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Almost12Years posted 8/13/2013 13:31 PM

I've been looking for a part-time position in my field (higher education) for the last few years now, with no luck. I have had a couple interviews which I thought went well, but I was not offered either position. (Because I am looking exclusively for part-time work, my job opportunities are much more limited and I know that but it's not something DH and I are willing to compromise on at this point.) I've been home full-time for 7 years now - my kids are in 2nd and 4th grade - and I am READY to get out of the house and put my education to use again!

As of now, I've got one application out for a job that I'd REALLY like, but I'm not getting my hopes up. I submitted it over a month ago, and it appears from their website that they're still reviewing applications - who knows how long it could take.

If that doesn't work out, I was going to see if it would be possible to volunteer at a local community college a couple days a week to get some more recent experience and get some more job contacts (the few that I have are from at least 7 years ago, and there are several I've not been able to locate.) This seems like a great idea to me, but is it really? Would it seem weird or somehow unprofessional to work without being paid?

If it is a good idea, how do I go about contacting someone about it - through email, phone or do I show up in person? Do I wait until I hear about the job application I have out before I start contacting anyone? The kids are officially back to school full force and I'm ready to get this going once and for all :)

Thoughts? Advice?

authenticnow posted 8/13/2013 18:28 PM

I don't know how helpful I will be but a few things came to mind.

Why not call and ask the status of your application to that job that you are waiting on?

Also, I work for a non-profit and whenever there's an opening at the agency, the position gets posted internally-to staff and volunteers-before it goes out to the public. So yes, I think volunteering where you want to work is a good idea. In fact, I'm interviewing somebody this week who volunteers for the program I coordinate for a paid position within the other program I coordinate.

Good luck!

fireproof posted 8/13/2013 21:30 PM

Honestly I would substitute teach. Take the positions open and see what happens. Especially those on leave.

Good luck!

Nature_Girl posted 8/13/2013 23:18 PM

I have been reduced to finding places to volunteer my services so I can claim recent work experience on my resume. It's humiliating.

sisoon posted 8/14/2013 13:16 PM

For workplace issues in general and job-finding help in particular, I recommend the Human Workplace (www.humanworkplace.com). Liz Ryan is the guru, and her approach is creative, intuitive, and effective.

There's a tremendous amount of free help there. My only connection with HW and Liz Ryan is as a consumer.