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I've been looking for work for a year. I am an expert at unsuccessfully looking for work. I am so sick of filling out job applications. I have had only a few job interviews. I feel totally unemployable. I'm in the age bracket where age discrimination is a fact of life. I haven't worked outside the home since 1999.

I have just cleared one major hurdle - finalizing the divorce.

Now I need to get a job. Or go to college, but I have no way of paying for college.

I'm scared.

(((Nature Girl)))

Fill out a FAFSA and see if you qualify for pell grants or other financial aid for college.

I have no advice about the job hunt. Sorry

[This message edited by abbycadabby at 2:14 PM, November 13th (Wednesday)]

Yeah, I was just looking at the local community college and see that there's a workshop tomorrow for scholarship applications. I think I should go!

Yeah, I was just looking at the local community college and see that there's a workshop tomorrow for scholarship applications. I think I should go!

Oh, absolutely go! There are a lot of resources, but you have to look for them. That is almost a job within itself, and the reason why so many don't do it. I teach at a college and see it all the time. Persistent is a VERY desirable attribute, and you have got it in abundance NG!

Hang in there. Job hunting is usually feast or famine, and when it hits you will probably be deciding which job offer to take!

Also, analyze the job market in your area. What kind of jobs are hot? Pay decent wages? Then you can look into college/degree programs to fit that market need.

((Nature_Girl))

Okay, I'm going to go! While I'm there I think I'll visit the Women's Resource Center. They were a Godsend to me last year as I walked around in a daze, trying to sort myself out post-separation. Got me into a great class this past winter for women like me, too. Now I need to just get myself sorted out again.

Ideal situation would be some kind of money bag falling from the sky so I could finish out my degree & launch myself into a new career. I'd like to not have to work while doing this so I could go 'pedal to the metal' and bang the degree out ASAP & get to work ASAP in a fulfilling career. So it needs to be a big money bag. From the sky.

Do it!

Procrastination is one of the biggest reasons why people don't reach their academic goals. I see THAT all the time to, and counsel students constantly to not let it become their enemy.

Use the same persistence and tenacity you used to get yourself through your D, and you will have that degree in no time at all!

Repeat after me: I can do this. I can do this. I CAN DO THIS!!

NG,

Sorry to hear your frustration... I have been through the same situation. Don't forget to network with absolutely everyone you know. Applications are a tough way to get a job sometimes, and a good word from someone who knows you to a possible employer can do the trick. I got a great job that I love by simply emailing the owner of the company I wanted to work for, told him his company was interesting to me and said I would like to briefly meet to find out more about it. He agreed and after he hired me said he was impressed by my no nonsense approach and earnestness. I had no real direct experience in this particular industry.

I can tell from your posts you have a great personality.... let it work for you to find a job!

Good luck!

[This message edited by coldshot at 4:31 PM, November 13th (Wednesday)]

I understand completely, I haven't worked outside the home since '89! I have no real retirement, I'm scared shitless.

Okay, I went to the workshop. Feel all energized again that a career change is possible. Will go back next week for placement testing and a meeting with the advisor to go over my transcripts & course plotting.

SOMETHING has to change. This looking for work gig isn't working out.

So as I was sitting there the instructor was talking about essay questions & trying to find an angle that would make for a compelling story, something to make your application stand out and possibly get you the scholarship. I had to bite my tongue & shift in my seat repeatedly to not burst out laughing as they mentioned examples of what might have been a challenge or obstacle, or something you learned about yourself, e.g., learning to drive a car, living on your own for the first time, learning another language, volunteering at a blood drive. Oh.My.Word.

[This message edited by Nature_Girl at 4:00 PM, November 14th (Thursday)]

NG my DH was very recently in your position.

Obviously not the SAHM part, but he'd lost his job after 10 years of service. He doesn't have a degree, but has over 20 years experience in his field.

After a year of putting in applications and very few interviews, he was extremely discouraged too. At 46yrs of age, DH went back to school and he LOVES it. He never saw himself as the studious type, but he's had maintained a perfect 4.0 since he started.

Thankfully, he was able to get a part time job a couple of months ago and will be starting a full time job (while still going to school) next week.

Hang in there. It is an insanely difficult job market right now, but going to school is definitely something you can do to help yourelf.

Good luck!

I should add that many schools/vocational colleges also have job placement services which can help you find work when you finish your program.

NatureGirl-

Applying for/being awarded scholarships is absolutely a good way to fund a college education. But I meant applying for Federal Student Aid just to see what you qualify for. You might qualify for a federal pell grant which doesn't have to be repaid. Doesn't hurt to apply.

Also, I would urge you to look at the Occupational Outlook Handbook via the Bureau of Labor Statistics to get a feel for the projected rate of change for the field that you intend to make your career. This may or may not be of interest to you but I always found it helpful.

I'm glad you attended the workshop and that you're taking steps forward!

I have heard that you can call the Job Service (a part of the unemployment office) and go to college with their help because you are a displaced homemaker... I think there are certain programs you have to enroll in or something....

NG

I don't know if computers are your thing, but cybersecurity is HUGE right now. Even an AA in information security with heavy on the computer science, and you will be making 6 figures within less than 4 years!

Best of luck! I'm going back to school full time and quitting my job. It's scary, but I cannot get back into my field after being gone so long (to be a better wife and mother....grrrr) unless I go back to school full time AND get my certifications.

We are still standing after all this crap.

I think you are one of the most awesome women I know about!

You can work on your education in chunks -- get an AA in a field that will get you a good job, one that is a field you think you are generally interested in.

Work for a while, save some $$, then work on the bachelor's degree. Your employer may kick in some of the tuition.

Repeat with graduate degree...

Look into grants and scholarships for women who are not "traditional age". I think the American Association of University Women has some. There are probably others.

NG, you should organize people's attics and garages!

Just kidding! I'm so glad that you feel energized again. I know you'll do something great with your life!!!

-Hope

e.g., learning to drive a car, living on your own for the first time, learning another language, volunteering at a blood drive. Oh.My.Word.

A.Garage. Nuff said.

I'm thrilled for you NG. I feel a different energy since the D - I like it!!

I don't have any advice.....but I wanted to send you a HUGE virtual hug. Hang in there!

(((((Naturegirl))))))

I am SO LOL at the thought of talking about The Garage in a scholarship application! Would it even be possible to reduce it down to a 350 word essay and still be able to convey the horror?

Hi Nature Girl I just wanted to commiserate. It is so hard. I am in a similar boat and it is so frustrating and stressful to see jobs go by that I am qualified for. I am also tired of filling out the same information on these online applications over and over again! Ugh.

I see your kids are in school. Can you do some volunteer work to build connections? I'm doing that now in my field. Also nonprofit orgs are often looking for extra help that may be a way to get some current experience and also a recent reference.

Good luck!