Christy Cordero
Speech Language Pathologist, Los Angeles Unified School District
12 year career break
"I basically finished my master's program at California State University Sacramento with a baby on my hip. I worked only one year in my field, Speech Language Pathology, before becoming pregnant with my second child. After his birth, I stayed home for 12 years during which time I had a third child.
When I was ready to go back to work, I found out that I first needed to take an exam to reinstate my licenses (both national and state) as well as complete 30 hours of continuing education units. I passed the exam in July 2010, then connected with iRelaunch through an online search for books on "moms going back to work." I bought the book, Back on the Career Track, and immediately signed up for a Virtual Relaunch Coaching Circle. As part of the Circle ‘assignments,' I completed my resume, my major goal for participating. I posted it on the American Speech and Hearing Association website and that afternoon received six phone calls about job openings.
My first day back to work was November 1, 2010. I started full-time with full benefits, though scaled back shortly thereafter because it was just too much to balance, especially with two teenagers and a 7-month-old baby. Now I work four days a week for a private company that contracts speech language pathologists to the Los Angeles Unified School District. It's wonderful because I have summers, Thanksgiving week, three weeks at Christmas, Spring Break, and all school holidays off. Also, I am home by late afternoon and don't work on weekends, which is nice for my family--and for my own balance."
Background: Other, Education and Training Industry
Relaunch Connection: Relaunch Circles
Key Job Search Factor: iRelaunch Program