I was out of work force for almost 10 years caring for elderly family member until her passing, but did work remotely as pet sitter which has ZERO to do with anything I did before.

14 Comments

1. Jackie RukaNovember 10,2022 at 8:00PM UTC

   Put what’s relevant to the jobs you are applying to.. and forget ageism. I get a recruiter a day right now sending me opportunities and it’s based on my experience and keywords and I am over 50. The market is ripe for hiring, especially in HR!

2. AnonymousNovember 11,2022 at 9:13PM UTC

   I was just going by guidelines for reworking my resume. Great to know. Thank you so much Jackie!! Appreciate it.

3. Kristie WhiteNovember 10,2022 at 8:59PM UTC

   Hi. My company uses contractors for a lot of project work involving HR and Operations. if you'd like to brainstorm, there might be a way to ease you into a role that gives you a current position to bounce from. Just ping me here.

4. AnonymousNovember 11,2022 at 9:15PM UTC

   Oh yes Kristie, I would be very grateful for that. When is a good time for us to speak? I really need something soon and learn very fast.

5. Kristie WhiteNovember 12,2022 at 10:27PM UTC

   Hi Tracy. Send me a msg thru FGB. Thanks!

6. AnonymousNovember 15,2022 at 2:14PM UTC

   This is what I love about fairygodboss.com, not only are women providing beneficial feedback, but career opportunities can also be found. This is so inspiring!

7. Jennifer TaylorNovember 13,2022 at 2:29PM UTC

   I pivoted my career at 50. I go back 20 years on my resume to show relevant work. Don’t be afraid to show that. Good luck!

8. AnonymousNovember 13,2022 at 9:30PM UTC

   Thank you Jennifer!

9. misskelleypNovember 15,2022 at 7:22PM UTC

   Don't use a chronological resume, use a skills resume format. Basically you highlight your skills and then list the jobs in chrono order at the bottom (almost as a footnote). I'm sure you can do an internet search on resume skill format and get some great examples. I think that would solve most of your issues.

10. AnonymousNovember 16,2022 at 7:40PM UTC

    Thank you!

11. AnonymousNovember 15,2022 at 8:01PM UTC

    Sit down and analyze the different things you did as a pet sitter. Financial, scheduling, and situation analysis are 3 aspects that come to mind. Also what were the skills you utilized in caregiving? Yes, the focus was different and you were able to apply your skills. Career breaks occur.

12. AnonymousNovember 16,2022 at 7:40PM UTC

    THank you!

13. Cynthia Armistead NewmanNovember 16,2022 at 1:30PM UTC

    I went back to work in 2013 after a 12-year "Mommy break." I showed the gap on my résumé and LinkedIn, focusing on the volunteer work that I did during that time and the other ways I kept my skills fresh. I also used a functional resume instead of a chronological one. I got the first job that I applied for.

    I'm 56, and I changed jobs a short time ago. I understand how ageism impacts us. It is, happily, possible to get past that with good companies.

14. AnonymousNovember 16,2022 at 7:41PM UTC

    Thank you!