Laid off--Support thread

[Pooh_Friend#1]

Add us to the list. My DH lost his job April 18, 2008 and is still unemployed. He worked for Coca-Cola for 9 years and he was the top salesman but was still let go. He was laid off, a month and a half before our wedding which was extremely stressful since we had the wedding and honeymoon to pay off along with supporting his two daughters. No job leads, so we decided since he wanted to go to college that now would probably be his only opportunity. He is 38 and the oldest in his classes, but he is doing okay. I know his self esteem is low, so hopefully with him going to school now, he will be doing better. Thank god we did not buy a house before the wedding or else we would have never made it on just my paycheck alone with the mortgage payment. We will just stick to our one good car, and our 2 bedroom condo with 4 people.

 

[tinkntraining]

My heart goes out to all of you -- although he hasn't gotten a pink slip yet, my DH's job is in jeopardy, too. He works for a cabinet manufacturer and even though the company has weathered past economic hardships, it seems to be buckling now. They've already laid off 20 percent of the workforce, and word has it that the biggest is yet to come before Christmas. I have no advice, just lots of hugs and hopeful thoughts to everyone living through this .

 

[SnowWtch]

DH was laid off at the end of August. He's now getting unemployment which is better than nothing. His wasn't the main paycheck and the health insurance is through me so we're okay for the moment. He's put in resumes but no one's hiring in a college town since there are so many students. He was a computer tech and they were shorthanded. We thought his job was safe but it was classified as temporary instead of full time regular so they cut it. At least it's just the two of us and my job's pretty secure.

 

[Mrs.Reese]

Count me in too! With all of the declining revenues, my teaching position (along with another 50 teachers) was cut. I'm collecting unemployment but principals tend to think that if you're let go that there is something wrong with you.

I too am doing ChaCha! I honestly spend about 8 hours a day doing it. The goal originally was to make the car payment. Now the goal is to make $500/month. DH calls this the 100 day challenge. 100 days and the debt for everything including the car will be paid. That will give us another $500/month back in our income. If I'm home anyways, I might as well do something productive.

Also don't forget that there is now Emergency Unemployment Compensation. After your initial claim runs out, you can get these funds. Make sure to ask!

 

[kathianne]

Possible good news!

Today the phone rang about 7 am, my dh talked at length, I didn't know who, then he got "dressed up" and ran out the door, the kids said he was talking to a headhunter, I don't know how they knew that or if they just assumed it. Also he forgot his lunch, which he usually remembers.

Sounds like a job interview!

Let's hope so, there's a job he's been vying for about a month, has sent in resumes, phone interviews, now the next step is an in-house interview, so lets hope this is it!

I hate just waiting and guessing, but I can't call him and ask I might interrupt something. Lets keep our fingers crossed.

 

[kellig]

Let me jump on in...my DH was let go yesterday aft 6 years of very loyal service to a local bank. He did not have any notice, will not receive any severance, and can't get unemployment. His income was 2/3 of what we live on each month and it has been a huge shock.

Our savings was eaten up when I took a year to do a work from home job to rebound after a horrible job experience. I started a FT job back in February, but am only contributing 1/3 of our living expenses.

We are still trying to get over the shock, hurt, anger, etc. My husband is embarrassed, ashamed, and every other word you can imagine. His words were, "I have never NOT gone to work unless I didn't want to. Now I have no choice...I can't go." It breaks my heart and I try so hard to be strong when I am around him. Then I just burst into tears when he is not around. I truly thought there was a point that you could not cry any more, but that is not true.

We are going to tell DD7 tonight that Daddy is taking some time off and will be looking for a new job soon. I think anything more than that will cause her to worry beyond belief.

I am hoping and praying that each of you going through something similar can stay strong and positive and make me do the same as well.

Thanks for listening to me ramble!

 

[kathianne]

You know, the real killer in all this is the holidays!

We can just barely manage to squeak by on what we have, but the holidays blow it all out of the water. I haven't begun to buy gifts for anyone, I thought I had time, now I don't have money. I want to get my kids something, but it will be a lean something at that. Then add up all the other gifts we're expected to produce, gifts for teachers, activities, gift exchanges, family, even cards cost......just a homemade card for a teacher is beyond what we can do, the suppplies cost.

If it were just the two of us I would just forego the whole holiday thing, I don't really enjoy it, anyways. its all about stress and spending money. I would like to just forget it this year, no matter how hard you try to be frugal it creeps up on you, when you can't even afford the basics.

I wish my kids would stop being so wasteful. Leave lights, tv running, and pour out a whole glass of milk, take one sip the leave it, hey we go through a gallon of milk a day around here. I tell them if they're just thirsty to have a glass of water, don't get a whole glass of milk for one sip, but that doesnt' matter to them....................oh, well..what difference does it make, anyways? Our fianaces are shot regardless of how much milk is poured down the drain, its just another stress point,

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

The association I work for just let go $2 million worth of salaries last week. It was the scariest thing I have ever seen. The top HR people came to our site and started giving people their "goodbye" envelopes. Luckily, I survived the cut. I don't know how I did it....but I am so thankful. Tomorrow they are firing what is called the "2nd wave" of people. The first group was management, and this group are more part-timers. Very sad times.

 

[nannerbadnanner]

I just wanted to offer support to all of you.

 

[CarolA]

I have hestiated to post on here. I got laid off this past May after 6 years with a professional services firm. I was lucky in that I work in a fairly in demand industry and was re-employed by the end of August. (It's not my dream job, but I actually took it over other jobs to stay in my chosen field)

However, a couple of things jump out.

1. Looking for a job is a full time job. If you or your DH aren't spending several hours a day on it then get to it. Seriously I worked harder LOOKING for a job then I do when I work LOL! I worked with an outplacement center. They had stats that it really is a reflection to some extent. The more hours you spend them quicker it will happen, it might not be quick but if a few extra hours a week saves you another month.....

2. Post your resume on Monstor and career builder. And then update it weekly. Go in and move something, remove and add a period etc. Companies and recuriters look for "new" not "old"

3. Get someone to proof your resume. As a hiring manager I can tell you that I have seen some doozy's. And don't put "being a great mom/dad" as one of your "objectives" (Yes, I have seen that and while it's a great goal it makes me think "what about being a great employee")

4. Work with your kids. Really they KNOW something is going on. I have lots of Girl Scouts who have been in this position over the years. I generally find out when the kids start acting out and mom says "well we have been trying to hide how bad our situation is from her" Unless you have won an Acadamy Award you aren't that good an actor!. Plus once I knew I was able to make arrangements for the girls fees etc to be paid. No big deal and I didn't think any less of the parents because they needed some short term help.

5. Be flexible. Seriously I now work for a company based in California. I live in Atlanta! I am lucky in that they aren't requiring me to move right now, but I did interview with jobs that would require moving. No, I don't want to move away from my friends, family and long term boyfriend, but I don't want to be homeless either so..... All to often I read "we can't relocate"....well.... if there are no jobs where you are you may be forced to reconsider. To get the job I want long term I will have to relocate. I am sure I will survive.

There is light at the end of the tunnel. I am proof but it's not fun!

Hang in there!

 

[kathianne]

I have hestiated to post on here. I got laid off this past May after 6 years with a professional services firm. I was lucky in that I work in a fairly in demand industry and was re-employed by the end of August. (It's not my dream job, but I actually took it over other jobs to stay in my chosen field)

However, a couple of things jump out.

1. Looking for a job is a full time job. If you or your DH aren't spending several hours a day on it then get to it. Seriously I worked harder LOOKING for a job then I do when I work LOL! I worked with an outplacement center. They had stats that it really is a reflection to some extent. The more hours you spend them quicker it will happen, it might not be quick but if a few extra hours a week saves you another month.....

2. Post your resume on Monstor and career builder. And then update it weekly. Go in and move something, remove and add a period etc. Companies and recuriters look for "new" not "old"

3. Get someone to proof your resume. As a hiring manager I can tell you that I have seen some doozy's. And don't put "being a great mom/dad" as one of your "objectives" (Yes, I have seen that and while it's a great goal it makes me think "what about being a great employee")

4. Work with your kids. Really they KNOW something is going on. I have lots of Girl Scouts who have been in this position over the years. I generally find out when the kids start acting out and mom says "well we have been trying to hide how bad our situation is from her" Unless you have won an Acadamy Award you aren't that good an actor!. Plus once I knew I was able to make arrangements for the girls fees etc to be paid. No big deal and I didn't think any less of the parents because they needed some short term help.

5. Be flexible. Seriously I now work for a company based in California. I live in Atlanta! I am lucky in that they aren't requiring me to move right now, but I did interview with jobs that would require moving. No, I don't want to move away from my friends, family and long term boyfriend, but I don't want to be homeless either so..... All to often I read "we can't relocate"....well.... if there are no jobs where you are you may be forced to reconsider. To get the job I want long term I will have to relocate. I am sure I will survive.

There is light at the end of the tunnel. I am proof but it's not fun!

Hang in there!

Thanks for allthe suggestions!

We're already doing all of the above, but it helps to emphasize them

Oh, yes, looking for a job is definitely a full-time job!

Like I've said, dh was already in the job-hunt process before the layoff was announced so he's ahead in that game, listed his resume on every board, contacted all his network, he's getting interest already, has had several calls, but in the process, his last day is this Friday then he gets one more paycheck then that's it, we need income NOW! No severence pay. He does qualify for unemployment but its about 1/6 of what he made, better than nothingI have a work-at-home job that brings in $800-$1000/month, we're also signed up to be Cha Cha guides, it going to be a challenge to survive the next month or so, I can't even think about what will happen if one of us doesn't get something by then.

Christmas will just have to wait, that's all there is to that. why because there's a date on a calender we all have to spend $$$ anyways?

 

[CarolA]

Make sure your DH updates that resume weekly. It really does move it back to the top. I could see a jump when I did the update in emails, phone calls etc. (Granted some of them were to join the latest Pryamid scheme selling "get rich quick" but you have to weed through the trash to find the treasure!)

 

[T. Lynn]

Hmmm, maybe I'll post my resume on there too.

I do have an interview on Thursday so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I love the position, the company, the hours AND it's located next to my parents house (if bad weather, I'd have a place to stay). I want this job so bad that I'll be so upset with myself if I don't get it. I was already crying last week because I had a telephone interview and I was very disappointed in myself...felt I could have done so much better but got bad news 1/2 hour before phone call. It really distracted me and I shouldn't have let it (though it was kinda hard not to). Good thing is I got a return call for the regular interview so I'm very thankful. I feel it's a chance to redeem myself, although maybe they were impressed with me somehow.

Please say a prayer for me. Times are so tough right now that I need something badly. I'm hoping this position came along because it's everything I'm looking for and at a time I need it the most as well.

 

[kathianne]

Make sure your DH updates that resume weekly. It really does move it back to the top. I could see a jump when I did the update in emails, phone calls etc. (Granted some of them were to join the latest Pryamid scheme selling "get rich quick" but you have to weed through the trash to find the treasure!)

Good suggestion

Actually he updates almost daily, all you have to do is change one character, a period or comma, and it updates. He's had a lot of calls, but all from headhunters, they just look for low-hanging fruit.

Depsite what people say, I think headhunters just muddy the waters. He's had interviews that went so well they all but hired him on the spot, then just nothing, not even a flush letter, he had to call the headhunter, then told it was given to someone else.

All headhunters do is get in the middle of the process. They just bring to the employers what the employers can find on their own on Monster, etc. The they want an "updated" resume, they tweak on it a little, then the headhunter owns it. any job that is a result of that resume they get a commission for, oftentimes one year's salary. That's some $$$!

Let's face it,neither of have skills so unique to need a headhunter to match us up, and when the employer is interested they are scared off by all the legal hoops they must jump through in order to satisfy the HH. Then even if you apply for a similar job with the same company, using your own resume, not the HH's version, the company is nervous about crossing some gray area about who "owns you" and the commission, so they just ignore you.

HH's love to scrub those boards. Its a good deal, just place a few people a year and you can make $$$, all probably in your spare time!

I found a job last year just like that by going to a job fair, job fair on Monday, interview on Wed, hired on Wed, started the following Monday. But I had to quit it for a variety of reasons and they're no longer in business so I can't re-apply. But I found out by cutting out the middle man I got more in less time!

Best to go the old-fashioned route and just apply directly. There's a lot of activity generated through Monster, etc, but it just results in a lot of spam, headhunter's looking for low-hanging fruit, that's about it.

 

[kathianne]

And, Carol Ann, the suggestion about California is a good one, dh has had a lot of interest displayed in him from employers in Ca, but we simply can't up and move, but perhaps we wouldn't have to, they might offer something based from here, or work at home, you never know!

 

[JoiseyMom]

Good suggestion

Actually he updates almost daily, all you have to do is change one character, a period or comma, and it updates. He's had a lot of calls, but all from headhunters, they just look for low-hanging fruit.

Depsite what people say, I think headhunters just muddy the waters. He's had interviews that went so well they all but hired him on the spot, then just nothing, not even a flush letter, he had to call the headhunter, then told it was given to someone else.

All headhunters do is get in the middle of the process. They just bring to the employers what the employers can find on their own on Monster, etc. The they want an "updated" resume, they tweak on it a little, then the headhunter owns it. any job that is a result of that resume they get a commission for, oftentimes one year's salary. That's some $$$!

Let's face it,neither of have skills so unique to need a headhunter to match us up, and when the employer is interested they are scared off by all the legal hoops they must jump through in order to satisfy the HH. Then even if you apply for a similar job with the same company, using your own resume, not the HH's version, the company is nervous about crossing some gray area about who "owns you" and the commission, so they just ignore you.

HH's love to scrub those boards. Its a good deal, just place a few people a year and you can make $$$, all probably in your spare time!

I found a job last year just like that by going to a job fair, job fair on Monday, interview on Wed, hired on Wed, started the following Monday. But I had to quit it for a variety of reasons and they're no longer in business so I can't re-apply. But I found out by cutting out the middle man I got more in less time!

Best to go the old-fashioned route and just apply directly. There's a lot of activity generated through Monster, etc, but it just results in a lot of spam, headhunter's looking for low-hanging fruit, that's about it.

A good headhunter is an excellent job search tool. All headhunters I have used got me jobs that were not on monster. They were direct from the company. For alot of companies it is easier for them to use headhunters to weed out the unqualified resumes and only send them the best they have. Most of the time with head hunters, you can get an accurate reason as to why you weren't hired. I can't remember the last time a company sent a letter saying thanks but no thanks. Basically if you don't hear from them, well that's the flush letter. Just a sad sign of the times.

 

[TashaRVT]

I guess I'll join the crowd; I just got my hours cut from approx. 40/week to approx 24/week.

It's like a kick in the gut, isn't it? Needless to say, I'm looking for a new job, but I haven't done that for 12 years now, so it's a bit nerve-wracking. All I can do is keep my fingers crossed!

 

[T. Lynn]

I'm looking for a new job, but I haven't done that for 12 years now, so it's a bit nerve-wracking.

I can relate. My last real interview was in 1995.

 

[minniecarousel]

Well, we're among the ranks of the unemployed too. DH was let go at the end of Dec. He received a settlement (he had worked for this co. for 8 years - the co. was only about 9 years old, so he was there from almost the beginning - but the co. was bought by a big conglomerate a few years ago). He's a programmer/project mngr and found a contract job right away. That ended in June and he's been looking ever since. He talks to HHs, then nothing. He applies on-line for jobs and hears nothing. I work half-time and since my 91 year-old mother lives with us, I really can't work more.

It's so frustrating. We keep thinking that this won't go on much longer.

To all looking for a job: hang in there. Don't be too proud to ask for help, if you need it.

 

[kathianne]

I suppose we could investigate having our mortgage lowered, perhaps transfer cc balanced to lower rate zero rate cards, we had a small Roth IRA that was in mutual funds, I converted it into cash, still in the IRA but stable, that's it, our total emergency fund, at least we have that.