Help! What Should I Do??

[Anonymous]

I am 56, when my kids were little I stayed home w/them while my husband worked + supported us.
Then when kids started school, I went to Jr. College & earned my Associate of Science Degree.
Then got divorced after graduating and have worked as an in-home Nanny since 2010.
I initially was going to go to University after completing my A.S. to earn my Bachelor’s but once I got divorced then I had to work.

I have had about five families I worked for, and only two were willing to pay me on-the-books.
These two families I cannot use as job references because one passed away and the other moved overseas.

I am trying to find a suitable job right now to fully support myself, I live in low-income housing currently and am desperate to move out, into a regular apartment.
(Too much crime/drugs/etc.)

Because some of my other families did not want to pay me legally I unfortunately cannot use them on any job applications or resumes.

My DIL told me that I can only get hired at Walmart or McDonald’s but I have my A.S. plus I HAVE worked full-time the past fifteen yrs. so I think I can get something a little better paying than fast food?
Or is there no hope for me??

[Anonymous]

Why can you not use them as references just because they paid you under the table? I've been a reference for many, many people and have never been asked anything that would indicate whether someone was paid on the books or not.

If it's a government job, sure that may not work. But a regular job? I don't see why you can't use them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why can you not use them as references just because they paid you under the table? I've been a reference for many, many people and have never been asked anything that would indicate whether someone was paid on the books or not.

If it's a government job, sure that may not work. But a regular job? I don't see why you can't use them.

Agree. Have you tried Costco? They pay well. A friend who was a SAHM for years got hired there on the customer service desk.

[Anonymous]

You can totally use them as references. Btw, you could work at Costco, get a job as a receptionist, etc.

[Anonymous]

Thank you everyone for your advice, knowledge.
You brought up an excellent point, prospective employers aren’t going to ask how I was paid.
I feel much better + more hopeful now.