Time to file for unemployment...

[EKW]

I'm sinking into a depression today. This week I had a job interview, and was called for a follow-up. I was sure I had the job. They called last night. Turns out, the opening was technical...as in, they've had someone doing it the past year on a one year contract. In the end, she got to keep her job. The principal said he has one more opening coming up, and another possible one. The bottom line is, though, no job.

This morning my doorbell rang. It was the postlady. She had a whole pile of letters for folks in my condo area...all of whom are teachers who are now officially unemployed.

I've known since December that I was losing my job. I've been applying like crazy, going to job fairs, and have only had the one actual interview. I've been teaching 25 years, and I think that may be keeping me from getting called.

Hard to believe that after 25 years of good job reviews I'm now filing for unemployment. This will mean no Disney for at least the next two years for us.

I'm trying to find the silver lining...I'm heading to the YMCA to see if we can get a free membership now. As a single mom I couldn't afford the $75 a month membership. Maybe we can go and play for free.

 

[friskykitten]

I am so sorry to hear about this. I keep hoping that the economy is starting to rebound like some news stories are reporting but we are probably still a long way off. If it helps any you are not alone (obviously). My DH and I both lost our jobs in the same week in Jan of 2009. A year and a half later we are both working two jobs and doing okay. I thought all would be lost when it happened to us, and I won't lie to you and say it was easy, but we did get through it and will continue to work our way into the best financial position we can manage. We still have a ways to go to "catch-up" with the payments we stopped paying on last year with the loss of income but we are almost there.

Maybe now would be a good time to re-evaluate your life. Train for a new job, go back to school for an advanced degree, find new ways to be frugal, etc. I learned a lot during the time I was unemployed. And I keep on learning every day.

Good luck to you! I hope your time out of work is brief and that you find a great job when the time comes.

 

[SunnieRN]

So sorry for your job loss. Best of luck during your job search!!

 

[sueh]

((((hugs)))) I am sorry that you are going through this.
I too am a single mom of 2 and my work closed it's doors in Oct 09. I have been out of work since. I have been looking but nothing as of yet.

I just wanted to let you know you are not alone.

 

[casjen]

and as I teacher I sadly agree. It's the only profession where experience keeps Principals from calling you. You're too expensive (I am too) so they call someone who looks good with less experience so they can pay them less.

I hope you find something soon.

 

[Kika]

Sorry to hear this. I am a single mom as well who has been with the same company for many years, so my heart goes out to you. Maybe one of the two possible positions the principal mentioned to you will pan out. Hang in there; it sounds like you are doing everything possible, so something has to come from it! (((hugs)))

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

I am so sorry to hear about your job.

I lost my job in July and I still get very depressed over it. I've applied at many places but I've heard nothing. I got married in October and so many things - including starting a family depend upon me getting a job. That is what really upsets me.

Hold your head high...but do know it's OK to mourn for your job. Heck, it's been over 10 months and I'm still mourning mine.

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

As another single mother, I wanted to let you know I'm so sorry to hear about losing your job. You and your kids *will* be okay. Definitely make sure to talk to someone at the YMCA about getting financial assistance for membership/child care/summer camp. I know ours is really great about helping folks, especially single moms.

 

[fkj2]

My mom was a teacher. I know that those years of seniority will impinge your job prospects. It's hard to imagine that someone with all that experience could be RIFfed, but it's a telling commentary on how bad things are. Are you sure there is no other position in the district you'd be able to assume? Sign up to sub and get unemployment.

I have been working a temp position one day a week as an RN. That'll be done after this coming Thursday since the non-profit agency has "re-hired" a previously employee. This agency recently bought out the facility, which otherwise might have closed mid-April due to funding issues. They slashed salaries. I (and another per diem RN) was receiving a LOW rate (for an RN) and I imagine this move will actually allow them to save $$ because the new pay scale is even lower for the regular employees.

Time to review the budget...again.

 

[leebee]

I lost two professional jobs in 7 years; you have my sympathy and my empathy! I guess I thought an Ivy League education, advanced degree, and 20 years of experience would see me through to retirement, but not any longer. It seems like we started playing a game and, about half way through, someone changed all the rules. I fortunately was called for an ed tech position two years ago, and it's the only thing that saved us. It sure was rough- I now make one-quarter of what I made in my "career"- but this job lasted longer than any unemployment would have (ironically I make about what I was making on unemployment!), and it's semi-secure for next year (won't know for sure until late August, when they look at the special ed enrollment/numbers). I feel very fortunate to have my job, especially when I remember that I almost didn't take it! I was SO SURE that something professionally would come up that I almost declined this offer! In the two years since I took this, there have been 3 professional positions in the area. I have interviewed for all three, been called for the 2nd interview, and then not been offered the job. I am sure that my age and experience come into play here. Why pay me when they can get a recent B.S. grad for half the salary?

Some days it doesn't seem fair, does it? Still, I think you will find that you WILL get by, even if the changes are hard. Sub, collect, apply... what are the options? Retrain in the medical field, maybe? I hear you, and I share your pain. I don't really have much to offer, except to remind you that you are not alone!

 

[2BOYMOM]

I am on unemployment too (since January). Here is some info for you. Here in NC there is a certain amount of money you can make weekly and not have it "go against" your unemployment (reducing the amount of unemployment you are paid weekly). I use to work part time at the YMCA. Working part time at the Y gave me free membership to the Y. So by you working at the Y, you would be bringing home some extra money that wouldn't affect your unemployment and you would get the membership for free. Check it out to see if this will work for you.

 

[EKW]

It's hard to imagine that someone with all that experience could be RIFfed, but it's a telling commentary on how bad things are. Are you sure there is no other position in the district you'd be able to assume? Sign up to sub and get unemployment.

QUOTE]

I wasn't even officially RIFed...I moved here three years ago to be closer to family. About 50 teachers who have 3 or less years in the district were let go. It allows the district to play semantic games. They didn't fire anyone, or even RIF anyone...until the first day of next year we were all probationary, so they don't have to deal with bad media.

About other jobs, here's the very odd thing: They had 5 sixth grade jobs open up due to the changes. All of us who lost our jobs were strongly encouraged to apply and interview. We did. In the time since they've posted another half dozen elementary positions. Those of us who didn't get one of the original few jobs are still applying, but none of us have gotten interviews.

This week a parent asked one of the principals why none of us were getting calls. The principal told her that the Elementary principals, as a group, decided that those of us who lost our jobs and interviewed for a 6th grade job but didn't get it would not be interviewed for any further positions in the district.

Hello??? I have 3 years of excellent reviews and lots of data to show that I'm an effective reading teacher. No, I have no 6th grade classroom experience. I have tons of experience at other grade levels, though. I'm just being blacklisted from interviewing for those jobs based on the fact that I was already interviewed once.

Does that make any sense to you? I don't understand the politics. You'd think that since this district already paid me for new teacher training, paid for me to take inservice in the writing program they use, and has gotten me through the mentor program, they'd want to keep me...especially since my administrators strongly recommend me and I've got data to show I know my job.

I'm leaving here with a very bitter taste in my mouth!

 

[tomthebarncat]

I'm sinking into a depression today. This week I had a job interview, and was called for a follow-up. I was sure I had the job. They called last night. Turns out, the opening was technical...as in, they've had someone doing it the past year on a one year contract. In the end, she got to keep her job. The principal said he has one more opening coming up, and another possible one. The bottom line is, though, no job.

This morning my doorbell rang. It was the postlady. She had a whole pile of letters for folks in my condo area...all of whom are teachers who are now officially unemployed.

I've known since December that I was losing my job. I've been applying like crazy, going to job fairs, and have only had the one actual interview. I've been teaching 25 years, and I think that may be keeping me from getting called.

Hard to believe that after 25 years of good job reviews I'm now filing for unemployment. This will mean no Disney for at least the next two years for us.

I'm trying to find the silver lining...I'm heading to the YMCA to see if we can get a free membership now. As a single mom I couldn't afford the $75 a month membership. Maybe we can go and play for free.

My best friend is a teacher who could not find a job in the states, she is now in London teaching US history to rich kids at a boarding school. She makes great money and is living well in the UK. It is too bad that she had to leave her own country to find a teaching job. At this point, she has stated she has no plans to move back to the states ever! why, bother, there are no teaching jobs for anyone! Good luck to all the teachers out there who are now unemployed. This will surely effect our future as a country!!

 

[OKWAnneMarie]

((((hugs)))) I am sorry that you are going through this.
I too am a single mom of 2 and my work closed it's doors in Oct 09. I have been out of work since. I have been looking but nothing as of yet.

I just wanted to let you know you are not alone.

No, you're not alone. I was laid off in July, 2008...nothing yet.

 

[3boymthr]

Not a teacher, but been there. Doing it again, sorta, now.

It does get better, you will get through it. It just takes some adjustment.

I have been laid off 5 times now believe it or not. All from jobs where I had great reviews. I've come to realize that it doesn't matter how well you do your job; it's not personal, it's just reality.

The worst part is the feeling of failure when you don't get the job you really want, but I have come to realize that sometimes things are meant to happen and not getting that job meant I was open for the even better opportunity that fell in my lap a month later.

 

[NOLA_Tink]

Don't lose hope! I really angers me to think that few people would put up with what we teachers put up with. Yet, we are some of the least respected and protected professionals in the U.S. Something good will come your way! DH & I moved (very unexpectedly) back to NOLA last year & my job became available to a deserving teacher. Lots of things happen over the summer & now is not the time to lose hope!!!

 

[dennise]

I am going to be in the same position. My boss of 22 years is retiring at the end of next month. Fortunately, he will pay me full time wages until the end of December because he will still work in the office one day and week. I am hoping that the replacement physician will want me for her office. I will probably have to take a pay cut and lose some vacations, but I will manage that aspect. Good luck to everyone in the same position.

 

[kayla87]

I really feel for all of you, the OP and everyone else going through similar situations. Our school district is retiring several of the most experienced high school teachers, and doing all they can to pressure many who chose not to retire. I've never regretted my decision to get out of education my first year in college, but it's terrible to see people who have dedicated their lives to education be victims of school politics.