Day after day I filled out job applications, wrote new resumes, and cover letters. I tried desperately to think of new and creative ways to put a spin on the fact that I am a forty-five year old mother of three who hasn’t had a “real job” in almost eighteen years. Day after day I checked my phone and emails to see if I sparked the slightest interest in any prospective employer, but alas the little green light was not flashing on my phone and the only emails where the usual requests for payments or notifications from the schools. BUT I DON’T GIVE UP!
I know I have a lot to offer and I would be an asset to any company if given the chance. A chance that is all I need but do I want to wait around for someone else to believe in me. I believe in myself and I can give myself the chance?
I am no longer going to wait for someone else to give me an opportunity, I am going to make my own! So what shall I do? Why not hit the internet and see what is out there. This is the thought process that went through my head last week as I set about searching the internet to find something I could sink my teeth into and create my own opportunity.
I came across an online jewelry boutique. For no cost I could set up an online jewelry store! This had me written all over it. Many years ago I did those annoying house parties and sold a very nice line of jewelry and was quite successful at it, but honestly I have never been a fan of the “parties.” So this sounded perfect. So here I am the proud owner of an online jewelry boutique called “Simply Perfect.”
As fate would have it the moment I decided to take matters into my own hands the magic green light began to flash on my phone. Yes, believe it or not, I was finally able to catch a break and someone appreciated the skills I have developed over the years and in more particular the last year and called me for an interview. By the end of the day I had a job offer. Two days later I was starting my new job!
Isn’t it funny how things work. I think God was waiting to see if I was willing to step up and take control myself. Waiting to see if I was just going to sit around and wait for someone else to give me an opportunity or was I going to make my own opportunities.
So now I both employed and the owner of an on-line jewelry boutique! I’ve always been good a multitasking and eighteen years of being a stay at home mom has taught me to nurture and develop my creations, so I am not giving up on the jewelry. I will give my spare time (haha) to it and make it what I can and it will always remind me that I believed in myself!
Don’t sit around and wait for opportunities, make your own! Life can be an exciting adventure if you chose to go out and explore it!
Just Me 
congratulations on your new job and business! I am 45 too, and keep wondering….
Don’t wonder… just do! I figure if it doesn’t work out I can just stop but I will never know if I don’t try! So far so good!
Congratulations on the new job. I have been reading your blog today, finally! I wrote it down last summer but just finally found the time today to sit and read it. I love it.
Congratulations!! I am too searching and putting myself out there to find a job after 5 years of being a stay at home mommy. Very happy for you 🙂 and major kudos for doing the stay at home mommy job for 18 years!
Really the time went by so fast. The problem is after so long it is difficult to go back.
Putting yourself out there is the first step and I congratulate you for being courageous! It’s important to keep trying.
Sue Bock
http://couragetoadventure.com/blog
Thanks for the encouragement. I think as women we need to do it a little more!
Hey I’ll help you with a ladder to climb out of your box if you’d like LOL
You bet we do!
Sandra, I am so glad I read your post today. I will be returning to the IT field soon and I am rebuilding my skills and my network now. Did you ever feel rejected or not good enough during your job search? I have had feelings of doubt on my journey.
Only every day! I never doubted my ability but I certainly doubted that I would ever get a job. Competing in a market you have been out of for so long is difficult. I was most nervous about my ability to write a resume that competes with the younger generation. I wasn’t sure how the young kids wrote resumes but decided to stay true to myself and present who I was because that is who they were going to hire. My day started with checking the web for jobs and spending and hour or so applying. That equates to a lot of rejection. I also have realized that the companies don’t always work as fast as we do. Since I have accepted and started my current job several of my earlier applications have resulted in calls. Hold on and stay positive!
Congratulations on your new job. I have been reading your blog today. I wrote the site down last summer but just found the time to sit and read it, I love it.
Thanks Kelly and it’s good to hear from you! Hope I can find the time to keep it up with work. I’m sure I’ll find a better balance after I get caught up at work. I’m asking mom for your email address, I hope your mom knows it.