How do I get through the barrier of being overqualified for jobs or my wheelchair being a consideration?

Question

I have a college degree with a background in journalism, nonprofit advocacy work and customer service. I have been downsized from nonprofit in 2005 and was ill-matched for a payroll position in a corporate environment that overstressed me, so I resigned for my health. I am not ill, very independent and have a lot of qualifications, but realize that I may have to resort to entry level work to get my foot in the door. I'm very willing to do that. I've consulted professionals to polish my resume, have taken continuing education classes in Spanish and grant writing, and seek the consultation of rehabilitation services counselors, career counselors and staffing agencies. Still, I'm having trouble finding work beyond part-time at the local movie theater. I really want to keep my experience professional and my salary gainful beyond minimum wage. I've posted my resume on several job boards and continue to look every few days, if not daily, for work. What now?

Answer 1

Sounds like you've been doing all the things that any job counselor would tell you to do – that's a great start. I'm going to make an educated guess that you're having a hard time choosing the exact thing that you want to focus on and that's what is causing the problem. You're hoping that you can find a job where you will have the structure where you can learn and do the job well, but which will also match all your talents, training, and interests. You're even willing to start at the bottom if you can find such a job.

The problem is that no working environment will be able to provide that for you – as you found, even the non-profits are bottom-line oriented and don't have time to ensure that your talents and abilities are used well. But there are two answers to this problem: 1) you can totally focus on developing one of your skills and working toward using that in the working world, or 2) you can follow the advice I found in two books for people who can't settle on using just one set of skills.

For option 1, I would recommend that you further develop your grant-writing skills and find work in that area. There are always jobs on Craigslist and other job boards for grantwriters – it's a difficult thing to do well and it's hard to find those who can do it well and efficiently. If you focus there, I'm sure you can find work in the long run, it will just take diligence and patience. Once you work your way into that field, the work will find you by word of mouth.

I mention option 2 because you sound like me: interested in a number of different things, very capable in a number of different fields and skills, and wanting to consistently challenge yourself and grow. I also have been through the whole range of things you've been through and have been frustrated. Then I found these two books and I highly recommend them:
"Refuse to Choose!: A Revolutionary Program for Doing Everything That You Love" by Barbara Sher.
Barbara Sher also has a web site that has a forum for people to discuss her concept of the "scanner" (see the book or forum for more info): http://www.barbarasher.com

"The Renaissance Soul: Life Design for People with Too Many Passions to Pick Just One" Margaret Lobenstine
And she has a web site, too: http://www.togetunstuck.com/

Answer 2

Good on you for getting out there Professional on Wheels. You clearly have a lot of skills and are prepared to get out there and do what it takes. I agree that you should work for yourself rather than settle for some mediocre entry-level job. I totally know what it's like to feel undervalued and be underpaid. My professional background is in social work and I was working in really negative team with very poor management. I found a unique business opportunity and now after learning more about the law of attraction, realise that it found me because I was out there looking. I am now part of an awesome team of dynamic people working for themselves and getting great results. If you're interested in starting your own business in the personal development industry feel free to visit my website www.unleashyourwealthpotential.com or email me at [e-mail]
I haven't looked back since I discovered this business and it really does change people's lives. I will never again settle for mediocrity and neither you should you.
We all deserve more.

Maria

Answer 3

you have to take what i say with a pinch of salt (nay, with a spoon full).
you are reeking of confidence which may be good for you,but it scares the opposite party.(well that is life).
unless the person availing your service is a good friend it is difficult for that person to endure you and see the finer points that you are trying to make.
as you mentioned, getting a foot in the door itself is a trying job.
best idea would be to online counseling or get into call center
job for a service provider,or still better back office job in a ITES set up. coaching / evaluation for students appearing for
competitive tests.
in no way what i suggested implies that i have done all the above activities and succeeded.
you might have already noticed that i have not a given a clue to who i am or what i am,what is my gender or what is my professional qualification i hold or my competence to advise you.
except the the style of composition or spelling nothing should give me away.
you can have this two penny worth advice for free.
good luck to you

Answer 4

I'm not even qualified to tend a rock garden, so being overqualified has never really been an issue. Sorry things didn't work out for you, but hang in there, you'll find something.

Answer 5

I suggest that with your abundant expertise backed by professional qualifications , you should work independently. Journalism has a vast scope for that !!.

Through self confidence and will power you are bound to achieve this !!

Answer 6

maybe apply for State of Federal jobs, they should be happy to employ someone with your background and fotitude.
They offer great benefits as well.