I'm got no credentials in this, but I'd say in a tough economy AND with a possible career change, heavy networking is called for. Once you can identify what your interests are, NETWORK, just as you're doing here; call everyone you can think of...the 'touching base' is good in and of itself, but trying to get leads may lead to other leads which may pan out.

If you read trade journals or business news, you may get wind of a market or direction a company is wanting to go in...and you can pro-actively fire off the resume that shows that you've got skills they need and that you're knowledgeable, resourceful, and driven as well. Good luck!

If you work for a national chain and you are a valued worker, if you are up for relocation, maybe something can be worked out with your present employer. The major chains such as Rite Aid and CVS often are willing to hire from within.

Your daughter would be wise to start out by temping. Temp agencies often have temp to permanent positions and with her degree and her experience, she may be able to get herself something through the back door she can't get through the front.

Forget the recession. It is one of those recessions that affects only specific industries ... so far. Many industries are hiring.

One disadvantage is when you live in a place far from the hot markets it is difficult in the best of times to find a new position. That is one reason I always located myself close to a major city - but not inside it. The markets are huge and something always came up - even when I decided to come out of retirement at 65 for one more go-around. I used the temp agency the last few years after I sold my last business and never failed to get a job offer wherever they placed me.

If you live in a one-horse town, you better own the horse! And flexibility is always needed to ride it - you have to be willing to open your legs when you want to ride a horse! I mean that figuratively in the job market, of course.

Thank you. Never thought about the trade journals, could be a good thing especially for my daughter. I'm more concerned about her since I do have a job.

Thank you Milt,

I had just thought about the temp agencies this week. We do have 2 small ones in this town. Our daughter wouldn't mind Charlotte which is close to Lake Norman and more of a Metropolis. I appreciate any and all suggestions.

Hello CL and Daughter,

Your case is different from your daughter's even if you were both in the same job situation - one, age-range, two - work background, three -outlook and perspective.

I am a Life Transitions Coach and I tell you, you both should take time out in the light of all the rapid changes that will continue to occur both in the economy and in all fields of work. We are no longer in the times when we can think that whatever we were trained to do, or loved to do, or prospered in doing will continue to be the path we should take. I would love to talk to your daughter separately since she has more than one challenge to deal with.

Mainly, I think you both need to build up a positive approach to the dilemmas you are facing as well as strategies for taking hold of your potential and the possibilities ahead.

You may contact me directly to talk about specifics (from my Profile page) or continue in this group to ask more specific questions. I see that you are getting some hints from others and that you are yourself thinking things through. There is more work ahead to be done, so that your daughter gets out of a rut, and that you both move forward with a degree of clarity and confidence.

Maybe I can help. I have a successful home business for 23 years and I must confess that the benefits are really unmatched by any other activity. I have worked with many people to help them establish their business from home. My experience could give you some light into this fascinating area.

Of course, they are two worlds completly different. On one you have a boss and a job description that carries you from the time you puch in to the time you puch out. In a home business you become your own boss and you state your job description. If someone will boss you around it had to be yourself. The good thing is that as you learn your trade, you set your goals and levels of income you want to go.

I'm willing to share more with you, if you want to explore this option further.

I would love for you and your daughter to go to my wesite and look around to see if either one of you would be interested in doing what I do. Be your own boss & work your own hours. www.burn2earncash.com