A lot of employers would like fluent Chiense speaker, their's a lot of trading companies in Switzerland, (Zurich & Zug) all busy aiming at the Chinese market be it for imports or exports.

Set up a focused translation company meaning work with banks or insurance or commerce, (Glencore, Xstrata, Transammonia, Nestle, the Pharma compaines in Basel....) look at company websites, see who is doing business with China, ditto, read the financial papers.

With your skills and attitude i really shouldn't worry too much.

I have been looking for work for more then 18 months; and this is becoming an issue for my job search and me I fear; I have young kids too, and made the decision to spend my afternoons helping look after them, but since my wife doesn't work either... not sure the majority of employers see any work there [for me].
Also in your favour, a lot more women in the workplace, more so in your industry (retail) and a better understanding of the "real" work involved in looking after kids.

Well, time management and crisis management for starters. Perhaps in your household you handle all the financial affairs so you can add that to to the list. I am sure there is more.

Motherhood is a full time job and higher undervalued.

I think the biggest hurdle young mothers face when appyling for work is the question of what you are going to do when your child is sick and cannot go to daycare. Employers often ask this and you need to have a plan.

No, you are definitely not too old, merely lacking in confidence at the moment.

You could try what I did. I was a senior PA in London for many years before moving here and have found it impossible to get a job, mainly due to my lack of German. However, we are soon moving to Malta and I would like to have a part-time job, so I wrote cold to the leading estate agents on the island, explaining that I was inexperienced, but keen and efficient, and that many of my skills were transferable. I was immediately invited for an interview next week. There is no guarantee that I will get it but it is a move in the right direction and has given me a bit more confidence.

The first step is always the hardest. Good luck.

I think that your view is biased because your wife does not work and you believe that is the only right way. If this were a universal view, then surely the original poster would have been headhunted by now. Also, would not then employers state clearly in vacancy announcements that 'previous experience of staying at home with children is a must'?

I am sorry, but implying that working mothers are neither good workers nor good mothers is fallacious. Just like with any other job, staying at home with children does not automatically translate into effectiveness and ability to focus.

To the OP: You are not too old, you are young and educated and you have a fair chance. At this point you have to believe in this yourself and you have to present your case with honesty and enthusiasm so that you can assure your potential employers that you have sorted out your family life and are now seriously focusing on your professional career. Self-censure does not help. Go ahead, prepare applications for jobs where you think you have a fair chance of getting at least an interview and start from there. Good luck!

it is useful information for me, Thank you very much, Charlie R. Soles!!
I　ｗｏｕｌｄ　ｄｅｆｉｎｉｔｅｌｙ　ｓｔａｒｔ　ｓｅａｒｃｈ　ｏｎ　ｔｈａｔ　ｄｉｒｅｃ ｔｉｏｎ.

ｈａｖｅ　ａ　ｎｉｃｅ　ｄａｙ!

Ｌｉｖ

Dear Nicolaschulz,
thank you for your personal experience. it's true that i have lost of self-confidence when i face the job requirement on Internet and writing application letters.. because i am weak of many facts right now..but i would try to do something.

completely out of family life is kind of good start, i hope i can solve that. But as mother, there is always weakness of how to arrange the time for kids and job, perhaps has conflict..i need slowly handle that.
thank you for your suggestion!
Liv

Try also watches stores as Chinese are target customers for them now.

CV is a problem, you can be a problem only if you would loose job too often, but not before they even met you.


You can make him to think this way, putting this and other advised earlier here on your cover letter or resume.

After raising kids you will certainly have good negotiation skills, be an expert at dealing with difficult people and find multitasking a doddle.

Dear Sviz
Thank you for the advice of Watches stores.
I like Retail industry because i have studied that, but i have no work experience from practical point of view.

I will do my best to add some extra inforamtion on Resume.

Liv

Your skills as a Mother will have added a lot to you as a person.

Sit down and write a list of all the things you have to do. Some have already been mentioned in earlier posts.

Negotiation, planning, care, supervision, dedication, time management, financial management etc.
You should soon realise that this has made you a far more employable person. Don't skip this in your CV. Be proud of it.

While you are looking for employment, get involved in some activities. This could be a local club, voluntary work, training courses or whatever you prefer. This will show that you are filling your time usefully, get you into a work attitude instead of housewife attitude. You will meet new people who may have useful contacts to help you.

Good Luck.

Liv, this is not magic. It is about believing and marketing yourself.

I stopped work for 5 years when I had my little one. Eventually, I took a new job - for a bit of time, I was underpaid in regards of my experience and so - but that was quickly outgrown. I restarted work in the US, and was eventually hired here in CH as a local.

I am sure that it will work out Believe in yourself and put yourself out there.

Liv
give a try you never know,
until you try,go for it
i m certain you will find something great
take care.

My wife has started employment after many years of being a housewife. You may have to lower your sights, initially, but once you get back into the world of work, it's easier to find another job.