Lost at 46I am 46 yrs old been a stay at home mom until 1998.I have had only 3 real jobs outside the home.The first one from 1998 to 2002 working in a health insurance office where I acquired my insurance license. I started out in a clerical position and when I left the company I had moved up to a Team Lead position. I left the company because we moved an hour away and I had the opportunity to stay home so I did. Went back to work part-time as an administrative assistant in a insurance office from July 2003 to January 2005, left that position to look for a full-time job. But before I could find a new job my mother had a stroke and I had to take care of her for a year and a half. Started a new job in Sept. 06 as an account specialist for a company. This is the most boring job I have ever done. it is a family run business and there is no where to advance to except sales and I am not a sales person. They say on their website they have a low turn over rate but since I have been here they have lost 20 people and there are only 40 employees to begin with. The father turned the business over to sons and they don't have a glue how to run it. Every time an employee quits or is fired they hire one of their friends to take that persons job. I have 36 college credits but no degree and I really do not want to go back to school. I have been looking for a new job since July but have had no luck. I enjoy doing clerical work and really want to find a company I can retire with in 20 years. When people see my resume and lack of job experience and employment time I get no where. What can I do so employers know I am serious about working and not job jumping. Is going back to school my only option? Help
You probably won't like this answer but here it is. What you do to show you are serious about working and not job jumping is to actually GET serious about working and not hopping in and out of the workforce. I understand that you were home until 1998, but then you only worked a few years and left the workforce again for no reason other than you could. Then you got back into the work place (part-time) for a little while and again you quit with no other job in hand, and then took another long leave. It is understandable that you'd care for your mother, but look at this from an employer's perspective. You're a terrible risk for longevity and stability. When ever the whim strikes, you leave. Not a lot of employers are going to deal with all that which means you're going to be stuck in boring entry-level type jobs. I recommend you look at something totally different. How about working for yourself? That way you can ramp up and ramp down as needed, do something challenging and not impact an employer. There are lots of choices, I'm thinking things like Pre-Paid Legal, Mary Kay or Avon, Partylite... or starting your own business doing something you're skilled in. If you decide to start your own business, have a look at www.sba.gov and also have a browse through the local bookstore. There are lots of ideas and suggestions on the shelves.
Tess Did you keep your insurance license active? If not I pursue classes in that direction, since that is what your background is. I would also prepare a very professional cover letter explaining your gaps in employment. If school is an option for you, I would jump at that chance - may people our age (I'm also 46) are starting over in new careers - going back to school to do something they really wanted to do. Look at the continuing education classes in your area for certifications if you are not interested in degree programs. If nothing else it will give you more options. Last thought - if you do go back to school, do your homework - is this a field where you can find a job in YOUR area or are you willing to relocate? Yes, I still have my insurance license. Appreciate your positive input. | |
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