Unexpected Setback: How I’m Moving Forward & Finding New Inspiration

[@millysews5646]

I love your cardigan. Thanks for sharing the fabric used. Good luck with finishing your degree and job search. I completed my degree 17 years later than I should have but it was the best thing I ever did for myself.

[@SewPomona]

Thanks so much Milly! Well done going back to finish!

[@dianebassett1930]

Girl, any company would be so lucky to have you on board. Sending you good energy for a great job that excites and inspires you.

[@SewPomona]

Thank you Diane! Really appreciate it!

[@mrgarner4796]

Rebecca...one door closes and another door opens. It is important... going forward...to complete those six credits and more doors will open. I love your outfit.

[@SewPomona]

That's exactly how I feel! Appreciate it!

[@karenminet9275]

Hi Rebecca. That outfit you are wearing is one of the cutest! The colors suit you so well and are flattering. I think you should make another cardigan/cami set, maybe in periwinkle and perhaps coral-pink. So very pretty. When life throws us curveballs, we really can make the best of them. I know that is what you will do. You have so much to offer. Now you just need to find a job match. Keep us posted. We all care about you.

[@marlysmithsonian5746]

I'd LOVE to have the patterns, I love the twinset. She;s wonderful at her ideas and sewing.

[@SewPomona]

Thanks so much Karen! I’m really loving this cream shade. Great color suggestions! Appreciate the kind words so much!

[@Craftytutu]

Hi Rebecca, it’s sad that some companies don’t value life experience. I’d understand it if the job involved putting peoples lives on the line 🤷🏼‍♀️ It’s their loss though and it’s now opening up new opportunities for you. As one door closes, another opens. It’s meant to be 💞💞 I’ve just started a new job in a completely new field to me. I cared for my mum for 4 years and have been working in retail all of my adult life until then. My mum went into long term care so I found myself unemployed and unable to return to retail because of a life changing injury a few years ago. It was a scary, no, terrifying time. I’m 55 and disabled and thought no-one would employ me, but I have now found a job as a companion with elderly and vulnerable people and I love it. The right job will come along, just keep looking 😄💞

[@SewPomona]

I'm so glad to hear it worked out-and you found a wonderful job! Taking care of family is so important-and valuable, I wish it was more appreciated. Thanks so much for the kind words.

[@Wellbeing-ub6js]

Your videos are so inspiring. You are honest with yourself and humble enough to go back to College to complete your degree. I'm sure you will have no problem finding the right job for you or starting your own business soon. I love the outfit you made and are wearing. It's so chic and inspiring. 👌

[@SewPomona]

Thank you so much! I appreciate it. I have an interview set for tomorrow so I’m hopeful! Hope you’re having a great weekend!

[@LisaFaiss]

Your college degree shouldn’t matter any longer after many years in business. That is crazy. Great advice I’ve heard from a business expert is that AI won’t take jobs, it’s the people that know how to use AI will be the future. Maybe a time for learning a new skill? Good luck to you and so happy you’re going to finish your degree.

[@SewPomona]

Thanks so much Lisa! I like the advice! I use AI quite a lot for help drafting scripts and storyboards and have been working for the past year to train it in my tone of voice and style.

[@LisaFaiss]

@@SewPomona oh that is very cool!

[@jackiegreen2658]

Rebecca, Super cute outfit, love the cardi! You nailed the look for sure! Looking forward to your denim sewing video! Good things will come your way I know! Good luck!!

[@SewPomona]

Thanks so much Jackie! Really appreciate it! Happy sewing!

[@judyhays2413]

What a shock that must have been to find out you were 2 credits short. I firmly believe things happen for a reason that we may not be aware of at the moment. Going back to school will open up new opportunities. Your positive attitude will allow these new opportunities to develop. I also really like the format of this "chatty" casual video.

[@SewPomona]

That’s exactly how I feel Judy! Things happen for a reason. I’m just happy it’s easily remedied! I do like how this video format worked- Thanks! I may make this a monthly (or bimonthly) feature.

[@thesewingparlor]

Rebecca, I'm so glad you have a positive mindset, it's so important! I believe in you also and things will work out in the best way possible! How fun to go back to school too! I'm in a similar boat, spent 6 years in college and only needed 6 credits short of graduation! Unfortunately, it's with classes that challenged me the most. I'm excited for you to grab the opportunity to learn more things catered to your degree and interests. I love how classy and "nautical chic" your cardigan and jeans turned out! 💗

[@SewPomona]

Thanks so much Jacqueline! Sorry to hear that. It’s truthfully reassuring to hear someone else has had a similar experience. I really am lucky it’s easier courses- I don’t know if I would bother otherwise at this stage of life. Isn’t the outfit cute! It’s my new fave! Hope you’re having a fantastic weekend!

[@marlysmithsonian5746]

Well, I have to say this outfit is amazing! I would make a few more outfits like this, it looks so good on you!! I'll be heading over to get the pattern, I always get ideas from you! Good luck in this job hunt. So many people I know are not finding jobs.

[@SewPomona]

Thanks so much! I really need to make more full looks like this- and I do love this silhouette. The jeans pattern is really great- well drafted and easy to follow pictures and instructions (English and French) ! Happy sewing!

[@robinduggins2561]

Oh my goodness! I do hope something great becomes available soon, it's tough out there for sure. My husband had lost his job a year after buying our house and it took 7 months to find something, anything. During that time we had his family come stay with us for a month and we lost my mother suddenly, she lived with us. He had just started the new job and a month later we also lost his father who had just moved in with us. Both parents died from undiagnosed illnesses. For the next 2 years he applied for hundreds if not thousands of jobs within an hour of where we live because we are in a very small town surrounded by other small towns. He finally got a good job locally after a lot of stress and prayers. The jobs market is tight everywhere. I do hope you find a great fit for your talents and skills.

[@SewPomona]

Wow Robin! I’m so glad your husband finally found something, and I’m so sorry for your losses! My brother took a year to find his job. My husband was worried he’d be looking for a new job too at the same time as me. Luckily they transferred him to a new spot so at least we’re not worried about that now too. Best of luck to your family! Thanks again!

[@lesliechristian8907]

You"ll be fine; you look great. There are worse setbacks and you have turned this in your favor. Love your outfit.

[@SewPomona]

Thanks so much! I'm sure it will all work out. Happy sewing!

[@amikrenzel5788]

I have am retired now but have been where you are trying to find job. Currently my daughter who had a great job is looking for a job as her company just let 100 people go so I keep giving her encouragement that she will find a job. I love your attitude about your degree. Sounds like you are going to take some really nice classes that will be fun for you.

[@SewPomona]

Thanks Ami! I know a lot of people who have gotten laid off recently. Best of luck to your daughter! I'm really excited to have the chance to finish it up and I think the classes will be fun. Hope you're having a great weekend!

[@bernadettemcginley1154]

Good luck with your job search. Something great will turn up soon.

[@SewPomona]

Thanks so much Bernadette!

[@zoeclearwater]

Shocked- a lot of companies have removed college requirements from job descriptions. You look great by the way .

[@SewPomona]

Thanks Zoe! It's true- most jobs I apply for like you to have a degree but it's rarely a requirement.

[@RoseGold...]

Rebecca as soon as I saw your outfit, I was like YESSSS! That is how my entire wardrobe looks because I only sew with undyed cotton or linen fabrics. I have to make stylish garments since the color is non-existing. I'm getting closer to making a pair of denim jeans. It will be my first denim make so I want all the tips I can get. I'll definitely be watching your upcoming video. I bought my denim fabric a while ago. As far as the job market goes, I don't know if you have been paying attention to what's going on around us, but there have been mass layoffs happening everywhere thanks to Jerome P. using his "tools." Some people have been saying that they have sent in hundreds of job applications. Most employers ghost/don't respond and the ones that do respond will have the applicant go through a couple of interviews and then tell them that they have chosen another candidate within their company😡. Anyway, I am about to get laid off after 25 1/2 years at my company. I can't wait lol. I am going to spend so much time sewing and enjoying my life.

[@SewPomona]

Thanks Rose! I do love some nice undyed fabric! Organic Cottons plus had some really nice color-grown fabrics if you haven't used them before. I was originally sewing almost exclusively that way- which is how I got into using natural dyes. Hoping to do a video on that soon too (it's been too rainy here lately to work on here). The job market is crazy right now. I do think the automation and ghosting is a real problem. Thanks for always watching and commenting-I really appreciate it! Enjoy your time sewing!

[@RoseGold...]

@@SewPomona Yes, I buy from Organic Cottons plus. I looked into natural dyes and decided against it because "chemicals" are still used. They might be less harmful chemicals, but my goal is to stay away from chemicals as much as possible to maintain my good health. Good luck with your continued education and job hunting.

[@jeannetteantry1086]

I just love this look on you. You just pulled it out of a hat it seems. But kudos to you. I am working on the Ellen Woven shorts. I tested the pattern with a stretch twill. It had no drape, but I thought I could just sew them up. The waist was too high for my short waist and the gather just brought too much attention to my hips and larger waist. I am taking the top up at least 3 inches and taking them in another few inches to remove the gather. They really look a lot better on me. I have to move the pockets down to get the belt loops. It should all work out, but the style has been changed up a lot. I am also working on a turtleneck pattern to get my tunic and t shirt pattern fitted. I have a lot of cotton knit. I can use all the layering pieces I can get. I also have a knit jean bottom that I tweaked the pattern for a wider leg. You inspired me to do make these bottoms. I love those jeans you made. Halloween is also on my mind, since I like to dress my hubby and myself up with fun costumes that the kids can recognize. No easy task for us old folks. I did a scarecrow front porch decor theme, so I decided to make matching scarecrow costumes. They don't require too much sewing. And my theme for Halloween decor is the same with some added crows and some black and white mixed in. It is a busy time for sure. I have an Applied Science in Nursing degree. I was able to work for about 15 years as an R.N. I would love to have a BSN or an Art degree. But I am retired now. And I have no plans of rejoining the workforce. You are blessed to do work that is artistic in nature. It seems crazy to find out that you lack your diploma. Six credits are doable. I sustained my creative spirit with a lot of hobbies that today I am working to find another home for. Now I spend my free time at the piano and my sewing machines. Your sewing videos really spur me on and give me a way to plan out my new projects and stay focused and engaged. Good luck on the job search. I would think anyone would love having your work for them.

[@SewPomona]

Thanks so much Jeanette! I love your sewing plans! Trying out a new pattern is always trial and error. It really takes some time to get the fit where you want it. Love that you and your husband are dressing up for Halloween! I’m thinking about it myself. I just need somewhere to go. My kids are too old now to be seen with their parents! I’m trying to keep a positive outlook- and the 6 credits should be easy enough! I’m so thrilled you’re enjoying the videos! Getting the feedback here on the channel keeps me motivated too! Thanks so much!

[@thegreenpincushion510]

Sending thoughts of support for your new professional path and happy you can complete the courses online if you wish. The outfit looks great; looking forward to seeing the video about the jeans.

[@SewPomona]

Thank you so much! Hope you're having a fantastic weekend! I'm really looking forward to sharing the denim video!

[@vnlindsay]

Thank you for sharing your story. I am so proud of you. And you inspire me so much. I have been in a sewing funk myself. And you have inspired me to shake it off and get sewing!!

[@SewPomona]

Thanks so much! I really appreciate it! Happy sewing!

[@lisart2488]

Rebecca I'm gutted for you about the job but what a fantastic, albeit unexpected, opportunity to finish your degree and have that under your belt and on your CV. I'm sending positive vibes for the job hunting. Good luck. Your outfit is great, so chic.

[@SewPomona]

Thanks so much! I really am glad I can get the degree done so easily. On the plus side- I think if I had found out any earlier it would have been much harder- and much more expensive- to finish.

[@eileenroth9868]

Beautiful outfit! ❤

[@SewPomona]

Thanks Eileen!

[@hannahartivor4910]

Good luck with the job search and the learning, sure everything will work out for the best.

[@SewPomona]

Thanks! Hope you're having a great weekend!

[@nancynewman6592]

You have made on of the most sophisticated gorgeous casual outfit ever! Wow. You look radiant in this. Congrats. And good luck with your job hunt. Myn husband had the oppositi story re his degree... he wsa told he didn't have enough credits for his music degree, but never knew that it was enough for a fine arts degree. They sent it to the address they had on hand, his ex wife. And you can guess, after a bad divorce, she never forwarded it to him, and he lost 2 amazing jobs because of it. He was advised to find a way to finish the degree, and it was only when he applied to do that, t that he was informed he had had it for years. The two of us ended up playing music in LA for 17 years and loved it, so there could be something good coming with this change of trajectory. You just don't know when :)

[@downtoearthsewing]

So sorry about that mix up! It happened to my niece as well but it was caught right away so she just had a more credits to take right after graduation. I would be so upset about it! Especially since the new job seemed like such a good fit for you. But everything happens for a reason and we learn and move on. Best of luck finishing up and looking for a new job.

[@SewPomona]

Thanks! I'm staying positive and looking forward to what's next. Plus lots of time to sew and create while I look! Happy sewing!

[@SewPomona]

Oh no- how horrible! I'm glad to hear it all worked out in the end. Thanks for the positivity- and well wishes. I do love how this look turned out! I need to sew more complete looks like this. Happy sewing!

[@marieg2815]

Wow, what a twist of fate! Bizarre to me that a 26 year old degree would carry more weight than all your subsequent experience🤷🏼‍♀️. Anyway, you’re obviously excited to go back to school, so congratulations on that.

[@SewPomona]

Thanks Marie! I was just as surprised- especially for that position. I am really looking forward to the classes. Plus I have an interview lined up for Monday that I’m excited about. Hope you’re having a great weekend!

[@janetlink9756]

Their loss truly.

[@Julie_sews_her_own_clothes]

Wishing you success in your job search. Wouldn’t it be lovely to look back and be thankful that this glitch happened as your perfect unicorn job was just round the corner. 🤞🥰😍

[@GoingGreenMom]

How did it go? ​@@SewPomona

[@SewPomona]

@@GoingGreenMom I had my pre-screening which went well. Next interview is Monday (it was supposed to be today but was delayed because of the Hurricane).