For those that got laid off several months ago like myself, a question?

[Mickeyistheman]

I know many were in the same boat that I was back in Novemeber of 08. How many of you have found work and I don't just mean part time, I mean found something with a salary or that you are able to pay your bills and put food on the table?

I am still having trouble finding something. I have looked outside my field and still no luck. I have been depressed and it gets worse when I just send out resume's and get nothing back.

How do you cope?

 

[disney1990]

I found out that I lost my job on January 15 and have been looking ever since. I too send out resume after resume with no responses. I go through periods of being upbeat and then periods of depression. Since the weather has gotten nice, I have decided to take some time and enjoy it (while still looking for a job). Just last week, I went to Annapolis to see the Blue Angels fly for the Naval Academy graduation. I am also going to go into DC and visit the museums (which are all free) and maybe take some day trips. These quick inexpensive outings seem to boost my spirits, even though they don't do anything for my wallet.

I am collecting unemployment and am managing to get by, but the Disney cruise we are supposed to take in October is quickly slipping away.

Take care and try to do something every day or 2 to boost your spirits.

 

[apirateslifeforme]

I lost my job in February and seriously, there's NOTHING where I live. Last week, looking on the 8 job sites that I use, literally all the jobs posted were the same as the week before. I even tried cleaning my cookies, thinking it was picking up a cache, but they still all came up the same. On the rare occasion that I do find something in my previous occupation, the pay is $5.50/hour less than what I was making. Sorry, I was just making ends meet when I was employed. Even unemployment is giving me fairly close to what I was earning, when these jobs wouldn't come close.

No bites from the resumes I've sent out. The three people at the Dept. of Labor that I've spoken to agree with me, employers look only at what you have done, not what you potentially can do. Very frustrating.

I'm trying to tell myself to enjoy the summer. One thing I've lamented as an adult is that I don't get summer vacation, so here's a chance. And I'm trying to get retraining through WIA...waiting for my phone call to come take the "Interests and Abilities" test...

 

[Mickeyistheman]

thank you Disney1990, I know this will probably sound horrible but I was in Disney 2 weeks ago. My cousin and his family went for the first time and they treated me. They have timeshare and he paid for my pass ( he is Navy )

I was also there to help them navigate the theme parks and babysit which I was quite happy to do since I don't get to see the little cuties very often.

While I was there I was happy but at the same time thinking of what I will be coming back to.

I am also receiving unemployment and making ends meet as best as I can but I WANT to work, I miss it terribly. I know its crazy and friends of mine who do work think I am nuts but I loved my job and when I got laid off it was very hard for me.

Took a few online courses to keep up with my field but after a while you just get down on yourself.

I will try to be more upbeat with the warmer weather.

Thanks for the support to you too

 

[Mrs.Reese]

I've been out of work since June 2008. In the beginning, I was very upbeat but as the year has progressed it has gotten harder. I was a teacher and unfortunately every district/school in my area has a hiring freeze. I didn't file my UE until nearly October so I've got some time before I go through all the extensions. The Unemployment office sent me on a referral for a "preschool teacher" a couple of weeks ago. It was a joke. Not even more than my UE and in florida you lose it if you work anything. I try not to think of my time as a teacher. I avoid driving by schools and don't go into teacher supply stores.

 

[Mickeyistheman]

I know what you mean. I did get several call backs but what they are offering for pay is so much less than I am collecting on UE it just doesn't make sense. That is what I think frustrates me more than anything.

I go up and down with my emotions alot and its really hard sometimes. My family and friends have been very supportive which is very helpful but sometimes they just don't understand my feelings and I don't either.

The Dis has been a good distraction and I have gotten some great advice and pointers. I am hopeful that sometime soon that pixie dust will fall somewhere in my direction and in others like yourself who need the work.

 

[OctMtnWoods]

A friend of ours was laid off in Nov 2008. IT field. He's had interviews, but no job yet.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

BIL found a job last week. He is union driver and has to start at the bottom again so he took a serious paycut.

 

[rie'smom]

Hi, just want to offer my support.

 

[bicker]

My step-sister and her mother are both out of work (both coming from jobs where they worked for decades), going on a few months now for one and a couple of months for the other. There is very little available out there and surely nothing comparable to what either had.

A member of my church, by contrast, was able to find a position that sounds comparable to what he had previously, within a few weeks.

Best of luck to those working their way through these troubling economic times.

 

[VickiVM]

I only have a few minutes before work, but wanted to offer this up. My husband lost his job almost a year ago (June 5th). It was the toughest thing we have gone through as a family. We'be been through every emotion in the book...times 10.

He was on unemployment which was essentially a 70% pay cut. Then took a p/t job that gave him f/t hours, but still almost the same amount as unemployent, but it got him back on the saddle so to speak and he at least felt he had a purpose every day.

Two months ago he found a job that was essentially doing the same thing he was doing before he lost his job with potential to make as much money as he was before. The key to this job was networking. Seriously, keep your name out there. Keep in touch with previous colleagues, even if just to say hello and ask how their family is. It was at a chance encounter at a trade show that my husband's boss from years ago talked to someone who's company was looking for another rep.

And if we have to give credit where credit is due, we never lost faith that God would take care of us. We often questioned whether God had forgotten us, but we constantly remained a family of faith and trust...the hardest thing to do when you don't get immediate results.

Also...if you've got the resources, Texas is one of the states that has not suffered as much as others. The Welcome Mat is always out...especially in San Antonio!

 

[BoyLovesBuzz]

I lost my job 1/31, and am still looking. Yes, I have a hard time coping at times. I have gained about 25 pounds and have to consciously stave off a panic attack every time we go to the grocery store. I am thinking I will be getting an offer this week, which will be about a 65% pay cut. I would have never considered it in March, but now I will probably take it, if it comes.

 

[geffric]

I lost my job 1/24.. like others I have sent out resume after resume.. had only 3 interviews the entire time.. very depressing..

I have been volunteering a few days a week to fill in my time and show employers that I have ambition.. besides you never know where the next job is coming from..

good luck to everyone..

 

[mishasmom]

My DH was laid off in Jan 08. He finally found a part time job in late November just when his unemployment was running out. But the amount they pay you for unemployment in AZ is a joke-I've heard it is one of the lowest amounts in the US. So we REALLY struggled. Thank goodness I have a good job or we would've lost everything! He finally got a good full time job last month, but only through family contacts. And it doesn't pay that well, but there is advancement potential. I don't have any advice-it was tough and took a toll on us. I can only offer you hope that you find a job soon.

I read another thread a few months ago where someone asked if the recession had affected people or not, and I was really surprised when the majority of people said no. I don't know many people who HAVEN'T been affected!

 

[Gabes_mommy]

I just wanted to off some encouragement.

I didn't get laid off but I started looking to go back to work full-time after being a SAHM with a part-time job. It took months but I got a job in March. I make slightly less than I made before I stopped working 3 years ago but in this economy I'm so grateful to have found something. Like a previous poster said, networking was key. I got my job where I already worked part-time by telling everyone I knew there that I was looking for a job. People started looking out for me and I had several personal recommendations from peers when I applied for my current position that set me apart.

A friend of mine lost her job last June and she just got a job last week.

Don't give up hope.

 

[LuvOrlando]

I have no ideas or advice, all I can do is offer my support, prayers and a

 

[JCJRSmith]

My position at my old company was eliminated last June. June 2 was my last day, the week before I was booked in to a Microsoft conference in Orlando followed by a 2 week vacation at WDW.

The company had paid for the conference admission, so they made me give it to another engineer who was going to be with the company for another 4 months before they eliminated his position. Luckily, a friend had a free pass to the conference she could not use because she was going to be on her honeymoon, so she gave it to me. The vacation we had already paid for.

As soon as we returned I started the job search, and also started doing some contract IT work. The contracting paid the bills until I found the job I am in now. There were many days of despair because I was not getting any nibbles, and I hated being a 1099 contractor (but it beat the hell out of unemployment). Luckily, my wife worked full time and we were able to get all health/dental/etc thru her company. But I stayed as positive as possible, did lots of networking and landed the job I have now. A little less than what I was making on my previous gig, but MUCH better benefits.

Stay positive, network, and, if possible, contract.

 

[sallysmom]

I meant to send this the other day but got distracted at home...

I've been "between jobs" since the week before Christmas and I understand and feel your pain. It is tough. Some days are better than others.

I've been taking an online computer course thru unemployment, which helps fill the time. I go to my local library a lot and read the daily paper for free as well as go online. I spend WAY TOO MUCH TIME on the DIs boards--Hee Hee! But I figure they're my mental health break.

Now that the weather's starting to get better I've started a morning walk.

Lots of hugs send your way and best of luck to you. Hang in there and try to make a "to-do" list for yourself to keep short term goals in mind. My garage has never been cleaner!!