15
Hi.
Just joined. Looking for answers. I was a late bloomer and graduated with a Bachelors in Management back in 2008. However i became a caregiver for family and that took priority. I've been looking for a better paying job. But I've gotten rejection after rejection. Has too much time passed now? Should I give up and get a 2nd job to pay the bills?
Sidney Bristow Accounting
459
03/25/21 at 9:35PM UTC
We recently interviewed a woman who hadn't been in the paid workforce in 10yrs. She made it through the resume/cover letter phase with flying colors. However, at the end of the interview when we like to ask "after this interview, what would you like us to remember about you," she apologized for not having done paid work in a decade. She could've gone in many directions with that question, but I must admit her downplaying her skills and commitment and experiences was a turn-off.
I say all that to say that one need not apologize for taking time off to care for family, raise a family, get a mental break, get a degree, whatever it is. Framed well, each of those situations could be positives for you and for a future employer.
I know this to be true because I went 15 yrs between full-time paid work. Within those 15yrs I did PT jobs and gigs and raised 2 babies and got a degree and cared for a family member with dementia. No one can tell me that I didn't gain invaluable insights and experiences during that time: time mgmt, financial mgmt, et cetera.
Keeping a chin up while not realizing your goals is hard, real hard. But please keep it up. And all the best to you.
Dani Rice
20
01/31/21 at 11:57PM UTC
What is it that you want to do? What industry are you looking to work in?
Do you know anyone in that industry who you can provide you with "inside" information, contacts, etc?
Find ways to connect with people who work where you want to work. You may have to get creative given various in-person restrictions, but it is worth the effort!
Good luck!
Barb HansenStartup Product, Growth & Strategy
9.52k
01/21/21 at 8:01PM UTC
Never give up but it's okay to step back and regroup.
I don't know how many rejections you have gotten (10s or 100s or 1000s) and today's economy getting a job can be impossible depending on your industry. There is no shame in working to pay the bills and if bills need to be paid, then finding a lifeboat 2nd job might be your only option.
But that lifeboat job doesn't have to be a long term job -- take a step back, get that 2nd job and regroup on your larger job search.
As part of your regroup strategy, you could look at:
- different industry,
- a job that is adjacent to the job-title you are searching for,
- joining your business degree with your family experience and apply for jobs in the larger caregiver, education industry. As in example: BrightStar is a huge publicly traded company that is in the homecare, and early education industry that employs hundreds of business people not just homecare worker and educators. You might want to lean into your caregiving experience as you look to re-enter/enter the business world.
