Leaving DV situation, very little work history, searched for the last 3 years for work. I do have a PMP. Which should I do to make a real difference to in preventing homelessnes?
I (35 f) am now going through a divorce after a 17 year long marriage. Spouse was military and we moved every 3-4 years. He was very controlling and did not allow me to work. I was not able to be employed until covid happened (and so many jobs went remote).
During that time, I was able to work successfully and got enough experience as a team leader of marketing/event/tech coordination in mostly start-ups and nonprofits within the video game industry to sit for the PMP exam. (requires 5 years experience or a Bachelors which I also do not have have). My industry imploded post-covid, as did the greater tech industry.
I applied to 5 jobs a day since August 2023, both in PM (tech, utilities, creative) positons and noncareer positions, like retail, factory, etc. I've taken advantage of state resume workshops, job faires, temp agencies, etc. I only interviewed once in 3 years for an IT tech PM and was top 3 out of 433 applicants. made it three rounds but ultimately wasn't hired.
My ex was abusive in many ways and the finacial abuse is the main reason I haven't been able to leave. I will now be homeless in June once this lease expires, as I have been isolated from everyone in my life with no support system. I have three pets that have also been victims of his DV, and I refuse to leave them with him. My local aid has only one shelter that accepts pets and they are currently full. I am talking to them about grants that can pay for boarding.
In addition to the financial abuse, my ex has really warped my sense of capabilities, and drove a lot of my passion out, so I'm very confused about which career is even worth pursuing. I tell everyone around me, if there was a job that I could be promised to make a living wage, no matter how hard I'd have to study or work, I'd be willing to do it. I just am so beaten down and exhausted, I don't want to waste what little resources I have left chasing any career pivot that won't be fruitful.
This is the first time I'm "publically" admitting the abuse I went through, so thank you for reading this, but i do also desperately need guidance on what to do next. Please don't give me generic advice like apply to trades, gas stations, factories, because I literally have. I have applied to literally every place that accepts "no skills required, we train you" kind of places within 2-3 hours of my current location.
Posted Mar 5, 2026, 4:48 PM UTC