job search- how long have you been looking/did you search

[disney funseeker]

I have never known so many friends and family who have been laid off in the last couple of years

On average it is supposed to take 3 months to find a new job.

Last year it took dh 4months. After a few months at the new job, he realized that he should continue his search. He is still employed but in the meantime, we have been constantly applying for new positions. It has been 6 months and still no replys.

For those who are going through job searches now, how long have you been searching? or for those who have recently found work, how long did you search?

 

[helenabear]

It took my DH two months to get a job that kept us out of debt. It took about 8 months after that job to get to his contracting job that lead to his being hired on as full time (standard practice for that company). Don't give up hope. This current job of his came when I was about to give up myself.

 

[FINFAN]

Well, I'm sorry to add that DH has been looking for 2 years and INTENSLY the last 8 mo's. Of course, a lot of his focus is on Fl. which unfortunately doesn't seem to be working out. He has had favorable responses for some things in our area, but once they see he is not a "local" candidate...he gets the basic rej. letter from Fl. Even tho he states that we will pay our own relo expenses, have family there etc. We keep hoping something will pop soon...on the brighter side I have a possible interview next week....with flex hours so that I can still free-lance. Basically, we never thought we'd be in this position at our age and with our education. Just keep plugging away at it, and good luck!

 

[dzneelvr]

My company did a major Reduction In Force in late December and I've been looking seriously for the past month.
Am starting to get some call backs from my initial mailing of resumes. I was told the 3 months time is for any activity to begin. My general goal is to secure of job in 2003. Severance and unemployment will help us through. I haven't been without a job since college 23 years ago. It's been a gift to spend time with my family and have time to think about what I want to do in this next phase of my life.
All I can say is make sure you're putting away $$ for these types of situations.
No job is safe anymore, no matter what you may be told.

"Embrace Your Unemployment !"

Good luck to us all !!

 

[Annie&Hallie'sMom]

DH has been unemployed for 20 months. How scary it is to write that! He was with his previous company for 14 1/2 years. Until a month or so before he left, he was looking for a new job, any job. Before that he was happy and settled with the company.

It's really frightening that so many are out of work and for so long.

 

[Mary Anne]

I was employed 25 years with the same company. Three years ago I was downsized. While I have worked contract and temp during that time period, I have been looking non-stop for a job ever since. Never did I ever think, I'd be in this situation. I am educated and have wonderful references; it is just the pits out there.

 

[Steve H.]

My BIL has been unemployed since August and has had little interest from companies since then. He's had maybe two or three interviews, but no offers.

 

[mousefan]

my hubby worked for chemical company for 15 years. and Nov 30 after 9/11 the company downsized laying off half employees, longest time employee that was laid off had 24 yr in ...never did we dream at our age and after all those years we would be facing unemployment checks again..he took two part time jobs to help supplement unemployment with crappy wages but at least one offered health benefits ( not great ones but at least health benefits if we needed to be hospitalized for anything) as COBRA for family was 675.00 a month ( like who could pay that on UE?) . but happily to say after 9 long months he finally got into a job in his field ( heavy industry) and now we are on slow road back to recovering from it. Its so sad to see all of those still out of work, many companies say they don't discriminate because of age but it certainly seems like it when you see friends that have all the right qualifications, experience, and training but they are skipped over for younger, less qualified, experienced , trained applicants.

 

[crazelion]

Hang in there and believe that you will found a job some day. It a hard world out there. I learned that in after high school. Then learned it again after college. Just because you have a college educated does mean nothing now days. Don't beleive people say it takes 3 months to found a job either. It can take longer to found one.

So you may have to low your standards to makes in meat. I know I did and I got lucky and found something that I love to do.

I work for a local baseball staduim as a Concessions Stand Manager and I love the job. Besides the fact I have my degree in Informations Systems End-User Support and Network Engineer.


Here's a tip I learn doing the last recession look for temp work. Watch for stores opening and the area. Then go apply for work as a store-set-up person to make extra money. I did not go through temp agency either. I just apply for the job and I got. That pay for my college education and help pay my bills.

You will found a job. Just keep telling yourself that. The job will come.