SoapZone Community Message Board

I can see you doing well in a senior center or nursing home setting. You seem very comfortable with older peeps. In the 8 months that my mom was in a nursing home, I could see that the recreational activities were very popular with many of the residents, especially bingo and music concerts.

Sometimes volunteering can lead to job opportunities. Or temping. The job I had for 20 years and was promoted in quickly, I started as a temp. In many ways, I’ve been finding my way into things via the back door my whole life. If the conventional approach doesn’t work, try an unconventional approach. Since I don’t have a college degree, my resume wasn’t a key that opened lots of doors. I had to get in another way so I could dazzle them. 😉 If you’re having trouble getting interviews, maybe getting in the door via volunteering or temping will give employers a chance to see how good you can be, both in your work performance and personality.

Are there still a lot of manufacturers in your neck of the woods? Or would you be risking getting into something at high risk of closing like the bindery did?

I both waitressed and bartended in my younger days and it was good money because I had a lot of regular customers. But I think that’s a young person’s job. You only make good money if you hustle and it would be way too hard on me physically now. But I like people and I liked that it was a job I didn’t take home with me (except for my barking dogs). When I was researching and writing on deadlines, the work and stress did come home with me. I felt like I was doing important, fulfilling work but it was very stressful. There are advantages and disadvantages to different kinds of jobs.

Part-time can be a route to full-time just like volunteering and temping. I did not realize that you applied for and got Medicaid. Good for you. I don’t know how Medicaid is in OH because it’s very different state by state. But Medicaid is very good here in NYC. You are right to be concerned about losing it, depending on how much you’d make at a part-time job. There are inexpensive ACA plans available via the exchange for very low-income peeps, which a part-time job would be.

I care about you, Vicky. I know it can be hard to stay positive when you’re going through a period of unemployment. And I can tell that it’s getting to you. Hang in there and have faith that a door will open for you.