Hey ladies!!
I have been home with my daughter since she was born December 2006. I am now ready to get back into the workforce and I was wondering if any of you had any advice on how I could explain my gap in employment or if any of you ladies knew of any company that might be hiring in the area?? I have a strong customer service background and have worked as an Administrative Assistant and a Receptionist. Thanks!!

Krystal, wow, I am glad that you were able to stay home as long as you did with your daughter.

I wish you luck on your explanation of your "gap". I know after my divorce, I was desperate for a job. I hadn’t worked since a summer job as a teen. It was hard to find something when competing with others that were and had been more active in the workforce. I just told my potential employers to be I had a baby and went to college and here I am. I do think many employers shy away from moms with little ones. One interviewer asked if my son was sickly and would I need to take a lot of time off to tend to him? I didn’t take that job!

I ended up begging a veterinarian, Dr. Swango (A GREAT VET) in Lake Wales, to hire me as a vet assistant, I had to call and bug him over and over, and it helps . I volunteered at another vet as a teen during the summer so I used that experience as a reference. Use your references! People you know and places you have been.

I love animals and I am a hard worker, told him so, you have to sell yourself. I think in the end he was very happy with his choice and was sad to see me go. I left for a much better paying job that had more to do with my college experience, but was grateful to Dr. Swango for the job. I needed something right then to support me and Ethan and I will forever be in his debt for the opportunity plus it was fun to hang out with animals all day.

I don't know of anyone hiring now Times have been tough as of late for many businesses. I heard that Lakeland Regional was hiring?