Sorry about this venting, but I need to get this off my chest. I have been unemployed for 15 years, and I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, and schizoaffective disorder-bipolar type in 2004. I was quite ill, couldn't work, and was put on a disability $ budget.Prior to that, I had been a medic in the armed forces, and had a business (which failed). Fast forward third quarter 2014. I am finally feeling strong enough to work again. I am out there, taking personal development courses, going to business seminars, getting all the practise I can getting ready to return to the mainstream work force, and working over 80hrs a week. So, 2015, my venture is still in the pre-start up phase. I am wading my
way through the miles deep ocean of paperwork it takes for one to do biz with
the Federal Government. Fortunately, I have a very helpful, and supportive advisor.it's all good. Things are moving along as they should.i am an entrepreneur. I am broke. The banking staff look upon me with pity more than contempt. This is really embarrassing. I cannot yet afford to pay myself a living wage.I am thinking about crowdsourcing, but I'm not there yet. Still, working over 80 hours a week, and mostly loving it. It is my baby. I decided I would take some part-time employment, if someone would hire me. Most employers don't
take me seriously because of the big gap in my CV/resume where past recent
(Not quite finished venting yet) Most employers don't take me seriously because of the black hole where my employment history should be.All this is manageable, even those who scoff at me, or laugh out loud about me being an entrepreneur. After all, just who do I think I am, and who am I kidding. I am almost 49 years of age, disabiliy or not, I had hoped that someone other than my advisor would take me seriously.The worst part is my parents think I'm delusional and should go back to the doctor to get my head checked.They think
I should give up my dreams and go to work at McDonald's, and not live up to my dreams. (Not that McDonald's is a bad place to work. I've heard good things about it). I've lost my train of thought... oh yes, back on track now. Many very successful business people have humble beginnings. Many very successful business people have overcome enormous challenges. Many very successful people, I should say, it's not all about biz, have failed, but bounce back to try again, and again. Many successful have gone bankrupt more than once, and risen again. Who's to say I can't make it? Who is it say I shouldn't try?
I won't be disappointed in event, the whole process is an adventure. Well, that's all for now. I feel like I'm holding you hostage. I will remember to not take myself too seriously, and I'll remember to take a break. Come to think of it, it's time for my lunch. Cheers. Dignity, Discretion, Diplomacy, Diversity, and
Integrity. P.
@I know all about the black hole in employment history. If you’ve been unemployed beyond 26 weeks the odds of reemployment begin to diminish . How did we get to this point in America ? Now a man cannot sit down with a hiring manager and explain how and why he’d like to work unless he’s already working somewhere else or just recently laid off. If that isn’t the case then he may as well just go jump off a cliff and end it all.
There many problems in the job market that need correction if we’re going to get America moving again. Such as this may explain why there are so many unfilled jobs. These idiot hiring managers insist on not talking to anybody over 55 and out of work longer than 26 weeks.
I'm 45 and really concerned about this, too. I feel like they see that I graduated from HS in the late 80's but college in 2007 so I'm going to leave the HS info off. Although a staffing agency (that is helping me do 'WTW' (Work to Welfare) says to even take the graduation date off my resume for college. I look younger than I am and hope that that helps but i haven't had an interview in almost a year. I'm worried that if i go much longer that the age thing will get worse for me.
I hear you. I am 2 months short of 49. I leave my HS out also. I hate to say it, but I think you are being realistic worrying. Although, now that you are aware of the age problem, you can start to put it behind you, and move forward. Don't get me wrong, I know that this is incredibly difficult to do! I come from an upper middle class family, but as life went on I found myself out of a job, broke, and homeless. It took me years to bring me up to the level I am now, with finally a brighter outlook. I am still unemployed, and broke, but in Feb. of this year I secured a rent subsidy for a lovely little apartment in a good neighbourhood. I am so grateful, I think it is a miracle I have broadened my perspective in thinking the universe is no longer conspiring agains me, but is conspiring with me for my success. This, and a little attitude of, "Never let the bastards get you down!" It can't be helped, that's how I feel. I wish for you high spirits, and great fortune. Sympathetic, on the west coast.