Moving On

So today I got back to work, homework that is. I followed the guidelines given us at the outplacement sessions last week. I did my CAR: challenges, achievements and results for each of three jobs I had over the last 10 years. I dropped off the other jobs because at my age, I need to remember, this resume is my brochure, a teaser to get through the door. The more work I add to my resume, the older I will appear. So, even though I twitched from writing job withdrawl, I got my resume to 2 pages at a decent font: 12. It looks clean, neat and hopefully says enough. So off it went to the outplacement service to review, edit and format. Whew....done.

Then I went online and looked at jobs. Felt sick but applied for a couple. One is for a huge ad agency for executive account manager for a major beer company. The description says you work from home with 20% travel and the travel is local. So off my resume went (yes the unedited one except for my edits). And applied to 2 other jobs also. The truth is I don't think I qualify for any of them but will try.

Next week am going to one of the career centers to see what is available for jobs and assistance. I am still considering all options. I am a former nurse who, while working in an allied health position, has not given patient care in years. I can't do patient care in this day of techical and strong assessment skills. But I could do utilization review. There is a 3 day certification course for this and may do that. It will be boring but I will get paid and benefits.

Got my approval for unemployment which I will have to stop once my Social Security comes through as I am income restricted on this, at least till next year. I am hoping I get a job and can suspend this till next year.

And, drum roll please, today I got my Medicare card. A major benchmark in one's life. I earned it. I am still awaiting COBRA information but if that doesn't work out, will apply for a medigap or Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare does not cover everything, no matter what you hear. Not to mention, it does not cover prescriptions. I will have to get Medicare D at least for that.

Please read one of the comments from my prior post. Lisa posted a great article for us older folk who are looking for jobs. Thanks Lisa!

More to come, stay tuned....tomorrow: letting go, trials and tribulations.

The dislocated, outplacement part 2: what I learned

The second outplacement session was also very productive. We learned more about resumes; creating concise brochures to reflect your skills and accomplishment; and talking points you need to have to back up those points. CAR: the talking points: C, the challenge; A, the accomplishment; R: the results.

We learned about more places online to find jobs, recruiters, and more. But the most effective way to find a job is to network. I will tell you more about this next week.

What I really learned is that a great bunch of people, talented, skilled, loyal, smart, funny, kind, and more, are out there looking for jobs. Many if not most of them, are in their forties, fifties, and yes sixties. Too many to equal the number of available jobs; the challenge for most of us will be the white elephant in the interview room: our age. This is a blog in and of itself.

This weekend is filled with wedding, family and rain. So much to say; so little time....more to come...stay tuned.

Outplacement: Training for the dislocated

Today I attended the first of two sessions to help me find a job. I learned so much it was overwhelming. Today we talked about our commercials (who we are, what we do), writing resumes, and the importance of networking. We also talked about the new buzz word for those of us laid off, riffed, unemployed: we are now officially called, the dislocated. Who knew?

Resumes: View these as your marketing brochures. These should not be detailed but concise, using the terms that the prospective employer uses in their job descriptions. You have about 15 seconds to sell yourself as a viable candidate for this job in a competitive environment.

Interestingly the facilitator did agree that even though companies won't admit it, there is ageism in the work place. He suggested no more then 10 years of employment listed. School dates should not have dates graduated. Get your foot in the door.

When in the door, be passionate about what you do; be energetic and confident. Believe in yourself.

I felt energized when I left because the best part was being with former colleagues and realizing that the feelings I have experience are not unique. I hope to join with them in sharing information and helping each other. These are mostly people I did not get to work with directly but knew of. Now I know them and they are terrific! Good people lose jobs. It's the world we live in.

It is time to move on. I got my approval for unemployment today. A whopping $380 per week paid bi-weekly. Hey, its something and I can collect it until I get my Social Security then I will be restricted on income. Both Social Security and unemployment are taxable.

My brother is coming in from Florida tomorrow for my other brother's son's wedding on Saturday. Busy weekend (great!). Next week I buckle down and get my resume done and start networking to look for jobs!

More to come.................................................