Mom Finds Remote Job After Eight-Year Career Gap

The career trajectory of this success story might be familiar to many working parents. Our subject took time off to raise a family, and then grappled with how to explain a significant career gap to potential employers. Fortunately, her issues are ones that can be overcome with a focused and vigilant job search strategy.

When she decided to return to work after taking significant time off to raise a family, Sarah S. had very specific job goals in mind. At the top of her wish list as she searched for flexible jobs was a position that offered opportunities for balanced work-life integration. Despite her long career gap, Sarah found a job that’s a great fit for her as a customer service representative with Magoosh, a Berkeley, California-based company that offers test-preparation services for people taking the SAT, GRE, and other standardized tests.

Deciding to Return to Work After Time Off

In response to questions from FlexJobs, Sarah gave us a bit of her background. “I have been out of the job market for 8-plus years to raise our children, and the idea of returning to work was daunting and intimidating,” Sarah wrote. Even though she was committed to resuming her career, Sarah was intent on finding a job that allowed her to continue to be there for her family. “I had the ‘idea’ to work virtually so I could help earn income for my family, and still continue to care for my children,” Sarah wrote.

Initially, Sarah didn’t find much that met her criteria. “I was quickly discouraged that nothing like that existed out there,” Sarah told us. “The job postings on other career websites seemed sketchy and untrustworthy.”

After becoming a FlexJobs member, Sarah turned to the issue of being out of the workforce for more than eight years. “The application process was grueling since I had a large gap in my resume,” Sarah wrote. “But again, I read article after article on how to craft my resume to get a company to notice me after so long.”

Here’s where Sarah’s persistence began to pay off, as she learned about how to fill gaps on a resume. “After two months of consistent searching and applying, I was hired by a TOTALLY AWESOME company, Magoosh,” Sarah said. “The match between employer and employee couldn’t be more perfect.”

Inspiration for Other Job Seekers

Sarah’s job offers just the work-life balance she sought. “I hoped to find a customer service position that was 100 percent email-based. Check!” she wrote. “I love the people I work and interact with! I can set my own hours, so I can continue to be home for my children… I couldn’t be happier. I’m stunned and thrilled at the same time that I have such flexibility, my dream job if you will, and I owe it all to FlexJobs.”

Now that she’s found a job that meets her needs, Sarah is intent on helping others meet their career goals. “I’ve been telling my friends about my position and how I got it,” Sarah said. “My sister already signed up for FlexJobs, and my other friends are considering it as well.”