A couple of months ago, I decided to start looking for a job. It was exciting as I looked at all of the possibilities in front of me. I could try something new. I could find the perfect place where I was both challenged and could make a difference.
That excitement has worn off.
I’ve realized that my strange round-about career path through publishing and nonprofits has led to a wide breadth of experience, which has its advantages – but that also means there is no singular strength, which makes it difficult to get into the short stack.
A four year resume gap doesn’t help.
The skills that I’ve developed over the past year through writing and blogging have opened up new options to explore. Thrilling at first, it now often overwhelms as I wonder if I’m looking in the right directions.
During a time when my husband is always on the road and my solo time has dwindled to about 30 minutes of a break (all the while listening to my preschooler jabber from her room), I’m struggling to even find the time to research where I can apply, never mind drafting a cover letter. We won’t even start on where the time comes from to write.
It’s only been a few months, and I know I’m doing it right by being particular. The wait is difficult, though, as are the calls saying I’m “not enough ___” for the positions. In the meantime, wanting a job has become needing a job.
So I’ll do my best to straighten my spine, toughen my skin and stay up a little too late again tonight, my writing set to the side, in hopes of the right home for my work self.
I’ll take an epiphany any day now.
xo
Tracy
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What gives you that “be enough” feeling?
That can be so frustrating Tracy. Wanting a job vs. needing a job is one of the main reasons why I never completely gave up working altogether – when at sometimes I really just wanted to (and probably, financially, could have). It is also part of the reason why I still teach at a local community college when I really don’t have enough time to do so. Simply for the fact if I ever needed a job, I could always add more classes to teach and it would always be an option (oh, and I enjoy it too!).
Finding the right job can be hard, yet with your ability to network and communicate as well as you do, there has got to be something perfect out there for you. Don’t forget – you are amazing. The best thing you can do to get the right job (in my opinion) is continue to fight to keep your positive attitude – you are worth it!
Kate F. (@katefineske) recently posted..Asking for Help
I’m so impressed with what you’ve been able to do between teaching and your online work – It’s awesome how you’ve been able to cobble together a situation that works well for you and your family!
ChiMomWriter recently posted..My Daughter Likes Batman – Get Over It
Tracy, I’ll be sending some good vibes. I can imagine it’s so difficult to start out so excited about something and not see the results you were looking for. I think it can be even harder as we get older, too, to find something that feels like a good fit because of the different aspects of our lives that also are priorities for us. When I first graduated, I wasn’t very picky about the job I found (I couldn’t be in the teaching market here!) Now, if I ever go back to work “full time,” I know I will care more about “fit” than I did before.
There’s something out there for you. You have a lot to offer an employer, and it’s just a matter of finding that person. Good luck
angela recently posted..Cleaning Up — Get Fit Challenge Update
Yeah, getting the picture together that I want for my kids and myself is difficult. Some days I feel really good about the process and others, not so much. This whole responsibility thing? For the birds.
ChiMomWriter recently posted..My Daughter Likes Batman – Get Over It
Because you are enough – and more … you will be picky and you will be choosy and you will end up right where you were meant to be.
Good things will come and in my little world where i believe karma will get us all in the end, yours can only take you to good places xxxx
By Word of Mouth Musings recently posted..Melissa Culbertson – Monday’s Muse
Let’s hope. I’ve always been more of a Murphy’s Law than a karma person. Maybe that’s the problem!
ChiMomWriter recently posted..My Daughter Likes Batman – Get Over It
Sending good thoughts your way! The right opportunity is out there, I know you will track it down & find it. You’d be an amazing addition to any company! Good luck & keep staying positive~ you ROCK!
Amy @ Counting My Kisses recently posted..Monday smiles
Thanks so much for your kind words, Amy.
ChiMomWriter recently posted..My Daughter Likes Batman – Get Over It
I totally get it (and have a 10 year employment gap to boast about). And I think it can also be hard to hear, via the blogging community how “great” we are, but not see that translate. Not that I would want people to not be supportive. But when you’re being supported in one area and are being turned down in another area – over the same issue? Hard.
Hug.
Missy | Literal Mom recently posted..Literal Mom Monday – Mercy, revisited
You always “get it” perfectly. Thank you for that.
ChiMomWriter recently posted..My Daughter Likes Batman – Get Over It
This is so tough. When I was working as a recruiter several years ago I’d see lots of former SAHMs trying to get a job. And they had little “experience” to draw on other than being at home with their kids. You’ve done some great things, especially with your writing, and I so hope you find your fit soon.
Robin Farr recently posted..Pregnancy is an Evolutionary Oops
Oh man, that sounds painful – because there’s really not a whole lot you can tell that person. I’m glad I can at least say I’ve been trying to improve my writing / social media skills, etc, but it’s a tough market. Plenty of good people out there looking – and plenty without a gap.
ChiMomWriter recently posted..My Daughter Likes Batman – Get Over It
I am so sorry, because even though I have a job outside my house, it’s not my dream career. Um, not even close, but it does pay the bills, it does give me a reason to leave the house and put high heels shoes on and has become a 2nd family to me. yet, i understand the yearning to want to have something particular for yourself, to wait and want.
I think so much of you, you deserve a job that is worth your time and talents.
Kir recently posted..Just Be Enough: Sometimes Scary, Sometimes Not, Always Mommy
Kir, I think I would take that.
Your job does all of those things for you, and also leaves you with enough time to be able to pursue your talents as a writer (and that, you have amply). There’s no right answer… It’s just finding a way to get along.
ChiMomWriter recently posted..My Daughter Likes Batman – Get Over It
I’ll be sending positive thoughts your way. It’s hard. I’m degree-less and where I live it’s pretty much a requirement for even the most basic jobs. I choose to sell Jockey P2P. For me it’s going to work. a) because I LOVE their product. b) there are maybe 20 active consultants in my city. c) I refuse to fail. They also happen to have an amazing training and compensation package. I hope you find something that works as well for you.
Px Smith recently posted..Fighting the Overwhelmingness
Thanks for the positive vibes – I’ll send some your way for your Jockey work as well. Being able to work with a product that you love? That makes it so much easier. Will be reading to see how it’s all going!
ChiMomWriter recently posted..My Daughter Likes Batman – Get Over It
Well, that’s what I was wondering. Is finding a job a necessity now or just because you want to return to work? I have faith something wonderful will come your way. You just have to believe it too.
Wendy recently posted..How to Quit Effexor | Anti-depressants
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