These suggestions may be helpful if you find yourself in this situation:
Don’t Hamper Yourself With Conventional “Realism”
Be open to a wider potential. When people with good intentions come up with discouraging comments about the difficulty of finding jobs “at your age” or predict that your earning ability will have nose-dived, don’t listen. Put up a shield against the negatives and don’t let yourself be boxed into limiting your possibilities before you even get started. Allow yourself to think in terms of success and even happiness.
Starting Over Again May Invite A Whole New Direction
If you were a project manager before marriage, there is no reason to think you can’t look at something different. Reinvent yourself. Write a list of the all the jobs you have ever considered and jobs that other women have that your find attractive and give them some thought. Then follow your heart, even if it means more training.
Beware Of Inner Dialogue That Is Fearful And Cautious
Grabbing the first job that is available is a defeatist approach. Picture yourself as confident and proactive and imagine you have super powers. Have fun with the notion.
Cast The Net Wide
When you are considering college, the advice is to have three tiers of choices: the one you really want, a second choice and a fall-back position if the first two don’t materialize. Approach the job search in the same way. A human resources person may not offer the job you had your heart set on, but might see another opportunity in your resume. Be flexible.
Be Excited
Imagine yourself as a powerful woman who goes after what she wants. Focus on that objective. Expect to be excited and look forward to what will make you happy. Then aim for that goal.
Do The Routine
Study the listings and send resumes. But have other possibilities as well. If there is a business in which you are interested, make an effort to talk with people who work there. Invite a manager to have an informal discussion. Go to job fairs, be creative and keep an open mind.
Don’t Distress Over Resume
A resume is, of course, essential, but don’t fret over it. If you think you need advice, set up an account with Linkedin.com or another aid to the job search. Get your name and a brief description of your work experience into circulation and begin to build contacts.
Don’t Pass Up A Job Opportunity That Calls For Some Skills
Don’t confuse your comfort level with your true ability when it comes to technical skills. If a job description says you have to be Microsoft Word proficient, that doesn’t mean you have to be a genius. You can improve on your base understanding of technology through a little additional training. Cheap or free classes are available through community colleges, public school systems and other resources.
Network Like Crazy
Use your friends and family, professional associations, old co-workers. Use anyone in your acquaintance who might be useful in finding the job you want.
Keep The Vision
It may take longer than you had hoped, but don’t settle for less than you know you are capable of. Stay positive and keep the faith. You can succeed.