgium it would be extremely difficult, and I mean EXTREMELY difficult, when trying to find work when you're 45-50 years old and didn't work 5 or 6 years. I'd suggest you continue working, but maybe parttime. When you'd like to go back full-time you can always ask that current company to hire you full-time, if not you always have the experience the find a full-time job again. Hope it makes some sense... Good luck. No hurries, no worries.
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I’d like opinions here. I’m considering resigning from my current programming position and taking about 5 years off to take care of my kid during the day (my wife would work full time). I’m in my early 40’s and I have ~6 years of solid VB6 and C# experience. Now, I know I could and will spend 20+ hours per week keeping my skills sharp and current, but I fear that when I re-enter the workforce (in Northern California) I’ll find that no employer will be interested in me. Has anyone experienced this? Any thoughts? David Dave
David, I am an embedded systems programmer, age 46. I took off for three years to take care of my daughter. I'm back at work now but the first question every interviewer wanted answered: "Why is there a three year gap in my resume?" My explanation was not well received from most. They worry I will do it again. Bad enough they have the problem with women. Having said that (they are correct) I would do it again; it was a good choice for us. I did keep my skills up during the three years with small project independent contracting on the side but nothing keeps you up to speed like full time work. Kids wear you down and any significant study time is hard to find. Maybe different for you situation. Regards, David
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I’d like opinions here. I’m considering resigning from my current programming position and taking about 5 years off to take care of my kid during the day (my wife would work full time). I’m in my early 40’s and I have ~6 years of solid VB6 and C# experience. Now, I know I could and will spend 20+ hours per week keeping my skills sharp and current, but I fear that when I re-enter the workforce (in Northern California) I’ll find that no employer will be interested in me. Has anyone experienced this? Any thoughts? David Dave
One option could be to start your own business doing consulting work on a part time basis. Especially if you already plan to spend "20+ hours per week" keeping your skills sharp. From the info you posted here, it seems this could benefit you in at least two ways. 1) You won't have the dreaded 'Resume Gap'. In fact, it would probably help build it. 2) You will retain your skills, and more than likely build new ones as an independent consultant. And who knows. Maybe you'll really enjoy the freedoms you find working for your self, and will continue doing it for many years to come. Levi Rosol Blog By Levi[^]