Someone posted this tip sheet in a Facebook group, maybe it’s helpful to you. https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1WD7-YWAv6ztS1IBRo0dsbHS6_-aujAD__Ri_LrV_CGo/mobilebasic?fbclid=IwAR2qog9Sf5kLQtitCoqr3Tb_0ooR2lBQk5fltc7s8CGd2S0lSb6NlDzb0MU&pli=1

Use life experiences during those years as experience. “Took time off work to assist a family member with health care during their last days”

Your future boss doesn’t really care what you did as long as it wasn’t a drug induced blur. Just make up things that are plausible but difficult to question or verify ;)

I have been a hiring manager in Washington State and most of the time we just want to see something in those boxes, something that will tell me about you. Most of what is important is the interview. Everything else is just words on paper.

Since remote jobs are in high demand, it’s gonna be a game of numbers in part/unfortunately. Stay on job search websites (indeed etc.) and apply to every single job you can (that suits you). Work job applications like they are your job right now, real focused work for a good few hours a day, just blasting out cover letters and applications.

Write a brief cover letter following online guidelines for each application (whenever you can), especially for any jobs you’d prefer over others. It may say that’s optional, but still go for it since you gotta separate yourself from other applicants. Your writing skills even just in this post and the comments bode well! A lot of people take it for granted that everyone writes coherently, but I work as an editor myself, and I can tell you you’ve got a leg up on a lot of folks who just can’t put together a good sentence haha. Keep it simple, honest, personal but professional and direct.

An alternative would also be a job training and placement program. If you select a good one (like Generation in the US and some other countries, though I don’t think they work in Canada), the same program that can train you on current skills (sales, tech, customer service, etc. – typically focused on constantly needed jobs that can be learned in just a few months) will also help you find a job as you finish the course. Only go to a free/nonprofit/govt center/website, and only choose a program that has direct connections with employers or a 70+% placement rate for graduates in jobs.

Hope these help, and keep at it! There are a lot of people in similar situations, and a lot with even bigger gaps and fewer skills. If any of them can find work and improvement (and they can!), then you’ll be able to, too. It’ll be hard, I’m sure, but you are someone who can do it, especially given how far you’ve already gotten yourself. Good luck!

So life is going to just suck for a while. My suggestion is get a day job, like retail or whatever, while you apply for jobs in your field. Thatll give you a little extra time before you go broke.

Never stop spamming your resume until you accept a job offer.

This is tech focused but there is info that is generally useful, including hiring sites. https://github.com/hugo53/awesome-RemoteWork

I have not been in the position so I don’t really know but I can say if I was I would do what I always do. Apply like crazy to everything you can find prioritizing anything you have any experience in.

Until you do find paid work… volunteer.

You’ll get to know the org you volunteer with, you’ll interact with and get to know your community.

Volunteer for long enough, and you’ll make some local friends who can lend a hand, or help you find things and services you need.

Mention that you’re looking for work, and I’m sure someone will find something for you, or give you ideas.

Do you have any qualifications you could use? Which fields are you interested in?