Sunday, September 8, 2013

For Hire: Slightly Worn, Middle-Aged Blogger With Lots of Life Skills

I've been absent from the blogging world this past week because I have been attached to the computer for an entirely different reason.  Looking for jobs.

While I tell you a little bit about this very interesting/"It's so different than it used to be" experience, I thought I'd share some photos from Mr. T's and my jaunt to San Clemente today, Sunday.  It's hard to believe it's just a half an hour away (the speedy way) or a lovely 45 minute drive on the PCH, which in itself is a beautiful thing to see.

Drive to SC

Besides, you wouldn't want to see pictures of me huddled over the keyboard, red-eyed with fatigue, my brow furrowed in puzzlement, and the odd smile at the ridiculous.

Through the charming seaside "town" that is San Clemente.
More pictures of homes and area when I return with my camera.

So here we go to San Clemente and my interesting job search.
(Please forgive my iPhone pictures, I keep forgetting my camera!)

Lots of Spanish influence in the homes and businesses here.  This is a very small one compared to the ones on the beach and in the hills - wonder which one Richard Nixon retired to?

My first job out of college in 1981 was working at The Orlando Sentinel in their classified advertising department.  I left there two weeks before my son was born in December 1984.  Until this month I have not worked at traditional jobs since then.

You can imagine how creative I've been with my resume...

San Clemente pier

I wasn't laying about eating bon bons all those years (as some people seemed to think us stay at home moms did), I was busy, busy, busy.  Especially when my kids entered school.

See the train tracks?

Mr. T has had a home office a good amount of our married life and I've worked in there doing many different things to help him out or to do some telecommuting work.

Next time we are going to take the train here!

I was looking at how to put together my resume and "they" said not to discount work that was done, but was not a paying job.  I thought back to all the school fundraising projects I had been part of, the years (6!) I worked in the bookkeeper's office during my kids' middle school years and the years (8!) I worked in the records office of the high school.  These volunteer jobs gave me true skills that I can use out in the "real" world. Not to mention in-classroom volunteering, running a school store, and trying to get along with the very political parents of the PTA Board. 


So.
I put together my resume included all that I have mentioned and also added "medical care advocate" for the years I spent managing my aging parents affairs, hospitalizations, and day to day care.

And blogging.
I didn't include it in my resume, per se, but blogging has honed my writing skills, knowledge of the computer in general and various editing programs and techniques.
My kids have helped me hone my social media skills, such as Facebook and Twitter and let's not forget about texting! Oh my gosh, can I text! (Not while driving)

View from pier

And what kind of jobs have I applied for you ask?
Lots of different kinds.
  I'm looking for things that are going to get me out in the world where I can meet new people and help them too.  In fact I already landed my first job!

Lots of surfers were out waiting for that one wave!

Yes, I have!
  It was actually through Facebook.
  I logged onto the local community page and saw an advertisement for a new pet sitting business in town and I emailed the owner/operator.  She had just gotten her website up and rolling the week before and yes she was looking for people to come on board.  I met with her last week and we hit it off.  If I pass the background check (what do you think, can I?) we can move forward.  Since this is a new business it will be a gradual progression towards having a roster of clients, but we have our first consultation in a little over a week with a person who will be getting a new puppy and needs a walker M-F to take the pup out.  If we impress, it will be our first client! My new boss already has a full time job, so I will be the "boots on the ground" walker.  I hope the Bostons won't be jealous!

Pigeons perched on restroom building despite all the wire contraptions to discourage them.

I realize this is not going to bring in an enormous amount of money so I have thrown my hat into a lot of rings in the past week.  It used to be, one scanned the classified ads and circled appropriate listings, then called or went to the place of business.  Now it seems it is all done online.

Mr Tennis takes better iPhone pics than me. Another skill I can perfect!

Let's see, I've applied to two jobs as a "field merchandise rep" in this area with two different well known greeting card companies.  You've seen the people stocking the greeting card sections in stores....that could be me!  What a great way to learn the area and meet a lot of different people too.

Lovely, reasonably priced cafe on the pier. Mr. T's shot -arrrrgh!

I've also applied to a couple of marketing firms that need "field reps" to monitor their customers inventory in various retail outlets.  I'm sure most of you have seen those people with the scanners attached to their hips by a telephone cord sort of attachment scanning merchandise on the shelves.  That could be me!! Another chance at a job that is flexible, active and the scenery changes often.


View from our seats at cafe.

I have an interesting interview set up Tuesday evening with a gentleman from Japan.
Via Skype.
To teach Conversational English to Japanese students through virtual classes.  This one could easily fit into my schedule without travel time.  I will be interested to see if this is a bona fide teaching job, but if I'm not open to different opportunities, I could miss out.
Kawasaki!!!


I have applied for some more traditional type jobs, Administrative Assistant, Teaching Assistant and I even considered applying to be a parking meter reader (but they are very hated in these parts and I want people to like me, not depise me).

 I still hope to rent a space at one of the lovely antique malls found in Old Towne Orange, about 10 minutes from our condo.  My garage is full of "treasures" to stock a booth. By having a couple of smaller "gigs" I could fulfill this dream easily.



I guess we will see what this next week brings.
Next time you hear from me I could be walking a Great Dane and conversing in Japanese.

Thanks for listening to me ramble on about this new adventure.  If you have absolutely nothing to do for 55 seconds, please take a look at the little, pathetic video below shot on my iPhone of the train that runs along the Pacific Coast.

(Again shot on my iPhone.  When will I learn to shoot videos and pictures in the "portrait" framing. Click on it to see it better in full screen....sigh)



 Have a great week!

18 comments:

Decor To Adore said...

I am so glad that you have had a little bot better luck than I did in finding a job. I needed something M-F from 8-2:30. :) Mom job. Ah well, now back in school. :)

Anonymous said...

Such beautiful scenery. Harriet barked at the train whistle!
I wish you all the best in your job search. You will be great with the pet sitting. I have a blog friend who has done cat sitting for years.

Unknown said...

Love it, there are so many different jobs out there!

Mr. Connor said...

Wow ! What great pictures ! Wonderful looking town ! That looks like a lot of fun exploring ! How about a " Travel Guide " / " Points of Interest in your area. There was a man ~ who passed away in January ( I think) who did this as a job for many years all over the state of California. How about being the Anthony Bourdain of the LA area ???

Chatty Crone said...

Well I guess you got moved - I knew about that - but not about your wanting a new job. And you have one already. Congrats!!!!!!!!!!! IT does look beautiful there. sandie

the cape on the corner said...

I love your positivity! a new job...how will this impact all your moviegoing, eh??? :)

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Looks like you had a nice time in San Clemente. Have you visited the Nixon Library yet? Those jobs sound so interesting. I think your going to have fun dog sitting. I've also been inside the antique shops in Old Town Orange and that would be cool. I always thought the card rep. for the grocery/drug stores would be fun since I worked at Hallmark for 7 years. I think you would love it! I still find myself straightening cards everywhere I go.....Debby

Olive said...

Hi Ann, I hope you find that job. CC had such trouble finding a job while in college in the Georgia mountains. Really it seemed no one was hiring. Not even part time. I hope the economy is better there. I think walking the dogs sounds fun. I know you would be so good with pets and people. xo, olive

Unknown said...

Amazing the expertise one has acquired thru the years. You have a super resume. See? more than one job to choose from. What an interesting way to be part of the community.
Loved San Clemente, and the choochoo video

RURAL said...

Congrats on the new job, it really sounds like a fun time..and I know that you will be great at it.. Here's to so many more offers pouring in.

OH, Muddy Boot Dreams is having a few redirection issues...blog is down, but you can always find it on FB.

Jen

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

What beautiful photos. And I sure hope you find a job that you will enjoy. I know it's a tough time to find something but you do have so much to offer! Sweet hugs!

Dexter said...

Fantastic news that you have a job! Entering the workforce can be so difficult. So many hiring people have no imagination (as in, if you haven't already done EXACTLY what they are looking for they can't figure out transferrable skills). Once you get some work history under your belt, your options will increase. Best of luck.

Mango Momma

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

So strange to see a train traveling along the beach like that! Good luck on the job search...you have lots of good, thinking-outside-the- box ideas!

LeeAnn at Mrs Black's said...

I love San Clemente, have not been for years. Beautiful part of the world. All the best in your job search, it is daunting - but just believe in yourself. x

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

I DIDN'T have any college...but I have a well rounded bit of LIFE experience.
I have no idea what I'd put on my resume.
I haven't worked outside the home in years... my kids kept me busy enough.
This Dog walking gig...sounds like something that you'd love doing! I hope the love of animals is good for experience for this and helps you get along with the pupster.
I must say... I'm jealous of the booth option in a mall to earn cash... (I think I've become to introverted) but my personal vote goes toward 'booth in an antique mall"... good luck with all of it.

...heading back to watch the video, now. Pat

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

Oh I loved the video!
...what's not to love about the sound of that horn too! (whistle?)

great video. Pat

Mullin Avenue Workshop said...

Ann,
Good luck with your job search, you sound like you are definitely on the road to finding the right job, (or two or three), and I love you venture into pet sitting.
Brenda

oldgreymare said...

I am also doing the multi job tango. It works for me most of the time.... I just know at this phase I can no longer just sit behind a desk doing the mundane.. I'd need a padded room. You go girl!
Happy to catch up this evening. Going back a bit farther now. :D