I'm lost.

[Anonymous]

I don't know where to go from here.

I have a bachelors in psychology. I was a nanny/household manager for 10 years then 7 years ago, my friend started a nanny agency and I have worked full time since inception to establish and grow their business from $60k profit our first year to a number we never thought we'd see in our lives this year. I do everything- all the recruiting, interviewing, screening of candidates, managing the ATS and CRM, created all candidate and client pipelines, take potential clients from exploratory phone calls through the search and placement process, established all internal processes and business development, formed relationships and referral agreements with adjacent businesses, compose job offers and work agreements, manage over 2,000 providers currently working for our clients, all social media, interview and contract consultants for random internal tasks outside of my scope. Outside of work, for the last 10 years, I also volunteer as an educator for new parents in underserved communities or refugee situations. I teach things like developmental milestones, appropriate eating and sleep schedules, lactation support, baby wearing, car seat safety, safe sleep, connect them with other community resources, help them secure diapers, cribs, and other necessities.

Unfortunately, I'm staring down the barrel of a divorce now with little kids of my own. I need to make a career leap and make more money and get health insurance (currently on husband's), but where do I go from here? I've sent my resume out to 50+ job openings and haven't gotten a single interview. I've been targeting recruiting jobs, account management, sales, executive assistant etc. I've been trying to go for childcare or parenting related companies such as care.com, sitter city, bright horizons corporate care, carrot fertility, Guidepost Montessori corporate, Peanut etc. I've also been applying to start ups because I understand the early stage hustle mentality and can thrive in ambiguous, ever changing roles. I'm wondering if my work experience is negated because it's a very small business? Or maybe because I do EVERYTHING for the business versus having a specifically defined role? Or because my business experience is in the nanny industry vs a more "professional" one?

I LOVE to work, am driven and loyal as they come, and really just need to land interviews and then I'm confident from there once I can get some face time and an opportunity to connect with team members.

Maybe I need to go back to school? Hire someone to redo my resume? Thank you in advance if you've taken the time to read and offer input.

[Anonymous]

So you made all the money for your friend and none for yourself? Some friend.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like you could easily be a program manager.

[Anonymous]

So you built a business, and have no equity in it?? You should have a 50% ownership stake in that business OP, and a share of the profits. What is your ‘friend’ paying you?

[Anonymous]

You need to tailor your resume for each job you apply. Highlight the areas that match the job posting to ensure you are getting through screening software.

Go to a placement agency, let them find you a temp to hire position now so that you can get insurance once you are perm.

[Anonymous]

What are your salary needs and what geographical region are we talking?

[Anonymous]

Is there any chance you could renegotiate your salary and benefits for your current position? It sounds like you add a lot of value. Might be worth discussing with your friend before hitting the road.

(Realize this might not be possible depending on the company's revenue, but you prob. already know what that looks like and can gauge accordingly.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So you made all the money for your friend and none for yourself? Some friend.

This. Build a competitor company to your friend's. Sounds like you could do it and already have the connections.

[Anonymous]

Don't forget the power of a targeted cover letter. Make a list of the job details that you have the skills for and highlight that in your CL. I was recently on a hiring committee and couldn't beliebve how tacky and unprofessional the cover letters were (someone actually mentioned their faith in god). I also noticed who did not submit a CL and it felt like a gap in their submission package. Good luck, OP! You can do this!

[Anonymous]

OP here, thanks for the thoughts. I would like to make $150k+ and ideally work remotely because my kids are in separate daycare/school I'll have to accommodate the 2 drop offs and pick ups on my own now along with the random late start days, early release days, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't forget the power of a targeted cover letter. Make a list of the job details that you have the skills for and highlight that in your CL. I was recently on a hiring committee and couldn't beliebve how tacky and unprofessional the cover letters were (someone actually mentioned their faith in god). I also noticed who did not submit a CL and it felt like a gap in their submission package. Good luck, OP! You can do this!

1999 advice. Cover letter? Did they fax it to you?

[Anonymous]

It sounds like you run the company and your friend sucks for not paying you at least 150k. I am appalled. I would have a resume professional review your resume. Otherwise, I agree with the competitor company suggestion and take business with you.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like you've networked with a variety of people through your current job. Could you feel them out for new opportunities?
And it does sound like you could build a competing business or a nonprofit of your own. See what local grants there are.

[Anonymous]

Why can’t your friend pay you more?

[Anonymous]

You are being severely underpaid at your current job if you’re making less than $150k.