What is Career Changes
This community is dedicated to the difficult challenges of transitioning from one career or job to a new career in a different field. Especially as we grow older, it can be very di...
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I started this topic since most of the comments made in regard to being unemployed seem to go back four or more months ago. I really don't have a specific question, just wanted to share a little of my story in hope of possibly finding someone that can relate. I lost my job in Jan. I took vacation during Christmas to see my mother. She had open heart surgery whild I was there, and had major complications which kept me there for three weeks instead of one week of vacation. I was terminated over the phone, stating they would not be able to hold my job for me. Keep in mind, I was never asked how long I thought I may be out. Therefore, this was planned. This was a new company with a new boss that did not know me. The previous owner merged with this company one month prior to my vacation. There was a plan to eliminate me, I'm sure. The problem is, I have put my Resume on line and applied for several jobs since then, and have only gotten one interview. I was offered the job, but didn't take it due to the money. I am a more mature adult at 48 and have 21 yrs. of experience in my field. It seems that younger, recent college students are sought after more than experienced candidates. I would like to make a career change, but do not have a degree or even any college hours. I guess I just need some advice. Some encouragement. Besides losing my job, my mother is still not 100%, we are losing our house, etc. I live in a very small town that would not allow me to do what I have done for 21 yrs. I would definitely have to relocate, but most employers in my field want you to be familiar with the area in which the job would be. Any advice would be appreciated. This is a tough one, I know.
Posted on 08/30/09, 04:08 pm |
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This may be a good time to check out your public library or go to a bookstore and get a copy of "What Color Is Your Parachute?". An excellent book that is updated annually. It has a great section on figuring out a career which best fits your talents and abilities. There is another section on ways to break into a new career field.
Sincerely, OldChurchGuy 
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Are you familiar with the book?
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I first heard about it on here the same day as your post. Looks like i'll be reading this book soon.
Thanks for the response.
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Best of luck and keep us posted, please.
OldChurchGuy
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Well lets see, I have been unemployed since March 1st. I have put out so many applications, but right now the employers can get a college grad with a masters for $8.00 and hour. Things are just ugly right now. The last fast food job that opened up here was for 10 people, more than 1000 showed up. I'm into my second week on an emergency extension on my unemployment. I don't see much of an easy answer, keep applying, and if someone offers you a job, take it. I've never been out of work this long. I used to do temp work, when ever things got slow. I can't even get that anymore.
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I'm 48 yrs. old and I'm going to have to move in with my mom and leave my partner of 12 years just to get a job. He runs a small restaurant here, but it's not doing well enough. I have never been out of work like this before either. I am also into my emergency unemployment fund, and my state is going to give a certain few an additional 20 weeks. They haven't said who will qualify, only that we would be notified by mail. We have just lost our house and are taking money from the mortgage company to get out within a week. I have never been so scared in my life. I will try and temp as well in a much larger city. It's a shame that families are having to split to make a living. This is not going to be good!
Good luck in your job search. I don't know how old you are, but for me, it's really scary. You're right about the college grads. It's crazy.
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I'm 44, yikes, it's scary to say that one out loud. The only offers I have had, have all come from scams. I have loads of sales experience, but no one is shopping. The last real job I had, I was an office manager, a damn good office manager, but the company was a recent take over, and with their lack of experience, they decided they need to cut back. So, they let me and a couple other people go. The husband and wife owners are going to do it all themselves. I've heard it's not been working out for them. As for me, I started doing some graphic design projects. It's stuff that I have done on the side, in the past, only now it's all I have going on. I hear things are turning around, I just haven't seen it yet. I keep hoping.
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Good for you that you have something to fall back on. My partner, significant other of 12 yrs., has been given a store to run here at the lake. This is not a place to be for me though. I have to get out of here before I go crazy. Most people here have a second home here, and the ones that live here fulltime, have lived here all their lives, and somehow survive. I just can't do it here. I almost feel like I'm a little afraid of being around people since I've been out of work so long. I hope going to my moms in a larger city, will change my whole attitude.
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I'm so sorry you're losing your house! My only thoughts are that any income is good income if you were say...to take a lower pay while getting yourself enrolled in something for a career change. You know your situation best though. All good luck to you!
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Thanks Wendyhi. I guess that's what I should do. It seems everyone is directing me in the same way.
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