16
I question if I'll ever again find a decent job
Maureen DrinkwaterOrchestrating a career reentry like no other!
306
08/21/21 at 6:59PM UTC
Hi Carolyn,
If you are unemployed or underemployed and you have been on the job hunt for a considerable time, it is easy to get discouraged. Hang in there! No one can ever know exactly what another person is going through, but I can say that I empathize. With a yearslong (> a decade) voluntary hiatus from the workforce during which I was a family caregiver, I am finding it difficult to reenter the workforce.
If you can, reach out to people who know you well and think highly of you. They can help provide emotional support. A job search is like a roller coaster ride. There are high highs and low lows and plenty of twists and turns. Rejection is inherent in the process. To keep the best mindset, try starting the day with positive affirmations ("Slay the day!", "I'm going to crush this!", "I am worthy!"). If you believe in a diety, say a prayer. Right a list of your life accomplishments that you are proudest of achieving. These are not necessarily successes you would explain in a job interview. When you are feeling down, refer to this list. Think of the obstacles you overcame to reach your goals.
It might help to delineate in a list, paper or electronic, what a decent job is to you. What is most important to you? Work hours (FT, PT, per diem), work schedule (traditional M-F business hours, etc.), work environment, work tasks, the organization's culture and missions, opportunities for career growth, salary, etc.? Take that list and narrow it to your "must haves". Examine your new list. Consider making adjustments based on your current work and educational background, your skill set, your lifestyle and other similar factors. Maybe you desire a job that you cannot secure because you are lacking a specific skill or skill set, and there is short-term solution to acquiring the skill(s), e.g. taking a free or low cost, brief online course. Or, maybe your desired salary is out of range of what is to be expected for the job category and work region of interest. If you draft a realistic list of desirable characteristics of your next job and work toward filling any skill and/or experience gaps (think volunteering, side gigs/freelancing for gaining experience), you will have a "work order" to fulfill. You can identify jobs that fit the bill. When networking you can ask others if they know of any such openings. You can tailor versions of your resume and cover letter to apply for these positions.
Finding support beyond family, friends and former colleagues can be helpful. Career specialists work for state career centers, colleges' and universities' offices of career services and nonprofits that offer career services, such as Jewish Vocational Services and AARP. Often these services are free and many are available online. Hiring a career coach might be a consideration for you, too.
All of us FGB'ers are pulling for you!
Anonymous
08/21/21 at 10:43AM UTC
I read a Fortune magazine article this week that said 68% of the work force is looking to switch jobs for something that aligns with their goals. The article goes on to explain how it's an Employee's market right now and how companies are expanding their offerings not just compensation but benefits, flexibility in wfh and in schedules and perks. The article was based on a recent study published by PriceWaterhouse. The trends went across the board. It seems that everything we've been hearing about this hit market is true. So stay positive, you will find something amazing soon.
Jennifer WehrendProblem solver, critical thinker, hard worker
226
08/22/21 at 4:08AM UTC
I'm 58 and I like working. I'm fulltime in Healthcare. I have no idea what my goals are careerwise, other than I don't want to be in Healthcare anymore.
Rashida Graham Educator/Trainer in Silver Spring, MD
183
08/21/21 at 12:11PM UTC
This is encouraging.
Anonymous
08/20/21 at 6:10PM UTC
There are so many jobs available right now. This is the best market we've ever had.
Anonymous
08/22/21 at 1:45PM UTC
Yes, there are a lot of jobs being posted, but ageism is still rampant. With more than 25 years of experience in my field, I am coming up on six years with no full-time job with benefits. I apply to multiple postings every week. Silence. I am so far beyond the daily niceties of telling myself how "worthy" I am, etc etc. Hiring a career coach is out of the question when there might not even be enough money at the end of the month to pay the phone bill. Piecing together enough freelance work to keep the lights on is exhausting. I will sooner be struck by lightning than find a full-time job.
Kelli MahoneyUX/UI Deisgn | Event Technology | Marketing
161
08/20/21 at 10:57PM UTC
This depends on your age and job skills. Gen X is definitely struggling in this market. They are not finding it "the best market we've ever had," and studies are showing that they are not being hired at rates like other age groups. Also, if you are middle management, the jobs out there are coming back slower than other jobs. If you are looking for something non-sales that doesn't require certifications, you may not have the best market. So it really depends on what you're looking for. The market is not a one-size fits all for everyone right now.
Anonymous
08/26/21 at 1:04PM UTC
I thought gen x was supposed to be too cool and apathetic to whine like this
Kelli MahoneyUX/UI Deisgn | Event Technology | Marketing
161
08/28/21 at 4:14PM UTC
Whining or stating fact? Would you like me to cite my sources? The poster stating that this is the "best market we've ever had," has not actually been diving deep into the issues with the job market as a whole, and I was reinforcing what the poster was saying about ageism and issues with the job market. At what point is it whining to state fact? I'm actually wondering if you are either a Boomer or a Millennial, because you tend to forget that Gen Xers like to remain cynical and rooted in fact, discussing how piss poor the world is operating over the years, and how the world is going to hell. Ah, but then neither generation has cared to pay attention to Gen X conversations anyhow. We talk about these deep issues all the time. You're just too busy ignoring us to listen.
See other replies
Anonymous
08/21/21 at 12:09AM UTC
I'm 64 so I'm a boomer and have honestly experienced multiple offers in mid management roles that I ever have. Southern California's job market may be better than most but I've had friends in other areas and they've been heavily recruited as well.
Rachel @ Life AdvisorsSuccess by Design.
55
08/20/21 at 4:33PM UTC
Why do you perceive that as being a legitimate concern?
Anonymous
08/20/21 at 4:24PM UTC
It requires an adjustment for sure. The hiring process is a strange and stressful time.
Sue Gordon- retired Career Coach
3.27k
08/20/21 at 3:45PM UTC
Why?
S.
803
08/20/21 at 2:41PM UTC
It's tougher than it used to be, but it's not impossible. Don't give up.
