How do you keep optimistic during a job search?

[FINFAN]

We are getting so worn out...each day there is less and less posted in DH field of work....or any nibbles seem to be moving his career backward instead of forward...I give credit to all of you who are holding it all together. Sorry to be on a negative...must be the gloomy day affecting my mood. That and the fact that we can't take advantage of the latest WDW Fantasy pkg! I bet that will be our first thought when we get back on our feet!

 

[Pebblszzz]

Whenever I find myself in that type of situation, I try and recall a time in my life when things were actually WORSE.

It always makes me feel better, because then I remember that things actually DID get better eventually!

And they will again...

 

[Suzy Mouse]

I know exactly how you feel and what you are going through. Just try to be as upbeat and positive as possible. I know it sounds really hard but being down isn't going to help any. You're in this together and you WILL get out of it together!! Just keep that in mind.
I always believe that things happen for a reason and there is a job out there with your DH's name on it!!!
Good luck and HANG IN THERE!!!!

 

[FINFAN]

Thamks guys...you made me smile and more importantly, count my blessings!

 

[jfulcer]

Well, the first thing that your DH may need to understand is that he may *have* to take a step back to take a job if he's been looking for a while and needs to actually take a job.

I took my current job after my previous employer went out of business, and took a step down in pay and position. I've turned it into a job that was a step forward and made leaps and bounds in pay. Sometimes jobs are about taking lemons and making lemonade.

Now of course, my current employer is closing my office so I'm going to be in the same situation, but I stand to make a hefty chunk of money in severance....

 

[FINFAN]

A single step back is def. do-able. It's being back to entry level...losing 22 years experience...pay cuts that are so severe we will lose the house anyway. Then there's the dreaded employer perspective of not offering the position because they realize the pay differential is huge and even they wouldn't accept it. We have had that one handed to us. We have offered to relo at our own expense if position/co offered room for advancement...DH doesn't list salary info anymore, so he can at least get initial interview. Glad things worked out for you (sort of) and that you will have the severence.That is so helpful.

 

[Annie&Hallie'sMom]

Finfan, I feel your pain, because it is mine as well. DH has been out of work for 2 years. It still is inconcievable to me, as he is an intelligent man with good skills and personality.

Let's be realistic, the economy is in the crapper right now. My DH is willing to take a step backwards, side ways or any which way to get a position. He has tried to find entry level in a non-related field (not IT that is) and has gotten nothing in return. Even the mall at the holidays didn't want him (I suppose because they knew that if he had a better job offer he'd take it).

I know this sounds like such a downer and I don't mean to be, I'm just venting myself and letting you know that there are good people out there (like your DH and mine) who are struggling.

I try to keep the faith and think that better things must be on the way. There is a reason for this (I just don't know what it is).

I think we are probably within the same area (NJ/NY) which is really in a slump right now. If you need to talk...please feel free to pm or email any time.

We can make it through this!

 

[RitaZ.]

Pam, I have no advice to offer. Just wanted to say, hang in there. Things will get better.

 

[jamsmom]

I am in the "unemployed" category right now. Although I know things could be much worse, it can get frustrating. I don;t mind a pay cut (which I will do if I go back to teaching- YUCK), but when it such a paycut that you can;t meet the bills....double yuck.

 

[FINFAN]

Hi again...well you guys have worked some "mood" magic...the sun came out and I have put my frustrations into cleaning the garage out for our neighborhood sale. I usually put the $ into the WDW account, but since our taxes went up $540 this year I am trying to lesson the sting of that. We will all make it thru as you've said I sure am glad you all were on the boards today to pick me up!
Annie&Hallie'smom, we are in Illinios.. so you DO have rougher circumstances than we do.DH is in Project Management/manufacturing. I know what you mean about the different levels of "steps" to get a job...we were sort of hoping we wouldn't have to gown the whole staircase backwards tho!

O.K. Here's my happy face for today...thanks again all!

 

[apagano]

Just some random thoughts from a guy who got laid off in 2001 and has not worked full-time since...

1) When you hit rock bottom things can only get better.
2) He won't be unemployed forever.
3) You're not alone. It's a bad economy and there are millions of people in the same boat.
4) If you have a lot of free time on your hands, ENJOY it!!! When he's back to work he will wish he could lounge around the house on a Wednesday afternoon

 

[supamaki]

The IT industry WILL make a comeback. Take it to the bank. Take what you can get for now, and keep up on industry trends, because as soon as the economy makes a come back employers will be looking for employees, and IT techs to get their companies bcak up to speed. I got laid off and decided to go back for more training. I've become an MCP (Microsoft certified professional) and am well on my way to an MCSE (systems engineer).
Have faith, I do.

 

[Robinrs]

It is hard. I've been out of work since February for the first time in 20 years.

I am a single parent and lost both of my parents in the past 7 months.

I keep my head and KNOW that someone bigger than me is looking out for me.

Have faith. It will be okay.

God bless,

Robinrs

 

[helenabear]

I don't know how I kept positive about it. After a while it does get to you I think. I know for us it was even harder because my job wasn't secure and my husband didn't have his either. I just had to have a little faith that something bigger and better would come our way. Eventually it did. Just hang in there {{hugs}}

 

[LuvTigger]

I remember when I was looking for a job a few years ago. I still had a job, but I had just gotten a college degree and wanted out of the job pretty badly. It took almost a year for me to actually find something, but what kept me going was that I truly believed that all the jobs I've had came to me for a reason, just like the one I'm in now did (which I really enjoy). So I looked at any rejection I received by saying that job must not have really meant to be for me.

 

[jamsmom]

My BIL, after 8 months out of a telecommunication job, starts a new job yeterday.

My sister was hitting the panic button because they were about a month from being able to make the house payment. They live in a new sub-division and the current homes (less than 2 years old) are NOT selling and the brand new ones are taking a while to sell.

I hope we all find the most incredible job that fits each and every one of us.

 

[Annie&Hallie'sMom]

You know it's been really hard the past 2 years on my DH & I. For the first time in I don't know how long, I actually feel good. Thank you all for sharing your stories. Makes me feel that the good (that's us Disers) will provail. Thanks