Need some advice.

Anonymous

June 12,2023 at 5:17PM UTC

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Need some advice.

I have been in and out of the job market for many years now. I've been a marketing copywriter and editor for more than 20 years, and my goal for my next "real" job is as an Editorial/Content Director or a Senior Content Marketing Manager. My resume is a mishmash of contract jobs, FTE, and gaps in employment. I am currently in a graduate program for digital marketing. When I started grad school, I was in a toxic contract position that ended badly. I wound up with a back injury (I've had back problems since high school) due to stress from that job. I suspended my job search at that time. I've continued in my grad program part-time while nursing my back. I'm finally better, and have three classes left in my program--I should finish in February 2024.

I have couched this gap in my employment as a "career break/professional hiatus" to work on my degree, even though it was mainly to recover from my injury. I also have two family members currently that are sick with cancer, and I want to be available to help with things if needed. I do want to start looking for a new job, but I really don't want to potentially start working for a new employer until I'm done with school. I also recognize that as a 52-year-old woman that I will come up against some ageism in my job hunt.

Does anyone have advice on to when to start looking for a job, how to explain the last couple of years, and also explain my current circumstances without sounding like I am desperate for a job? (I'm not; I am very lucky to not need to work financially, but I am anxious to return to contributing to the household.) I know what sort of job I want, and I know it might take some time. I am also in an area of the country where I can only work remote positions, so that is a limitation as well. I just don't quite know how and when to start.

Any advice would be much appreciated!

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StephanieJune 12,2023 at 7:51PM UTC
That’s kind of a tough one. I feel like you should start looking for a job ASAP if you really want to work. If you don’t, wait till a couple of months before you finish school. It’s tough for a female in their 50’s to land a job, even while gainfully employed with no gaps in their resume (ask me I know?). Give yourself some time to find what you like, but don’t pass up a good opportunity…the next one may be a while away. Wishing you success.
Natasha LorensJune 12,2023 at 8:57PM UTC
When:
If you can take on contract work while going to school, keep doing it and nurture those relationships for future opportunities. You may continue to need flexibility with sick relatives, etc and you'll have some control over your destiny as an independent contractor.
Positioning on gap:
You're continuing to grow and learn as a professional in the content space, and have dedicated your time to that investment. This hopefully makes you an even more attractive candidate with 20 years of experience PLUS recent schooling.
AnonymousJune 13,2023 at 4:17PM UTC
Love how this is worded.
Kimberly AnneJune 13,2023 at 11:06AM UTC
I think it’s strange a company would care about work gaps. I hope this changes soon. People have many reasons why they may not work. From raising children to being sick to much more. And it’s really not the employers business. This is actually invasive and very outdated.
AnonymousJune 13,2023 at 4:15PM UTC
Such a great, comprehensive reply... I have nothing to add for advice.
Praying for your family (cancer is awful!) and praying for your future job.
AnonymousJune 13,2023 at 7:26PM UTC
Thank you.
AnonymousJune 13,2023 at 4:53PM UTC
Shift your resume to feature projects that you have completed and content that is applicable with writing samples under a locked website- with passcode so you can see who viewed it, then on the bottom of the resume put the vendors that you supported. Don't do a chronology and if asked you will have to formulate a story that will cover spans that are open with no work. Perhaps use those time periods as places where you took time to complete your education. Good luck.
AnonymousJune 13,2023 at 7:31PM UTC
Thanks! I've been dealing with ageism in my field since before I turned 40, so I'm pretty sure it won't get any easier. I am confident I can find a job, eventually...I just need one person to say yes!
Joycelyn M. SiameJune 14,2023 at 12:26PM UTC
First off... CONGRATS ON ALMOST FINISHING GRAD SCHOOL! WOOHOO! Good for you my friend!
Secondly, I would be honest about your gap. You were rehabilitating from an injury whilst working on your degree, to me that's perfectly understandable.
In the meantime, I would do some contract work on sites like Fiverr and UpWork, just to get the ball rolling and test the waters. These jobs are done from home, while you work on finishing your degree and taking care of your family members. This shows that you are still on top of things. And when you are done with your degree, start looking for work in March. Good luck with everything. I wish you well!
AnonymousJune 14,2023 at 1:56PM UTC
In my field the only worry about hiring someone older is if they know the latest tech/platforms. Even on a basic scale in your field. If you show that on your resume it shows that you can navigate whatever tech they may throw at you. But the fact that you are finishing grad school shows that you have kept current in your field.
I wouldn't worry about the gap. I think making sure that all of your experience looks strong will be all they will look at.
Finishing grad school is attractive. If there are specific courses that you took that are relevant to the job I would include them on the resume or speak about it in an interview.
tiffany birchJune 14,2023 at 8:09PM UTC
I think you show initiative in moving forward with your career with your latest degree. In my experience, employers take a look at what you have accomplished and what possibilities you bring to the table for them. Much success. There are plenty of remote jobs.
AnonymousJune 15,2023 at 1:01PM UTC
I'd start looking for a job soon! With a potential recession in the future, marketing jobs are competitive. The interview process can take awhile, as can finding a good fit and any negotiation. A lot of companies start posting jobs in Q4 for a Q1 start date. The right company will be flexible based on your availability.
I would focus heavily on your time spent amping up your skills by furthering your education in reference to your employment gap. Because of the pandemic, I think these gaps are more common today, and it hopefully isn't an issue for you.