Posted by jay on November 5, 2002, at 21:44:11
In reply to Getting Back into the Workforce, posted by Alara on November 3, 2002, at 23:47:54
Alara....you are far from being alone in your situation. It is so common, it is just damn sad employers and the government don't do anything about it. I started up an internet newsletter devoted to mental health and work..but my depression and apathy let it slide. (Geezz..what a coincidence, eh?..heh.)
I've ploughed through tons of research and books on the subject, and the scariest co-relation was between lack of work, poverty, and mental illness. But....there is hope. It appears you may have to work at first on both reducing your symptoms (through which ever way...medication, therapy, etc..), because looking for, AND working, are very, very stressful. Try to keep up the daily task of looking for work (even if it is just mailing out *one* cover letter and resume a day)..and you may already be off to a good start.
The *other* main problem, though, as you have experienced, is finding quality employment. There are, however, a few things you may likely have to do also to get it. I draw this not only from my own research, but from my own experience.
1) To get your foot back in the door, you may have to take a low-paying, meaningless job to start. The economy *sucks* so bad, because of the greedy corporations and stupid politicians, it's unfortunately what we have to do. BUT...keep in mind it is temporary (See next step.)
2)Do some MAJOR career research. This likely means going to a local 'unemployment center' or some kind of government funded career workshop and getting your resume in tip-top shape...and it will assist you with the next step. A good 'job coach' has specific knowledge of many things many of us would likely overlook.
3) Find an area that you are quite sure you would like and would do well in, and that pay's a fairly decent salary. This will likely require some kind of college or training upgrade, and thus can help keep you motivated to keep your 'temp' job (above). I would highly suggest a college program that has some kind of experiential or co-op option, and research the graduation success rates and starting salaries.
Well...that's about the best I have to offer. I am not only in the process of doing the above right now, I've been on the other end of the table as both a career counsellor and social worker. I don't mean to come across as if I have all the answers, but just want to share some general strategies that will likely make you most successful. (Both inside and out..)
Good luck..and keep coming back for support, questions, frustrations..etc. I know this again doesn't make it easier...but you are not alone. Far from it.
Jay
p.s. if you want to email me for support...just let me know..and I will post my email addy.
poster:jay
thread:31967
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20021022/msgs/32001.html