When you’ve been self-employed for a while, it’s difficult to wrap your mind around getting back into the structured environment of a “real” job. Not only that, but I’ve found that I’m also a hard sell to employers. Folks that have never been self-employed don’t usually seem to understand how difficult it is to stay focused and have enough self discipline to make a sole proprietorship work. So Landing a Job after Self-employment may prove to be problematic.
Recently, I decided to get back into the job market, because my self employment just wasn’t bringing in enough money. I’ve applied to several ads and received a few invitations to interview. However, no one wants to take my word for the experience I’ve gained from being self employed. So who do I give as a reference?
I haven’t yet given up my business, and if I use my clients as references, they will know I may not be available to them in the very near future. Do you think they will continue doing business with me, knowing that I may not be there for them the next time they call? I DON’T THINK SO! Guess what . . . I’m between the proverbial rock and the hard place. It’s been almost 10 years since I’ve had a real employer, and my prospective employer wants to talk to SOMEBODY about my recent work experience.
Taking a huge chance, I called my client (it’s been pretty slim pickin’s here lately) and asked if he would mind giving me a reference. He was very pleasant and said that he was sorry to hear that I might not be available in the future. And, of course, he would give me a good reference. So I gave the prospective employer the clients name and phone number. Unfortunately, the employer has decided getting info about me is just too troublesome and offered the position to someone else.
To top all this off, my client sent me an e-mail a couple weeks later saying that he has decided to take my work in house, and he has hired a full-time person for that position! What a fantastic mess! Now, I not only don’t have a job, but I also don’t have any income from my business. What in the world am I gonna do now?
I guess I should have given the prospective employer my client’s info right from the beginning. What do you think?
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