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While well-meaning advice, as someone who has been job searching for more than a year, it's not easy to find temporary positions. I've tried all the usual suggestions including contract work, grocery stores, delivery companies etc but in some areas, such as my small town, that there's only a handful of stores (lifetime workers) and everyone drives everywhere so delivery isn't commonplace.

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Anonymous

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While well-meaning advice, as someone who has been job searching for more than a year, it's not easy to find temporary positions. I've tried all the usual suggestions including contract work, grocery stores, delivery companies etc but in some areas, such as my small town, that there's only a handful of stores (lifetime workers) and everyone drives everywhere so delivery isn't commonplace.

Contract and remote work is few and far between unless your located near a larger city. While listed as remote very few actually are fully remote. I've listed I would relocate but still not considered.

I wanted to share that not everyone has these options. Those are normally the first suggestions people offer as options in the meantime. For right now, please share other options as job searchers have heard these ones repeatedly during our search.

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  1. Anonymous

    Contact small business owners, think law firms, chiropractor, vet offices to see if you can help out, admin or receptionist work. County jobs should be somewhere near you, like libraries, or state jobs, colleges or universities. If you’re willing to relo look at where the market is hot. Greenville SC and Charlotte NC both near me have tons of work, also if degreed contact your Alma mater to see if they offer alumni services. And gain access to their recruiting system. Go to job fairs in cities nearby. You have to stretch your thought system outside of applying and waiting on a call. Proactive behaviors such as link in with others there who have your skill set, where do they work? Look at their companies for opportunities. Former recruiter, pivoted to higher ed and many people drive in to the medium sized city I’m in. Are there cities within a 30 minute to 1 hour commute? May not be ideal but if you can drive until you can relo may be an option.

  2. Vanessa Lontoc

    I agree. These are great suggestions.

  3. Anonymous

    Great ideas and I appreciate the suggestions!

  4. Anonymous

    I know you can do this been there! Left corporate and went back to hire Ed. Paid way less than what I was making but happier. Keep us posted & we’re here for you!

  5. Mare Levine

    I have remote worked in towns as small as 500 people, so don't give up. In addition to the reat suggestions others have made, consider the FairyGodBoss virtual job fairs and upgrading your skills. There are free/low cost trainings and certifications you can obtain that can help you look more compelling to a potential employer.

  6. Vanessa Lontoc

    I can imagine your frustration of limited job opportunities in a smaller town. It's definitely challenging to find suitable options when remote work isn't truly remote.

    Have you considered updating your LinkedIn profile to reflect the specific skills and services you can offer? This can help you connect with potential clients and find freelance or contract work within your area.

    You might also want to explore platforms like Upwork, Thumbtack (this is more than home related services), and Fiverr to find freelance gigs. There are many other online marketplace that connects freelancers with clients for remote work projects depending on your skills and specialization.

    Additionally, consider reaching out to local organizations, your public library, and community centers. They may have information about job fairs, workshops, and networking events that could be helpful. I know it's tough, but don't give up! Keep searching and exploring different avenues.

  7. Anonymous

    Do you have any suggestions?

  8. Anonymous

    I'm sorry that you are in this position, I really am. But that said, I don't think is advice you can request people stop giving. It definitely is an option for many (maybe not so much remote, for anyone anymore, but temp work definitely is).

  9. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    What do you do?

  10. Anonymous

    I've worked in a variety of industries but the common thread is marketing. I'm finding it difficult for marketing roles so I'm trying to position my skills to open up more doors. I get some interviews but then I'm told in later rounds that I don't have the industry experience.

  11. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    You don't mention what industry you have experience in.

    This came up in my LinkedIn feed this evening - Nordstrom is looking for a part-time copy writer - it can be remote:

    https://www.linkedin.com/posts/alexandrablatt_copywriter-flex-part-time-activity-7283274346368835585-BEMO?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

    https://nordstrom.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/nordstrom_careers/job/Seattle-WA/Copywriter--Flex---Part-Time-_R-712683

  12. Anonymous

    Also, post your resume on the job sites such as Indeed - the usual players. While nothing may come of it, you may end up being contacted by a recruiter. I obtained a WFH job this way, which you could probably do in your small town. Also look for job sites specializing in your area of expertise.

    Be sure that your resume has a good summary and that you highlight your benefit to an employer - money made, saved, time saved, customers obtained, etc. - whatever corresponds to your expertise and put numbers with these achievements if you can.

  13. Anonymous

    I don't have any other suggestions than to network and network and network.

  14. Anonymous

    I get it, there is an option. Relocate. After a year, prioritizing that there may need to be a major change, this needs to be considered. I know COL can be a challenge, but after a year? What is your game plan. Your community seems tapped out by what you've said. Don't give up, get excited about a major change. IMO

  15. Anonymous

    Relocating is not always an option. Many people have families and spouses that can’t just be up and moved. Plus selling a house may be an option, but with mortgage rates and a lot of housing markets valued higher than years past, buying something may be difficult. It also costs money to relocate so those going through their savings to survive may not have the option. So while yes, it’s a thought, it’s not always a viable option.

  16. Anonymous

    Please understand, I recognize that obvious pov. I also know that we (as humans) will make excuses of why we cannot, why not start why not. So, change what kind of work you were looking for, you can't create what is not available. If we continue to live in a negative mindset expect no changes.

  17. Anonymous

    It's not about a negative mindset or making excuses. That quite frankly is ridiculous. Do you have a bunch of money saved and complete flexibility with your family that you can just up and relocate as needed? If so, good for you. That's not the reality for most. No amount of positivity is going to add money to a savings account. Good lord.

  18. Anonymous

    This mindset makes me sad. Never said it was easy. Good luck. Then create your own business.

  19. Anonymous

    Right, because that’s just as easy. Lol

  20. Anonymous

    Maybe you didn't notice, but the responser did say straight off COL, that means cost of living, so they addressed it. Maybe you just needed to learn that and they don't mention or elude to the fact that there would/should be a lot money for either party. I agree with them, then stay stuck and do nothing and complain or OR take action, it is already hard for the poster, encourage and push them outside of their comfort bubble and really make a decision. NO one said it was easy, not even in any of the responses.

  21. E C

    I was once unemployed for more than six months, so I get the frustration. What worked for me won't work for everyone but here's what I did. 1) Volunteer in a field relevant to my work. It was a way to keep skills sharp and network. 2) Take a survival job at a call center. It sucked, but bills have to get paid. 3) Take a job (after a year with the call center) with the employer I wanted, a government agency, but in a much lower level role than I wanted. That way, when a role I really wanted came up, I was an internal candidate. It was essentially playing a long game, but it worked. Wishing you the best.

  22. Jennifer Taylor

    Are you working with an employment recruiter like LaSalle Network or LH? Be sure to connect with those agencies and others on LinkedIn. They always have remote positions, as well as great contract roles.

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