Looking for a job is tough enough. Looking for a job after you’ve taken a few
years away from the workplace is even more difficult. So, just imagine how
overwhelming it can be to look for a job after you’ve been home full-time and
you’re reeling from the effects of a recent divorce; emotionally, financially
and physically drained. Yet, as tough as this may be, it is reality for
thousands of women each year.
If
you find yourself suddenly thrust into the role of job seeker following a
divorce, here are some suggestions for easing the stress:
Enlist
Support – The
emotional and logistical issues involved in securing employment following a divorce
can be overwhelming. Don’t try to go down this road alone – ask for help.
Friends and family can be an indispensable form of support and resources, but
don’t hesitate to secure help from “outside” sources as well. Sometimes therapy
may be in order or you might benefit from joining a divorce support group, where
you can learn from others who have a firsthand understanding of the issues you
face. For assistance with the specifics of the job search, enlist the aid of a
qualified career counselor (see the Career Masters Institute
www.cminstitute.com)
or a local job support group, to receive the feedback, information and “tough
love” needed to keep your job search on track.
Invest in
Job Training –
One of the best ways to calm your anxiety about the job search is to improve
your technology and job-related skills. In addition to the degreed programs
sponsored by colleges and universities, investigate some of the less expensive
options offered through on-line courses, adult education programs, industry
specific workshops and business school training courses.
Consider
Temping – Even
if you’ve only been out of the workplace for a few years, you may be surprised
by the changes that have taken place in today’s office environment. Temping can
help ease the transition into the workplace of the 21st century, by
allowing you to test out new equipment and practices, within a relatively
risk-free environment. Temping can also be an excellent way to secure permanent
employment, so approach your temp assignment with a serious attitude – you never
know who you might impress along the way.
Attend
Professional Meetings
– Whether it’s the local Chamber of Commerce, the US Small Business
Administration or a local branch of a professional association, there are dozens
of professional meetings being held in your city every week. Most of these
organizations welcome newcomers (typically for a small fee) and their meetings
are an excellent place to network and learn about recent industry trends. Check
the Business section of your local Sunday paper for meeting listings or consult
your local phone book for organizations of interest.
Finally, as tough as it
may be, be sure to separate the personal from the professional when
interviewing. Your feelings of anger and insecurity are understandable, but the
fact remains that potential employers really don’t want to hear about how unfair
life has treated you lately. Instead, focus on impressing the potential
employer by emphasizing the contributions you can make to the future success of
the organization.
Copyright Nancy
Collamer. If you would like permission to reprint or transmit this
article, contact the author at NCollamer@aol.com
