Beginning a Career at Midlife

[pegatha]

I've mostly been a SAHM mom till now, but with my kids nearly grown and my DH becoming increasingly tired, physically, it's clear that I need to head back to work. There's nothing on my resume that indicates my age (I got my college degree just a few years ago), but I'm still not getting any calls. I'm a little nervous about how they'll react when I do finally show up for an interview and they can see that I'm not a youngster. My cover letter does say something about having taken time away from the work force after college to care for elderly parents, which is a hint to my age, at least.

Has anyone else here started a career in midlife, after having been in and out (mostly out) of the workforce so long? I know I'm good in my field, and I know equally well that I'll have to start out on the bottom, just like any newbie. I know that I may have a boss who's young enough to be my own son or daughter. That's fine; I made my choice long ago to stay home with my babies, and I refuse to second-guess that decision. But all the same it's little intimidating. It's also a little discouraging, since I've sent out so many resumes and applied at temp agencies, with no results yet. Any advice?

 

[saddleup4jesus]

I can't really offer any suggestions because my field is literally that...a field . I've been farming for years and just recently took the plunge into the USPS. I came recommended because I am older. Many employers are looking for older workers because they still have years ahead of them, lots of experience behind them and know what working is. Families are established and so that isn't an obstacle either.

All I can say is present yourself as you know you are, right for the job. Be persistant. You didn't say what your field was but if it is a highly competitive one, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. You are eager to work, show them that.

And if you don't get it, chances are it isn't the right one and there is a better plan for you around the bend.

God will present you with the right job. Just have faith.

Chris

 

[pegatha]

Thanks, Chris. My degrees are actually in the computer science field, but I'm willing to look beyond that field, especially for temp work. Just curious, how did you get started in the USPS? By taking a civil service test?

 

[saddleup4jesus]

I never took the test for this job. We are very rural and our main carrier was retiring and her sub. would replace her so they needed another sub. They begged me to come and apply. I didn't want a job, I have enough job here. So I went and filled the application, had an interview and within two hours was hired and on my way for physicals, fingerprinting and training.

There were several other applicants but the postmaster put in the final word after all the interviews and wanted me so they got me.

I'd like to have a longer route and am looking forward to the day I am trained on Roger's route which is over 100 miles. It is a fun job. Like a big puzzle in the morning getting all the mail sorted, then drive around the dirt roads delivering.

I love it.

If anyone is interested in a USPS job, start telling everyone and prepare for the test. You don't necessarily need to take the test to get your foot in the door. I have signed up for the RCA (Rural Carrier Associate) test and am working on memory skills as that is the hardest part. Then when Roger retires or if an opening is available in one of the surrounding towns I can apply for it and get the bump in pay too.

Chris

 

[pegatha]

That's interesting that they contacted you instead of vice versa. That seems to be much of my problem when it comes to finding any kind of job. After all these years, more or less isolated at home and at college, I have virtually no contacts in the business world. My professors know my work and they would vouch for me if an employer asked, but they can't ethically point me to any job openings because that would be favoritism. DH never thinks to tell me of openings where he works, and he never thinks to tell other people that I'm looking for work either, even though he's eager for me to start bringing in an income! Most of the people at my church are retired, or farmers, or work with DH, so they don't really know anyone who's hiring programmers/IT types, either. Most of the people I know who've gotten good jobs have found or been refered to them through word of mouth. It's pretty tough when no one knows you.

 

[saddleup4jesus]

Exactly, you just need to tell the right person. You can't rely on others to tell you of a position. You have to go out and find it yourself.

Our postmaster was new too and he really didn't know me at all but when I'd go in to post my ebay packages we'd sometimes have to figure out postage to the UK and the such and I obviously made some kind of impression.

He and the mail lady were the right people to know I guess .

 

[jam265]

Please pray for my husband as he has suffered his third layoff. The last job brought us to Colorado, a thousand miles from family. We had to file bankruptcy before we moved, and 6 months ago were able to buy a home. Now, if he doesn't get a job soon, we'll have to try to sell this house or walk away from it and lose everything. Please pray that he finds a job he'll love and that will support our family. My health is poor and I can no longer teach because of the stress it puts on my body. Our medicine bill alone is $1100 for three months WITH insurance, which will end soon. I shudder to think what it is without insurance. Please pray for us.

 

[andiesmama]

Please pray for my husband as he has suffered his third layoff. The last job brought us to Colorado, a thousand miles from family. We had to file bankruptcy before we moved, and 6 months ago were able to buy a home. Now, if he doesn't get a job soon, we'll have to try to sell this house or walk away from it and lose everything. Please pray that he finds a job he'll love and that will support our family. My health is poor and I can no longer teach because of the stress it puts on my body. Our medicine bill alone is $1100 for three months WITH insurance, which will end soon. I shudder to think what it is without insurance. Please pray for us.

Prayers for you & your family. I know it's hard right now but if you put ALL your faith in God, He WILL provide for you.

 

[flaglady]

I'm a little nervous about how they'll react when I do finally show up for an interview and they can see that I'm not a youngster.
Has anyone else here started a career in midlife, after having been in and out (mostly out) of the workforce so long? I know I'm good in my field, and I know equally well that I'll have to start out on the bottom, just like any newbie. I know that I may have a boss who's young enough to be my own son or daughter. That's fine; I made my choice long ago to stay home with my babies, and I refuse to second-guess that decision. But all the same it's little intimidating. It's also a little discouraging, since I've sent out so many resumes and applied at temp agencies, with no results yet. Any advice?

Speaking as a former boss who was used to interviewing people twice her age, I never really looked at them as 'an age'! My only interest was could they do the job well enough.

Perhaps if you remember this when you go for your interview it could help to keep things in perspective.

Good luck and God bless - you're one great lady!!

 

[ElElena]

I can't really offer any suggestions because my field is literally that...a field . I've been farming for years and just recently took the plunge into the USPS. I came recommended because I am older. Many employers are looking for older workers because they still have years ahead of them, lots of experience behind them and know what working is. Families are established and so that isn't an obstacle either.

All I can say is present yourself as you know you are, right for the job. Be persistant. You didn't say what your field was but if it is a highly competitive one, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. You are eager to work, show them that.

And if you don't get it, chances are it isn't the right one and there is a better plan for you around the bend.

God will present you with the right job. Just have faith.

Chris

That is sweet encouraging advice. I will want to review that again later.

 

[LadySaint]

Have you searched out jobs and filled out applications online? There's several who can help you that way like Monster.com even your state employement agency should be online to apply and search for jobs.
My hubby has been laid off several times in his jobs with construction type jobs and finally applied for a different type of jobs online and has been happy in his job the last 6 years. The employer was glad to find him since we didn't have to move and they didn't have to pay moving expenses.
I can understand how being older, certain companies don't want to hire you but some do and want the expertise & experience that an older person can bring into the job.
Don't give up! My hubby at 55 is taking online college classes to improve his skills in the workforce. I'm thinking of going back to school myself and getting back in the workforce. I've been a sahm & homeschooled my children and now both have graduated from high school and moved on with their lives.

 

[NorwayUnn]

Age is not what matters most. I was laid off a year ago, as they moved my position to another part of Norway. I was without work for some months. I turned 50 last December. On Feb. 1st this year I started working for a Christian travel agency. What a blessing to get work again! ... and at 50! There were several other people who applied for the position I got. I am glad my age and long time experience were pre's. God will provide work for you, sis.

 

[ElElena]

It's great to see positive responses like that.