Reentering the workforce

So, I have a job outside my house. It’s a fluffy occasional part-time gig. I didn’t work at all during the pandemic (because it couldn’t be done from home, but my employer is super cool and I’m still employed). So, I technically have a job. I also do ad hoc editing work for a friend’s business (again this is occasional bits of work, nothing major). And I do a little tutoring, but my long-term clients have moved into stages of their lives where they don’t need me (bittersweet, that).

I’m not exactly desperate for work financially (totally fine actually), but I am ITCHING to work.

My current fluffy gig is great, and the pay isn’t bad for what it is. And I like my job. Maybe I’m greedy, but I’d really like to try out that whole “making a real wage” thing I hear about.

I’ve never excelled at job hunting. Oh sure, I’ve read a million articles, but maybe not the right ones. My best jobs have been jobs that have been basically handed to me on a silver platter (current gig is one such job). I had to get a certification and background check and jump through a few hoops, but they were all formalities. Like assuming I could jump through the hoops the job was mine and I was asked if I would consider doing it by the boss who hired me (who has now moved on to bigger and better things).

Problem 1: Too many interests! There are so many interesting things! This is overwhelming in terms of what to apply for. Also, I’m feeling like I need not just 1 fresh resume, but 3 or more. The idea overwhelms.

Problem 2: There are jobs long in the past that are REALLY relevant to some interesting job titles but they’re so old I don’t want to put them on the resume, and I’m afraid of accidentally talking about how toxic some of those places were. Like I still have nightmares on occasion about bits of one of those jobs (not always work-related, you don’t want to know).

Problem 3: How important is linkedin because mine is a mess and I don’t know how to fix it. Also, apparently according to some article or another you should have way more connections than me. I’ve sent some requests. I’m pretty sure none of those people even like me or remember me. Most of them are not in this state.

Problem 4: I’m considering trying out a corporate job because I’ve never had one (see, that’s the problem).

Problem 5: I was an administrative assistant once and I worked in tech support once and I’ll never do either of those again because I insist on being treated like a human being and like a qualified professional. And I don’t enjoy being assaulted at work.

Problem 6: I’m overwhelmed and don’t know how to stop overthinking this.

Problem 7: There are entirely too many jobs that honestly expect applicants to jump for joy over making basically no money at all. I’m not taking a pay cut here. Or they’re weird and secretive and won’t list the darned salary range. Just list it! If it sucks, I’ll save you time by not applying!

OK, I’ve whined enough. Off to write a resume or 3.