Ugh! That’s the first word/thought that comes to mind when I sit down to face my new found frenemy (friend/enemy), a monster call Jobhunt! First let me start by saying that I have been blessed the past 2 years. I haven’t had to work full time. The intention back in 2009 when I quit my job, was to start a family. I guess we got the cart before the horse — because we soon learned that we were facing infertility concerns. Big fat sigh! Until this year, I worked part-time so we had a little more financial wiggle room. Now that having a family is looking slim and since we’ve recently decided not to pursue adoption, I’m jumping back into the work force. For me, it’s a happy-sad. I’ll be super happy if I can get back in my field within Higher Education, but it’s incredibly sad that I don’t get to be the stay at home mom I always thought I would be. I started to dip my toes in the job pool back in June, but last month (July) I took the plunge and have been applying for jobs everyday. Here, at my Mac, is where I seem to spend a great deal of time weeding through Monster.com, Craigslist (which is FULL of scams), and Higher Education Consortiums to see what new jobs might have been posted and if I meet the required qualifications. I’ve applied for Administrative Assistant positions, Recruiter positions, Admissions Advisor positions, Assistant Director of Admissions positions and the list goes on…
Here is where it gets challenging… From 2004-2009, I served as a Director of Admissions. By the age of 35, I was blessed to serve in upper management positions in a field that was incredibly rewarding — higher education. Would I do it again? Absolutely, but only with the right school and leadership. Would I take a non-managerial position? Absolutely, but would you higher a former manager to serve under you as an advisor, administrative assistant or receptionist? Be honest! Seeeeee, I think that’s what I’m facing!?! It’s a little overwhelming and, yes, frustrating. I’ve revised my cover letter to state why I resigned my job back in 2009 and why I’m now looking to go back to work full-time, but my phone keeps vibrating with the following messages sitting in my Inbox — “the position has been filled.” While we can comfortably live on one income, we do have an IVF loan to pay off and my school loans… it just makes sense to get those debts paid off and SAVE, especially when the economy is so unstable as of late.
So, there you have it — a brief introduction to my new found frenemy, a monster called Jobhunt! I am blessed to have a husband who has patience of steel, but I have my moments of complete desperation. I often say to myself, If I could just get an interview… I don’t think I’ve had an interview where I wasn’t offered the job. {That persuasion class back in college has been my BFF and we’ve come a long way, baby. hee-hee}. Since my job search began, I’ve only had one interview, and I ended up withdrawing my application for that position. I know that all I can do is take it one day at a time and trust the Lord, it’s so much easier said than done.
Oh, before I go, I also wanted to confess that I had no idea how hard it truly was for the unemployed to find jobs. I have a new found understanding and compassion for those who were laid off or let go from their jobs and have (or still are) continuing to fight this good fight. I can’t imagine doing this knowing that my unemployment funds might run out or my bills might have to go unpaid. I commend each of you and encourage you to keep fighting the good fight. We can do this!!
Kris says
It's definitely a journey. Keep the faith and know that in good time, something will come along. Love ya. 🙂
Mama Kas says
I HATE job hunting. I'm being super picky because I want to teach in one particular district, but there were no positions open for me anywhere close this year. It STINKS. I hope you find something soon. At least you're hearing back that they've filled the jobs. I hate the waiting game of applying & never hearing anything at all. I'll be praying for ya!