I'm really too old to feel like a new bud about to bloom. But here I am anyway, waiting for something inside of me to open.
You see, I'm a gal in my 50's looking to go back to work. Needing to go back to work. Wanting to go back to work but wondering what anyone could see in me that could be valued in their business.
It's been a lot of years since I worked in the corporate world. Back then, I was ahead of my time, managing many and making pretty good money.
Then it came time to become a Mom. Twice. A Mom with two of the best special needs children (adults now) a girl could ask for. Then I became one of "those" single parents, trying to raise my kids alone, to the best of my abilities. Think prospective employer will give me credit for that? I don't.
A year of housecleaning. I didn't mind that, even with two homes with massive, black dog hair all over and one home with bunny turds from one end of the house to the other. But does anyone use house cleaners in this economy?
I've been an independent consultant and taught people how to rubber stamp in the privacy of their own homes.
Oh, I've work, off and on (more off than on) over the last 14 years. I've been a kindergarten instructional education assistant, I've done Title One and spent a year as a special education education assistant. Seven years in our local school district has left a bad taste in my mouth and I will not return. Sadly, it doesn't make me want to work in any school district either. I miss the kids. Not the politics.
I took some time off in between my school positions to take care of my Mom in her final days. I wouldn't have had it any other way. I consider myself a caregiver by nature and my Mom was my best friend.
Then it was onto a very small salary as a very part time church secretary. I learned Power Point but alas, that's the extent of my knowledge of any "current" computer programs.
There was the little temporary job in here for the local county where I had to identify the location of wells on maps. I am NOT a map reader but I muddled through. Not much call for that "talent."
So as I see it now, these are my qualifications:
1) I'm really good at keeping the birds fed.
2) I'm a blogger.
3) I can take snapshots (not to be confused with being a photographer).
4) I can ink up a rubber stamp.
5) I used to be able to do Power Point (If I don't use it, I lose it).
6) I can set up a tent in no more than 15 minutes and have a good campfire going in two.
7) I can drive. Well, as long as it's not in a city or anyplace with multiple freeways intersecting.
8) I have a good memory. For about 2 minutes.
9) I can do laundry.
10) I have good grammar.
And there ya have it!
Besides having such limited qualifications, being scared to death, I need reading glasses, have no self confidence and have no idea what I want to be when I grow up.
Anyone hiring?
33 comments:
I know the reality of life isn't easy to swallow.. but it saddens me to read what your think of yourself, Jill.
You are one amazing woman! Any employer will be lucky to have you.
I will pray for you.. keep your chin up :)
Jill
good luck with this next step in your life. You are a multi-talented, lady with a heart the size of Texas, you have good work ethics and a love of people. You write beautifully and take gorgeous pictures. The possibilities are endless.
I was a stay at home mom for 10 years. GEtting back in the saddle was an adventure, but eventually I find the right fit and so will you.
Lots of hugs
C
You have so much to offer and I will be praying for you in your job search, Jill.
You do face a challenging point in your life but I know that God will help and guide you. Will include you in my prayers. Might help to know that many have faced this challenge before and still face it, especially in this economy. I went back to school and became a teacher in my 40s after 15 years as a stay-at-home mom. My husband changed careers and went from accountant to teacher in his 50s. Now he is taking more classes to change into special education. My mom, age 73, now finds that she must get a job to keep food on the table since her husband passed away. Don't give you. You are an awesome, inspriring person and you are going to find the employer who truly sees your worth!
No doubt you'll find something! What about in home daycare for a child or two? You have tons of experience raising kids! We used a private home (instead of a daycare) to watch Pierce while I was working his first 2 years. I found her by placing an ad on Craigslist. Her name is Annie (and we still keep in touch) and she was incredible - like a second mom to him!
you have a lot to offer. i have not read what others wrote but you would make an awesome home health care aide. working with elderly people who just need help with grocery shopping and rides to doctor appt.'s and food shopping!!
you are wonderful with children and have lots of experience with children with special needs. a daycare, caring for children at your home.....there is so much you can do.
don't let fear hold you back, you miss 100% of the chances you never take!!
love you girl!!
we aren't hiring ;))))
Dont give up! ! You will find something that you will love! Good luck and have a great day
You can do it!!! I have faith in you! At the very least, start looking.
If you can type, and it's obvious you do, then you can get a job. Really! I had to do the same thing with 5 kids still at home. My husband left and I had to go to work. I could type, that's it. I started at a temp agency. Try that!
Temp agencies are great!
I've not read the comments, but I am thinking Nanny? We always have parents looking for good Nannies and are willing to pay very well. Housesitting? Pet sitting?
(I do have a housekeeper and it is the joke around here that I clean for the housekeeper.)
Good luck! Thinking about you! Bonnie
Good luck, Jill. I know it's a bit scary, but all of us know you can do it! There are lots of folks out there who need someone like you...!
Oh Jill I cannot imagine someone not snatching you up. I agree with Pam you are very skilled.I think someone that stays home with their kids especially coping with special needs and able to look after her Mom (I get that one) and take time to blog and all those other demanding tasks, yes even feeding the birds is someone who is very good at multitasking and would be an asset.
I used to houseclean for a living for awhile hard work I don't even like doing mine now:)
You are awesome Jill do not think anything else. One question What is power point? Never mind I really don't care I am not going back to work:) B
I think you have terrific skills - and I think people are looking for the mature woman. I just read a story about a French Bakery - do that sound good to you? It is a hard economy though. Good luck. sandie
you said it - caregiver. would you consider home healthcare for folks who need an in-home attendant?
Something good i out there Jill, keep your eyes and ears open, I'll be praying that God opens a door for you somewhere :)
You should check with the insurance companies- you could be the person who goes out and photographs the property/land/car wrecks, etc. for them. (Im thinking of ways to keep you snapping!)
I think an employer would be VERY lucky to have you as an employee my sweet friend.
You should be proud of yourself my friend, you have great skills! I wish you best of luck - Big hugs x
I understand what you're saying here.....my Dad went through this just recently. And I also understand what you mean about feeling out of touch with what you know and are expected to know now. I see it in the educational work I do. I have to have student teachers keep me current with the changing times. But have courage and know that you have a lot to offer someone/company. Just keep trying and putting those apps into the HR offices. Denial doesn't mean that you lose. It just means you keep trying. Keep your head up. And like my Dad, you'll get back on your feet again. Don't lose hope. They always say we don't discriminate on sex, religion, bla bla bla....but I do believe they do it with age at a lot of places. And because you don't have a spouse to push(aka annoy you), you have us to do that job:) Good luck. You can do it. Really. So keep your chin up.
Jill,
I have some encouraging words for you.
I am just short of a MS Excel power user and almost completely self taught. Learned it in my 50's. I found a job with a service company (Chimney Sweeps) and ran the show. In my 50's. I didn't know beans about QuickBooks, or anything else for that matter, except how to write a real estate contract but I changed direction, in my 50's.
Long story but the point I'm trying to make is that someone will want you for your maturity and the woman you are. Software is easy to learn and easy to teach. Dedication, responsibility, morals, ethics and maturity are gifts, and smart employers look for that first.
I consult business owners in my field about hiring office managers and admin staff and the best bet on the block is the mature mom who stayed home, raised the kids and ran a home. These women can also run a business!
Don't sell yourself short!!
It can be a bit daunting, but I know it'll be a fun chapter in your life, and I know you'll do wonderfully!!
What I assess just from knowing you through your blog is that you have ~Excellent Organisational Skills, ~the Ability to use your Initiative in any situation, ~Empathy, and that you are ~Intelligent, ~Dependable, ~Self Reliant, ~Honest, ~Willing (to take on a challenge), ~Cheerful and Courageous.
These are but a few of the many attributes you possess Jill and they shine through in your writings. They are also the attributes that would be required in positions of customer service, administration, managerial and the list goes on.
My best wishes :D)
Jill, sounds like you have done went through a lot and having accomplished and did all you have done, I would think there would be plenty that would appreciate you.
Everyone here gives you a good report.
Looking for work can be scary and frustrating at the same time. I hope you find something that you love to do. Whoever hires you would be so blessed to have you work for them. Good luck with the search.
xo,
Danielle
Don't sell yourself short sweetie, you have so many skills to offer and are one of the nicest people I have met.
I know with a little confidence you can sell yourself. START with a simple Resume...share it with several places in person, through the mail, blind ads.
I did this for a whole year. I got interviews every so often...5 months ago I got invited in for an interview and got offered the job.
My maturity,life experience,and common sense got me the job. I haven't worked for 5-6 years besides crafting...they took my volunteer work,etc as work experience.
Sending you positive thoughts, let me know if you need a pep talk...I will GLADLY talk you through any step.
Jill - are you joking or are you serious? Please, lets talk - OK?
And on "Say Cheese" are all those really yours?!!!? You have a magnificent collection!
Blessings, dear friend,
Donna
Whatever you decide to pursue... choose something you enjoy and you will shine. :)
I am WITH YOU JILL! I need to get a real job...with more hours and feel QUITE nervous!!!!
I can do laundry with THE BEST...consider myself a professional for sure! I laughed at your qualifications...ALL INCREDIBLY important! :)
Oh Jill, don't sell yourself short. You ARE multi-talented, you just don't realise it!!!
Caregiver, child minder, hospital work and things that spring to my mind.
Don't let fear hold you back - employers would be lucky to have you :))
Hey Jill. I am surprised that you talk about yourself the way you do. You seem like such a confident and strong woman. Just the fact that you have cared for 2 special needed children gives you lots of experience to work with them again. Sometimes you have no choice to put the politics aside and remember at the end you are doing it for them. You are there for them. You may be able to find something at a home health agency,taking care of sick people. I wish you luck and just don't give up. Good luck. Ana
I am a big fan of temp agencies. IT will not be super high paying at first....but it will get your foot in the door at a lot of different work places. You can kind of audition the people, the atmosphere, the commute. They are always looking for any kind of clerical experience. I used to use Office Team when I worked in Minneapolis.
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