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    BACKYARDER1   13,419
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looking for a new job at age 57

Saturday, January 26, 2013

I've had three jobs in my life, started at age 19 as a nurse(LPN) then left that job to be with my life partner(still with him too!), started working as a sales clerk/dispatcher in a gravel quarry in the city, and when we moved home to the country I became a laborer in the Christmas Tree industry. It was seasonal work and it was nice to have the winters off but we've struggled financially for years. I'm tired of fighting and scraping to pay every bill, I need a full time job for a few years. I'd like to retire without a lot of dept.
Thing is...I'm scared! I'm very shy around new people and don't have a heck of a lot of self confidence in new situations. I'm always so afraid to make a major error .I embarrass easily . I've not had to travel in the winter and a new job will require driving 30-40 minutes .
I'm a hard worker, I don't take time off and I usually adjust to whatever is asked of me..I know I can do this but none the less...I'm terrified.
I wish I'd made better life decisions when I was younger...but I can't go back. On that note, I'm off to Spark away the day. The weather is better here, no wind and only -10, sun is shining and snowshoes are waiting! Life really is good.
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  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BACKYARDER1 2/21/2013 11:01AM

    CATINCJ ...gee that sounds interesting. I have always wanted to work from home and when i got my first computer that was my plan..it never materialized but I would like it even more now. I've never heard of anyone doing that in this area but I will check it out for sure. Interestingly enough ..I was searching the job bank whe the notification of your post came!!! emoticon

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CATINCJ 2/21/2013 10:56AM

    Wow, at 60 - I can relate.

Since you have a medical background, how about checking into Medical transcription that you can do on-line from your home?

There are a lot of rip-off 'work from home' out there you'll want to avoid, but there are some legit ones as well. You might want to research it in your local area to see what the medical facilities use and see if you can get into it.

Elder care is another area where medical background helps (but is not always necessary).

Good luck. You can do it.

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MERRYMARY42 1/26/2013 5:40PM

    good luck, I think you have the tools to get a job that is secure, caregiving is one thing that can not be out sourced, so you see you are fortunate, also try for one that has a 401 or pension that you can contribute to, because, just because you are not employed does not mean the bills don't keep coming in emoticon emoticon

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BRENDAGAIL9 1/26/2013 10:12AM

    There is a big demand for caregivers in our area. The pay scale is $10 and hour plus mileage. I live in WA State. The other thing you can do is start a cleaning business and charge $10 or $15 an hour, depending on where you live. I used to do that when we lived in a mobile home park and made good money. I could just pull my little cart all over the neighborhood. I have always preferred working alone as I don't do well with a boss hanging over my head. LoL

Keep looking, you will find something.

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BACKYARDER1 1/26/2013 9:58AM

    Thanks Elllie, good luck to you too!

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ELLIE381 1/26/2013 9:31AM

    I am kind of in the same situation. I worked hard but took time off to have and raise to adult 3 wonderful children. My hd, just recently, had to take early retirement. I would like to at least get a part time job but most feel I have done nothing for the last 25 years. Looking for that impossible job. Good luck!

You will do well. Go for what you want. I know you can do it! emoticon

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BACKYARDER1 1/26/2013 9:13AM

    HEILU753 I have thought about that . It would mean retaking the LPN course as far as I can figure out. There are things in hospitals now that weren't there when I worked 30 odd years ago. I only did it for 5 years .I really can't afford the cost of the course . I will apply at some nursing homes to see if they will take me as a caregiver of some sort. I have just recently finished being a caregiver to a lady locally, my bosses mom, she died in Nov.
Sometimes I feel like I have no skills to offer and no brain to think with...I've been in the trees too long, I should have made a move years ago.

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HEILU753 1/26/2013 8:59AM

    since you worked once as an LPN, isn't there a way to go back there? I could imagine your still got your basics (the caring part for people) and the rest should be alright to get in. Normally LPN's, Nurses etc who are away for years are having a good induction

It could be you looked into it yourself and you might live to far away from caring facilities. I wish you all the best, good luck and god bless emoticon

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RIDLEYRIDER 1/26/2013 8:26AM

  Good luck with the job search! emoticon

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