Reply #85: If you can present yourself as Jerry Garcia said... [View All]

as a bit unique that will work. If you have done your Malcomb Gladwell 10,000 hours to develop an expertise in an area it will not be that difficult to differentiate yourself. When I went to show mine I used the temporary and contract hiring agencies in San Francisco to develop relationships and eventually people gave me numerous chances there. If you can do contracting it is not as critical what your age is, and 45 is not that old. People don't get creeky these days until well after 50 if their diet and health are good.

Give yourself credit even though it has been difficult through this time. I lost my best friend at 27 at the very bottom of the recession over a year ago. (He had a rare genetic disease and needed care but was canceled by his insurance company as having a "pre-existing" condition that they were not legally obligated to treat.) Even though it seems late, you have made it through the very worst part of the recession. We all know that it has been severe and many jobs were lost that need to be made up now. It's been shown that companies are more willing to hire now that times are improving. One of the first sectors that shows improvement is temporary work which has the possibility of turning into permanent hires. If you follow these ideas it may help you. Good luck. We know you can do it.