Job Search after extended break
Save as FavoriteIn May, I went out for 4 months on worker's comp for work related hand surgery. While I was out, my employer closed up shop and relocated to the east coast. My extended work contract ended in November (long story) and I was subsequently diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer. I've completed radiation and have a great prognosis. No chemo. Along the way, I returned to school, earning a certificate in Social Media Marketing and Management and I have refreshed my copywriting skills.
After reading articles on this site, I'm considering PT work combined with work-from-home rather than return to a FT office position right away. What impact could this have on future employment if I then pursue a FT position? I am in my early fifties, so I fear age is against me.
4 Comments
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Margot Larson on Feb 25, 2013
Career Coach Comment:
Jeriann
I am delighted to hear about your positive prognosis. Celebrate each day and the sense of normalcy as a gift!
What type of work were you doing before the work-related injury? I would like to see how it relates to the new certificate you obtained. I applaud your expanding your skills and knowledge to broaden your marketability. Your goal to blend PT work and work from home is a good one and probably more popular among potential employees than employers in most parts of the country. This could be a greater challenge than your age. You must also be weary of so many scams that relate to “work from home” recruiting.
If you choose to work PT and from Home are you prepared to do so as an independent consultant vs an employee? That carries a lot of tax ramifications that you need to be aware of.
I believe that I can make some helpful suggestions and offer some resources once I know a little more based on the answers to my questions.
Margot
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Jeriann F. on Feb 25, 2013
I was in customer service, call center in the wireless industry. Doing phone work is not my first choice for many reasons.
I have also worked in marketing, sales, and the travel industry.
I am also a writer with a degree in communications and have done copy writing. I still write fiction. I was on email correspondence teams.
CRM seems the best fit once I have my cert but I can also do other things such as search engine marketing. I'd read that social media journalism is a good field because of the need for writers.
Thank you.
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Margot Larson on Feb 26, 2013
Career Coach Comment:
Jeriann,
This additional information tells me that your background is not far removed from where you want to take your career step. If you are considering a blend of PT employment in Social Media Marketing, Copywriting along with some free lance work, then I suggest that you create a small business that will allow you to act as a free lance agent. This will help bridge any gap on your resume should you decide to accept a FT position later on. Your local SBA or SCORE or Women’s Business Enterprise Council can provide you with the information you need to start a small business.
To obtain both a PT employment role as well as secure free lance work, start working your network of contacts in the industry. I suggest that along with gearing your resume to this desired career, you also develop a One-page flyer outlining and promoting your knowledge and experience that relates to the type of work you want. You can pick up helpful language and competencies from browsing similar job postings and job descriptions. Plan your flyer carefully as it will be representative of what you can bring to the job.
You probably know that there are several websites where you can find listed free lance projects that you can bid on. You can also post your availability and interest in specific projects. If you have presentation and training skills, you could offer a brief workshop to local chamber of commerce, or a webinar that might provide you with a captive audience for your skills. Also consider volunteering your services with local non-profits to build on your network and give you further visibility. You might even be able to barter some work in exchange for an ad in local publications or programs.
Be sure to visit our Looking for Work resources and avail yourself of the information on building a good resume and resume review.
I hope that you find these ideas helpful. I wish you success in your exploration.
Margot
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Jeriann F. on Feb 26, 2013
You are the 3rd person who has suggested I start a small business. Maybe I will start listening! Thank you,
