Being unemployed really sucks

[sportdan30]

Re: Being unemployed really sucks

Well, if anything this is a wonderful support group. I know when I have been unemployed (and it's been more than a few times), you feel like you're the only one in the world without a job. It's comforting to know there are others who understand your frustration.

Here are some suggestions for those who are interested.

For those looking, I found one particular website I used to frequent daily. Basically it takes all the jobs from careerbuilder, monster, hotjobs, etc. and puts them in one search engine. The website is called indeed.com You'll have to specifically search on the position you are interested in. It's better than searching dozens of different websites. By the way, monster and hotjobs have really started to decline in regards to advertising quality jobs. Anyone else agree?

Also, don't be afraid to send out resumes to companies that are not hiring. For whatever reason, some companies don't always list their open positions on the above websites mentioned or in the paper.

Head to Borders, Barnes and Noble, etc. Check out the job employment section. I can find the name of the book, but there is one specifically for each city. In it you will find catagories of different businesses. It's broken down in to manufacturing, health care, insurance, etc. It gives you information on what positions are at that particular company, most times the name of the HR contact, and their fax number. I literally sent out 50-100 resumes a day. If I got one or two calls, it was a success. I remember getting a couple calls from HR people with suggestions of other comapnies that might be hiring. It's worth a shot!

And of course, use your contacts you've made at your previous employer. Don't be afraid to call on the suppliers who called on you. I work in purchasing, and I would call on the vendors I used to buy from. If you formed good relationships with them, they're more willing to help you out. In purchasing and sales, you really do form long standing relationships which can only be of assistance to you when you're looking for a job. It doesn't matter what field you worked in. Everyone either knows someone or has been in the same situation you're presently in. Let them help you!

Good luck to everybody. If anyone has any questions, feel free to send me a message or post it on here for everyone to see.

[USF11]

Re: Being unemployed really sucks

I signed up to be a substitute teacher while I wait for the financial industry to turn - its $115 a day and all you need is a B.A.

[Stumbleweed]

Re: Being unemployed really sucks

Wow, I think my Dad finally found a job 5+ years after being laid off from HP/Agilent. It's still in the cable industry (which he was thinking was basically impossible) and he's making slightly less than when he was at his peak... company truck, signing bonus, the whole shebag. He was having problems mostly because he was "too qualified" thanks to his 30+ years of experience and because cable is sort of a dying industry... but I guess he lucked out. Just has to get final approval after the drug test passes and he's good to go. So happy for him.. being unemployed was ruining his life.

So don't give up hope, people... you might have to look for 5 freaking years, but hopefully something good will come of it. Sorry to anyone who's dealing with this right now, I empathize totally.

[cch99]

Re: Being unemployed really sucks

I dont see anything wrong with your website but then again Im unemployed and have been for what seems like forever so maybe my opinion isnt worth much anyways.

Thanks. Hey any positive is good right now.

[The Chef]

Re: Being unemployed really sucks

Its nice to see that Im not the only one, and I completely agree that Hot Jobs and Monster have really declined but I also think the same can be said for Career Builder, anymore it just seems like a bunch of work from home scams posted with a few legit jobs mixed in. Ive been working for Canyon News selling advertising space for their newspaper from home so I guess technically Im not unemployed but Ive made less then 150.00 over the last 2 months so I might as well be unemployed. Ive tried everything I can think of, Ive got my resume posted on Career Builder, Monster, Hot Jobs, I use the local paper and Craigs List to search for jobs and Im still sitting here with nothing to show for it. I actually had a guy call and he got someone else that lives with me and he got so turned off by that person that he decided he didnt want to offer me the job any longer, are you kidding me? The other person was only screening to make sure it wasnt a telemarketer and this guy now refuses to take my calls and doesnt want to hire me suddenly, its unbelievable to me. To top it all off, this guy just reposted his job listing yesterday so he clearly hasnt gotten anyone and he still wont talk to me because of the other guy who lives here, its really pathetic if you ask me.

[bad_philanthropy]

Re: Being unemployed really sucks

I think I lucked into the fortunate trend of "green" going mainstream. I completed a degree in environmental science last year and somehow ended up getting consulting jobs for a number of real-estate development companies. I do know many people though who have just graduated and have absolutely no prospects, Chef is right, Oregon is pretty much on lockdown if you are looking for a job, even the menial jobs require you to have a PhD these days it seems.

My wife works for the University of Oregon in an upper-level student position and is currently part of a seven person search comittee for what is essentially a stage hand job that pays $16,000/year. They had almost 500 applicants and some of the applicants had said that their previous wage was over $30/hour. The hiring process or this position started back in August and they have conducted three interviews with multiple candidates, it's just crazy.

[The Chef]

Re: Being unemployed really sucks

I think I lucked into the fortunate trend of "green" going mainstream. I completed a degree in environmental science last year and somehow ended up getting consulting jobs for a number of real-estate development companies. I do know many people though who have just graduated and have absolutely no prospects, Chef is right, Oregon is pretty much on lockdown if you are looking for a job, even the menial jobs require you to have a PhD these days it seems.

My wife works for the University of Oregon in an upper-level student position and is currently part of a seven person search comittee for what is essentially a stage hand job that pays $16,000/year. They had almost 500 applicants and some of the applicants had said that their previous wage was over $30/hour. The hiring process or this position started back in August and they have conducted three interviews with multiple candidates, it's just crazy.

Amen, I couldnt get a job at Lids, freaking Lids?!?!? Its a hat store filled with guys that sit around all day doing nothing but stock the shelves with new hats on occasion and shoot the ****. Its really is the truth though, you have to have a degree just to get your foot in the door at Pizza Hut here, Ive said it before and I'll say it again, Oregon's job situation has to be one of the worst in the Nation I would think.

[J.R. Locke]

Re: Being unemployed really sucks

O H I O jobs not happening.

I am unemployed it does suck. I have an interview at UPS Monday for a part time job. My resume didn't even get me in the door at some non-profit companies I was looking at on the east coast.

I am likely going back to school next year to become a social studies teacher. Now I just have to find some money to pay for a masters because school loans are dried up.

The bad thing is it is very hard to even enjoy video games, sports or watching tv. I feel like I am wasting time away but there isn't too much more I can do right now. I guess we all have to be patient and hope this U.S. economy turns around.

Good luck to everyone and hope the karmic waves come your way.

[The Chef]

Re: Being unemployed really sucks

O H I O jobs not happening.

I am unemployed it does suck. I have an interview at UPS Monday for a part time job. My resume didn't even get me in the door at some non-profit companies I was looking at on the east coast.

I am likely going back to school next year to become a social studies teacher. Now I just have to find some money to pay for a masters because school loans are dried up.

The bad thing is it is very hard to even enjoy video games, sports or watching tv. I feel like I am wasting time away but there isn't too much more I can do right now. I guess we all have to be patient and hope this U.S. economy turns around.

Good luck to everyone and hope the karmic waves come your way.

I hear ya man, my biggest worry is as the economy continues to sputter the job market will start to dry up with companies afraid to hire and we are all going to be sitting here on the outside looking in, so to speak.

In terms of enjoying video games etc, I hear you there as well. I sit down and play a little Madden and feel guilty as if Im not doing something to get a job even though Im doing anything and everything I can think of right now. best of luck to you and I sincerely hope it turns around asap for you.

[fistofrage]

Re: Being unemployed really sucks

O H I O jobs not happening.

I am unemployed it does suck. I have an interview at UPS Monday for a part time job. My resume didn't even get me in the door at some non-profit companies I was looking at on the east coast.

I am likely going back to school next year to become a social studies teacher. Now I just have to find some money to pay for a masters because school loans are dried up.

The bad thing is it is very hard to even enjoy video games, sports or watching tv. I feel like I am wasting time away but there isn't too much more I can do right now. I guess we all have to be patient and hope this U.S. economy turns around.

Good luck to everyone and hope the karmic waves come your way.

Let me tell you about Michigan.........

Keep your head up guys. I graduated many moons ago, but the job market was like this. Every Sunday I would grab the paper and every Sunday I would send out resumes and the only thing that called me back was cheezy pyramid schemes. Of course the jobs didn't indicate that in the ad.

Anyway, I had an economics and Business management double major and couldn't get anything. I applied for a job as a night auditor at a hotel for about $6.50 an hour and couldn't get that. The freaking bell boy was shouting at the manager and walked out when I was there and the manager said I could have that job.

I swallowed my pride and took it because I had nothing, no money and rent was do. I ran room service, carried luggage, and drove the pickup van to the airport to pick up airline crews and guests. Suprisingly because I always had a good demeanor I would get alot of tips, I started to to do things like steal warm cookies out of the kitchen and take them with me. Suprising how much people would tip you after a crappy day of traveling when you met them with a smile and a warm cookie.

So I switched my schedule to work 4 10 hour shifts and when back to school 2 days to get an accounting degree as well. I busted that out in no time. I kept applying for jobs, but bell boy experience couldn't land me anything.

Finally I got a job as assistant manager at a shoe store. It was horrible. After working a 16 hour shift because noone else shoewed up, I went home and grabbed a beer and started flipping channels. I went to take a piss and when I got back I had left the TV on the public access channel. Why I left it there, I have a theory, but anyway...When I sat back down there was an entry level accounting job on the screen at 3:00 in the morning. I called that B*tch at 8am the next morning and landed the job.

That business started to fail but I had met some decent contacts. I landed another accounting job as that one was going under. After about a year I sent in a resume to a blind accounting job and it turned out to be at a place that had tried to help my old failing company through hard times. The owner recognized me and hired me right away. After a few years, his business was bought out by a company from New York. They fired all the management and my job was on the chopping block too. I convinced the new owners that I could do the job cheaper out in Michigan than they could in New York.

Next thing I new, they told me to prove it. I did and the accounting department was moved out to Michigan and I was promoted to manager of 8 people. They offered tuition reimbursement so I took advantage of that and graduated with a 4.0 and a Masters in Finance. Out of the blue, a recruiter called me and said he had an offer I couldn't refuse.

I landed that job and now have a position I thouroughly enjoy. 2 weeks ago, my former company closed its door.

Sorry for the rambling, but I just wanted to let you guys now that I saw these dark days you are seeing now. But you can't get down. Make the most out of every opportunity. You are going through some tough times. I had alot of bad thoughts back in the day when I couldn't do anything with my degree. Its bad now, but it will get better. Just do what you can to fight through it right now.

[The Chef]

Re: Being unemployed really sucks

Awesome story fistofrage, congrats on breaking through back then and getting to where you are at now through hardwork and determination. Its really nice to hear stories like this, for me atleast, as it gives me a little more hope that all the hard work Im doing will eventually pay off at some point, maybe not soon, but at some point. Thanks for sharing that story.

[fistofrage]

Re: Being unemployed really sucks

Awesome story fistofrage, congrats on breaking through back then and getting to where you are at now through hardwork and determination. Its really nice to hear stories like this, for me atleast, as it gives me a little more hope that all the hard work Im doing will eventually pay off at some point, maybe not soon, but at some point. Thanks for sharing that story.

Just stay as positive as you can. It sucks right now, but it will get better. Even when the economy looks like it won't turn around, there can always be legislation or something else that turns your industry into a boom.

Look at the Sarbains Oxley after Enron. Once that went down, the nation needed a ton more Auditors and IT professionals.

The Green movement is creating jobs there, etc. These are tough times, but everything is cyclical and your time will come.

[nyisles16]

Re: Being unemployed really sucks

I actually had a guy call and he got someone else that lives with me and he got so turned off by that person that he decided he didnt want to offer me the job any longer, are you kidding me? The other person was only screening to make sure it wasnt a telemarketer and this guy now refuses to take my calls and doesnt want to hire me suddenly, its unbelievable to me. To top it all off, this guy just reposted his job listing yesterday so he clearly hasnt gotten anyone and he still wont talk to me because of the other guy who lives here, its really pathetic if you ask me.

Yeah, I had sort of experience here. Got a call from Wachovia for a Financial Customer Service Manager position. Pay was well too. So, call goes on. The lady asks me to explain how I measured staff productivity and handled discipline. I reply to her exactly what she asked, and then she asks me if I had anything on hardcopy to bring in (now mind you, I have already explained to her that I was a victim of the dreaded "reduction of force"). I say to her no, because 1) those are kept in employee files, and 2) that is company property which I no longer have access to.

Next response - "Well, I guess without that I cannot bring you in for an interview". What crock!

[vernond]

Re: Being unemployed really sucks

I really feel for you guys having a hard time right now. It's cliche but the bad times don't last forever. I went through a couple months of unemployment a few years back kind of my own doing though. I worked at a soda company and liked what i did. Made pretty decent money for a 20 year old at the time. Then there was another position that came open in a different department a "promotion" or so i was told. It was more hours, more responsibilty, less pay. I absolutely hated it and was not particullarly good at it. I have honestly never been more depressed in my life than i was at this point. I was up and at work before the sun came up and got home after the sun had been down. Hard work too, i wasn't just sitting at a desk i was busting my tail. I was told if i didn't like this new job i could go back to my old one. At first i thought there's no way i'm going back i'll be seen as a failure. After awhile i didn't care i wanted out. Well that ended up being a lie and the ahole at the top of the company said if i went back to my old job i would be locked in it with no chance of promotion for 2 years. Fine, i don't care. Then he backed out on that and said i'm stuck for at least 6 months. Anyway, i finally reached my breaking point i woke up one morning and said i can't take this anymore i absolutely hate my life. I went down to the office threw my pager on the desk and told them i'm done they can have it.

So to kinda wrap up my rambling, i went a couple months without work eventually getting hired at the rival soft drink company. I felt bad for the supervisor i knew there i called him once a week forever but he was cool about it. So i did that for a few years and anyone who is been in the grocery biz or more specifically beverage industry knows how that stuff can wear on you. I decided 3 years ago to go back to school and will be graduating in May with a degree in Social Welfare. Hopefully i won't have to hard a time finding a job, i might go for my masters, not sure. I won't make a ton of money but it's something that is more rewarding than anything i've ever done before. Plus, i won't have to lift heavy s*it like i used to.

My point being if it wasn't for all of those crappy things happening before i probably wouldn't be where i'm at now. If i wouldn't of taken that suck a** job, then i wouldn't of quit, wouldn't of ended up at anoter place i wasn't happy at, and wouldn't of ended up in school and going into something i enjoy. So try to stay positive guys, i know it's hard. Things will eventually turn around for you. God bless.

[nyisles16]

Re: Being unemployed really sucks

Sounds like a dumb question, but how do you guys keep positive during these bad times?

Thanks for the imput. Just "venting" a little helps...