I lost my job of seven years back in 2010, in fact it was the day after I won a prestigious award. I was 51 years old at the time. Since then, I relocated from NY to the midwest. I started looking for a job here three years ago. I only answer jobs for which I'm qualified. I have a fifty percent response rate for my resume, that results in an interview. After the last three very disappointing interviews, for which I spent days preparing, I decided to stop looking. When I was younger, I set goals for myself and over the years I was fortunate enough to reach those goals. There are still things I would like to do, but I am not sure how to achieve them. I worked for thirty years, twenty five of those were spent raising my child and being the sole wage earner as I took care of my sick husband who passed in 2009. Over the years, I taught myself accounting by reading books and was able to secure a job as Finance Manager for the city. I might be interested in serving on a board of directors but find those opportunities are limited. I would consider volunteering to a cause I feel passionate about. Any suggestions?

I guess I have been very lucky of the years , having been with the same 2 employers for most of my adult life . The last one was a 24 year stretch with the same company . I now find myself at the top of my field & the top of my game , yet unemployed for a reason that still leaves me shaking my head . To be told that the company is changing and they don't feel you are going in the same direction ? All the while delivering beautiful custom homes , on time , in budget & ahead of schedule , while still having happy customers . I was had to get the Washington Post ad job update this morning and see an ad for my position . And like many of you all I'm an sending out plenty of resume's and have only received on call for an interview since 5/25. Getting very nervous here because we have a lot of paper on the street , just finished getting 4 kids through college , so now all thats left is the bill .

I had a chance to apply quite a bit of my handyman experience to several jobs that I was sent out on.

i am Joel , i looking for a job in maintenance tech , i have 9 years of experience

I went on my first interview after 20 years after being at the same job. She advised that she will check my references and then let me know. Does that mean I'm a step closer to getting hired. Or do i have the job.

I am looking for a housekeeping job, i have over 6 years experience, i have worked for a number of different hotels.

I have 15+ years Drilling and Completions HSE Advisor. Also experienced as Pipeline and Civils HSE Advisor. I have worked Libya, Algeria, Kurdistan, Papua New Guinea.

For over 2 years I have been tutoring students who are working to complete their GEDS. I tutor in language arts and social studies. I also taught these subjects in secondary schools for 10 years. I was the program coordinator for a local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity for 6 years. Now I'm looking for a part time position in education or clerical.

I have been working for my employer now for 7 months, with 10 years experience in my field. When I was hired I was told as soon as I get my CADC II that I would get a raise. The problem is I am exceeding their expectations and doing almost all the work a II does anyway. I am getting my II in June, I was encouraged to do so asap by my supervisor. I found out they hired another employee at $2.00 more an hour then me. He was horrible at the job, had no computer skills and left after 2 months with no notice. I was furious when I found out how much he made, especially since I was told when I was hired they would start me off at a higher wage then usual because of my experience. I want to ask for a raise but I'm not good at negotiating my worth. Or I could just wait till I get my CADC II in June. Any advice would be helpful.

I been looking for work for several months now. I been in property management, sales, finance, even senior care you name it...I have a lot of experience but don't have a college degree. I guess I never wanted to get into debt. My excuse is ... I am not cut off to go back to school. I been applying several jobs that in the past they would of paid a good salary to live off. Now everything is a joke, I really don't understand. What are employers thinking about...Several positions I applied for as an Office Administration. During the interview they mention oh we start you off at $11.00 to $12.00 an hour, But with time you can be promoted to other positions making a bit more. What .50 cents more after a year! How are people supposed to pay their bills, rent, and car payment on this kind of salary?? Its a joke. I was making that in high school! I thought about going back to school but right now I am broke, doing side jobs... selling stuff online, even swapmeet on the weekend just to pay stuff. When I go to interviews I don't even mention I do stuff on the side just because at my age I am embarrassed. I cant believe how the market has changed. Some employers are not even offering health insurance and offer minimum wage. Big companies in property management used to offer $15.00 to $20.00 an hour as a assistant manager now they want to pay $10.00. So whats the point in asking for experience if your not willing to pay the fair salary. I can work at a fast food place for $10.00 an hour to make that kind of money. The other thing that upsets me is that employers are asking for a college degree and all this type of experience which I have the experience and qualifications not the college degree. Is anyone experiencing this too? I had a county job which was laid off due to budget cuts after 15 years and now I finding myself struggling to find something. I used to work with the elderly, now this kind of job in private sectors only pay $10. an hour. This is a joke!! I feel for those people that have a family to support. if I am having problems to make it each month I feel for those people that have children and have to pay child care and who knows what else.