On Ramping Workshop | March 18th

February 19, 2014

Have you ever heard the term “On Ramping”?  It’s the (often daunting) process of re-entering the paid workforce after time out for caregiving.

On Ramping Workshop FB Header

In today’s competitive market it can be challenging to get that first job after time away.  Resumés need to be updated and written to highlight recent skills and experience, interviewing feels like a thing of the past and explaining time away can feel difficult. And that essential peer network may no longer be in place.

For all these reasons, Family Forward Oregon is hosting a workshop to help On Rampers successfully ramp back on.

Too often caregivers (both those who combine caregiving with paid work and those who give up paid work to provide care full-time) suffer financially and in the job market. They don’t earn benefits like health care and retirement savings, they don’t contribute to their future Social Security, and they never recover the lost wages.

Our goal is to help the caregivers among us (thank you, under-appreciated caregivers!) get back into the paid workforce when they are ready – by providing expert support, confidence, and a peer network to strategize and share with. 

Workshop Details  – Join Us (and please, spread the word!):

  • What: A “how to” Workshop for On Rampers, including a panel discussion and two break-out sessions, one on resumé writing and one on interviewing skills. And some conversation about jut getting started – which can be hard!  Plus coffee and connections with others, of course!
  • Who: The panel discussion will include people who have successfully re-entered the paid workforce after time away, employment and flexibility consultants, and local employers. Confirmed panelists are: Joni Rolance of Boly:Welch, Cary Hixon (career counselor), Dana Visse (work-at-home graphic design mom), and Diana Bartlett (currently employed On Ramper).
  • Why: On Ramping is Hard! Taking the steps to find a job after being away for any amount of time can be difficult. Life marches on, technology changes, and it’s easy to feel like an outsider even when returning to the same profession. It can be even harder if you’re trying to enter a new field. We want to help you get your groove back, so feel like an insider wherever you land.
  • Where: SE Portland, at Tabor Space @ 5441 SE Belmont, Pdx (Inside Mt. Tabor Presbyterian Church: http://taborspace.org/)
  • When: Tuesday, March 18th from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, with the main program from 10:00 AM to noon.
  • Cost:  The workshop is free to participants! Childcare will also be provided for $5 an hour (or on a sliding scale basis, if needed).
  • RSVP: lisa@familyforwardoregon.org or register online here.

We’re really excited about this workshop because we know how hard it is to ramp back on after stepping out to be a caregiver. But caregiving is important – where would we be as a community without it?

Hope to see you on the 18th!