Career Crisis

After seven years, I was let go from my position as Education Assistant with the Salt Lake Board of REALTORS®. I'm not quite sure what to do with myself since I have been out of the job market game for so long. I started off with advice my dad gave me when I first entered the job market at the age of 16. First, set a goal to submit so many applications a day. If you have the opportunity to submit this in person, do it. Second, always dress professional when submitting applications and going in for interviews, even if it's with McDonald's or businesses that offer a casual work atmosphere. Third, follow up with employers after submitting applications and interviews, the squeaky wheel gets the grease! In the event that you are not selected for a position, send them a "thank you" consideration card. I've also learned that I need to do whatever it takes to provide for my family financially, even if it means taking a minimum wage (or two minimum wage) jobs. No matter where I end up, I will always give it my best because all employers deserve no less than that!

With that being said, I am also experiencing some dilemas with the job search. I want to be able to provide for my family, but I also think that it may be time to try to put my education to work since I am very close to finishing my Bachelors degree. The problem I am experiencing is that I am not qualified enough to advance to the next level in my career (mid-level), but I am over-qualified to take an entry level position. And by over-qualified, I mean my wages at my last employer is well above what any entry level position will take. I realize that I may need to start over in a sense and work my way up, which means taking a wage cut, but I am more than willing to do that if I find the right company. I believe it's important to be a dedicated and loyal employee, but I also believe that it's important to have a fulfilling job and to have the right growth opportunities if desired. I can definitely say that I was not getting that with my last employer and would never get that opportunity.

What are your thoughts? Should I take the first job offer so that I can ensure that we keep our house? Or should I spend a little more time being selective in hopes that I can find a good position to fit my skills, experience, and career goals? Once I finish school, I could get an evening job which I believe would also help me to keep looking, but I know that Scott would not be happy with that. He has already had to endure being a school widower and I don't know if I can bare to put him through that any longer! I welcome all of your thoughts and opinions.