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Regular visitors to AARP.org may be aware of my “Ask Bob About Jobs” column.  You can submit your work-related questions directly to me.  Several questions are selected each week to be answered in the column in the hope that the questions and answers are of value to the 50+ reader.  Occasionally, I will also answer questions here in my journal.

Q:   I’ve been out of work for some time and I don’t even know how to start a job search.  In fact, I don’t even know what I want to do.  I was laid off as an Information Technology (IT) manager but instead of searching for a new job, I became the primary caregiver to my terminally ill in-laws.  They have passed away and I want to get back to work but I don’t know what options are open to me.  Is there a service or tools that will help me identify jobs that would be a good fit?

Barbara S. - Georgia

A: Barbara, your situation is becoming increasingly common – and it’s always unsettling.  When a caregiver is needed, the duty typically falls disproportionately on one, or at the most, two people.  Having been laid off, you were probably the natural candidate for this most demanding role.

I’m not surprised that you’re uncertain about your occupational future.  Even if you wanted to, reentering the IT field after a significant absence can be challenging due to technology changes.  It may even be necessary to refresh your knowledge if you want to return to IT.  Further, caregiving can leave you emotionally and physically drained and dispirited.

At 53, the prospect of restarting a career can be daunting.  Try following these few steps:

1.    Get Fit – Start with a complete medical exam and get on a healthful nutrition and exercise routine.
2. Seek Out a Counselor – Ask your doctor or other trusted advisor for a referral to an occupational or career counselor.  There may be free services available through your local Career One Stop office or human service organizations.  You may have to pay for needed services – it would be well worth receiving an thorough evaluation of your capabilities, interests and occupational preferences.  Check the counselor’s qualifications and certifications.  Don’t be afraid to ask for references.
3. Self-Study – The library and bookstores are full of self-help books on occupations and career planning.  Just dive in and start reading about the many options available.  Something may catch your eye.
4.  Identify Occupational Choices – Gather the ideas you got from your career coach, Career One Stop, and your own research.  Search online job posting boards for examples of jobs in your community.  AARP’s Web site offers access to a free online job posting board powered by RetirementJobs.com or go directly to the job board at RetirementJobs.com.  List 5 or 10 jobs that sound promising.
5.  Prepare a Resume – Prepare a new resume and don’t worry about the “gap” in your employment history.  Simply state “Served as full time caregiver to family member”.  Your Career One Stop may be able to provide free help with your resume or go to a resume writing service.  RetirementJobs.com provides a resume writing service tailored for age 50+ job seekers.
6.  Prepare a Search Plan – Write down your top occupational choices, several targeted employers, and start researching actual job openings. Check back here later this month for a comprehensive article on performing a job search.

You are probably going to be working for 10 or 12 more years.  Take the time to do a thorough and thoughtful search – but get started now!  Commit to begin your “re-careering” initiative today – it will all start coming back to you.

Best wishes.

Bob