THe past few years have been horrible! I've been seriously ill for the past 2 1/2 years, and not able to work, which doesn't look good on a resume at all. Before I got ill, I didn't have alot of job experience, alot of volunteer stuff though...but it seems like no matter what I can't find a job at all!!! I've applied to grocery stores, offices, walmart and other dept stores, hotels, and NOTHING!!! Not even one interview!!! I'm feeling like a complete failure in life right now. I hate being dependent on my hubby for finances, when we're stuggling so much. His parents and sister phone all the time, and they express to him their disappointment in me, and then he gets disappointed in me, and I just get at my wits end and scream in frustration.... I don't know what to do, where else to apply....it's not that I don't want to work, but nobody is hiring me... they'd rather hire highschool students....

I am sorry that you are having job difficulties. I kind of am now, and I am depending on my boyfriend to help me out. My current job isnt making my bills and its making me feel like a mooch, even though they tell me that I am not, and I constantly find that his mother loves to willingly slip money in my purse without me knowing. Its so nice of her, and I am sorry to hear that your mother in law disapproves of your situation. She should understand that you are ill and you are having a hard time. 3FC is a great site to come to tell people about your problems and seek support and help with life issues. WE are here to help everyone.

I'm sorry to hear you are having such a tough time. Have you tried working with a temp agency? It may not be what you want for the long run, but a lot of times they can get your foot in the door.

Also, you can try and use your illness as a strength. In your cover letter you could mention why you haven't been working and talk about some of the things you have learned - something like: "There is a gap in my resume because I had to leave my prior position due to illness. I didn't want my health to interfere with my ability to perform my job, and I felt that at the time the best thing I could do for myself was take care of my health. I have since recovered and am eager to rejoin the workforce. Dealing with this illness has taught me a lot, including the need to persevere in any task and to have patience when dealing with difficult circumstances."

The point is, there are ways to turn almost anything around - you just need to think of ways to put things in a positive light. Don't be ashamed of having taken time off. Also, you are not required to put the dates of your schooling on your resume (age discrimination) so if you feel that hurts you then leave it off.

Good luck

Thanks for the tips! I really appreciate it. I never thought of putting anything about my illness in my cover letter because I don't want to HAVE to play the "pity card" you know.... But hey...you gotta do what you have to.

I've tried a few temp agency's around here and never got one single phone call from any of them...truly disheartening.

I am so sorry to hear you are having a hard time. (((((HUGS))))) to you!

Been there, done that and am there! Okay, I haven't been ill though. Just haven't had to work except when I wanted to. I was a stay at home mom and now that I have been ready to get a job...I can't! I too have tried a lot of the place you have, even temp agencies. They too don't call. Even went to school. For part of the course I was taking, one was work experience. Well I didn't get the certificate to finish the program because NO ONE would hire me! It was a medical office specialist program. Now tell me how you are supposed to get experience if no one will hire you so that you can. Of course the longer you are out of the job market, the worse it gets and looks. Anyway...this isn't about me.

Have you talked to DH about his mother and sister? Because they shouldn't make you feel worse than you already feel. That's just not right. It's not your fault that you can't get a job, you are trying and that's all any of us can do. They need to help you feel better about yourself. Just DON'Tgive up! I haven't even as frustrating as it gets sometimes. I figure somewhere out there there is a job for me, and the same for you. Just keep on truckin' and hold your head up high!

I was about to suggest a temp agency, but I see someone else has already mentioned it. The assignments may not always be what you want, but at least it's a good way to bring in a little extra cash while you're looking for something permanent.

I also think you need to have a loving, honest talk with your DH. He shouldn't be listening to his family run you down. Let him know how discouraging you find it when they all gang up on you that way, and how much you value his support and encouragement.

Thanks! DH and I have talked, more then once about how what his family says about me bothers me, and how his whole attitude then changes towards me after he talks to them. You see, his family, especially his sister, has NEVER liked me at all, and I don't care for her much either. She's not the easiest person to get along with, but I would never and have never bad mouthed her to my hubby or anyone. I don't believe in that sort of thing, I just try my best to get along with her. She bad mouths me to my hubby and anyone who will listen, and I hear about it, and then when she sees me she acts all innocent, and like I'm her best friend...it just really bothers me when people are like that. She doesn't approve of the fact that we moved 3000 miles away from her, we used to live 10 minutes, and thinks that I convinced him to so that I could get him away from his family, which isn't true, there weren't any jobs where we were! So she is constantly telling DH to move back out west, because we wouldn't be in the mess we're in if I hadn't convinced us to move out here, even though we are better off here...and DH is now thinking that his sister is RIGHT!!!! It's caused alot of tension in our marriage, and I'm tired of fighting to win approval from my DH and his family...nothing I say or do seems to be right, and I"m the "bad guy" in it all. It's so discouraging, and adds so much pressure to life.

Hey there!
My sister is going through THE SAME THING!!!!!!!!! no one is hiring!!! she has a lot of work experience (little volunteer) and she has not found a job yet either! She has applied everywhere, even with temp agencies, but nothing not even an interview...she is sooooo frustrated!!!
The only thing I can think of doing now is getting in people's faces call everyweek, walk in, just make it known that you are ready to work there on won't leave them alone until they hire you! lol I know sounds crazy but what have you got to lose right?

You could continue with volunteer until you get a job at least there wont be a big gap?
not much help but you are not the only one going thourgh this