Advice/Help About My Future

Here I am, 46 years old, worked at the company I am at for 15 years and get told on Wednesday the plant is closing on July 2. Yes, we get severance, they will help us, blah blah blah.
I have been through the emotions, shock (this one is still there) anger, scared (yep, this one, too) So, I guess I am not through with them yet.

I live in a very rural community. Not many jobs around, even when the economy was good. Nothing now. Nearest large town is 40 miles away and with the price of gas, well, you know what I am talking about. And, not many jobs there, either.

So.......in the back of my mind I have always wanted to go back to school. Yes, even at my age. I will be finding out more in the next couple of weeks, as we are having federal workers come to tell us what programs are available to us as we are on some WARN program. Schooling was mentioned.

Of course, I am thinking computer training. But, not sure what kind being I am rural. A help-desk sort of thing? a small business out of my home where i would answer questions, or go to their home if needed. Something like that maybe. I do a little bit of this now for people I am working with. And, if I can't find an answer I come here
What I would like to know is any advice on some free classes online to get me started. Are there any good ones? A jump start I guess you would say.
Or any other advice anyone wants to offer.
I am in a life changing time in my life right now and any and all help/advice is appreciated.

 

No advice here, gal. Losing work that way sucks. Seems to be common these days. I hope things work out and it doesn't get too tough on you.
The help desk thing sounds like a decent idea. Sounds like something worth trying.

 

The best to you with what you choose

 

Musk.....thanks. I know we aren't the first company to do this, and for sure not the last, but it isn't easy.

Halo. Thank you so much. This is what I was looking for. This will help a lot.
There is a business right now called PCHandyman in a town close by. He was looking for help, but by the time I get some schooling, he will have found someone.

Darlene. Thank you. I feel I have to look at this positively. Better than the zombie I have been for the last couple of days.

 

I might do that. I do have to continue working at my job now, though, until July 2, to get any benefits out of this raw deal.

 

Hi Gal
Sorry to hear about your impending redundancy
Are there many people working at the plant? They will soon be in the same boat as you, so best to try and get a head start and get in to training first before the rest fill the places up (or as Halo says asking the local PCHandyman first)

As you have access to a PC, there are a number of distance learning classes around where you can retrain for a new career.
I would speak to a careers adviser if that is possible for you?

Best of luck Gal

 

Grumbles........At the plant I am at there is 61 people. We will all be looking. I can honestly say I am probably the only one interested in computers, which is a good thing for me.........lol. They all come to me with questions about problems they are having.

The State is coming to our workplace in a couple of weeks and you can bet I will be the first in line. That's why I am trying to get started here. Am looking at distance classes already through the technical colleges in the state. Found out from someone who went through this a few years ago, the state will pay for a 2-year course at a tech college, but not a 4-yr college. She told me, too, to talk to them early before funds run out.

 

Something to think about, I haven't heard about many people making money from computers. Things like nursing however, are always in short supply. If you're going back to school anyhow you might look long and hard at how to market yourself in the modern job market. I've been where you're at, although not in a rural setting. Industrial jobs are fading fast, and our current politicians think that you can make a decent living as a 7-11 clerk, or some such. Like to see them try to live on a McDonald's wage.

 

Thank you Bill for the advice. I will be thinking more about this. I still have to work 2 months before I decide anything.
One other problem I have, and I didn't mention, is I have a handicapped daughter who lives at home with us. She comes home every day at 3:30 and I have to be here then. The hours I worked now were perfect. I am off at 3:00 and home by 3:15. I have already tried to find someone to come in and watch her when we were working overtime, and there just isn't anyone willing to come for just a couple of hours a day with the cost of gas, etc. Yes, I am very rural. Out in the boondocks....lol
I am not willing to put her into a group home somewhere.

So....that is a consideration I have to think of with making my decisions on what is best for me, my husband and her.

 

Gal..

I know what you're talking about.. sort of. Granted, around here, I am competeing with people in your situation trying to find a job, and it isn't easy.

As much as I hate to say it, I have been seriously considering moving to another state where there are better jobs and less taxes. THe only reason I have stayed in Central NY for so long, is that my 12 year old son is here and I am the non custodial parent.

We have even been considering moving to be with my other half's family in Guam. That's how it is.

I know that you are still getting through the gamut of emotions and all, but if it is a possibility, you may want to consider looking outside your area, with the possibility of relocation.

I have been in and out of family court a number of times this year as I am trying to actually get to spend more time with my son, and I have to talk to my lawyer about a back up plan in case it comes down to that.... I don't want it to, as my family is also here, but it's getting to the point where I may not have much choice any more.

The people I am competing with for jobs right now have been doing it a lot longer than I have (their jobs that is) and have me beat out in the experience area.

Not trying to be a downer, just want to throw some thoughts out there for you so you don't end up in the same boat i'm in.

~C

 

Thank you for your thoughts, but moving would not be an option at all for me. (well, unless I would divorce my husband ). He has a very good job and is the main bread-winner.
All of our relatives and friends are here, also.
But, thanks for your thoughts.

 

Thanks Halo.
I do already do calendars, cards, flyers, etc for people. Well, just at work so far.
They bring me in pictures and i scan them, and put in the card whatever they want it to say. Maybe word of mouth will get that going some, too.
I will get one of the MSFTOfficeLive accounts.
I have been looking at the html tutorials also for maybe some web development and design.
That is a class I could take also through the distance learning.
I have some time to decide what I want to do, so keep the advice coming everyone.
My other options are not good.

I am ready to learn any and all I need to.

 

gal1998, you said you like to help others-

Have you considered a career working for an Insurance Agent?

It is what I do for a living. I was an agent myself, and now am chained to a desk but I love it and it is fairly solid. I was a Life Agent and now I focus on Property & Casuality (House & Auto, Motorcycle & Boat).

PM me if you would like more information.

 

Thank you. PM sent to you. I am not a good salesman, but am willing to look at the information.

 

My advice is to ditch IT related jobs altogether. Unless you get into a good position or go self employed, outsourcing is always going to be a danger.

Thats what I am doing anyway. No more IT for me. Ever. Its never too late to go back to school.

 

Sorry to hear about your plant closure.
A long established print works has just abruptly closed near here, owing its 300 redundant workers £400,000 in last month's wages and insurance.

Know anything about gardening? Gardeners are very hard to get, with plenty of retired folks queueing up to hire, although this is a rural area.
There is one business called
'The Lady Gardener'

Self evident really.

I've also seen a couple of successful 'marriage consultants' - organise your marriage for you.

Good luck.

 

Sorry to hear about your troubles. I've been in your shoes twice. I was dislocated (company left) back in 2002, went back to school and got an intern position with an IT company which blossomed into a decent full time position after 2 years. And I continued to go to school. Well that company got bought out, and I was dislocated again. I was able to go to school and draw unemployment until it ran out.

In our town major companies are closing or leaving on a yearly basis. It's getting bad. But there are programs in our state for dislocated workers. Some are able to draw unemployment while they go to school like I did. Some are able to do it for almost two years. But, our state has special programs. So you may want to check out what your state has to offer.

The only job that I could currently find was working on a Help Desk. It's mainly IT related, but it's not the most desirable job. Next fall, even if I'm still employed on the Help Desk, I plan on enrolling in college again.

I currently have four college degrees, a few certifications, and many awards. I believe you should always better yourself, regardless of your situation. With all of that, I also believe it's important with regards to who you know, along with what you know.

Back in the 80's and early 90's it seemed like 80% what you know and 20% who you know, when it came to getting employment. Now it seems like it's 20% what you know and 80% who you know. So if you go back to school, make sure you join their clubs and do other activities in your community.

 

Adrynlayne,....Thanks. I have been raising some questions myself and so did my husband on if I think this could develop into full-time. Out here, in rural Mn, probably not.

Studiot...We do have Master Gardeners you can call here through the count and get free advice. And there are landscaping services you can hire Thanks, but I don't think that would profit me either.
As for the marriage counselor, I have enough trouble organizing my own
Thank you for the advice and best wishes.

Mickey....Your situations are exactly the same I think. We have the same programs in Minnesota. I am going to get some education to further myself, but at this point, I am not sure what I should do. it will have to be through distance learning, because of the hours I have be home at. But, you are right, who you know means a lot around here, too, for getting a job.

Maybe I will have to combine a whole bunch of things just to make all of the part-time ones seems like a full-time one.....lol
I don't know.

 

Oh gal..I'm so sorry you've been hit with all this. *HUGS* I know from first hand experience how difficult a situation you are in not just with the job, but with your daughter.

Before I go any further and start offering my 2¢ worth...how old is your daughter? Does she attend a school or sheltered workshop? I ask because my thoughts on this are going in two different directions. Your daughter who is obviously a major priority and her age may very well make a positive difference in your options.

 

I am sorry I realised after that I didn't make it clear I should have said 'wedding consultant'.
I was just talking about the event. Events organising generally is a growth business in my area.

 

AbbySue.....Thanks for the hugs. My daughter is 24 and she goes to work each day at a local DAC. Day Area Center.

Studiot...I am sorry I understood you wrong. I am not sure there would be much business being i am in a rural are, but something to look into. Thanks

 

Hi gal! ok, I am a kindred spirit: a way-out-in-the-middle-of-nowhere rural mom myself! This may be a $5 answer to your nickel question, but I couldn't resist. Here are a few things that gals out here have put together for income.
*Location location location: take some pix and use those computer skills of yours to put together a locations site. Locate the photog locations scouting businesses in your nearest major city and offer your services as a location *scout/ coordinator. They use these locations for photoshoots, moviesets, ads, & tv commercials. Farms, livestock, trained dogs, interesting cats, open fields, old barns, giant haylofts, prize goats and sheep, old gnarly nanny goats, pristine streams and obscure odd hideaways are all hard to find by city people who often have very specific needs and appreciate someone who knows the area. Tell them you can get locations, hired help, housing for staff (B&B's, motels), catering, etc. Be the go between between city and country. You'll endear yourself to your neighbors because you will be getting them work as well!
*yes, studiot is right about wedding planners. It is a growing business and country weddings are desirable because they tend to be cheaper and lower key. If you start location scouting and doing production you may as well add weddings to your list of services. If you are sitting on a few good locations, you can book them for weddings as well as shoots.
*Start an after school program in your home: offer homework help and safe harbor for latchkey kids. After school programs are in great demand and many of these "after school care" places just park the kids in front of the tv and let them do their homework. If you actually help w/ homework you will distinguish yourself. Use your computer to find online tutorial sites; many are free. And of course, computer literacy is always good to teach. Start by doing a few free programs at the local library and recruit private students from there. Don't exclude adults who need coaching for GED, ESL and computer basics, whatever you feel comfortable teaching. There are a lot of retirees who are intimidated by computers but light up the first time they connect online.
*Offer your services as a rewrite artist, editing and rewriting college app's, essays, bios, speeches, etc. Advertise at community college campuses and online. You'd be surprised at how many of us "ghostwriter geeks" are out there helping people.
*Finally, do not underestimate the value of what you are already doing. You can definitely expand upon that. I know a guy who started out helping folks w/ computer glitches, then he expanded to printing fliers and brochures to designing layouts and now he designs websites.
*Other rural businesses I've seen succeed: e-bay buyer and seller (you need a good eye for value), antiques dealer, real estate, home inspector and or appraiser, school bus driver, mail delivery. I know one gal who built a greenhouse and she sells started seedlings to gardeners, and flowers and salad greens to restaurants.
I only listed ideas that would work w/ a mom's schedule, that you did not need additional education for that compliment e/ other and that have worked for others I know.
Supplementing your education is always a good idea, but I figured you have plenty to do already!
best, tess101

 

Wow Tess. Thanks for the ideas. Some of them sound like fun.
Got lots of thinking to do.
Thanks again

 

I went back to school after I retired from the Army. Don't let your age be a barrieor. you will probably find that there are a lot more people your age in class than you would expect.

Since you are rural you may consider using some of the skills you already have to hit the less well serviced (and seldom outsourced) niche markets.

A lot of farmers need help with State and Federal forms, many of which need to be filed electronically. They would benifit buy being taught how to use simple spread sheet and accounting software. You would provide the service of training them, and setting up their computer and software (not many Geek Squad folks in cow country).

You may also find that you already have all the skills needed to tutor or even teach (check state requirements). My better half could often get $60 an hour to tutor in Math, Science, or English. Community colleges are a great source of employment, as are school administration facilities.

 

C,D,Rhom.....Thank you for the ideas. Our counties have programs to assist the farmers and elderly, but might be something to look into.
Thanks again