Hello everyone. I was browsing the internet for ways to improve my heath and stumbled on this website. You all are so supportive and celebrate each other every pound of the journey, gained or lost. I am 280/280/150. I am from Middlesex County, NJ; so if anyone is local and would like to walk together, let me know.

I am a single mom to an 18 y/o boy who is a freshman 1 1/2 hours away from home. So that leaves me alone with food.

I am having a difficult time obtaining a job as a nurse, and I cannot figure out any other reason why except because I am soooo overweight. Of course nobody will admit that. This is the heaviest that I have been. the last job before this one that I interviewed for was in 2008 and I was about 45 pounds lighter. I have never had this problem before. Every interview that I have ever gone on before, I have gotten the job. I have gone on tons of interviews because I have a strong background, many more than any of my classmates.

I graduated from nursing school in 2011 with my associates degree. Lots of people told me that it was not because I was fat it is because I do not have a bachelors degree. I kept going to school and obtained my BSN in May and still no job.

I am done with others blowing smoke up my rear that, "you are not that big" or "there is nothing wrong with you". I am ready to take control of myself and my weight. I just need lots of support and i vow to support you back.

Dear Mat091177,

I believe your suspicions are right on. It is happening to my sister too - about the same weight as you, though she's also been a little higher. She is so well qualified, but has a job where she mingles with a lot of people in her school district. (She administers the grading systems and student reports). So, she's fine where they know and love her. She's very well qualified with supplemental training in the software she administers. Yet, she cannot get hired at any of the other school districts near or far. Interviews seem fine - just no closure at all. She is so very frustrated as they'd like to move to a better town. Glad to see you're going to tackle this... she's working on it too. Good luck!

I also think you're right...although it could also have something to do with the economy. Perhaps there were a lot more jobs in 2008? So, although you are totally qualified, maybe there are more applicants for that job so they will use anything (even not consciously) to weed people out. Either way, you can take charge and get healthier...not just to improve your job opportunities. I also find this site so inspiring! You've definitely come to the right place!

Welcome Kat091177 - Less than 4 months ago I was your weight. I thought before I finally give up, I would give losing weight one more try. I made a solemn promise to myself that I was going to eat healthy, exercise and lose 130 lbs. I am 1/3 of the way there - I have lost 45 lbs and if I can do it so can you. This site has been a huge factor in not going off track. Start reading & posting every day. It really helps with staying on course. Good luck and I hope to see you around!

Hi,

I am so sorry that you are experiencing this.

Now, because you are smart,no doubt you have contacted former teachers,etc. So I won't suggest any of the usual routes but I will give one that worked for a person I met in the same situation as you.

She sought out a weight loss camp for children and got a job there. I met her at a business meeting and didn't know her well so I am not exactly sure what she did but I would imagine routine nursing duties and teaching.

She said her weight helped her initially relate to the kids and as a bonus she lost some of her own weight. She looked slender when I met it so her plan worked both professionally and personally.

It might be an unusual approach but if there is a camp locally it might be worth checking out.

All the best luck.
Sheridan

It's quite likely that it is not you, many hospitals have frozen hiring ... which is crazy because every nurse I know is overworked and miserable.

That said, losing weight has been the best thing I could ever do for my career. Did I have more trouble when I was heavy because people were turned off by my weight or was it because my weight left me insecure and miserable. Does it even matter?

So welcome, I can tell you are the type of person who will do well here!

Welcome! This is a great group of people, jump into the boards, join some challenges and stay active and it really helps to keep on track! (at least for me lol)

Hi Kat09! I'm glad you found us. You'll find lots of support here! Good luck!

Welcome Kat091177

I weigh 322 my heavist weight yet... and believe it or not when I ran the no kill shelter I started, 13 years now, I would shy away from the fat people as well who were looking for work .... funny that i was fat but did not think other fat people could do such a hard physical job...

I am 53 years old and this past year had to give up running the ranch and simple be vice president and advisor board member. Oh how I loved the day to day of the ranch, savings dogs and cats and other animals from being put down... however the hard work and being so over weight left me with stress fractures and arthritis in both of my feet and by the end of the day I was crippled and could not walk , crying... it was bad.

So now I work for citibank 10 hours a day behind a computer ... yek... money is good but not my passion... this is good for my feet but bad for my weight... no longer active.... I finally became fed up and i too joined this group recently... went to doctor he put me on 1200 calories a day ( what i use to eat for breakfast) and I will be calling a nutritionist today as well. I dont want to just settle for this life... I want to go back to living this life... HOpe we can help each other.....it is not too late.

P.S. Beer has always been a good friend of mine too.... had to say good bye old friend..........

KAT!!! another jersey girl here - up in Morris county [near Wayne]. welcome aboard! and congrats on getting your degree! is your heart set on direct patient care? there are lots of other industries that are looking for nurses. Law offices that do product liability or medical malpractice, insurance companies [like united healthcare] are ALWAYS looking for nurse case managers. medical communications agencies. and, of course, the visiting nurses - a wonderful group. the VA is always looking for nurses [there's one in Lyons]. ummmm. what else can i think of?

i dunno. i've had a tough time in this job market, too. but jersey girls are tough. we'll make it!