I need some advice, please.

[leahannpen]

I have worked in the same job for over 13 years. I started here when I was 18, right out of school. I used to really like my job, but things in this business have changed, and I have changed. I'm now married with a child, and my priorities are different. I need a job change. There is no doubt about that. I've felt this way for atleast 2 years.

I know the people I work with well. They were family friends when I was born. This is a small office of 4. Myself, 1 co-worker, and a husband/wife owner team... the wife/owner is the one I've known for years.... her whole family really.

Where do I even start? I need to get a resume... I've never had one... never needed one. I don't really know how to interview. I've rented a few tapes but that's about it. How do I look for a job while still working here full time. How and when do I tell the owners of this business to be fair to them without hurting myself?

With all the helpful, knowledgeable people here and with such a wide range of people, I figured I ask around here for advice.

Any advice will be taken to heart and appreciated.

Thanks!

Leah

 

[December99]

Is there a community college near you that might have a career center? That is a very good resource. A lot of times they have people that can sit with you and go over how to do a resume, how to conduct an interview or how to dress for an interview even.

Here is a link from an office in our building that will hopefully help you. Scroll down a little ways and there are tips for doing a resume and for interviewing.

http://www.niu.edu/cppc/handouts.shtml

 

[Pembo]

Ask at the local library about career centers too. A friend went to a great career center that was based out of the public library.

Good luck.

 

[CEDmom]

I think the first thing you should do is figure out what you would like to do. It sounds like you want to get into a different line of work not just a different company. Here are some questions you could ask yourself that might help:

What are your interests?

Is your current salary vital to your family budget or could you get by with less?

Do you want to work the same or less hours?

Do you want to work closer to home or in a city?

Do you want to work in a larger place or about the same size?

To get an idea of jobs available in your area try checking Monster.com or other job posting websites. I think there's a site called Resume.com that would help as well. Believe it or not it's much easier to find a job while you have one than when you don't. When it comes to letting your employer know I wouldn't say anything until you've accepted another offer and then give at least 2 weeks notice. I realize you've known your employer for a long time but my advice would be to stay completely professional in this matter.

Good luck.

 

[jfulcer]

Leah, What are you looking to do? Since we live in the same area, I may be able to help you out. I suggest also checking resume.com and monster.com. Good luck!

 

[leahannpen]

Thanks for all the answers so far... please keep them coming!

Jeff, I am in travel now, but am looking at getting into something clerical, maybe administrative assistant or something similar, though I'm open to ideas at this point. I'd love to get into something secretarial at a school... ideally a Franklin school, but that almost seems too good to be true! Plus, I'd need a 12 month position, not just the 9 month positions mostly offered.

CEDmom - my salary is important, though both DH and I expect a pay cut. I'll probably do travel from home part time to supliment my income. I have a good client base and can do that at this point. Though that's probably all I can handle, since I eventually will get out of this biz all together. I'd like to stay within 20 minutes of home, if possible. Any size company will probably be fine, as both large and small have their pros and cons.

I ran over to Monster.com so far to check it out. I'll do more internet searching when I have a bit more time, so I can concintrate. And Chris, that site you gave me is very helpful also. Thanks!

Any other advice or info will be appreciated! Thanks everyone!