Goddessmommy1 – re: phone sex I want to tell you a sidebar story to take your mind off things for a few minutes. A few years ago my best friend told me about the mother of someone she knows who has been a “phone actress” for several years. Apparently it pays good money, BUT there are drawbacks. You have to take calls from a landline with no call waiting. You can make your own hours but busiest times are late at night (no surprise there, that’s when they run the commercials). I read an article written by someone who tried it; she said a lot of the things the men were saying or telling you to do were downright disgusting and not fit to repeat. She quit after two nights. I guess there are security precautions; your real name and number are not revealed, and you call a number to log in and log off. You get a 1099 for tax purposes. Out of sheer curiosity I went to a website and read all about it. I was surprised how professional it was – the website was well put together, easy to navigate, and they discussed the application, interview, and training process. But one thing they asked applicants to do was to be honest about whether they really wanted to do this type of work. Good advice. It still sounds too icky.
I know it’s frustrating and often seems like you’re just playing a numbers game. So many employers are getting hundreds of applications and resumes. I suggest direct contact and maybe getting a foot in the door before they actually have a vacancy and before they place an ad. Pick 10 places you would like to work, do some research, make calls, look at the websites, get a few names. Then ask if you can have 15 minutes of their time – maybe over coffee – for an information interview. Be flexible, offer to do “whatever needs done” – even grunt work on a trial basis, no strings. Ask that they keep you in mind in case of maternity leaves, retirements, etc. If they get to know you and your work quality, they might consider hiring you. This saves them the time and expense of placing an ad and prevents you from being just another resume in the pile. If someone does agree to meet with you, be sure to thank them and keep in touch.
Ladybookworm – good for you! You have a great attitude and you’re right – seize the opportunity, do a great job, try to put some money aside. Hope things work out.
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