Hey, C..
I can soooooo relate to your job search experience. I, too, feel like I'm being ousted because of a time gap in my resume. When I left Bank One as a Business Analyst in November of 2001 I was earning about $60K annually without a degree. However, I was pregnant with my second child and I had a miscarriage the previous year and didn't want to risk it again because my job at the bank was hugely stressful...about 75% travel. So, I opted to resign and stay home to nurture my pregnancy. After my second daughter was born the Executive Director of her daycare asked me if I'd come work for him part time and do some marketing to increase enrollment at the day school. I said, yes. That was only part time. Then after I'd increased the enrollment there by about 70% they let me go. At that point I started my own part time biz. Although I missed the good money I was making at the bank, it was wonderful being able to be at home with my 8 year old special needs daughter in the afternoons helping her with her homework. Unfortunately, my marriage is falling apart and my husband cannot support us...and my children need good, quality, affordable group health insurance.
I've sent out about 30 resumes through Monster.com, company websites and newspaper ads and haven't gotten one nibble. The only people who are responding to my resume on Monster are multi-level marketing companies and sales positions that are commission-only with no benefits. I need insurance for my kids!
Someone at church told me tonight that I need to get involved in a business/job networking group. I think that is my next step.
As for your job search...I don't exactly know what you qualifications are but my church is looking for a new Office Manager. It's Wilshire Baptist Church on Abrams at Mockingbird. The lady who just left that position is still there...she's just moved up the work in the music ministry office...and she doesn't have a degree either. The hiring manager's name is Paul Johnson. I'm not sure what it pays but it's a great group of people and I think would be a fun job. I'd rather not work there because it's my own church. Something rather risky about working where you go to church. Anyway, feel free to mention my name...Cathy King.