So, I've been out of school for a little over a year and am finally seriously looking for work. I went to job service last Friday and just yesterday gave my resume' to 2 places and applied at another.

For years I was a stay at home mom who did part time work and volunteered alot. Now I have a degree and a resume' and am looking for professional jobs. It all seems unreal and it's pretty scary. Today two of the places called and I have interviews scheduled. I am trembling.

I would still like to continue my education and get my Masters either in Psychology or Social Work. I don't have the education to do what I truly want to do. But both of the positions I have interviews for are things I would truly love doing.

Wish me luck and confidence.

Sheryl

and good luck!

Thank you Randy.

Remember what you've achieved, and the confidence will take care of itself.

Thank you Roxi. I still have that "someone is gonna find out this isn't really me" feeling. I have succeeded. I know that. I had a 3.9? gpa. I was a good mom (not perfect). My coworkers and supervisors in the jobs and volunteer positions I've held like me. But still in the back of my mind I think they will discover its all fake or I was just lucky. Irrational yes.

Also, because our world (yes even here in Iowa) is still very homophobic I am constantly presented with the question of is it safe to be me...when meeting new people (as when going on a job interview). When they ask, as they surely will, "what brought you to Iowa?" If I were married to a man or even living with a man I could say, "my husband got a really good job here almost a year ago". The agency I have an interview with this afternoon has the words "God" and "Christian" on thier website. God and Christian shouldn't frighten me...but it does. I will have to dance around the question "what brought you to Clarinda, IA?"

I've been practicing. I finished school and my children are grown. I had visited Clarinda and loved the area. It seemed like a good time to make a change.

Oh and then there is the "Are you married?" question. Innocent enough. No I'm not. I'm in a long term relationship is what I usually tell people. But then we have the pronoun issue and I feel like I am lying. And all this crap will come up in my little 30 min or less interview.

It's not enough that I have to worry that they will think I'm perfect for the job because of my skills, education, love for people, charming personality and great emotional stability (tongue in cheek here...at least on the last part).

Then there is the part of me that says "F___" this. I'm gonna be who I am. Be honest. Let the chips fall. Problem is...I really need a job. I really want this particular job.

Thanks for the good wishes. I know I can do this job. I know why I can. I'm gonna take your advise and try to remember that. Hopefully the tongue gods (it really is easier to put it in someone elses hands, you know...lol) will guard my mouth and not let me say anything about my personal life that could be damaging.

It certainly seems innocent to ask an interviewee if they are married, but it is actually illegal. That doesn't help you a lot if you're asked, though. And, I'm bad enough at interviews that I would probably say something guaranteed to lose me the job, like What an interesting question in a job interview! or, Are you asking me about a federally-protected status? Not recommended, if this is a job you really, really want, despite initial misgivings.

That "fraud syndrome" you describe is incredibly common among accomplished women. You're in good company.

Also, this is a chance for you to learn if YOU really want to work for this company. My hard-won wisdom is listen to your gut.

Good luck. Seems funny to start a new career later in life .... hard to comprehend but it can be exciting.

And it is sorta cool that you admit to trembling at the thought of an interview. Kinda human .....

Lots of the young kids kinda figure ... I go to X school ..... get an X degree .... and I fall into a job that makes X amount of money.

You're attitude seems more realistic.

Best of luck !

"You are the sun ....
I am the moon ....

You are the words ....
I am the tune.

Play me .... "

Hey Neil. Thank you for the good wishes. I sure wish is was as easy as get a degree, get a job, make lots of money. I got a degree in a field where I dont expect to make a ton of money. And yes, I've lived long enough to not be as idealistic as some young people.

Many of my friends are starting to think about retirement. It is very strange, indeed, to be beginning a career. People I meet lately ask, "what field do you work in?" when I tell them I am looking for work. I can't really say I work in human services. That is where I am looking, though because that is what my degree (and life experience) qualifies me to do.

Very strange.

Thanks again.

edited to say "human services" instead of "human resources". duh!!!

to you!

Cheers

Jen

Thank you Jenty