Jen - you have worked the last 30 years. You can use your art work (that was work), taking care of the horses and training (teaching skills), and other things they do. Your resume does not have to be a 9-5 job. Colleges now will give credit for life learned skills. You have those. I would recommend you get together with someone at the employment office, contact a displaced homemakers office (often at a college), work with an employment agency, research online. You have job skills but as most of us have found, going over our past and finding them can be hard.
I did put together a resume last night. Kind of lame, but once I got into it, I figured it out. I recalled all the years I spent as a Girl Scout leader, Den Mother. I told about my developement and implementation of an after school program for youth through my church, having been activities director there as well. Told about my experiences presenting my work and demonstrating use of the medium to nursing home residents, mentally and physically challenged people of all ages. Expounded on my own studio and exhibitions, awards and that I manage a small farm, teach riding lessons, etc. Then there were several years during my first marriage when I worked as a staff artist for the local newspaper and somehow landed a job as Advertising Director for a local chain of Drug Stores (guess I just knew the right people in a small town) and did free-lance work as Photographic Director for advertising agencies. Admitted I had minimal computer skills and my typing is average. Embellished, but did not lie. Just tried to make me sound like someone with something to offer. This is a very hard time for me. I'm running out of luck and help and finances. I have lots of STUFF, no credit problems (yet). Everything paid up and paid for. Lucky. But the end IS coming, that shallow well is running dry. I'm trying to make things happen, but I'm not in control of it. I've checked out all those "work at home from your computer" offers......don't bother. It's a scam. Throw me under the bus. SOME ONE!
Jen, with your vast experience, you should audition for the movie that will be filmed soon....The Life of Lady Godiva./.. Heck, you can ride horses, and you have the modeling experience, so you could be the leading actress... pays pretty good too I hear.
No thanks! Enough "drama" in my life right now! And, I'm afraid they'd have to use a 'body double'.....director wouldn't be happy with mine. UNLESS he's making a horror movie!
i have a job interview at UPS...seasonal work, part time with no benefits. I know I'm supposed to be able to lift 25 to 50nlbs repeatedly for four hours at a time. I can work like crazy here on my farm and do some heavy work....but I know when I have to stop (because of my injuries, you remember). I don't know if I can do it, but I'm going. REALLY want to pursue the mortuary business.....just frightened of the cost of my education. Should swallow that one and just go for any loans I can get (I have some very nice somber, conservative clothing, too. And, I bought a gorgeous wool double breasted winter coat today.....black).
Jen, you like to cook. How about a catering service? You can work from home and maybe be included in some wonderful parties. You have the personality to do this. Hey, I'll let you provide my Thanksgiving dinner.
A lot of people have suggested so many things one would think I could do very well. It's this arm and left thumb. I'm really very slow and CLUMBSY. Dropthings repeatedly because of pain in my arm. Yep, like I said, here at home I find I can really do some work...but I can STOP anytime I want, too. Not so if I'm working for someone else. AND...as far as being a waitress (as my daughter suggests), I know I can't lift those trays, hand hot plates of food to folks, pour scalding beverages without the inevitable mishap. NO, don't like those odds. Cooking HURTS. I really do struggle. Need more than minimum wage, too, just to afford the gas to get there, etc. I need to be able to MAKE REAL MONEY, not just have something to do. Someone suggested caregiving.......um, NO. Flatly, no. Made jellies, herbal blends for several years through the local farmer's market....then they got all legalistic...you can't use your home kitchen (in VA) to make something for sale to the general public, so catering is out, too. (and my kitchen here is miniscule!!!) I find my sculpting isn't up to par either anymore. Maybe I'm just my own worst critic....and sculpting hurts, too. So does typing. I'm looking everyday, though. Don't worry, I tell my buddies.....I have plenty of money, as long as I don't live beyond next month!
Jen - all too many people live that way so you are not alone. Too many people are one paycheck away from homelessness. True, many are in that situation of their own doing, but many of us are not. SSDI, SS, etc. only go so far.