S.T.E.P.S. - Smart, Tailored, Event-Driven, Packaged Solutions
provided by Women's Financial Network at Siebert
Joining the Workforce --
Part X
If you have never had a paying job, knowing that support from a spouse you've depended on might end can be particularly scary. On the other hand, even if you have worked, but have been out of out of the job market for years, getting back in can be equally intimidating. Now is the time to reassess your career options and get back on a track that works for you and your family.
In this section we'll discuss:
Types of jobs to consider
As we've said, divorce imposes a major financial strain on newly single women, so certainly this is a time when cash flow is restricted and a paycheck would be a welcome addition. But for a job to be to be a sustainable solution, you'll have to be motivated to go to work for reasons other than money. What you're looking for, what we're all looking for, is a job that we'll enjoy both emotionally and financially.
Here are a few things to think about when evaluating different jobs: - Your interests
- Salary
- Schedule flexibility
Armed with all of this information, you should have an easier time navigating different opportunities.
1. Interests
No job is going to be enjoyable if you're not innately interested in the day-to-day activities in some way. Here are a few ways to help pinpoint your interests: - Ask yourself what in your life makes you happy. What are you passionate about? How do you spend your free time? What kind of people do you most enjoy spending time with
- Think about what things you do well. Ask the people around you their opinion on your strengths. Feedback of this kind can be invaluable.
2. Salary
Before starting your job search, first determine what a reasonable salary should be. - Once you know what you need, you can market yourself accordingly.
3. Time flexibility
Be sure to understand the time commitment involved before pursuing an opportunity. More and more employers today are willing to be flexible and tailor a schedule to best suit your needs -- you just have to ask. - As terrific as a job may sound, if you have other time-consuming responsibilities and the job requires you to work twelve hour days, it's simply not going to pan out.
- Ask about part-time availability.
- Find out if working from home is an option.
- Freelancing allows you to pick and choose projects and often determine your own rates.
- Consider temping. To find local temp offices in your area, try Manpower.com.
How do I find jobs?
Once you determine the kind of job you're looking for, you can start to search. Here are a few places to start.
1. The usual suspects
Although the job market has changed dramatically over the years, the old standbys still work. Try checking with: - Friends and family
- Search firms
- Employment agencies
- Classifieds
- Job fairs
2. Online solutions
There are quite a few online job banks that have large databases of available positions. They'll let you search by job description, skills required, location, title, and more. Good ones to try are:
Back to school?
You might consider going back to school either to pursue an unexplored interest, keep on top of new developments in your field, or to hone an underdeveloped skill. Whatever the case, further education can help both build your resume and networking resources.
1. How to find continuing education programs
There are various organizations that you can join to find information on continuing education. These groups will be helpful for overall advice, but for more concrete information like cost, time, and subjects covered, independent research is your best bet.
After you've determined what you're interested in studying, talk to the people around you for tips on good programs and information, and then contact your local colleges and universities for their respective enrollment fees and schedules.
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