Checking In to a different role: My Journey Back to the Workforce

Checking In to a different role: My Journey Back to the Workforce

For 14 years, my title was "Stay-at-Home Wife and Mom." It was a role I embraced day in and day out by taking care of a house, two daughters, three dogs, a husband, and endless laundry. My days revolved around the rhythm of my children’s lives and my husband's 60-hour work week, and while there was immense joy and fulfillment, there was also a part of me that wondered what else was out there.

Then, the whisper grew louder. As my kids became more independent, I started to feel a stir, a desire to re-engage with a different kind of challenge. The thought of entering the workforce after so long was daunting, to say the least. What skills did I even have anymore? Would anyone hire me?

Finding My Unexpected Passion

I decided to dip my toes in, and quite unexpectedly, I landed a job as a Front Desk Guest Service Agent at a hotel. And to my surprise, I fell in love.

Suddenly, I was using skills I didn't even realize I’d honed over years of managing a household: problem-solving, juggling multiple tasks, communicating with diverse personalities, and anticipating needs. The hotel environment, with its constant flow of new faces and unique situations, energized me in a way I hadn't felt in years. Each check-in, every guest interaction, every moment of helping someone have a positive experience felt incredibly rewarding. It wasn't just a job; it was a place where I could genuinely connect with people and make a tangible difference in their day.

The Juggling Act and the Path to Fulfillment

It hasn't been easy, I won't lie. Juggling work, family life, and pursuing a degree (I forgot to mention, I decided to go back to college) has been a testament to careful planning and a lot of late nights. But the effort has been worth it. I'm one semester away from completing my Business Management degree, a goal I once thought was entirely out of reach. Going back to college has been tough, but I have loved every moment of it.

This journey has been about more than just a paycheck or a degree. It's been about rediscovering parts of myself that were dormant, finding a new sense of purpose, and realizing that it’s never too late to pursue what makes you feel alive. For so long, my fulfillment came solely from my family, and while that love is unwavering, I now understand the satisfaction that comes from contributing in a different way, from building something for myself.

If you’re a Gen-Xer who’s been out of the workforce, or even if you’re just contemplating a change, I want to tell you this: your experiences, no matter how seemingly unrelated, have equipped you with invaluable skills. The world is waiting for what you have to offer. 

Have you made a significant career change later in life? Share your story in the comments below!