My optimism is waning

[mickeymedic]

I lost my job 7 weeks ago. Within a few days I received a phone call from a former co-worker, Alex, asking me to come work for him. Great! Only one problem...the one and only speeding ticket I have ever gotten in NY put 4 points on my license. And this employer will only hire people with 3 points or fewer. OK - so I found a defensive driving class right away. That was 6 weeks ago. The class finally showed up on my license last week Thursday. I called Alex right away and he told me to fax over a copy of the driving record. He said I should have a job offer in about 2 days.

Well, it has now been over a week. I spoke to Alex today and he was surprised that HR had not called already with a job offer. The job is in Alex's division, so it's not like the position was filled and no one told him. The job still exists. It's stressful enough to not have a job. But I was doing OK because I knew this job was waiting for me. Now I'm not so sure.

I have applied to multiple other job postings, but I have not received a single call. I applied for a supervisor job at the request of another former co-worker. He was part of the decision-making body for the organization and really wanted me to apply. Well, now it sounds like I was the only qualified applicant; so instead of granting me an interview, they are lowering their requirements for who can apply. And the person who asked me to apply is fed up and distancing himself from the whole process. So, yet another once-promising posibility that will not pan out.

I just want to return to work - preferably in my same field. But, at this point, I am starting to wonder if that will even be a posibility. I'm most frustrated about the first job opportunity (the top of this post.) It really sounded like a sure thing. And now I feel like I have been left hanging.

 

[hentob]

 

[mickeysgal]

I'm so sorry. I hope you find something soon. We've been there and know how this feels.

 

[Nik's Mom]

These are ugly times. I really feel for you! You are added to my prayers. Hang in there!

 

[mickeymedic]

Thanks! Hugs and prayers are welcome and much appreciated.

 

[mickeysgal]

Call everyone you know. Ask them to contact people. Don't be afraid to ask for help. You have to network, network, network with everyone. Follow up with them - not too much as to be intrusive but enough to let them know you're still looking. Try to stay as positive as you can be when you're talking to people - even if you have to force yourself; it comes across better. Let your real feelings out at home in private.

In the meantime, get a tight hold of your budget and cut/slash anything and everything out of it. You have to be prepared to fly very low under the radar for awhile with spending.

From the bottom of my heart, I hope you climb out of this as soon as possible. I know how this feels.

 

[mickeymedic]

Thank you for the great advice. I did this all during the first few days, but I must admit I got a little lax when I thought that I was on the verge of going back to work. Now that I am not so sure that the job will pan out, I really do need to redouble my efforts.

 

[mickeysgal]

Thank you for the great advice. I did this all during the first few days, but I must admit I got a little lax when I thought that I was on the verge of going back to work. Now that I am not so sure that the job will pan out, I really do need to redouble my efforts.

Don't slow down on the job hunt until you cross that finish line. We made the mistake of letting our guard down and assuming things and then got disappointed a couple of times. Keep you head down, stay strong and steady, and plow through this. Look everywhere and talk to everyone - church, school, neighbors, friends, family, their friends, etc. Not sure what you do, but are they any professional organizations out there that you can get job placement assistance from? Anyone you know that can give your resume a professional review? Keep a spreadsheet of who you talked to, their contact information, when you talked to them, notes on who they're going to talk to on your behalf, whether you sent a thank you note, and a date that you tell them you're going to follow up with them. It keeps you organized.

 

[mickeymedic]

Looks like I have found my own personal cheerleader. That is exactly what I need right now. Thanks! I am a paramedic by trade, but I have spent the last 3 years as the Director of Training - 2 years for the largest ambulance service in the region and 1 year for the second-largest ambulance service in the region. I have not done much field work as a Paramedic in the past year. And at this point I am not sure that I could handle working as a Paramedic full-time due to my recent diagnosis with UCTD (undifferenciated connective tissue disease.) Shortly after I requested accomodation for my health issues I was fired. When it rains it pours.

 

[mickeysgal]

Looks like I have found my own personal cheerleader. That is exactly what I need right now. Thanks! I am a paramedic by trade, but I have spent the last 3 years as the Director of Training - 2 years for the largest ambulance service in the region and 1 year for the second-largest ambulance service in the region. I have not done much field work as a Paramedic in the past year. And at this point I am not sure that I could handle working as a Paramedic full-time due to my recent diagnosis with UCTD (undifferenciated connective tissue disease.) Shortly after I requested accomodation for my health issues I was fired. When it rains it pours.

I'm sorry to hear that - that's a lot of stuff dumped on you all at once.

When it happened to us, people would tell me that it will work out for the best - and it did. It really did and I would have never believed it if I hadn't lived through it myself. And it will for you too. You just have to get creative and find places that need people with your training and background. How about community colleges that teach Paramedic courses? Have you registered with temp agencies? Check into your local library or your local chamber of commerce. Sometimes they know of networking groups that meet with the purpose of placing people in jobs. They have guest speakers., help you polish up your interview speeches, and people available to review resumes. Our local church had one of these groups.

Hopefully someone here on the DIS will be able to suggest other places to look.

In the meantime, keep your chin up and keep yourself so busy you don't have time to get down on yourself. It also keeps the stress level in check.

 

[minniecarousel]

I hear ya!

DH was down-sized at the end of December, got a contract job right away that lasted for 6 months. But - nothing since then. I think we both thought that another job or contract would turn up. Now, with so many people out of work, it's looking pretty bleak.

I would think that a job in your field would turn up. Gotta have paramedics and their support team, right?!

Hang in there.

 

[jenn&nelsonrego]

Good Luck!

DH lost his job last July... (we received news of the company shut down while walking the beach at Disney's Vero Beach)

We got real lucky when he got a job working with his former vp in October... we just had another layoff scare a couple weeks ago (everything is ok - for now)... it is a terrible feeling in the pit of your stomach....

I hope everything works out for you!

 

[Tink888]

Hang in there. You will find something and everything will work out. I'm saying a prayer for you. I know it's discouraging but you will find a job soon.

 

[mickeysgal]

Good Luck!

DH lost his job last July... (we received news of the company shut down while walking the beach at Disney's Vero Beach)

We had been at Disneyland, our first time ever. Had a fantastic time over spring break. DH worked throughout the trip - on the phone constantly. The day we returned was the day that they told him no more job. The company was merging and the controlling company got rid of all management of the acquired company. And come to find out, they knew the whole time. They just wanted him to finish the piece of work that he was working on.

The silver lining...the company he was working with on that last project, picked him up and we transitioned into that job almost seemlessly.

It does all work out.