Quote from: Kendra on September 28, 2017, 01:10:18 AM
I am really glad to hear you are doing and feeling better.
If you start to volunteer at the shelter, ask about various job roles they might need help with - and think about how each role might sound to a prospective employer. If they offer a choice, grab the job title which looks best on your resume or is closer to things you are interested in. You might start out with something basic and then learn skills for different roles they need help with. If the shelter operates under a nonprofit corporation or public agency, find out their formal name and use that for your job records instead of the shelter name.
Several years before I went back to college and jumped into the computer field I worked at a gas station. Started out pumping gas, then learned to be a mechanic. The company was "Sales & Service Inc." so that's what I put on my resume instead of "Shell Gas Station" - both are accurate but one sounded better when I went job hunting.
I volunteered several years on a city planning commission for a small historic town - evenings after work. I researched and rewrote their building codes so new construction would blend with historic structures, and I was determined to write it in a way that didn't appear hostile to homeowners and business owners. At the time I thought I was just giving back to the community but I ended up with a nice additional job skill. Years later I was writing specifications at a large software company for use by external business partners, people said mine were were more readable and put the company in a better negotiating position - because I used techniques from the volunteer city planning commission. Sometimes you can't predict exactly how one thing will lead to another.
Such good advice, thanks!! I def appreciate it; I haven't had to look for work for a long time, so I'm rusty in the job search area to say the least... And I'm goddam good at what I did, but my experience is rather limited to those two fields, which are actually quite similar: in both irrigation & snowmaking (I made it rain & I made it snow![emoji4]) you're moving water, air & electricity. The most useful skills I learned from them are plumbing & wiring, but unfortunately they're virtually worthless without being certified... However, I am def a bit of a "wordsmith," so I shall try & put a more eloquent spin on things in my resume.
Sooo... you were right, the shelter thing may be paying off already! I chat it up w/ the ladies there everyday, & I've been sure to mention my work experience/skills. Well, 1 of them approached me yesterday & told me about a tiny, local ski hill that is mostly volunteer but has a few paid snowmaking & lift operator positions! I immediately called them & w/ 10 winters of experience, in both 'making AND lift ops, I'm basically a shoe in! [emoji16]
I love 'making, it's truly magical... BUT, that being said, I'd be lying if I said I actually WANT to do it again... I've pushed my body HARD over the yrs, & 'making is a young PERSONS job (2 of the best 'makers I ever worked w/ were girls! They worked harder than any man, & never complained once! GIRLS RULE!!!), but $ is $, & I desperately need it; & besides, it's a foot in the door... Perhaps I can get into grooming down the rd. I'll at least get my name out there in my new area, & get some new references... oh, & I'll be able to keep my insurance, as it's a seasonal position! That's part of my problem too, I have AMAZING insurance (low income Medicaid), & I kinda need it... I don't pay anything for my mental health/doctor appointments, my meds/methadone, or my HRT; and, if I can manage to keep it for the next year, it will also cover 100% of the SRS!! Without it I'd be paying out the nose for all that, & I wouldn't be able to afford the surgery for Lord knows how long... BUT, that being said, I'm not going to slouch around for the next year; I mean, if a good opportunity comes along, I'm not going to pass it up... I'll find a way to pay for my meds, & if the SRS has to wait, then so be it... I've waited this long, I can wait longer... Plus, I'm starting to realize how GODDAM EXPENSIVE it is to be a woman! I thought I had enough clothing, but I didn't even think about needing a bunch of bras & panties (DUH!)! And I have a lot of makeup; but I didn't really know what I was doing when I bought it, so I need all new stuff for my skin tone, etc... To say nothing of hair (when I finally have some) & skin care!!! Someone said to me in another post that this no-job thing is gonna suck cuz I'll need all these things, & I said I'll be all set... HAHAHA!! WRONG!!!
Anyway, you are so right about one thing leading to another! I never would have guessed that chatting at the shelter would lead to making snow again, but I'll take it! One last season in the snow... And who knows where THAT will lead?? [emoji4]
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