Just Created A Resume - Not Sure Why

Hi everyone,

I suddenly got the urge to create a resume - out of the blue. I guess it's a good thing to get done, but I'm not really planning to work anytime soon. I'm finishing off my high school, and then next year plan on attending college. I am very vulnerable - in the sense that I can't take on too much stress or I can break.

My brother quit his part-time job due to stress, so we lost quite a bit of income. I am on disability, so that is my main source of income. I also get some money each month because my brother is considered a child (17 years old). So we are making it through, but money isn't very good.

March 2012, my brother is turning 18 so I will be losing about $380 of monthly income since he will no longer be considered a child. I am trying not to think about it, but I am worried. We will hardly be getting by without that income. So maybe subconsciously, I felt the need to make a resume, in case I have to seek employment?

I really don't think I can handle school and a job in my current state of mind. I am doing better, but I am not prepared to take on both things at once. I don't know if my brother plans on going back to school anytime soon. He quit his job & dropped out of school due to a depression, and spends most of the day sleeping or playing video games.

So is it good or bad that I created a resume...if I don't even want to use it anytime soon?

To simply answer your question, it's good to make resumes even if you don't use them. It's always a good idea to keep them up to date and improve them.

My job history is so spotted that I get a bit stressed writing up my resume, I just look at it and think about how undesirable I am as a prospective employee. So if you're anything like me you saved yourself some stress in the future....

Maybe your subconsciously preparing yourself for a change...Up to date resumes are always a good thing to have anyhow...

And maybe you are not as vulnerable as you feel and are ready for life? Sometimes doing too little can be as stressful as doing too much (or having problems to make ends meet).

Not saying you should start job hunting right now, but having resume done is a good thing... see how school goes and maybe you will be able to do a part time job. You can always quit.

And I don't really like how your brother's situation is.... is he getting any help for his issues?

It's a step forward, so I definitely see it as a positive thing. Gotta keep moving forward, even if they're small steps. I agree that a resume template is a good thing to have. However, I tend to make small changes to mine depending on what job I'm applying for, to highlight experience I have in that area. Something to consider if you ever do have to apply for a job.

Getting the creative juices flowing is good no matter in what way you do it; I still remember the entire weekend I stayed in writing a school paper in verse! Thinking about what you can do, making a resume or a list, planning or dreaming is all good in my book.

My brother had a therapist, but unfortunately the agency she works for is currently on strike. He actually talked to me yesterday about going back to work soon (he is on his former job's payroll still, so he can go back anytime he wants). I think he is basically ready to go back, but I'm not going to force him.

I think it is great that you created a resume! We all have to do so at some point - and starting now will make it easier for you in future years. The key is to keep updating it as you add experiences to your life. Might be a job you take, a hobby you developed, traveling you've done...etc.

I updated mine a few months ago and need to update it some more. While I'm employed and have been with the company for over 10 years - I want to be ready to move on at any time if something happens. I even take time to look at potential jobs I might qualify for.

Ultimately, this is a way for preparing for your adult future.