Not sure where to start
 

So..as some of you know I got married and came to Canada to join my husband (a Canadian). I have stopped working for the past 1 1/2 years because I am not allowed to work during that time. Now that I can, I have been looking for a job for the past 1 1/2 month. Sent out resumes all over the place. I have heard from no one on whether I am rejected for the position. I have been to only one interview and that is for the pet grooming assistant but I was told that I am too small to handle some bigger dogs and although I tried to talk my way through, I guess the lady didn't buy it. I applied for insurance administration positions because I have had some experience(entry levels) and a few positions in the pet grooming stores as I would love to work with animals as well. I don't know....it feels like I would never get in to a job and I don't really have the money to go for a course. I am going to meet up with a Case Manager from the Job Assessment Centre tomorrow and see what they are going to say or what I am to do next. I am feeling pretty sad right now because I feel like I am sorta useless, not even qualified for an entry level job here because I stopped for some time. Thanks for listening. Any words for motivation will be appreciated.

I'm sorry you're going through this. It just does not sound fair and I hope it starts turning around for you. What about starting your own dog walking and/or dog sitting business? Is that a possibility?

I have thought about dog sitting/dog walking but currently we are staying with my in-laws' basement until our house is completed probably end of the year. It took a lot just to bring my yorkie to live here so I don't think they will be okay with a dog sitting business in their house. We don't even have the space because there are currently 6 people living here. As for dog walking, I think I will need a car and I can't have one before I found a job. I really didn't expect it to be this tough.

Just a quick question to anyone who read this, how long did it take you to find a job?

No, you dog sit at other people houses - as in, when they out of town, you stop at their house 2-3 times a day to feed them, let them out. They may even pay you to stay there. Other people pay you just to walk their dogs while they are at work.

That sounds like a good idea. Then I could even bring my yorkie along. There are a lot of dog sitters/walkers in this area, some are more pricey because they have a store front but I guess it doesn't hurt to try by posing some ads online. But..where do I get references when I don't have one yet? Usually people asks for one.

that sounds frustrating! But Im sure something will pan out.... 1 1/2 months is not too long to be looking with no results. I just had a friend go through 2 months of interviewing with the SAME company before they FINALLY offered him the job! crazy!! Good Luck with the Case manager meeting!

I'm not sure my words will be very motivating, but our economy in Michigan is horrible. My hubby has over 10 years of management experience, plus a Bachelor Degree in Human Resources and has been unemployed since September. So 6 weeks of looking isn't much at all. Something will come up when it is the right thing. Hang in there.

I knwo it might not sound very appealing, but have you tried getting a job in retail? I feel like they are always hiring! Maybe you could do that just to have something utnil you find something better?

I think the job market has been slow here too although the news didn't mention anything about it. Wow 10 years of experience and haven't got a new job....I have only 2 years of experience in the insurance industry...Just have to pray hard..hopefully everything will turn out right.

I don't have any advice, but want to wish you good luck. Hang in there.


Sheilagh

I hope and pray everything turns around for you soon hun.. I'm sure though you just have not found the right place yet.. But i know how you feel.. When I first started lookin for jobs everything you needed Exp.. But no one wanted to give me a try to learn .. But I truely believe you will find something soon.. Keep your head up!

Yes everything is about experience, I feel that too. I am willing to learn from zero because most probably whatever experience that I have had in my home country will not be applicable in Canada. I am willing to learn and work my way up and I know I can. I just needed a chance to enter the job market and have a stable income before I am able to do anything including upgrading my skills. Will give it another month to see if I hear anything back from the resumes that I have sent out. If not, I really have to think of something else to do.

Well, you write very well! Your posts all made sense and were grammatically correct! That skill will count for something. Good luck! I went through my 'bathrobe stage' when I was young...LOL! That's what we call it. I couldn't find a job and I was depressed and just hung around all day in my pj's and bathrobe! Then, all of a sudden, things got better!!!! Hang in there!!

Just wanted to tell you I'll be thinking of you and praying something works out soon. I am a supervisor in a medical clinic here and recently went through interview rounds to fill a vacancy I have. I didn't look for experience, I looked for the right attitude, eye contact with the person interviewing, and how they presented themselves with answers to my questions. I don't like to look for "experience" cause no one will have that if not given a chance. I finally hired someone on Monday (after 3 weeks of interviewing) who has absolutely no experience but her presentation in the interview and her answers sold me! She even called me on Tuesday to thank me for giving her a chance. Hang in there - there's bound to be someone willing to step out on that proverbial limb and take a chance on you:)

Dont give up !! I did it - I worked out of the home for 6 years ...after my husband died I knew I had to get out there and fast - I freaked when I had to interview (it had been 12 years since I had to officially interview) and 6 years since I'd been laid off when my company closed - I thought no one would want me - I now have a really nice job that I enjoy - so it CAN happen !! Just keep on the job sites - calling people and sending out your resume and one day you'll get that call !!

Thank you sooooo much everyone :) I will hang in there! I will make it! I know I will I will I will just have to be patient and put in more effort! :) Wow Villette, your story really inspire me..here I am sweating it out thinking I have stopped for 1.5 years and no one wants to give me a chance. I will keep you in my mind to inspire and motivate myself :) My discussion with the Case Manager went very well today and I am going to start a 3 weeks program for international trained individuals like me which will help a lot. Not sure if they may recommend me to go back to school. Will have to see how it goes when it start next month. I am also going to have a mentor and meet others who are in the same situation like me! I am feeling happy and lucky to have such a support!

Just a thought, which might not mean much, but are there any vets offices close buy that maybe you can check there? Since you would like to work with animals. Just a thought. Hang in there something better is waiting for you. ;)

Every little thought counts :) I do apprciate it a lot! I tried applying for vet assistant positions. No replys and then two of the vet offices already hired someone after posting their ads for 2 days! I was like wow so fast!