I appreciate how you feel. I stayed home for 8 years to raise my family.
I had been a Spanish teacher and while home earned a masters in
instructional media. I started my new career and so started off on the
bottom of the pay scale. While I got some very valuable experience, after
a number of years, the institution couldn't provide challenges (read
"funds") that would provide me with the experiences that would make me
attractive to the next employer. The longerIi stayed, the more I felt I
was falling behind in my field, even though I was working in the
field--crazy, right? I was reading up on what I was missing, but I wasn't
*doing* it.
I became very active in my various professional organizations. I held
offices; I went crazy getting my name known. I worked on community
service projects with my video group, getting experience I couldn't get on
my job, working with other professionals who could mentor me. I made sure
I presented at one regional conference each year. It's not very hard to do
especially if you co-present. The preparation is fun and enriching when
you share it with another person in your field. Getting a panel discussion
together is also relatively pain free and your name is still on the
program. Lastly, as no one at my institution was working on multimedia or
faculty development, I assumed these tasks even though they weren't on my
job description and even though I dindn't get extra pay. I then enrolled
in a post masters certificate program in instructional design. I thought
that getting a certificate gave a more focused feel rather than taking a
hodge podge of courrses. It showed a direction and a commitment. Yes, it
cost money; yes, it took up what free time I had; yes, I still attended
monthly metings of my professional organizations (never stop networking and
when new to the group, never stop volunteering). Four months ago, it all
paid off. I am now earning what I'm worth in an environment that is
resource intense. It was a very long road for me to travel. I got very
discouraged many times. I too was the "bridesmaid" on several interview
occassions. Don't read too much into all or your rejections. Until you've
been on a search committee, you never know some of the strange reasons
about why one person gets picked over another. I do agree though that
being out of the field does make you less attractive. A friend in human
resources once told me when out of work do two things: take classes, it
shows you are growing and investing in yourself; join a gym and work out,
you'll look better under those awful office lights. Not bad advice. I
know you're doing a lot of this. Call after an interview and ask about the
results. If you had good rapport with the committee, you may get valuable
feedback. Fear of law suits prevents some people from answering the
question honestly--too bad. Get feedack from friends, teachers, etc. I
know of a guy who feels like you do. He's been through the mill.
Everyone I talk to can name at least three things he does wrong on an
interview and everyone is afraid to tell him and hurt his feelings. Come
on, now. Be a real friend and level with the guy. The point is let people
know you can take criticism.
Feel free to contact me. I'll be out of the office until July 10
Marian Caroselli
mxc57@psugv.psu.edu