I live in Houston, so if anyone knows someone who needs someone to do something, please let me know!

How many years were you a legal secretary?

25 + Wow! That is scary.....

I think often the fear of something is far worse than the actual thing. You just have to start putting 2 feet in front of the other and start. Don't get discouraged. It is a tough environment to get work, but eventually you will get something.

Maybe start volunteering somewhere just to get yourself back out there in some capacity! Could be a good way to meet other people and get leads on available jobs!

You can do this. It will not be easy, but you can rise to the challenge!

Karenhopeful: I see why you call yourself that! Thanks.....

Cwalla--SOMETIMES, I think it is a curse! But I don't know any other way to be! Hope is a powerful ally, I have learned!

Do it. Get on the internet and write up a resume. If you can manage to talk to lawyer everyday.....you have the strength to do ANYTHING. If you have a good friend to hold your hand while you do it....then call them and let them help you through each step. If you need a friend, PM me and I'd be more than happy to help you.

The truth is, the worst that could happen to you....already has. Interviewing a bunch of lawyers to see which ones you want to work with.....will be cake compared to that. You HAVE a place to live, and a wonderful granddaughter to spend time with.

The first (and even third or tenth) interview might not land you the job....but you WILL get one. And in the meantime, enjoy that granddaughter.

DO use the first couple interviews to learn what you should be dong...and I KNOW that you can THINK on your feet. That's not an easy job. You'll learn what clothes, what attitude and such to take to the following interview.

NO reason to be scared. And DO blame the career break on your daughter, family, and grand daughter. Mention, but don't dwell on hom much being a part of her life means to you.

Healing Hugs,
Patti

Patti22: Thank you, thank you, thank you! This is first thing I read this a.m. and what a pleasant surprise! It just s---- to be this insecure and feeling like a whiney baby!! Your pep talk is just what I needed!

I'm in the same boat. I've got 3 job sites I visit every morning and fill out at least a few applications a day. I've actually seen quite a few legal secretary jobs on monster.com.

It's hard to be rejected repeatedly but sometimes it happens before you find something. Try not to take it personally. You have to get in the mind set that you have something to offer and you'll find a good fit eventually.

Good luck to you!

new2this2: Good luck to you, too!!!!!!!!!

cwalla - with your employment background you might want to think about volunteering at some sort of legal clinic in your city. It might enough to get you back into the swing of that kind of daily routine and get you back in employment-ready status. It could be good for contacts for a permanent, paid job.

good luck - it will do you good to have some kind of adult business level contact.

Well you can work as a Paralegal on your own. Run some ads and offer you services to draw up legal documents. One document to release all parental rights is $250.00 that is just one. You have all of the background run some ads and prepare legal documents at a discount. Bankrupcy is a hot one now days. Get half you fees up front and the rest upon completion of the documents finished. Found out how much to draw these docs up at an attorneys office and discout it way down. Run some ads in your local nickle paper some of these ads are only $3.50 per week. Start out slow and build up your clientel. If you get good enough you can rent out a small office or work out of your home they you will be able to buy now with the money you make off of perparing docs. You have all of this experence put it to work! Go for it@

Cwalla - Patti has some excellent advice. I do get letters and emails all the time from people who need a job. I have hired people in their 50's and even 60's (my current office manager is almost 70). I look for the person's background, education and demeanor. Is the person attired appropriately? Can he/she speak articulately? If you've worked in a law office, you already know the drill, so go out and knock them dead!

I wish I had you here when I was looking for a staffer....

Lynne

Definitely try looking for a job, but keep in mine that noise about economy being bad and high employment all very true.

*mind*