<p>I feel your pain PA Mom. I just read something that compared returning to the job search to dating again after divorce. Everything has changed!</p>
<p>I have applied via email for 3 jobs, but have not heard anything back. Still tweaking the resume. I am employed part time, but feel the need to find a full time job. Good luck to all.</p>
<p>I have an update- I have an interview tomorrow!!</p>
<p>It is for a part-time job that is not in my field, but something I felt would be rewarding. It pays pretty well for part-time and is for a non-profit which makes me feel good. I hope I do well at the interview!
One of the things that qualified me for the position was a part-time job I had teaching pre-school when my kids were little. That was enough for my Bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field to meet the requirements, so I guess it’s true that the volunteering and part-time jobs can help.
I will keep you updated!
Good luck to all of the others trying to get back out there. If this doesn’t work out at least I am encouraged that my resume isn’t just being tossed.</p>
<p>Good luck on your interview - that is exciting news! Let us know how it goes.</p>
<p>The good news is I was offered the job at the end of the interview. The bad news is that I am going to have to decline. After hearing more about the job responsibilities I decided that it isn’t the right position for me…I hope I am as successful when the position is a better “fit”. </p>
<p>Oh, well, I’ll have to keep looking. Thanks for the good luck wishes and make sure you come back and update your searches as well!!</p>
<p>PAMom and others, I can relate. I’m looking too. </p>
<p>Have you considered the 2010 Census? It’s short term (about 10 weeks or so), but the hours are flexible and the pay is good ($18/hr where we live). Plus, it would be something to put on a resume- I do NOT think it will be easy to get a spot here, but I’m going to try. It took almost three weeks just to get through to sign up for the exam! I was one of only three women at that particular sitting. Most of the other test takers were men who looked to be in their 50’s and early 60’s. I told H that they looked like they’d taken early retirement, then thought the better of it when the economy tanked.</p>
<p>PA Mom, be very careful declining job offers if you are on unemployment. In our state, the rule is that one can not decline a reasonable job offer and keep collecting unemployment benefits. When I was briefly unemployed, I blew one of my interviews on purpose because I knew about 10 minutes into the interview that the place would stink. Good luck to you!</p>
<p>LOL - thanks for the warning but my last job was 15 years ago! No unemployment here. </p>
<p>I do hate to turn down an offer, but I am just not sure that I could handle the commitment this job requires. (emotionally and schedule wise) My husband gets 5 weeks of vacation so any job that is very inflexible in scheduling is going to be an issue I’m sure. </p>
<p>I am considering temp work because it will allow me more flexibilty.</p>
<p>Oops, my bad! I bet you you did not miss much during those 15 years - the rat race is still the same, LOL! Again, good luck, and let us know how it goes!</p>
<p>So I spoke with a friend who holds the same position I was offered and she assured me that I would be fine with it , so…I am accepting the job!</p>
<p>I think I just was a little freaked out because I haven’t worked in so long. My husband is happy for the extra income to help with the college costs and hopefully I will enjoy being “out there” again. </p>
<p>Thanks for the support and good luck to all of the job seekers!</p>
<p>Congratulations and best wishes to you!</p>
<p>Congrats and good luck!</p>
<p>I stayed home for several years. When I went job hunting I only included my prior work experience in my profession. I was however very open about the fact that I was home with kids during that time. I didn’t make a big deal out of it, just acted very matter-of-fact. I found people were fine with it. I will mention here that I was a manager before my “time off” and I went back at on a staff level ( I didn’t want the headaches of management again anyway). I found a full time job, however after several months I realized more and more that it wasn’t a good “fit”. So I quit and went looking for a new job, part-time this time. I found a great job on “Craigslist” ( per a friend’s suggestion). Again, I was very matter-of-fact about my time at home and even used some of my volunteer experiences to answer interview questions. Hope this is helpful and good luck!</p>
<p>The moms in MyWorkButterfly.com are for moms of all ages - young moms or older moms. Yes there is a job board with many jobs (paid and volunteer roles). Membership is free.</p>
<p>I was out of the workforce for 19-1/2 years (although I worked 3 days a week as noon attendant at the kids’ elementary for 8 years & as a substitute teacher for 5 years). It took me a year to land a full time job - although I should say that I live in a very economically depressed state. I finally got a job last September. The pay is not so hot, believe me - but it’s a job, and I hope to eventually move forward as I gain more “new” experience. </p>
<p>The process of getting a job after so many years was very difficult, and I am starting over again in terms of a career. In fact, it’s a bit humbling to go from being in charge of everything (I was an avid volunteer!) to being a peon. But I am pleased to be working.</p>
<p>Good luck to those of you getting back into the workforce. :)</p>