I Did It. But Now I'm Scared

I have been toying with the idea of going back to work for a few months now. And told myself that when I come back from Vegas I would start a "full fledged" job search. Anyway, I get job alerts sent to my email all the time and today there was an opening for a part time HR Director and I applied for it I haven't worked since May, 2003 when I was laid off from my last job. With the job market in the toilet in 2003 and then my mother got really ill and then passed away....then I got so ill that there was no way I could work. I've been on SSD ever since. But with the successful results of my WLS coupled with the cataract surgeries and lots of physical therapy, I feel I have gotten myself physically ready to re-enter the job market. But it's very scary. How do you explain to a prospective employer a job gap of almost 4 years without going into personal medical information? This is going to be a huge obstacle. So I'm scared, but excited at the same time. I need to go back to work both mentally as well as financially. SSD doesn't provide that much So my friends, I need your good vibes and know I can count on your support and encouragement. Love you all Ronna

good for you Ronna! I am so proud of you, and I know how scary it must be. My advice is to just be honest, you have nothing to be ashamed of and your reasons for not working are all very good ones, so just tell them that! I think it is fantastic that your life has turned around that much and you are going for it, good for you girl! Whatever you do, you know I am here for ya! Karyn

Thanks Karyn, It's good to know that I have your support Sending hugs, Ronna

I fully understand just how scarey that can be. As far as what to tell prospective employers, take your pick. "My mother was ill and needed full time care" or "I had some major health issues that have been corrected." You have my prayers and I send my guardian and her friends to watch over you. You will do fine. I always go into things like this with a prayer and the philosophy that if this is where God wants me and needs me, he will clear the way. My support and good vibes are with you every step of the way. Oh, yeah, what a difference a year makes, right? Hazel

Thanks so much Hazel, It's so nice to have you in my corner. I can't tell you how much it helps. Sending hugs, Ronna

Ronna, Good for you!!! I can totally understand where you're coming from. I retired from my first job at age 42..then took some time just being retired. I needed to get back to work for my own sanity. I started out part time also...you will be so happy that you did. I'm working full time now in a job that I love & hope to work for another 10 years (I'm 52 now). I wish you tons of luck & I know you'll get the job!!!!! Keep us updated on the process ok? Kathy

Thanks Kathy, I know it's time to do it. I am starting to get a bit stir crazy at home and my ebay business is winding down as I'm running out of product to sell. I am concerned that my age will be a factor as well. I'm 54 now. Luckily with the help of the WLS I think I now look younger than I am....so that should help, I think Thanks for your support. It's greatly appreciated. Sending hugs, Ronna

Ronna, Don't worry about your age. You'd be surprised how many employers are looking for more "mature" people to work for them. Two of the places that I've worked (both the veterinary clinic & now Culligan water) told me that they wanted someone that had the integrity that comes with maturity. They wanted someone that was going to stay in the job more than a few months. People in our age group were raised to believe that you worked for one company and retired from there. Nowdays the younger folks don't do that. They change jobs every 2 or 3 years. I guess there's nothing wrong with that, but I really need to stick to something that I know and like. Have fun in Vegas & let us know how the fun is going!!!! Kathy

Ronna, best of luck on the job. I'm sure you'll do quite well. Tell them the truth about why you haven't worked. If they don't like it...you probably don't want to work for them anyway. What an exciting week you'll have. Karla 337/180/150

Thanks Karla, Yes I agree, I can't hide the truth. Luckily I have a great group of HR friends and we came up with a blurb for my cover letter: I have been involved in some independent ventures including a home based business, while I dealt with a medical issue which has now been completely resolved. I have been very fortunate that my efforts have yielded excellent results and I am now 100% ready to re-enter the work force on a full-time basis. What do you think? Tells the truth but doesn't go into morbid details