Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Trying to fill a gap?

I was laid off just over nine months ago. This is the ABSOLUTE longest I have gone without paid employment since I started working at 15 1/2. Seriously, I am a worker bee.

During high school and college it was not uncommon for me to have several jobs. The more I had to do the more I got done. At one point I worked SEVEN part time jobs logging more than 70 hours a week while attending college full time. This girl is NOT afraid of a little work.

What I am afraid of  though, is how an extended gap is going to look on my resume. How will I answer when I get asked "so what have you been doing?" Is a potential employer going to understand that living 1231 miles from your spouse, trying to keep your house show ready and being a  single parent to 3 children was a full time job?

I would love to volunteer but have yet to find a place that will allow me to bring my little StinkBug. I DO NOT have anyone to trade child care with on a regular basis and I don't have the funds to pay for child care just so I can donate my time.

I'm scared that my resume gap is going to be a deal breaker. Scared they won't like my answers to the question "what have you been doing?"



16 comments:

The Preppy Girl in Pink said...

I think in your profession, that this type of gap is understood more than you think. I have lots of friends in teaching that have had gaps for family reasons and or layoffs. Don't worry about your gap. You have enough on your plate right now.

Carrie - ASassyRedhead.com said...

With the economy and things like they are all over these days...I don't think you'll be the only one with a gap on their resume.

If anything, it might look strange if there IS no gap.

Robbie K said...

I hope so! Thanks for your kind words.

Robbie K said...

Very true about economy. Just feels weird as I have NEVER had this much of a gap, KWIM?

Bridget said...

You're not doing nothing. You're raising a family. That has to count for something!

MrsJenB said...

I definitely wouldn't worry about it - with the way things have been going in the economy, gaps aren't so uncommon anymore.

Life As Wife said...

I had an even longer gap then that when I became a SAHM after having my first. Employers seemed to understand and with your work history they are going to know its "not you being lazy."

Making It Work Mom said...

I agree with everyone else. I think employers are going to be seeing lots of "weird" gaps in employment for several years to come.

Plus you can always say you have been concentrating on your writing. :)

@dkotucker said...

Easier said than done...try not to be so hard on yourself. I admire all you are doing. You ARE amazing!!!

shell said...

I think they'd have to understand a transition period like yours!

Robbie K said...

That's what I'm hoping they think too! I have never been in this position before...

Robbie K said...

Ok I will try to heed your advice....no more worrying!

Robbie K said...

You are right about the work history...didn't take that into consideration. Thanks for your insight.

Robbie K said...

thanks for your support. :)

Robbie K said...

Does that mean I have to show them my writing? not sure if I am ready for that yet!

Robbie K said...

Thanks..I hope they do!