I need some advice.

Anonymous

October 5,2021 at 6:22PM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

I need some advice. I've been working remote since my oldest was born 10 years ago, and my career has stalled. I am now having to work two jobs to make what I should be making at one -- I was working 60 hours a week before the pandemic. Now I'm homeschooling my two kids as well, and I am utterly exhausted.

There is zero chance for advancement with either of my jobs. I've been applying for management positions, but they either require agency experience (which I don't have, and can't get because they won't hire me) or require me to work onsite (which I can't do because of the kids). I'm tired, and frustrated, and don't have the energy to lean in to a job hunt. I also have no network to speak of because I've been remote so long, and I don't have time to start one now. I barely have time to eat.

I know I would be a tremendous asset to the right company -- but how do I find that company? I have had recruiters approach me, and several of those contacts resulted in an interview, but none went beyond that. Is there a way to find a recruiter who can do the legwork for me so I can streamline my job search?

Why women love us:

Daily articles on career topics
Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
Advice and support from an authentic community
Events that help you level up in your career
Free membership, always

5 comments

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

5 Comments

Join the conversation

Terri LudovicyOctober 5,2021 at 11:23PM UTC
I feel for you, the struggle IS real, especially raising children right now. Stay strong!
AnonymousOctober 6,2021 at 9:09AM UTC
Maybe a temp agency? They should be able help you find a good fit, both company and position. It will at least get in the door and sometimes the position then becomes permanent, or you can move within the company.
Noreen WhyselOctober 6,2021 at 1:05PM UTC
The problem with working two jobs remotely is that ends up being a struggle to manage two separate schedules and sets of deadlines. Most freelancers would add a premium to their hourly rate to make up for schedule uncertainty and the difficulty of selling that last hour or two a day. A better way to go with your next job would be a per diem or project rate.
I’d skip temping. It sounds like you already have experience and companies often pay the temp agency as much or more than the talent gets. Instead, if agency work appears to be a requirement, I’d look to applying directly to those agencies. Expect remote at first with the likelihood of returning to office as the pandemic ebbs.
Juggling two jobs is a skill. It’s almost as though you have been working as an agency yourself. Can you reframe it that way? Think of them as clients. You have been providing services, managing and prioritizing the workflow. Creating outcomes that satisfy their needs and budgets.
Remember, you have value.
AnonymousOctober 7,2021 at 12:30PM UTC
That is great advice. Unfortunately, I have no control over the hourly rate I'm paid for my long-term gig; I have stuck with it because the work is fun and interesting and the company has taken great care of me. My former manager at my FT job tried for more than a year to get me a raise and they won't budge, so no more money is coming in there either. I have refused to take on additional short-term projects below my premium rate, though.
I tried temping straight out of college, but I was overqualified for most of jobs they had, and that was 20 years ago. There are employment agencies in the area for higher-level employees, but none in my field. I have considered having a professional revise my resume, but beyond that, I'm not sure what else I can do.
I have mentioned in cover letters the workload I'm juggling, to show that I am flexible, manage time well, and work well under pressure. I'm not sure if it has helped or hurt me. In my opinion, one of my major selling points is the fact that I'm homeschooling my kids on top of everything -- honestly, it's more labor intensive than any of my paid gigs, and I've had to learn a whole new profession on the spot under extreme pressure -- but I hesitate to mention it because I've found that bringing up parenting tasks is the kiss of death in a work situation. It's unfair, because I have yet to drop a work ball just because my kids are home, but the stigma stands.
AnonymousOctober 6,2021 at 2:41PM UTC
Im.not aware of recruiters taking on a job hunt for someone at your level since it wouldn't make sense financially. These types of recruiters/headhunters are usually hired by companies looking for executive level hires paid in the high 6 and 7 figures, with stock and huge bonus levels.
The headhunters are usually paid by the company and the company is usually valued in the milliions/billions.