Feeling Bad

These days seem like if it is entry level, they want someone they don't have to pay big bucks. You have a bachelors, they assume you want big bucks. The work history you have may be outside the scope of what you are looking for. The length of time you have been out of work is another red flag. Just keep trying and it probably would be better looking for something along the lines of what you've done...Good luck.

Consider looking into classes at a local community college for ECE for Early Childhood education, I did and got certified to be a preschool teacher in 1 1/2 yrs of working and going to school PT. I love teaching young children. Classes were only $25 per credit hr at the CC and I loved taking the classes. Why dont you go bk to substitute teaching in the mean time, so you have flexibility and can still spend time with your children. Your baby really needs Mom a lot right now. Good luck with this.

Don't feel discouraged! I think it is a sign of the times and these employers think you are overqualified and therefore will jump ship to a better opportunity when it arises. At least thats what I tell myself as I am in the same boat as your are! I have a B. A. in English, managed a retail store, worked in customer service for two years and then stopped and became a SAHM for my three children for the past 10 years. Recently when my husband became unemployed I applied to everyone, Target, JP Penney, Walgreens, Kohls and never even got a call back! And I used to be a retail manager! I feel the same way as you do, I am a hard worker and quick learner and I know if they just gave me the chance... But these days you can't even fill out an application in person, its all on the web and picked through by computer programs before a live person even sees it. For now I hold on the my faith and the belief that the right opportunity will present itself when the time comes. I have been taking a few entry level college courses in Early Education so that if worse comes to worse I can look for something in a preschool or daycare. 'Cause I can sure change a diaper! LOL. Just keep plugging away and know we are all in the same boat. Don't take it personally and let it make you feel insecure about your abilities.

You are probably shooting too low as for as a job goes. There are so many people out there looking for work which would be just like what you are looking for but their salary expectations and requirements may be much lower than yours. As an employer it would just be better to hire them. In this market the employer really does have the upper hand and choices.

With that in mind, what other opportunities outside of perhaps the retail market would be viable as a work experience for you. Or would it be possible and likely for you to provide a service to other working mom's while you are home with your children. Something like homework help or afterschool care or some combination of the two?

Don't let the no's of life define you. I just figure each no is getting me closer to where I need to be. Perhaps the retailing weekends and nights isn't really what your family needs you to do but it is the first thing you considered. With your skills and experiences you are probably overlooking what would really work for you. Perhaps working for a nail salon or tanning salon again may be what you need to do or something else. I really can't define for you what that really is but you need to take some time to think outside of the box and find what is a fit and see if that door opens for you but don't get discouraged. If you keep looking you will find something but if you get discouraged and quit I can guarantee you you won't find what you are not looking for. Pick yourself up brush the dust off and start again. Don't give up.

Hi G.. Sorry to hear about you problem but sadly this is the cruel reality of current times. This may sound like a cliche, but I do want to tell you that I know a company that can provide you an excellent opportunity to be productive again. You can work your hours with a lot of income potential. Please call me at ###-###-#### or email: ____@____.com

There is nothing wrong with you at all. Our economy is bad, there are more candidates for less jobs. I am educated, certified, etc. and cannot seem to move in any other direction other than what I am doing. I also subbed for years. Since you want only nights hang in there. People do want people for those hours I am one who does not want to. If you want nights, how about waitressing? We are not in a position in life to be picky and choosy. So even though you are educated think positive about all sorts of varying opportunities other than the two you tried for. It is not you, it is our world. Good luck!

G., there are so many other things that you can do. Have you thought about a home based business?? I counsel women on all of this.....call me and I can give you some groups to go to to start connecting with other women and see what there is to offer that will fit you and fill your passion:) You are VERY special and there is a spot for you!!!
###-###-#### M.

I know this sounds like self-promotion....but......here goes!! I started working for a company that you can check out......... www.latasia.com. I know it's a home party company......and I never in my wildest dreams thought I would ever do this........... but I make on average $200 a night having fun ...... You pick your own hours.......... work when you want..... If you have a function with your kids at school just don't plan a party that night. This company is very very family orientated. In fact I'm just a consultant and I had dinner with the owner of the company 2 weeks ago!!! It's been around for at least 15 years, but is NEW to this area............so you are not competing with 4 other women on your block for business......... There are a lot of perks!!!! Let me know if you're interested in hearing more, or on the website there is what they call "an opportunity call" every Monday night that you can have any questions answered in person by the Vice President of the company. Good Luck in whatever you find, it's out there, you just have to be creative!!!!

Hang in! Keep looking. Two places is a good start -- but keep putting your name in everywhere. In this economy it can be very difficult but don't let it get you down. You've made a good start -- it's so tough to even get started. Just make sure you've got a decent-looking resume (well organized, easy to read, highlights your strengths & no typos). You might try a skill-based one instead of a straight chronological one. Yes -- a resume even for entry level jobs! Continue to show your smarts and your tenacity. Keep going! Your job will come!

It's not your age, it is your education. They probably feel you are overqualified. Having a degree is definitely overqualified for retail jobs and employers may feel you will eventually get bored or find a better offer and leave. Somehow you need to get your point across that you WANT to work nights & weekends and are not seeking any other employment. Plus, they may feel you would want to be paid more b/c of your education. With the overabundance of applications for each and every job that is posted these days employers get to be very picky and choose whoever they want.

I am a certified teacher and have subbed for four years and cannot find a job.
I have battled with mild depression b/c of this, but I know eventually it will get better.

Maybe you already do this, but don't put your education on your applications.

I wish you the best of luck!

Well, the unemployment rate is sky high and even entry level jobs have way more applicants than there are positions to fill. I know several people maintaining full time careers who also have part-time "entry level" jobs just to make ends meet.

One thought I had was your children. Are you mentioning them at the interview or is the interviewer asking if you have children? Employers hear 3 kids (one that's a baby) and get leery about availability (i.e. calling in sick).

Oh I feel you!! Yeah it's because you have been out of the market awhile. I lived in Mexico for about four years so I had no job history here for that time. I came home and was trying to get work in bookstores etc and no-one would hire me. I applied at like twelve places!! Finally someone I knew told me about a job and because I knew them I got it and then I was back in the swing of things. Don't feel bad, something will come through, but I totally understand!!

It is the economy and not you. My husband was laid off and he thought he'd be able to get a lot of interviews but he didn't and it took him some time to find another job. If it were a couple years ago he could have found a great job that paid much better then the one he found. I would just send my resume/fill out application to every company possible that you would consider working for. Also, hospitals may be a good option. You can be a registar and work night shifts. My SIL works 3pm-11pm shifts. Check out what hours your hospital has. Also, be very professional and make sure your resume doesn't have any typos. Have friends proofread your resume.

I would guess it is in part because you have been out of the workforce for a few years, but mainly because you are over-qualified for the jobs you're applying for. I know it sounds counter-productive, but most employers won't hire someone they think 1) may be able to do their job and 2) will always be looking for something better. Someone with your work and eductional background is not going to work an entry level video store job for the long haul. They also assume (maybe not rightly so) that you would not be satisfied with the pay, and would not be as easily "molded" as someone with less work experience and no educational background. Why spend the time and resources training someone who will more than likely move on as soon as something better comes along? You may be better off applying for management positions, or changing the field you are trying to get into. For example, you may be able to find an entry-level spot at a tanning salon because you have experience in that area. I know it is hard but the best advice I can give is use your assets to your advantage.

I feel really bad for you! Job market is horrible. Don't feel down that you haven't been chosen for these entry level jobs. The problem is that for every opening there are hundreds of applicants regardless of whether it's entry level or a professional job. Keep applying, you'll find a job! You are not old either, keep your head up, you'll find something eventually.

You are over qualified for the jobs you are applying for and the companies know this. They probably think you are taking the job until something better comes along. Try dumbing down your resume, don't list your college degree, keep it simple. Have you thought about tutoring on nights and weekends? This would use your degree and still fit the requirements for childcare.

Hi there
Try out places like Lowes and or Target. They hire for the holiday season and too, they like part-time workers. I think since you owned your own salon, you want to stress that you know how to deal with the public REALLY WELL. Also, as you mentioned, you are willing to work weekends and nights.
Try to keep in mind when interviewing that it's nothing personal.. You never know what's going thru a possible employer's mind.. could be someone in the group had on a shirt they liked or said something that resonated with the employer more than anyone else. it's really sometimes as simple as that. Also, I don't think as many people do this anymore, but no matter what type of job you are applying for.. DO send a thank you note and indicate how great it was to talk with them and IF you are interested, do reiterate as such.. So often , people don't extend common courtesy anymore. Even if you don't want the job... hey, one job can lead to another.
I once interviewed for a job but the guy didn't think I was quite right for what he was looking for, however, he did refer me to another and BAM.. I did land that job.. so you never know.
It does seem these days especially that you have to interview more often than not.. and too, you might think, what is wrong with me.. again, its not you.. My husband who has a great deal of experience from the brokerage industry to running two of his own businesses had to interview all over the place until he finally got a job. At first, he did wonder.. hey is it me... but eventually, you do toughen up and realize that it's probably not you. There were times when we thought he was the perfect candidate and then.. no he didn't get the job.. but you will land a job.. try to keep smiling.. In my opinion, you have GREAT experience, perhaps it's just how you are selling that experience? in some cases, you might seem over-qualified. therefore, if you are looking for entry-level, could be you have to help the employer wrap their mind around why you would be a good hire.

I wish you the best.. btw, 32 is VERY young :)

You are 32 and that is very young! I got a job at a daycare at age 38 and being a stay at home mom for 6 years, so it is not b/c you are out of the workforce. I think it's b/c you are overqualified. So, take your impressive stuff off your resume. You should get hired! Good luck.