I started working as a mortgage originator back in 97 shortly after graduating college with a degree in Business. I learned the hard way with no computer, only a calculator and pencil. I learned to cold call and prospect for new customers thru meeting realtors, banking employees, etc. I worked hard. I absolutely loved this work. Then the co. Was bought out and I was asked by my manager to join the team where he was going. I did. Loved it even more. Years go by and I'm still fairly young with no children and I was offeredand accepted a position as a due diligence contract underwriter . This was a step up in the mortgage industry plus I would travel 95% to beautiful places, stay in great hotels, make great money and learn what I've always wanted to, underwriting. This was the life. For a small town girl I was in heaven at this point in my career. I did this untill 2005 , then the industry went bust. I also had my first child due and could no longer travel. Needless to say, this was where the downfall of my now eight years in my love of a career began. I was lucky enough to have a fiance who loved the idea of me being able to stay at home with our daughter for as long as it took. I stayed home two years then started looking for work in the mortgage field and to my surprise there weren't many, if any companies hiring because the entire sub prime market was wiped off the earth. I need to mention that I was NEVER one of those low life's who did whatever it took to close a loan. I worked and loved my career because I actually helped people. I had a wonderful book of business. I never cheated. I took a position with a broker but this broker wasn't the type I was used to working with. So that didnt last long. I was beginning to realize that getting my foot back in the mortgage career door was going to be no easy task. But I kept at it. And kept getting told I wasn't what they were looking for. I am devastated and panicked at this point. I tried all I could to get something, anything, but I came up empty handed. I have a business degree plus enough hours to have an associates in Economics and Accounting. I couldn't find a job. My fiance ended up morphing into an absolute terror...he is in prison now. My daughter and I left him and we left with nothing. So had to start out without even a vehicle and no steady job. It's been years after my last mortgage job and hundreds of resumes sent and workforce development help and years of service as an Americorps Volunteer In Service To America I am still living in poverty. I get no child support, on Medicaid and in rural development multifamily housing apartment with my daughter. I feel as though I've exhausted my efforts to ever have a career again. I work so much harder as a sole parent and doing odd jobs for next to nothing for family, friends, and their referrals that I have aged probably 25 years in seven. I am still smart, still have lots of drive, punctuality, dedication and passion for the mortgage industry. I just cannot seem to find a way back in. Google says that hiring a person who has been out of the work force for two or more years is seen by potential employers the equivalent to hiring a convicted felon. I haven't been able to give my daughter the things she is so deserving of. We have love and that is what counts I acknowledge that. But to have NEVER imagined I would be waiting for food stamps to come in to eat, praying for a call so I can do a back breaking job only to make ends meet and to never have been able to travel with her. Time is going by so fast now. Please, somebody give me some advise on what to do. I feel like I'm giving up. I need help to get any decent job. We need a schedule, she needs her mother to show her what I'm capable of. This ho-hum lifestyle is killing me.