DISCUSSIONS

Looking for a job:

Maralea Norden image

Maralea Norden

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Looking for a job:

Hi everyone! I need advice on finding and applying for jobs.

Been looking for nearly 22 months! (OUCH!)

I live in a dinky resort town where jobs are at mom/pop local tourist stuff, food, and retail... and minimum wage or slightly over. I'm in my 50s, have managerial experience (managed four rental car branches at the same time, 33 employees, and a fleet of nearly 2000 cars, as well as improving ancillary sales and customer service scores), and am a former realtor with contract management experience (my job was to seek out product, negotiate price and terms, manage the transaction process, and close on time and under budget).

My DISC is D/I/C - Producer

MY PI is - Strategist

Either way, I'm competitive, influential, and straightforward about getting the job done.

The most common comment of prior managers is that I'm efficient and I get a job done effectively before the deadline. I'm a goal setter and I always set a stretch goal for my personal satisfaction.

I'm about half way through my MBA and I'll complete the AZ Legal Paraprofessional Certificate in May 2025.

I want to break into Contract Specialist/Contract Administrator but some times I apply for jobs that will just pay the bills - its been 22 months looking for a real job and (no joke) I've had one interview and over 300 rejections.

I've been working PT as a receptionist at a spa to make ends meet, and my boss (the owner) uses me as an operations consultant for peanuts. Because I'm not getting paid for helping her run the place (I've asked her to talk about this and her answer is that she cannot afford me... we've NEVER opened a conversation on fee or service), I've started ignoring those questions to encourage her to start thinking about what consulting means and its value to her.

things to know about the situation:

I moved here to care for aging parents - Dad passed 13 months ago and Mom is moving in with my brother (I've been doing this for over 10 years while also raising 2 children - so don't judge, this is a welcome break for me)

I desperately want to move back to Colorado, and I'm hoping to get into contracting with the US Air Force Civilian Services...

I'm tough as nails, but really easy to get along with.

I believe EVERYONE deserves courtesy, kindness, and respect just based on the fact they were born on Earth.

If you have ideas for how to apply better, know someone who is in contracting who would like to be a mentor (free - I'm broke), know of someone who is hiring for a contracting position - I'm open. I really need advice and obviously a better understanding of how to find a job.

Keep in mind that many communication cues are not included in a written post - so as you read my post, I'm not whining - just asking for help and giving as much background as I can provide.

As you post, I will take your post as constructive.

If you want to respond to a response to my post, please no judgement or negativity. These things are only counter productive.

Thanks for any help you can offer! :-)

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  1. Anonymous

    Since you're working on your MBA, start with the career center at your school. They can help with your resume and can likely help you find a job in your desired field once you graduate. If your school provides an internship possibility, that can be an "in" for some valuable experience. No judgment here; you are doing the right thing, taking care of your family. Now that some things have been resolved, you can move to where the jobs are rather than dealing with seasonal work in a resort town. Hang in there. I hope things get better soon.

  2. Tami L Cannizzaro

    Congrats on working towards your MBA and para professional cert! And I've cared for an aging parent while working - it's super hard, both mentally and physically draining, so hat's off to you. Re: work - I agree with others to take full advantage of the career center at your school! Don't wait until you're ready to graduate; do it now! In addition to help with interviewing skills, resumes, job placement, there may be paid internships in your field that you should explore as internships give you a step up when it comes to hiring at graduation. Are you going to school in your current resort town, or are you doing this remotely? Asking because if you are going to school "remote", can you go ahead and move to your desired work location that has more opportunity for even part-time work to help you financially? (just asking) Are you 100% tied to contract administration? With an MBA you are qualified for so much more, and I'd encourage you to explore other options. Consulting firms are always looking to hire new grads, pay well, and offer good experience - if you can handle the work for a couple years before settling into a different company. Many of the grad students I work with find that route to be a great option for a couple years. Again, I would make the career center my home base as a start. Also ask professors to introduce you to the reps from visiting companies - so many come to campus to guest lecture or meet with professors. Another thought - what about paid work (TA) or other on campus? Sorry for all of my rambling thoughts; just trying to help and maybe some of these will help you think of other ideas :-)

  3. Maralea Norden

    Your rambling thoughts are awesome!

    1. Both programs are online.

    2. I love the idea of Internahips, I've made appts with my advisors regarding internships... I'm 54 and have never had one so I feel like this would be an excellent opportunity.

    And as for moving, my spouse and I have decided to try to make that jump this Spring regardless... just terrified of the expense whe under employed.

    Thanks for your comments!

  4. Bosslady520080

    With your mother moving in with your brother, just move back to Colorado. No quilt.

  5. Anonymous

    First of all, so sorry for your loss of your father. I know how that feels and caring for an ill parent. Our lives are difficult to navigate as we become the parents of our parents. But on a high note, you are surviving but need to thrive. You will. TRUST THAT. You are working on your MBA, and will have a little more in your back pocket to arm you to achieve a higher work status. We all do what we have to do. I'm in higher ed. Agree with others, go to your university/college career center, use their recruiting system, and scour jobs, and apply now. Some may offer you something remote until you can relocate. Leave no stone unturned and apply for everything that is close. There are tons of jobs out there for MBAs and if you seek to get back to CO, be open to at least getting closer than maybe where you are now. Hang in there and do keep us posted!

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