This is a very common term these days. Every other person is probably looking for a job. I have been looking for jobs on and off for a few years. I do not even remember the number of resume’s I sent out and the number of phone interviews I went through. Everybody gave me one main reason for not hiring… no employment authorization. Nobody was ready to sponsor a work visa. So, I started getting used to staying at home. I went crazy the first few months. I was so bored and out of my mind. I was not even thinking properly. I created hobbies for myself like scrap-booking, knitting etc… But they are just hobbies. I surfed on the internet for hours and watched endless TV.
Finally, when I got my work authorization, I was 8 months pregnant. I decided there was no point looking for jobs then. So, when my son was around 3 months old, I started my job search again. The timing was bad. Recession was in. I still sent out resume’s but no luck. Then at one point I was so frustrated, I decided that I am done sending resume’s. I stayed home with my son and enjoyed with him. I love my son and the time I spend with him, but I am not the type of person who can sit at home all day. I need to interact with people. I needed to do something in addition to being a mommy.
Then I started thinking about web design. I like it and so I thought I can give it a try. That is something I can get some experience while staying home. So, I went and took a few courses. Internet was my teacher. I learn’t everything onilne by myself. I bought the software, a laptop and a few books and started freelance web design and development. In the last year, I did a pretty good job, learn’t a lot of things and worked on a few projects (although I did not get paid much). But, I now realized that if I have to be successful as a freelancer, I should maybe get some experience with a company for a year or two. So, I am back on the job search now.
Even with all this web design and development, I did not lose my passion for Microbiology. I used to love working in a lab. I really really miss that. So, when I think about job search, I was not sure which way to go. Microbiology or web design???? My husband convinced me that I should go in the Microbiology route. I agree. But, it has been a long time since I worked in a lab. I have the confidence that I can go back to a lab and get comfortable and give my best. But, how do I convince the employer to give me a chance?? All I need is one chance to prove my self and my love for the subject. But, at the same time, I do not want to give up web design. I put a lot of effort to learn everything. So, I decided to keep looking for jobs in either field and hopefully I will get a job in Microbiology (which is my all time favorite) and I can still pursue web design on the side.