I Need to Find a Job

Updated on December 02, 2006
J.A. asks from Liberty, NC
43 answers

I HAVE BEEN A STAY AT HOME MOM FOR 7 YEARS AND NOW THAT BOTH CHILDREN ARE IN SCHOOL I NEED TO FIND WORK(FOR MONEY AND SANITY). I REALLY DO NOT HAVE THAT MUCH WORK EXPERIENCE, AT LEAST NOT THE KIND OF EXPERIENCE EMPLOYERS WANT. WHAT DO I DO?

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D.R.

answers from Asheville on

Hi, I am a mom of 2 children 10 and 5. I am in the same situation as you. One thing you can do is go to joblinks at ABTECH and they have training they can provide you with and ways of practicing. They will also have job openings that may be suited for you and other options. Infact here is their link
http://www.buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/JobLink/Job.... I hope this will help, and good luck.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.L.

answers from Charlotte on

After I had my daughter I joined with a local temp agency that a good friend referred me to, like you I didn't have a whole lot of experience in much of anything that employer's look at and this gave me some experience in a couple of fields and because the temp agency was a reputable one made my job applications look a lot better. And when you fill out job applications you just put the information about the agency you did temp work for.

1 mom found this helpful
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W.P.

answers from Decatur on

You could perhaps go to Automation off Memorial Parkway. It is a temp agency but you could ask to go out to LG Electronics if they have any openings. You work as a temp for about 3 months and then get hired on permanent. It isn't a bad place to work and the pay is reasonably decent. Much better than fast food LOL And you don't really need experience or work history. Worth a try :0)

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A.C.

answers from Greensboro on

You fill out your resume on your strengths if your job experience is sub par:
Your ability to negotiate - separating the sibling wars
Your ability to multitask � keeping track of all your kids activities and doctors appointments
Your ability to delegate - setting up your chore chart for your kids and keeping up on that
See the list goes on . . .

Grab a couple resume writing books from the library. Or, better yet, have coffee at the book store while you peruse them so that way you�ll get the latest info and know what the employers are looking for now.

1 mom found this helpful
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D.S.

answers from Columbia on

Try going to a personnel service. I work at one and we are pretty good at finding jobs for people. I dont know which ones would be in your area, because we only have offices in sc. Good luck with your search.

1 mom found this helpful
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N.M.

answers from Huntsville on

Hi J.!

You can try Cinram www.cinram.com or try west www.west.com
at west you can do an application on line. I did the application and I know they are hiring. Cinram is always hiring asl well. I will be working for cinram. Hey if you know anyone that does in home day care could you please let me know? I need to look for one for drop off type. There will be times where i just need someone once in while like when i work ectra hours ect. Good luck and take care. You can e-mail me at ____@____.com if you need to chat or what ever.

Nicki
P.s.
I am a single mom who just moved here from Michigan. Been here a llittle over a month.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.

answers from Spartanburg on

It all depends on what you are wanting to do. I know currently that Starbucks in the Greenville area is hiring. The store on woodruff road is hiring and they are starting to hire for some of the new stores that will be opening soon. Haywood road may also be hiring. My husband is a shift manager there, getting ready to move up (which I am very grateful for), but the pay is ok, I believe around 7.50 per hour + tips, which lately have been a little over a dollar per hour extra. You are able to get benefits with only working 20 hours per week, if that is something that you would need. They are very accommodating to schedules. If you needed to work from 9-2 so that you could pick your children up from school it would not be a problem and that is when they would schedule you. It is a fun job, and if you like coffee or tea you get other benefits like a free pound of coffee per week, or tea. If you are interested, just stop by the store and get an application, and you don't need to have a resume. Good luck.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.M.

answers from Raleigh on

You could try your local school, too! Cafeteria workers are always needed! The great part about working at your kids' school is that you get the same days off that they do!

Also, try the bank. Again, lots of the same holidays!

Avoid Retail, though, if you can. Retail means MORE work on holidays!

1 mom found this helpful
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L.H.

answers from Norfolk on

I would probably start with the local temporary agencies to see what they have. Yes, you will need a resume. Looking through books is a good way to do that to get some ideas. Also, someone gave me the tip to try www.geico.com. They are looking and pay well. I tried them, but was not accepted. You do not need an insurance license to work there.

Wish you luck.

~L.

1 mom found this helpful
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D.B.

answers from Charlotte on

I would take some courses to help you! Like a computer course or find a school that will get you a degree that will take only 9 months to a year to earn. That is what I did, and know I am a dental assistant. I really enjoyed the course and meeting new people. Good luck!!

1 mom found this helpful
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C.M.

answers from Spartanburg on

Hi J.!
I would love to be in your shoes staying at home lol. You can have my job. =) I work full time, I also am a independent candle distributor for mia bella candles. I have a 3yr old son who I would love to spend more time with. Eventually I want to just do my candle business. It is fun, great money and it still allows me to get out of the house.

My sugesstion is to either find a home based buisness like ours which allows you to stil be able to spend time with your children and get out of the house and its fun and rewarding! Or figure out your skills and strong points and focus on sharpening them, and putting together a resume. First you must figure out what kind of job you are looking for and what will make you happy. Now is the pefect time to start looking because a lot of companies are hiring for the christmas holidays.

Good luck!

C. Miller
Independent Distributor
www.scent-ualscents.com

1 mom found this helpful
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R.W.

answers from Charlotte on

HEY J. I WOULD TRY A TEMP AGENCY, THEY CALL YOU IN AND TEST YOU ON COMPUTERS TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU STAND AND THEN THEY FIND YOU JOBS, SOME ARE TEMPORARY AND SOME ARE TEMP TO PERM. HOPE EVERYTHING WORKS OUT WELL.

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E.R.

answers from Birmingham on

You'd be suprised at how you can translate some of your education and working in the home skills to a position like customer service.... something that requires more relational skills/ problem solving / basic computer skills. If you need help brushing up on computer skills, the SHelby County Public Libraries have free classes (Word, Excel, etc - just check their web site). You can also check out www.indeed.com - a great search engine for jobs, or several of the local churches - Asbury Methodist and several others- have job ministry programs, where they offer help interviewing, working on your resume, etc.

Hope that helps!

1 mom found this helpful
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J.K.

answers from Columbia on

I would highly recommend going with a temp agancy. I never really thought to use one but a friend of mine just happened to be the Director of one so when I moved back into town I went through him so that I wasn't idle for too long. Anything is always better than nothing. They pay weekly and provide you with benefits. They do all the legwork for you. All you have to do is show up and clock in. They match your skills to fit whatever positions they have available. They would never put you in a position you're not equipped to handle. Also, there are skills you've gained from being at home that are transferrable to the work place such as time management and multi-tasking. I recommend OFFICE TEAM. Most basic positions can still generate $9-$10 to start.
Their number is ###-###-####. It's a great way to get your feet wet, get on the job training and gain the confidence you're looking for. Good Luck!!

1 mom found this helpful
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N.B.

answers from Huntsville on

I dont know where you live. But you can check on DirecTv.com under the contact us and see if there is a local office where you are. And check to see if there is a Customer Service Represenative position opened. Thats what I do. I have been there 7 mths now. I was a SAHM for 2 almost 3 years. I hope that helped.

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E.G.

answers from Wilmington on

I don't know, but if you find out any good info please let me know if you do. I am facing a similar situation.

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J.C.

answers from Roanoke on

I don't know how much money your are going to need to make, but you could check your area's public school system. Substitute Teachers and Teacher's Aides are often needed with no formal education required. Being a mom is a plus! Also, look into bank call centers near you. I worked in a call center for three years with no previous experience. The pay is usually decent and the hours are flexible enough to accomodate moms. Good Luck!!

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K.F.

answers from Charlottesville on

Hi J.,
My name is K.. What are you interested in? I know that the healthcare field they are always in need of help.

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A.S.

answers from Fayetteville on

Papa Johns on cliffdale and reilly road. ###-###-####. you can pick up an application from any location and turn it back in to us. i am a manager there.

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G.R.

answers from Asheville on

Hello J.,

May I suggest several options? I just recently went back to work too. I signed up for Mystery Shopping, retail merchandising and theatre audits. No experience necessary... you learn as you go. It opened to a wonderful career as a retail rep where I can set my hours around my child.

For mystery shopping www.shadowshopper.com
For retail merchandising... www.narms.com
Theatre audits .... www.certifiedreports.com

All you do is sign up...it wasn't long before I was working like mad.

Let me know if I can help?

G.

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G.P.

answers from Norfolk on

I can really relate to you. I'm so desperate to go out and work and earn my own money, but my husband says "he is not ready for me work"! Can you believe that?!

What kind of job are you looking for? Because as everybody said here, there are lots of job opportunities everywhere and you dont need experience at all. If you want a full time job that earnes alot of money and has benefits well you need to take some courses. It would be fun to go back to school dont you think?

I hope you find whatever you are looking for and that it gives you peace and sanity because thats the most important part. Take care. GOOD LUCK! ;)

PS: Have you considered starting a Day Care in you own house? My friend did that and she only had 3 of her friends kids and it worked great for her.

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S.M.

answers from Birmingham on

Hey J.! I went to the state employment office website too. It did take about a month, however, for something to open up for me. I just started at Belk in Alabaster and I love it. The people there are wonderful. If retail is not your thing, I understand that good substitute teachers are in high demand. You aren't required to have any teaching experience, just a high school diploma. You could work and still get to see your kids if you choose.

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H.M.

answers from Greensboro on

If you get any ideas, please let me know. I have a daughter that is 3 and a son that is 5 and he and I both just started school. (that sounded just a little bit weird! lol) I have been working, but I was laid off in July.

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A.T.

answers from Norfolk on

I work at HSBC in Chesapeake..Pay is great and have been there almost 7 years. Send me a message if you want some more details.

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D.

answers from Charleston on

try temp services.. they help alot

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S.M.

answers from Roanoke on

Go to the temp agency. You can gain experience in many things preferably get something that interest you. Temp agency are a great way to get back into the job market. Many big name companies will use you without the experience. Usually they will train you for a job and since your already there you will learn all the ropes. You will also get the first scoop of when the company is looking for permanent people. There are many employees who acquired great jobs by starting as temporary hire. Communications and Insurance and marketing companies are the trend lately. These companies usually pay the most with the best benefits. Just for example of great benefits: some big companies like say Verizon Wireless they will pay up to 8k a year in education cost so while you working for them you can go to school partime to broaden your opportunities. Good luck S. M.

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D.J.

answers from Spartanburg on

Where do you live? If you are in upstate SC, I have a sales position open... no experience required. If you're in this area and interested, just e-mail me at ____@____.com and we can talk about it. Good luck!

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K.J.

answers from Birmingham on

Have you considered working for your childrens school? You will have off every day they have off and your hours will be the same as theirs. If you have at least two-years college, you can be a teacher's aid. No college? Cafeteria and janitorial posistions do not often require college or experience. In addition, you get the same benefits as a teacher. Tenure after three years, medical benefits, etc.

I am not very knowledeable about this, I have just started talking to a woman who has a position at a nearby school, but it is definitely worth considering!

This woman also told me that she worked at a day care so she could be with her kids when they were younger and not have to pay day care expenses.

I am not ready to go back to work yet, but when I am, those are definitely some considerations!

Good luck!

~Take care~
K.

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W.

answers from Montgomery on

Hi, I am 32 and have a 16 month old with another on the way. I work from home and thought you might be interested in what I do. You can check out my web ____@____.com you are interested in something like this please let me know and I can teach you how!
W. Carlile
District Manager
Independent Consultant
Arbonne International

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R.H.

answers from Asheville on

I have the PERFECT job for you. Whether you already have a job- or want to do it full time (like I myself do). My name is R. and I am a Mary Kay beauty consultant. I love my job. Mary kay is founded on the belief of God 1st, Family 2nd and Career 3rd. Plus the golden rule of do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It's an amazing company and it's more that just a job- it's a way of life- it's managing your time to the fullest. You can do your Mary Kay work while the kids are at school- sell to people you've meet through their school system and then have all the time you need to do those important thinds like rest, play with the kids and live life! Anyway, for more information- just give me a call we can get together for coffee or a phone call and you can try the products, get informed about my career and decide if it's for you- no obligation just friend to friend. My e-mail is ____@____.com my website which is lots of fun is www.marykay.com/rhoneycutt1 my phone is ###-###-#### I wish you luck in whatever you choose! R.

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K.J.

answers from Montgomery on

Have you ever thought of working from home? Like Avon or something? I work with a company called Princess House and it is pretty awesome! you can check it out at princesshouse.com. I also work with Avon, I am pretty new at that. My first order with Avon, that I turned in today, was an $80 profit for me. I sold only $165 worh of murchandise! So if you are just looking for some extra money and something to do maybe it's something you may want to look into. If you want to talk more let me know. Good luck in whatever you choose to do!

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Y.A.

answers from Mobile on

Hi J.,
Wow! What a lot of information you got. I also work from home because I homeschool as well as stay at home, but want to get my bills paid off! I sell Arbonne, also, and I sell scrapbook supplies for a fairly new company. Both are inexpensive to sell for and offer great consultant benefits. The scrapbook company doesn't have multi-level marketing, you just get a $15.00 coupon for more products from each person that signs up for you. This is wonderful because you actually make more money keeping clients as clients. It's also instant cash. You keep all the money from the party or order and then pay for the items through your own consultant discount. You earn 20%. The only minimum that you have to sell is $75.00 per year...that's it! I love Arbonne, but do that more to just get the discount on supplies! Arbonne also has very low minimum's as opposed to other companies and there is no minimum order, so if you just need some lipgloss, you can really just order lipgloss, not wait for a $200 order. This is a great selling tool with clients because they will call you to re-order products at any time instead of getting frustrated with waiting and just going back to the store. Check out my website for Arbonne:
http://www.visionofbeauty.myarbonne.com
and if your interested in the scrapbooking, let me know and I'll send you more info on that. They are in the middle of updating their system so all the websites are down and the consultant one's won't be back up for a little while.
Thanks,
Y.
Columbia

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D.M.

answers from Lynchburg on

I work at apple market in lynchburg. I understand they are hirring and requrier no expence. The office loaction is in forest on 221, right across mail america. they open from 9-5 mon though friday. try there and its hoiday time alot people are looking for sesnaol works. good luck

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L.C.

answers from Norfolk on

I know JCPenney is hiring. I stayed home for a year, and just went back. You don't need any experience, and it starts a little over $6/hour.

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J.C.

answers from Hickory on

J.,
I can relate. I to was a stay at home mom of 5. With no adult interaction. Then all my children started school and I found myself with alot of time on my hands not to mention the extra things to pay for such as lunch, feild trips, pictures etc... And in need of a job. With little experience no one would hire me. I went to a Pure Romance party that a friend had. I had so much fun. Then the lady doing the party offered an excellent career opportunity. I have been on board with Pure Romance now for 3 months and I love it. The best part is there is no experience required and they offer free training. I have had partys booked every week since I started. The income is great. Last month I did a total sales of $2,000.00. out of that $800 is what I made. I do in home partys for ladies. I sale a sophisticated line of romance enhancement products. And I get paid to have fun. If you cant tell from my response I LOVE my job. Not only do I have the extra money I needed but I still get to be home to take my kids. I set my own schudule. If your interested or for that matter any of you other moms feel free to contact me and I will give you all the information you need.

J. Chambers
Pure Romance By J.
###-###-####
____@____.com

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M.H.

answers from Columbia on

I totally understand the needing something for the sanity when both kids are in school. Both of mine are also in school now. I am also a stay at home mom.
I'd suggest going back to school because, for me, I never considered the idea of what would happen to my family if one day my husband couldn't work. I personally found this to be a scary thought. I don't have a lot of work experience either and only a high school diploma, which isn't enough to get a great paying job now days and so, my husband and I decided to send me back to school. We don't have a ton of money, so we applied for a government grant (pell grant) and it is paying for my classes. We only have to buy my books. I chose a program that is only a year, so that by next year I'll be done with school and hopefully be able to get a better job. I hope this helps.

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J.B.

answers from Columbia on

Hi J.. I am not sure what kind of job you are looking for and what kind of hours you want but there is a company called RGIS Inventory and I have worked there for 8 years and in 3 different states. It is deffently not a job for everyone. Some people love and others just hate it. What we do is go to retail and grocery stores and count there merendise for them. The hours are kind of werid....mornings start at 5 or 6am and evenings anywhere from 6 to 9pm. Most stores last about 4-6 hours give or take. It is not full time and the hours can vary from week to week. They are almost always hiring and they will train you....I am not sure if the this is something that will work for you or not but if you want to look into it the number is ###-###-#### and the office is on St. Andrews Rd. in Columbia. I think the starting pay is $7.25 and I am not sure where all the offices are in South Carolina but there are others if you are not close to Columbia....if your intrested just call that number and they can direct you :)

D.N.

answers from Charlotte on

Hello J.

I know that in todays society one needs several streams of income in order to successfully raise a fmily. Have you ever considered starting a Mary Kay business? This is a great time to do so. With the impending holiday season, you can capitalize on the busiest retail season of the year. There is also a Holiday Pilot Program from October thru December. You can "test drive" a Mary Kay business. If its not for you, you can give it up. The company offers a buy back program if you have any unused product.

I live in the Charlotte area. If this sparks your interest even a little, please contact me at ____@____.com. There are a couple of informational events that are taking place. You can also visit my website for more information (http://marykay.com/dne1969). Good Luck!

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C.

answers from Raleigh on

Hi J.,
I can totally understand your thoughts. I would love to chat with you about becoming a Southern Living at HOME consultant. We are a Party Plan Business that is a division of Southern Living Magazine. With a name like Southern Living behind you, it is hard to go wrong.

I have 3 children older than yours, 12, 15, 17. I found that when they get to school, they need you more than they did when they in preschool. There are after school activities, clubs, homework and such. Your presence in the classroom affects their attitude about school. (i.e. volunteering for class parties, reading circle, etc.) It contributes to their thoughts that school is important if you are there, too.

I chose Southern Living at HOME, because it is FUN. I have made some wonderful friendships with other women that I would not have had otherwise. It allows me to bring in a substantial income (I was a CPA in my previous life). And gives me some financial freedom...what I make is in my control. I know that when I do a party which lasts for a couple of hours, I will bring home on average $125 income in my pocket that night/day. And it allows me the flexibility I need to ensure that my kids aren't missing out on anything or that I'm not missing out on anything for them. I decide when I will work and when I won't.

We have a Super Starter Program going on right now through October 31 and I would love to chat with you about it. Email me for more information. C. Flanagan, Star-Director, Southern Living at HOME. ____@____.com or visit my website www.southernlivingathome.com/cindiathome. Feel free to call me too, ###-###-####.

By the way, you don't have to have decorating knowledge to be a Southern Living at HOME consultant, just the desire to have fun in your career. If decorating knowledge was a requirement, I'd be out of luck!

I hope to talk to you soon.

C. Flanagan.

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C.C.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi! Well, I am also a stay at home mom. My boys are 5 (won't start school until next year though b/c of late birthday) and 19 months. I just recently became a Southern Living at HOME consultant. It's been a lot of fun and there is a lot of earning potential!! I love doing it and it's so easy! You can put as much or as little time in to it as you want. Everyone I have met through it has been absolutely wonderful. I'd love to share more about it and we have some wonderful things going on right now for new consultants. The starter kit has a lot of bonus items in it for this month. Then new consultants can get several additional items for free and get a shopping spree for $200 or $400 dollars. I wish I had waited a few months to sign up ;-). I'd love to help other women get started. It's a wonderful company and there is so much to offer!! You can check out my website for more information: www.southernlivingathome.com/christinacopeland and please feel free to email me also at ____@____.com. Please ask me anything and I hope you find what you're looking for!

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S.C.

answers from Hickory on

What area do you live in? Right now is a good time to try to find a job, particularly if you don't mind going into retail. I know around Target, here in Hickory, all of those stores are hiring. It is just temporary jobs, mostly, but if you do a good job, most of the time they will let you stay after Christmas... If you want anymore info, or need help, feel free to email me at ____@____.com

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N.G.

answers from San Diego on

You know in most states you only need a high school diploma and personal references to be a substitute teacher. You get to work and you get all of the holidays off when your children do so you don't have to worry about daycare or after school expenses. Just search for the school district that you live in on the internet and put in substitute teacher. In charleston there's a two week course and then you start working. You might want to check it out especially since you have so much experience with children as a mom.

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J.D.

answers from Montgomery on

try the work from home jobs. there is a little money invovled in it to get started but its worth a try.

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