OT - need advice

Helen,

Every placement agency I've ever worked through wanted all that work history stuff. In addition, without current job skills, and not wanting to do handwork/grunt work... I'd recommend going with the Volunteer Work Experience. You say if you're doing work you want to get paid, but on the other hand you'd be getting training without having to pay for it. Given your work history - or lack thereof, I think a volunteer work experience would serve you well. In exchange for your time and effort you get trained for today's workforce and you get a job and people you can put down for references.

HTH, Alison

I know nothing about this particular temp agency, but it's probably worth a try. List your previous jobs and explain that they've gone bankrupt or whatever. Offer personal references instead.

As far as skills, what computer programs can you use? Are you pleasant on the phone? Can you file? (Of course you can -- you do know the alphabet.) If you can use a word processor and answer the phone pleasantly and show up on time, you've got more skills than many of the people out there working.

Good luck -- Elise

I don't know anything about this particular agency...BUT...I returned to work after 4 years as a SAHM (stay at home mom). In that time I'd acquired quite a few new skills, such as computer literacy, and a deep and ugly knowledge of MS Word. But I'd never used them in any prior job. AND my references were old. I avoided the very largest agencies and focused on some of the smaller ones (in other words, skip Kelly for now). I ended up with a very nice mom & pop agency and they gave me very good assignments. They were more than willing to sit down with me, hear me out about my abilities and previous experience, then to test me and help me get on my feet.

Just remember, it can NEVER hurt to try!!!! Good luck!

-- KarenK Desert Dreamer Designs

Store:

Thanks both of you. I'll give you an idea of what I've done and see if that helps.

First job - maid and laundry work (summer job)

2 - shimp picker (year and a half - seasonal) 3 - office clerk for a *small* local credit bureau (so some office skills but not many) (ended up doing WAY more than qualified for) (or ready for) 4 - janitor/fill in at a fabric store 5 - 2+ years in Job Corps, completed cooking and truck driving training non-job - took care of someone (boyfriend) that went through a bone marrow transplant (medical) 6 - 2+ years OTR - routes, shipping and recieving, time mangagement, lots of skills learned there

I know it's not a whole lot but until I got married I was working pretty steady. Tried to make myself as useful as possible. Did a lot of things that I wasn't expected to do. Learned where everything was (this comes in really handy) Pick up things pretty easily (how hard can ANYTHING be?) Am actually a high school graduate (big thing in this town - get the feeling the school system sucks!) Reasonably personable but don't want to deal with people on a constant basis (give me a job and I'll do it - don't stand over me) I just don't have the verifiable job skills to work with.

Still think this is a good idea? Thanks again for any advice you give me.

Later,

Helen C

Helen -- I acquired my jobs skills by getting a job. I know that is not much help, but that is exactly how I learned what I have learned. What do you want to do? For example, if you wish to work in an office, then you are certainly qualified to answer a telephone. Tell them you will be an entry-level employee, receptionist or clerk and you will learn what you need to learn. If you want a manufacturing job (which pays better, such as our local Honda plant) all their jobs are temp to hire -- they try people out as temps before hiring them and giving them benefits. You have more skills than you think.

Becki "In between the moon and you, the angels have a better view of the crumbling difference between wrong and right." -- Counting Crows

Helen -- also, I explain any missing spots in my resume by saying that I was selling jewelry on the internet (which, I was). It looks like I was unemployed until I write that down.

Becki "In between the moon and you, the angels have a better view of the crumbling difference between wrong and right." -- Counting Crows

A lot of temp agencies as well as the state employment office have training programs in place for computer skills. Also, the local library might have some training materials you can use on your computer at home or even at their computers. Check out the library - it's free. Also, check out some vocational schools - they often offer financial aid to people. You most likely will have to accept minimum wage or grunt work until you have built enough skill to do something that pays more and is more satisfying.

Helen

have you looked into working for your local HOSPICE? from your listed experience and skills....

you might fit in well there.... you know what it's like to care for someone ill... are a people person, and can at least take and make reasonable written records. Although they use a lot of volunteers - they also have paid jobs...

ask....

Cheryl of DRAGON BEADS Flameworked beads and glass

I haven't had very many problems. My apps have always been spotty. Fill them out the best you can, and take them in. There is usually a spot that asks for clarifications, or why there were spots.

Sign up with 2 or 3 temp agencies. Make sure you call in about every 3 days or so, and let them know you are available (this keeps you fresh on the placer's mind, and/or sometimes bumps you up on the list).

Even if you have "no" experience...a lot of them have training programs in the office, that you can go in for 1/2 hour or an hour. Plus they have jobs that you can do without that much experience (i.e. copying, or reception). Plus sometimes they fill other types of jobs, too (i.e. I worked for one that filled when they needed customer service/paperhanderouters at the local mall).

Mary

I knew you would all be so helpful. That's one of the reasons I was thinking of the temp agengy. My favorite word was mentioned. Free! As in training of course. I don't expect too much because the job market here in the armpit of Oregon is really poor. But that's another reason to go this way. I'm not really sure what I'm qualified to do. Probably a lot more than I realize. And they mentioned testing to see what you're capable of doing. That should help. I wish I didn't have to do this but DH is so obviously incapable of keeping and holding a job so that just kind of leaves me. Kinda worried about being able to keep a job with all his problems. I can just see getting a call to "come and get him!" or possibly one of the kids. And there's still gonna be all the housework and all the other stuff I do. And of course, no time for beadwork (like I have time now) (you ought to see the list of the things I'm "supposed" to be making) Looking forward to the whole idea to be able to get out and interact with adults. Actually have a life outside of home.

Later,

Helen C

Helen -- there are a lot of benefits to working outside the home. One is just to give you a break from the home, and a fresh perspective when you come back. I think it will be great for you.

Becki "In between the moon and you, the angels have a better view of the crumbling difference between wrong and right." -- Counting Crows

Cheryl's idea about Hospice -- which was a very good one -- sparked this one. There are home health care agencies also, and even though you do not have any nursing training (I am assuming), they hire people to clean house and go to the grocery store for people, as do MR/DD agencies. Surely you are qualified for that! I have a friend, who also makes jewelry, who adult-sits for an elderly lady during the day, makes jewelry while she is there and gets paid by an agency.

Becki "In between the moon and you, the angels have a better view of the crumbling difference between wrong and right." -- Counting Crows

Jeanne's mom does this, and loves it!

Helen and Becki and all---this should NOT be missing from your resume!!!! It is legitimate work--you are running an Internet Sales Outlet for your Artwork. That's VERY real as a job--and means you have very marketable skills.

This is a pet peeve for me. People far too often denigrate or devalue what they have done simply because they did it *themselves*. Especially women!!!

Do you really think Bill Gates thinks his early stuff doesn't count because he was (IS!!!) self-employed? Sarajane

Sarajane's Polymer Clay Gallery

Good idea.

You can try getting a job directly (not through an agency) to do home-care as well. It saves the patient's family money and you will probably get more money as well.

At least around here, the fact that you

1) have experience caring for someone 2) speak English 3) can drive would be enough to land you a job with any number of my grandparents' friends.

Many elderly people especially need help around the house, someone to drive them to and from Doctor's appointments, pick up groceries, and in general watch out for them. Jobs can vary from a few hours a day to live-in. Having someone to do this for them allows them to stay in their own homes in comfort and ends up costing less then a decent nursing home, so it is a good deal all-around.

marisa2

Sarajane -- you are right, and i know you are right. I have always devalued my work, in all areas of my life. It is why I don't have any money.

LOL

Becki "In between the moon and you, the angels have a better view of the crumbling difference between wrong and right." -- Counting Crows

now's your chance to practice something different then! Sarajane

Sarajane's Polymer Clay Gallery

Coming home on the airplane night before last, the young man next to me asked what I do. I said I was retired (and disabled), then added that I made jewelry. And then added that I guess that means that my occupation is "Artist". And I guess I am even "professional", literally, since most of my earned income (little though it is) comes from my art/jewelry.

Tina

Will the gov't pay for nursing? Either to you, or to someone else so you can get out?

Tina