Job Hunt

Lately, I've been looking for a job.
Do you know how humbling it is trying to put together a resume' after being a stay at home mom for the past 17 years?? Or filling out those online-applications?
There is NO WHERE to put all the hard work I've done in the past 17 years.
I know so much more than I did when I was going to college, but again...
where do I write that down?
I've educated 5 children for 7 years. That's just the education part. I've been raising kids a LOT longer than that.
Does that mean anything in the employment outside-of-the-home world?
One of those applications had me fill out 10 years of work experience, even if it was longer than 10 years worth.
Do you know what I realized?
I haven't worked an outside job for more than 4 years. Total.
In my life.
MY ENTIRE LIFE.
I had to actually write down all my jobs since I was 16.
And thank heavens for the internet...because other than the city it was in, I have no idea the addresses, phone numbers, or names of the managers I had those many years ago. Or whether the darn places are even still in business!
I have 2 leads on actual jobs that are realistic for my life... and I'm praying that either one of them will fall into place. There are a few others that I would love to have, but just aren't realistic right now.
I know that the Lord will bless us and help us...
but it is so hard to be patient when I see bills piling up
and when I seen that handy-dandy Christmas Counter near the mall by my house.
*sigh*

"I trust the time is coming, when the occupation of an instructor to children will be deemed the most honorable of human employment.”~~Angelina Grimke

Comments

Anonymous said…
Funny how there are skills we have "perfected" but due to our lack of a diploma or w-2 form it doesn't "count".

I think you should just go into business selling your apron-o-pockets or some of your other wonderful creations.

I will keep the prayers headed your way.
Tonya said…
There really should be a place that you can put down all the different jobs you have done as a mom. You've been a nurse, teacher, chaueffer (sp?), party planner, maid, chef, food storage specialist, seamstress and that is just to name a few.

Good luck and I hope that everything works out.
Anonymous said…
I don't know if I've ever told you, but I LOVE you and your blog! You always brighten my day. Good luck finding a job. I would think that Eutaw would be the one state in this country that would understand and appreciate the true value of 17 years of "mommying"!
Anonymous said…
I've wondered about that--getting back into the workforce after an absence. Best wishes to you. You have been in my thoughts.
Lammy said…
LOLOL Heather---I'd forgotten you'd remember my apron-o-pockets from Primary...
Thanks for the grin...
Mo said…
I found in interviewing for my last job that the skill set we have is quite valuable. There are many young people entering the job market, but they don't have the abilities to function under pressure, deal with stress, prioritize, and multitask like mothers do. We are good at calming the emotionally upset(customer service) and mediating disagreements(HR and management). We as mothers tend to be less wrapped up in ourselves and can see the big picture more easily. I try to lean on these skills when applying for a job. After being home with my kids, work feels like a vacation!!