I've been here now since January 2004. I'm still without a car which is very limiting when applying for jobs. I have worked - off and on - and had to rely on cabs to get me back and for. So since I've been here Ive done at home transcription work ... then I did work as a home care aide for several months (which actually was OK because they even supplied me with a car) .. but then .. they both died ... so that ended that little job ...(very inconsiderate of them both I thought (sorry my humour) ..

A couple of weeks ago I also did more home care aide work, basically it was just for a two week period and I had to live in for that time ... so here I am again ... jobless!

My background in the UK was office manager/secretarial - working for barrristers and solicitors (15 years' experience)

So basically here I am, two years out of working in an office environement, and trying to cover the gap in my resume ... I've now covered the gap up by just saying:- "Contract/Short term assignments ..."

I"m wondering whether there's really any point in me even trying to get an office based job now, I'm applying, going for interviews and nothing!!

I've got absolutely no retail experience ... never worked in a factory in my life .. never waited on tables .. mind you, just because I haven't doesn't mean to say I couldn't ... Oh there's got to be SOMETHING I can do!! Any ideas from anyone??? I'll give anything a try now!!

Where are you located Karenina? We're in Michigan and there is certainly no shortage of legal secretary jobs or office work and although we probably have one of the worst Public Transportation systems in the country( Detroit thinks everyone should own a car and drive) the bus systems do at least work pretty well for getting around.

I am in the same situation as you are. I wanted to try to get a job on my own but am not having any luck. I apply and never hear back or I apply, have an interview and nothing. It's time now for me to apply at the temp agencies. I believe it is my only hope. We have Kelly Services coming to our labour office in town here next week so I will be going down and hopefully they will have something for me. They always seem to be crying out for office help.

You may want to try this yourself. Good luck!

Where are you located Karenina? We're in Michigan and there is certainly no shortage of legal secretary jobs or office work and although we probably have one of the worst Public Transportation systems in the country( Detroit thinks everyone should own a car and drive) the bus systems do at least work pretty well for getting around.
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I'm in Georgia .. I've checked out legal secretarial work here but all of the jobs that I've seen I'd need a car - it's just so so frustrating!! And to be honest with you Im beginning to feel that as I've had a two year gap now in the legal field .. plus the experience I have was gained from working in the UK - Im just feeling very despondent about it and now am thinking that I may as well just look at anything that I can to bring some money into the house.

There's a Waffle House up the road .. Im on the verge of taking a walk up there .. my husband thinks its a bad idea ..

try registering with a bunch of temp agencies if you can. With the summer months coming up, a lot of companies will probably have temp openings to cover vacations. And fairly often a temp position could lead to a premanent job.

The sticky part is however that they can't always give you enough notice that you can find yourself a ride to an assignment. but if you let them know you're at the mercy of public transit (is there public transit where you are?) and taxis, they may be able to work you in to assignments that give *them* notice.

Try Waffle House till you can find something else.

You will make tips plus your wage.

If you can walk to work that is a bonus till you can save some to get a car.

Why dont your husband want you working at Waffle House?

[quote name='pink_roses' date='Mar 24 2006, 11:40 AM' post='91985']
Try Waffle House till you can find something else.

You will make tips plus your wage.

If you can walk to work that is a bonus till you can save some to get a car.

Why dont your husband want you working at Waffle House?

/quote]

Because he said that I'll never understand a word the customer are saying!! Which I strongly disagree with .. I mean I have been here now for over two years!

You should be able to make them out by now.

I am in Alabama and I dont really have any problems with the accent here.

Sure sometimes I do, but not alot

I really recommend temp agencies - temp to permanent positions seem to be a trend these days with office jobs (admin assisstants and the like...)!

I do not own a car as well...
So i have been working to work or taking the bus.
My husband s picking me up at night.
Before to come to the US i never worked in retail.
I used to work in coffee for years.
I recently had to adjust as the arts gallery where i m working is closing.
I applied for job in coffee without any luck... Or thought i told all my potential employers than i was pregnant,
I recently got a job in a small boutique.
I was thinking to work from home for a while.
Some times you can work as secretary from home...
Good luck in job hunting

Karen
I know what you are going through with me knowing you personally.
I think getting a job local to get some cash is the interim answer.
I think if you do part time then you still have time to market yourself for the job you want or even think about doing some further education like we discussed.
And you know you can borrow my old car all you need to do is to get the insurance sorted on it and the tag updated. The car is for my son when he gets his permit but meanwhile it is just sitting on the drive and you could be using it to find the job you so deserve.
Keep smiling
Your Friend
Crazy Brit

Awwwwwww, arent you just the sweetest friend

Karenina,

don't give up I am in the same situation, only have been here a little less time.
I hope my husband is not going to see this. I cry at least once a week because of no luck in job hunt.

Why does your husband think you will not understand customers if you are from UK ? Am I not getting something ?

Good luck

Ana

Update:- I'm off SUnday evening to see the editor of a local newspaper ... I have met her a few times in the past, I've also been to her house a few times .. anyway, apparently she's looking for someone to help out in the office and to sell advertisement space for the newspaper ... Im sure that it must be commission based ... but wont know the exact details until I actually get to speak to her.

Anastasia - I think my husband is referring to the "Southern drawl" lol lol which I find hysterical really considering he's from "up North"!! I've never had a problem since my arrival here .. although I was once asked at an interview "Do you think there will be a problem with your accent?. I replied "Well, put it this way, I perfectly understand everything you are saying to me and you obviously understand everything I say, so, no, I dont think there will be any problem".

Crazy_Brit - thank you so much for the offer of the car and I very well may take you up on that one. Ive now started to apply/send off my Resume without taking into consideration where the job is ... I'm sure if I were offered a job with a reasonably good wage etc then there's got to be a way of getting there!! OH and let me know what the news is - OKK????

Anyway it's FRiday night, my husband is now out on his second job, and I'm settling in to having a few glasses of wine and chillling out!!

Ana - I know how you feel - I've shed a lot of tears through sheer frustration. Frustrated at being home all day, feeling useless and feeling almost locked into this situation. I haven't given up completely but, well, let's just say I have my down moments.

When Im completely fed up of the situation I just go and dig in the garden .. lol lol .. half the lawn is missing, it looks like a demolition site at the moment! I think I must be known locally as "that poor woman who is obsessed with digging!!".

It's either that or I'm forever changing the furniture around, he came in a few weeks ago, walked into our bedroom .. and it wasn't our bedroom anymore - I'd changed bedrooms with my little girl whilst he was at work! I"m sure he must think to himself sometimes "Oh God!! what am I going to face tonight!!".

I fully agree. Register with as many as you can, and keep in touch with them every other day so they don't forget you and will continue to look for assignments for you.