Over the past couple of months, I have had several conversations with women in their mid-forties who want to get back into the workforce. They spent 10-15 years raising their kids full time. Their employment record is spotty with some short periods of work or with traditional mom jobs, such as real estate. They want to get back into the workforce, not so much because of economic necessity, but because they need intellectual challenge and hope to make a difference in the world.

Despite the fact that these women were highly educated from elite colleges and had been leaders in their communities for years, they were unable to find work. Their experience leading the PTA was not respected. Their former professions were no longer viable careers; nobody is finding work in journalism these days. They weren't taken seriously by potential employers, because of their age and the gaps on the resume. 

What should they do? 

These women represent a whole of social capital that is being squandered. They are still extremely intelligent and energetic people; raising kids doesn't make you dumber, although sometimes it feels like it does. It isn't productive to just tell these women, "tough luck."

When someone presents you with a series of bad choices, then you have to create a completely different option. If the current economic climate is inhospitable to women, then you have to be entrepreneurial. The Internet is the ultimate arena for entrepreneurs. Take something that you are passionate about and write about it. A lot. Make it your full time job. Network with others online. Develop an expertise on a particular topic and showcase your expertise on a blog or a website.

The blog or the website might not be the end goal and probably won't lead to much money, but it might lead to other positive outcomes. It could bring potential employers to you. It could raise awareness or donations for causes that are important to you. If you spend six or seven hours a day, writing and reading about a particular topic, you are going to build up an expertise. If you're really good, you'll end up interacting with other people who feel passionately about your passion. And the Internet doesn't give a shit about your age or the gaps on your resume.