I am almost 52. I got terminated by my place of employment over the phone, last month, while on medical leave recovering from a necessary major surgery.

Question

I got some short term disability. I got approved for unemployment and medicaid. I am now approved to go back to work. I am at a loss of how to move forward with my life. The work I did is specialized to a certain extent and not sure how my skill sets could relate to more ordinary workforce. I began my journey into the current profession in 2011. I was a nanny, housekeeper, and elder care giver before. I obtained an associates degree in occupational science in funeral service in 2012. We have moved 7 times since 2011. It has been challenging, to state it mildly, as an older woman entering the field(still dominated by men),  being a single parent at the time, and having no family or background in funeral service. But have currently two state licenses to practice.  I am wondering if I should complete my bachelor's degree in organizational leadership(not quite sure how to work that in the mix)? or should I consider reinventing myself all together? I have an artistic talent, more in line with an introvert personality. I am an excellent team player and hard worker. I have a heart for families and love to be a part of a business thriving. And now, currently unemployed and to be honest feel kicked in the gut. Any ideas? help me brainstorm? help me network into a different field or profession? I need to keep moving forward, somehow.

Ashley DelBello · Answer

Just popping in your comment feed to send you some encouragement. We humans are resilient beings and we seem to always find our way. Maybe not right away and maybe not how we originally thought it would be, but we do.  Keep going, keep networking, keep doing the self-discovery/reflection work. Good luck - I know you'll figure it out!!

Albania Martinez Bojos · Answer

I’m sorry to hear about your experience, I can imagine how confusing this all might be.  Perhaps you might want to go back to school, if that’s an option, to get your bachelors or take on a new set of skills. Good luck with everything, sending you good vibes and positive energy.

Anonymous · Answer

Greetings!  I hope you are feeling better and recovering from surgery!  That is the  first step.  I always coach others to take a deep breath and do this exercise!  Write down 7 major achievement in your life.  Personal or Career.  Under each achievement answer these 4 questions.

Challenge or Project or Goal?
Actions you took ?
Results or what you learned?
Skills you used?

It is called CARS.

Then sit back and reflect and see what might be patterns and what you excel at.  It will emerge.  Ask people that know you best what your strengths are!  See if it matches up to your CARS.  At our age...focus on strengths.  Artistic?

This exercise will help you create a professional resume based on skills not job chronological by dates, but by strengths.

I’m always a believer in continuing to learn and grow, do the classes if that is your passion...but you don’t have to have classes in org leadership to be an expert!

Life is Sweet

Anya Lambin · Answer

Can you try to network with others to see if they have jobs that would match your skillset.

You're invited.

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