Cdnwmn

I have a job interview coming up next week with a high school for the office.

I have not worked in just a little over 3 1/2 years. First there was the "work authorization" situation and later on I had applied for jobs, had interviews with no luck and submitted applications but never heard from companies. I have not done any volunteer work in that time nor did any upgrading at the local College. I've basically been at home, getting acclimated to the area at first, then on to working inside the home (painting), yardwork outside the home as well as helping out the inlaw's. In other words I was a domestic goddess. My computer skills have not escaped me as I'm always on the computer and can type as fast as I did when I worked in Canada. Despite being out of a job for 3 1/2 years I'm sure my previous 20 years of office experience has not escaped me.

My question: How do I explain that 3 1/2 years since I last held a job? I can't use my son as an excuse as he's 15 years old, not a little kid.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Hope to move back to Canada in 6 years time when he retires - only because I have 2 adult daughters there, he has no kids here. I also have my aging parents back there as well. Also the matter of healthcare. The level of care has been excellent here, no complaints however I worry about anything major happening to either one of us.

I'll never forget the fiasco I went through here in Idaho. I had my EAD, my SSN, my marriage licence, my letter from immigration for the upcoming AOS interview, mail addressed to me at the U.S. residence, my passport with K1 visa stamp and yet I was still being scrutinized afterall they wanted to "make sure I wasn't illegal." Same state that wanted to and still wants to issue driver's licences to illegals.

LOL I think a few people know my story about applying for simple stocking jobs at retails stores and being turned down.

I've registered with Kelly Services and have heard nothing despite having worked for Kelly Services in the past in Canada. They are constantly advertising for office jobs which I definitely have the qualifications for.

One time while in a retail store I noticed a "Help Wanted" sign in the window. I made an inquiry with the two older clerks standing at the register about it and was told the manager would be in on "such and such a day". I mentioned that I had no retail experience and asked if that would be a hindrance. Next thing I knew the one woman looked at the other and said, "Hmmm I think (first name of manager given) may already have someone in mind. HUH?

I went and applied at a local police department, had a great interview and felt great coming out afterall I had worked for two police offices in Canada. I got a rejection there. Ok fair enough, I realize maybe someone better qualified got the job or possibly someone knew someone. Some months later the same position came up and I applied again (shows I'm really interested right?) and this time around I was not even acknowledged. The police department had no problem taking me on as a volunteer. Imagine that.

This past Tuesday, I applied for a job with a local investigation services agency. I had an over the telephone interview and was told after the interview by the woman who interviewed me that she would call me back on Friday to set up a face to face interview. Never heard from her despite sitting in all day long waiting for the call. Ok I'll give her the benefit of the doubt; perhaps she was sick, perhaps she got really busy and will call Monday.

There are two openings for an attendance secretary in two high schools. Off I go to submit my cover letters, applications and resumes on Monday.

Oh and yes I did get hired by Wal-Mart back in October 2003 and quit after two days. I had never quit a job in my life because it was that bad.

I refuse to give in. I will get a job!

Think age discrimination also plays a part in getting hired although that is illegal not to hire based on age?

My resume and interviewing skills in Canada always got me a job there; not the same here. I have a friend who has been an administrative assistant for many years. She still is. She has also been part of hiring people for the company. One day she asked me to forward my resume to her and she would go over it. She then responded saying there was absolutely nothing wrong with it and it would make her interested in having me in for an interview. Unfortunately she's in Canada. I've always gone in with a positive attitude when I've had interviews. What floored me was going in for an interview and extending my hand first upon being introduced to a three member interviewing panel, while they just sat there. I think I shocked them...lol.

Heck I was told one Christmas season that they couldn't offer me a position and this was to stock shelves that they had been hiring for yet the same positions were being advertised over the next several weeks after that.

My husband is 9 years older than me. Then again my ex was also 9 years older than me...ironically.

I will add that I had been with someone who was 27 years older than me at one time. We were together for 5 1/2 years and then split. Too much of an age difference. We had nothing in common. Very nice person though. I was 29 and he was 56 back then.

I just want to answer one question on James' post:

If there was a post asking how many people owned red shoes, would you post in there and say 'not.......'? I doubt it. There wouldnt be any arguments stirred up in that scenario so what would be the point.

My answer: I don't.....

I'd lay a complaint even if you never step into that place again. It's the principle of the thing but that's my opinion.

Sorry to hear what you went through...sheesh.

Did you ever look into driving classes? That might be a good idea to help you learn and get over your fear. I took drivers education in high school when I was 16. They really helped me to learn how to drive.

Just have to have some faith in yourself that you can do it

Keep giving it your best

I second this suggestion.

I'm agnostic and I ain't bashing anyone....

I'm sorry for what you are going through and wish I knew what to advise you. How was he when you first met and up until the time you married? Have you had any heart to heart talks about his behaviour? What has he said?

Hopefully someone here can advise you properly. Good luck!

As a USC that was living in Ontario for a year and currently engaged to a fine young Canadian gal(David and Karen), I'm surprised none of you have mentioned Dare's Maple cookies.... I miss those things...It's funny, I found some at one of the local grocery stores here in Missouri and didn't pick any up thinking I would grab them all on my next trip, sadly I haven't seen them since

And as far as your milk is concerned, what the hey is up with those screwy plastic bags anyway? I'll take a big old plastic jug I can screw the lid off of and gulp it down anyday of the year!!!

We have the Dare Maple cookies in constant supply at our local grocery store along with those Lemon Creme cookies and Chocolate Fudge ones also made by Dare. I can eat any three of them; my husband loves the Lemon Creme and in fact we have a package in our cupboard now as I speak (type).

As a USC that was living in Ontario for a year and currently engaged to a fine young Canadian gal(David and Karen), I'm surprised none of you have mentioned Dare's Maple cookies.... I miss those things...It's funny, I found some at one of the local grocery stores here in Missouri and didn't pick any up thinking I would grab them all on my next trip, sadly I haven't seen them since

And as far as your milk is concerned, what the hey is up with those screwy plastic bags anyway? I'll take a big old plastic jug I can screw the lid off of and gulp it down anyday of the year!!!

We have the Dare Maple cookies in constant supply at our local grocery store along with those Lemon Creme cookies and Chocolate Fudge ones also made by Dare. I can eat any three of them; my husband loves the Lemon Creme and in fact we have a package in our cupboard now as I speak (type).

Oops I forgot to add - this in the State of Idaho. Who would have ever thought.

Happy Birthday Claudeth