Job hunting at 49 and overweight sucks!!

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2/15/13 9:25 P

Am not even looking for a job...I feel I need to get in shape first so my looks will defy my actual chronological age...When my weight is down I look like I'm 50. I am now 66.

Pounds lost: 15.8

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2/15/13 2:52 P

Hey Missv, update, I got a call back from the career center and they said that they would pay for me to go to class through a grant!! Woo Hoo, best news I've had in a while! Thank you again for the info., I didn't know that I would qualify, but because I am on unemployment they said I could get this grant. Thank you sooooo much!

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2/15/13 1:47 P

Thank you for the information, I was not aware that the Library offers classes, I do need classes on Excel, I know Microsoft word very well and am familiar with power point but most jobs I want to apply for require Excel.

I called the Library and was told that they may be offering something soon, she said she didn't know how detailed they get but at least I would have some knowledge of Excel. I also contacted the Career Center in my area where I go for unemployment and they are supposed to call me back so we will see.

Thanks again for the info, I really appreciate it!

Posts: 217
2/15/13 11:35 A

I don't know what kind of classes you are talking about, but if you need training in Microsoft applications, you might check with your local library - some of them offer those types of classes for free or for a nominal fee. Also some employment agencies might offer some training. If there is a college technical school in your community, visit with an advisor and see if you qualify for any grants - there are lots of ways to get training at little to no cost. But don't dispair, at 53 I found myself unemployed when the company I worked for closed the office I was in. I'm now 55 and gainfully employed at a job I love.

Posts: 796
2/15/13 11:30 A

I understand. My job is always on the chopping block. I've been there for ages, and I honestly don't know what I'm going to do if I find myself holding a pink slip.

We're all in a very similar boat these days, I suspect.

current weight: 130.0

153 144.75 136.5 128.25

120

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2/14/13 10:51 P

I agree with you but I have looked into taking some classes and the classes I would need to take are just too expensive for right now.

Posts: 915
2/14/13 4:56 P

"tons of experience in office work but because it was so long ago I'm having trouble"

Is there any chance you could take some upgrading courses? upgrade your knowledge of the common current office software, or something? Even if just a short "continuing ed" session, it would be a good addition to your resume, not only in showing that you have the required skills, but that you have the attitude/enthusiasm to take on some "lifelong learning/skills upgrading." You might even be able to get a reference from the instructor(s). Plus it's good for the self confidence!

Pounds lost: 38.0

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Posts: 195
2/14/13 3:55 P

I'm in my 30's and have dealt with unemployment before. This economy isn't easy. You're not alone. I would suggest keep plugging away at your applications--make it your goal to apply for a number of jobs a week (3-6 maybe?) and use your time to improve what you don't like about yourself. I have found running to be an incredible self-esteem booster.

Pounds lost: 55.6

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2/14/13 1:40 P

I have been job hunting for around 5 months now and I have not had much success. I have had a few interviews but no luck yet. I have worked my whole life except for 11 months after my son was born and I don't know what to do with myself. I quit me job of 10 years back in July because I really needed a change, I was a cashier at an elementary school which has 800 kids in K-3. I really couldn't take the noise and stress anymore and wanted to quit before I became really grumpy with the kids. I took a job as a teller, which I had never done, It turned out to be a nightmare because of the people I worked with, my boss was 25 and treated me like an idiot, anyway, I resigned because I was so unhappy back on October 10. I have tons of experience in office work but because it was so long ago I'm having trouble finding anything. I just needed to wine a little I guess, I just keep feeling so rejected, it's really hard on the ego! Has anyone else had this experience looking for a job when you were older? I had no problem finding jobs when I was younger and I guess I am just taking it hard.