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Anonymous

February 21,2023 at 8:24PM UTC

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Hello! I've been in my job for 21 years. Public librarian. It's a terrific job, but I'm weary of the public. I've been looking at WFH positions in many different areas since last July to no avail. I just did a resume overhaul, but still no luck. Virtual assistant or receptionist, scheduling, administrative assistant, proofreading (I have a background in that as well) and some social media ... but nothing. I'm fortunate in that I could even work PT, I just know I've done my best work here and I'd rather leave on a high note than wait to jump the shark. I'm drowning in emails from Glassdoor, Indeed, ZipRecruiter and many other lists. Everyone says there are WFH jobs and I'm certainly qualified, but ... I also know ageism is real. (I'm 55.)

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AnonymousFebruary 21,2023 at 9:04PM UTC
Look into things that require research, writing and organization skills. Grant writing is the first thing that came to me. It pays well and has a fair amount of openings because nobody wants to do it.
AnonymousFebruary 22,2023 at 7:24PM UTC
I'm also not great at that. :( I have written one in my life and I HATED it. Thanks for the suggestion :)
AnonymousFebruary 21,2023 at 9:30PM UTC
First I got hired at my company when I was 55 and it’s turned out to be the best job I’ve ever had especially when I got transferred to a new department. So don’t give up hope!
And always network and let people know that you’re looking whether it’s a chamber of commerce mixer or your church or any group you’re involved with. That’s how I got this and another job
As for you being a librarian, I have total respect for you and empathy. If your library is like mine was, it’s a de facto homeless hangout. My local branch had to take out desks because they had been taken over by homeless people who were sleeping at them and much worse when others needed those spaces to read and or study.
AnonymousFebruary 22,2023 at 7:21PM UTC
Thankfully, we have virtually zero homeless patrons! I just feel like I've done my best work already. I don't feel comfortable being here, knowing I do not care as much as I used to care. There was literally an article written about me recently that my boss declared as a love letter between me, the library and reading. (And yes, it's linked to my resume!) Most staff members don't know I'm looking and my boss is (OH THE IRONY!) currently the President of the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce, and the Chamber Director is a childhood friend. I'm trying to look as covertly as possible and trying to utilize LInkedIn. I'm so glad you found something you love at 55, yay!!! That's what I'm looking for, something I'm excited about again.
Anne KrookFebruary 21,2023 at 10:06PM UTC
You might find it helpful to go to a temp agency. Basically you outsource the last mile of your job search, and it is often a good way to get your first gig with an organization; once they hire you, you are much more likely to get other opportunities.
AnonymousFebruary 22,2023 at 7:23PM UTC
No high school on there :) and because I finished college as my kids grew, instead of graduating in 1989, I was in 2006. Maybe I'll remove that, although being at the same job for 21 years is also aging . :(
AnonymousFebruary 24,2023 at 2:40PM UTC
Hi, it seems you wish to post anonymously. Just an FYI that some of your replies are not.
I agree staffing agency could be a good place to start. Or do you know anyone who's currently in a role/ organization that you'd like to be, and have a chat and see what it may lead to? Wishing you the best!
AnonymousFebruary 22,2023 at 9:37PM UTC
You should NOT be spending much time on job boards. Spend it networking on LinkedIn and in person, or with peers via email. Check with your library now and see if they might want to expand some of the services they offer relative to social media research, etc. and possibly suggest that you could move into that non-public-facing role as a trial period.
AnonymousFebruary 24,2023 at 4:13PM UTC
I do the library's social media, and the community outreach, and my own FT job ... and am consistently told others work harder than I do. But my annual reviews show 5 stars for YEARS and YEARS. She can give me NO FEEDBACK when I ask what "working harder" might look like for her.
I've done great work here. I was literally the focus of a newspaper article earlier this month about my role at the library for the last 20 years. And yep, that article is linked to my resume now, per a job coach. I'd rather go out on a high note ... :)
AnonymousFebruary 23,2023 at 3:54AM UTC
Check out this virtual job fair happening tomorrow: https://app.brazenconnect.com/events/jP3j7?utm_medium=Website&utm_source=Events+Page&utm_campaign=FEB+VCF
Good luck!
Barbara McKeeFebruary 24,2023 at 4:09PM UTC
UGH! Just saw this now. But thanks! :)
Sandy NagelFebruary 23,2023 at 2:36PM UTC
Yes ageism is really but toot your horn with your skills and experience. I just started a new job at 60. You can do it.
AnonymousFebruary 24,2023 at 4:21PM UTC
Congratulations!
AnonymousFebruary 23,2023 at 8:00PM UTC
I work in Public Media. You should definitely check out opportunities with public media (PBS, NPR) and universities regarding archive projects. Digital archives are a huge up and coming industry. Additionally, check with your local entities, city and state about the historian's office, and their archive plans. There are also opportunities with museums in this arena. Best of luck!
kitty holmquistFebruary 24,2023 at 1:33PM UTC
Go to a service. I used Flex Jobs service, which is relatively inexpensive and worth it to find true WFH positions. I applied at Profit Factory, and they found me a position at 57, and I also used Boulo Solutions, which found my present position at 59. It doesn't cost anything, and they check your credentials. Profit factory does require some testing. Age is only a number.
AnonymousFebruary 24,2023 at 4:21PM UTC
I used FlexJobs late last year, no luck. Maybe I'll go back and try again. Thank you!
AnonymousFebruary 24,2023 at 5:30PM UTC
I found a great code online, joined for the next month. Thanks for the nudge!
Bradford McCormickFebruary 24,2023 at 1:53PM UTC
This may sound harsh, but you say both (1) It's a terrific job, and (2) You're weary of the public, which latter I presume (am I wrong here?) is a big part of hte job. either: (1) You are not really all that terribly weary weary of the public, or (2) It's not really such a terrific job but what you really mean is you wish it was different from what it is but you can't change that.
Look before you leap. Few people can have everything in this life. I once had a job where I asked my manager for an assignment that would be both producive for the company and also "growing" for me [the company had just finished paying tuition for my doctorate degree]. He replied to me:
"If wishes were horse sthen beggars would ride."
Maybe you really do like your present job even if the public is wearing a lot of the time so it's worth it? Or maybe dealing with the obtuse public is so frustrating or otherwise bad that you need to do something else? But in that case, there's no point in pretending what you've currently got is better than it realy is which will just sap your motivation to try to improve your situation.
"If wishes were horses then beggars would ride."
But do look before you leap, to avoid exchanging a tolerable situation for an intolarable one which looks like it will be desirable but proves not to be.
AnonymousFebruary 24,2023 at 4:20PM UTC
It IS a terrific job. And even those of us with terrific jobs are able to grow tired of them. 21 years is a long time to do the same thing.
Yes, very public-heavy. Public librarian.
I'm not pretending my job is better. I'm aggravated at applying for all kinds of different jobs since last July that have literally not netted ONE interview. Two different resume overhauls. Next week I'm talking with a career coach.
Did your reply sound harsh? Yep.
Michelle S.February 24,2023 at 4:49PM UTC
I know it’s frustrating, but stick with it. Maybe see if you can get some beta reading jobs for authors that you know. That will least get something on your résumé to get you into a new field.
AnonymousFebruary 24,2023 at 5:29PM UTC
I have even contacted a few author representatives, inquiring how they found their jobs, what is their background, etc.
It is frustrating, but I'm not giving up!
Michelle S.February 24,2023 at 4:47PM UTC
What about working for a publisher as an editor or such? Seems like you’d be perfect for that. I’m sorry that a hateful public is forcing you home. I hear you though!
AnonymousFebruary 24,2023 at 5:28PM UTC
I've been looking at publishing and applying like mad, even entry-level, with no luck!
Thanks :)
AnonymousFebruary 24,2023 at 7:06PM UTC
I would strongly recommend going to a writer's conference and meeting professional editors from the big houses in person. Networking can definitely help the process.
AnonymousFebruary 25,2023 at 9:44AM UTC
Del Rey is hiring:
https://jobsearch.createyourowncareer.com/PRH_US/job/New-York-Editorial-Assistant%2C-Del-Rey-NY-10019/904959601/
AnonymousFebruary 27,2023 at 3:23PM UTC
I had applied for that! Got a no thank you. No luck from any of the PRH jobs I've tried.
Dan NorwoodFebruary 24,2023 at 5:24PM UTC
Unfortuntely, age discrimination in hiring is real. Indeed, the last case I won in court was against Dupont Chemical Corporation for age discriminatiin in hiring. However, there are many of what I call "smart" employes out there who are seeking older employees who have the wisdom that comes with many years of working plus proof they have loyalty to their employer shown by how many years they have stayed in a job. However, to find one of those "smart" employers you have to spend more time on your job search to weed out the ones who you would not want to work for anyway.
You were smart to update your resume. I would be glad to look at it and make any suggestions that might help you get past what I believe is a screeng out process discriminating employers use. You could send it to me at dan@workingboomeradvocate.com.
AnonymousFebruary 24,2023 at 5:27PM UTC
Dan, what a kind offer! Thank you!
AnonymousFebruary 24,2023 at 8:11PM UTC
Maybe need a new email Dan as GenX is moving into this category?
Pamela Yvonne McCrelessFebruary 25,2023 at 1:55AM UTC
Your post really grabbed my attention. I became a librarian at the age of 47. This is my fifth year in a public school and my tenth year as a librarian. You may want to rethink your feelings towards being in the public. It may be anxiety regarding Covid, etc. I feel like you have probably thrived in the library and been a wonderful asset to your community. I wish you the very best. I know it’s hard starting over. I wish you could remain in Library land.
AnonymousFebruary 27,2023 at 3:13PM UTC
I have thrived , but some workplace stuff and a less than wonderful Director have made me realize it's time for a new challenge. I have always joked that I'd sat in the library until I was old and crotchety. I'm not old, but I'm getting more crotchety. LOL
My husband has terrific medical insurance for us, and is open to me doing whatever I need to do. I have a call with a career counselor soon.
It's been 21 years, I've done good work, I'm ready to move on. Work isn't "fun" anymore. I don't look forward to storytimes, to meeting new families, etc. I don't think it's Covid related, I'm not a germaphobe at all, and we reopened within 8 weeks of closing down.
It's just time.
Stephanie H. WicalFebruary 25,2023 at 6:08AM UTC
I was a librarian at universities and now I am cataloging books for a private company. I am glad not to interact with patrons and I do not miss the office politics of libraries. I never enjoyed my encounters with patrons who viewed pornography in the library or who came in to chat me up.
AnonymousFebruary 27,2023 at 3:07PM UTC
I wish I had cataloging skills! I only took one class in school. It's an interesting field.
AnonymousFebruary 27,2023 at 9:45PM UTC
I’m looking to make a job change as well with almost 20 years at the same company and like you, I have not been able to get an interview. I’ve been wondering if starting at the same company for so long is seen as a negative.
Good luck in your search and I hope you find a great wfh job soon.
AnonymousFebruary 28,2023 at 7:36PM UTC
Yes! I worry it's no longer seen as a positive thing and can be seen as settling or not being ambitious. It USED to be a badge of honor. Now...?
Good luck to you in your switch!
Melissa SharkisMarch 1,2023 at 3:13PM UTC
I’m a little late to this post but I wanted to share another potential job area to look into. I work for a state agency (US) and we just hired a former librarian to supervise our records management unit. There are a ton of transferable skills there for you, and while it may not be fully remote, you wouldn’t be dealing with public. Pretty much any governmental agency/department, plus many private employers (law offices, medical offices, etc.), have record retention requirements so it’s definitely not a niche field.
AnonymousMarch 1,2023 at 7:23PM UTC
Thank you!
I recently submitted an application and resume for something I'm really hopeful for. A podcast host I enjoy is expanding her "team" and she sent out an email to her subscribers. One of the jobs is perfect for me, is remote and PT. Maybe I'll find something that never even made it to Indeed, etc.!
We'll see!
Melissa SharkisMarch 2,2023 at 7:06PM UTC
That sounds awesome, good luck!