ZackusMaximus
Banned
I've been unemployed since Monday. I haven't even updated my resume yet. I'm taking a mental health break for a week or two. I'll be back...
anyone else unemployed?
- Thread starter MPW
- Start date
- Status
http://gawker.com/5927342/hello-from-the-underclass-unemployment-stories-vol-one
Just saw that on Gawker. Makes some of the posts in here seem like feel-good stories :\
Just saw that on Gawker. Makes some of the posts in here seem like feel-good stories :\
It's pretty bad when your wife is considering selling her body for minimum wage jut to get a job. I can only wonder how many people kill themselves over unemployment.
Freeza Under The Shower
Member
And there's yur problem.
The first story seems to written by someone with good stories (her landlords trying to get her to convert to Buddism). I hope she realizes she could probably write a pretty good tale / novella from all this. Assuming that it's all her talking (and not the editor making it more appealing) she has a good sense of irony.
A man can't even get a job at McDonalds because he is over qualified, I don't understand why it's so hard these days.
Dang, signed on for my JSA whilst I've been applying for jobs out my ass. At least it's some cash...
Interviewed with a company about 3 weeks ago, but ain't heard squat since. Got another interview coming up in a couple weeks and just applied for my dream job. I'm losing sleep over this :x
Interviewed with a company about 3 weeks ago, but ain't heard squat since. Got another interview coming up in a couple weeks and just applied for my dream job. I'm losing sleep over this :x
i know tons of people who are unemployed. i think the problem isnt being unemployed its not caring that you are. some of the people i know try to get jobs and do what they can, the other group which really pisses me off just sit at home all day and claim they are looking and then act all depressed that they have nothing. dont sit home all day and complain. go out look and you will find something. it can take weeks or months, mine took 3 months, but you will find something.
http://www.webhostingtalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=33
Almost all of those jobs are those which can be done remotely.
dark_chris
Member
Im happy to say I got two jobs. =)
One for my school as a media producer and another for a huge company...
One for my school as a media producer and another for a huge company...
TheyTookOurJobs
Member
Worked at Wells Fargo 3 weeks for a temp and they didn't like me. It was a temp job. They want you to do the job perfectly with no mistakes from the get go, and I was still learning. On top of that, they didn't get my logins right away and I only had one monitor while everyone else was working with two.
Holding off on looking for my next job because I'm having depression issues.
Am trying to get a low stress job in retail or warehouse.
Holding off on looking for my next job because I'm having depression issues.
Am trying to get a low stress job in retail or warehouse.
Having the same problem even though i'm not unemployed (really dont want to be working where I am anymore though). I guess the best option in this case (similar to what Krameriffic did) is just to apply to any job that states 1-3 years experience anyway. If you've got the rest of the requirements, you never know.
I'm waiting on an HR rep from Farmers Insurance to call/email me after having completed two of their online assessments...hopefully I end up netting the interview/job (Claims Adjuster). She seemed pretty open to communication and direct in her emails, so I guess that is a good sign.
No word back from the larger places in Houston like Shell, Halliburton, TXU, Reliant though. I've only got a BBA in General Business, and as of May i'm 1 year out...so all you can do is keep trying if you're fresh/semi-fresh. Been beaten out by people with 5-6 years experience before though. Not in dire straits or anything, but I want to move upward.
youngwerther
Banned
I am an idiot.
An absolute idiot.
About a month ago I applied to a job at the local hospital here. It was for a part-time histology lab assistant. Pay scale anywhere from $11-$15 an hour. The only qualifications was some stuff about having taken certain classes at the university level, which I met. As someone who has NEVER had a job that wasn't fast food or dishwashing (at minimum wage), this was big for me. Really big. I wanted this job so badly that it hurt. I'm living on my own for the first time, I moved out about a month ago. This job would pay the bills, would put me in an environment I wanted to be in, give great experience, and work well with my school hours. Despite my computer skills I've never even been able to get a desk job, just the same old fast food work. I want out of the restaurant industry so badly because I can't stand it. I'm tired of working around hot grease and dealing with rude people who think I am the scum of the earth, and putting up with lazy coworkers who simply don't care.
The hospital has a job section on their website, where you can log in and check the status of your applications. I hounded that page constantly, and was always annoyed that the job status remained as "open", because they never called to even talk to me even though I seemed like a perfect fit.
Eventually, about a week ago, the status suddenly changed from "open" to "closed". I was naturally disappointed, and kind of confused at how I never even got a shot at the job, but I figured that someone else must have been more qualified and shrugged it off with a "that's life".
Anyways, today I just realized that I haven't checked my voicemail in about 2 weeks. Lo and behold, a voicemail from July 12th, from a man from the hospital calling me for an interview. July 12th. I can't even remember what I was doing that day, but it certainly wasn't checking my voicemail.
I just had to type that because I have no one to talk to and I can't believe I fucked that up over something so stupid. I feel like my heart is going to sink through the floor.
An absolute idiot.
About a month ago I applied to a job at the local hospital here. It was for a part-time histology lab assistant. Pay scale anywhere from $11-$15 an hour. The only qualifications was some stuff about having taken certain classes at the university level, which I met. As someone who has NEVER had a job that wasn't fast food or dishwashing (at minimum wage), this was big for me. Really big. I wanted this job so badly that it hurt. I'm living on my own for the first time, I moved out about a month ago. This job would pay the bills, would put me in an environment I wanted to be in, give great experience, and work well with my school hours. Despite my computer skills I've never even been able to get a desk job, just the same old fast food work. I want out of the restaurant industry so badly because I can't stand it. I'm tired of working around hot grease and dealing with rude people who think I am the scum of the earth, and putting up with lazy coworkers who simply don't care.
The hospital has a job section on their website, where you can log in and check the status of your applications. I hounded that page constantly, and was always annoyed that the job status remained as "open", because they never called to even talk to me even though I seemed like a perfect fit.
Eventually, about a week ago, the status suddenly changed from "open" to "closed". I was naturally disappointed, and kind of confused at how I never even got a shot at the job, but I figured that someone else must have been more qualified and shrugged it off with a "that's life".
Anyways, today I just realized that I haven't checked my voicemail in about 2 weeks. Lo and behold, a voicemail from July 12th, from a man from the hospital calling me for an interview. July 12th. I can't even remember what I was doing that day, but it certainly wasn't checking my voicemail.
I just had to type that because I have no one to talk to and I can't believe I fucked that up over something so stupid. I feel like my heart is going to sink through the floor.
Hydrogen Bluebird
Member
Finally got a great job offer from a game development studio.
Last week, they emailed me a job offer and then a few days later, sent me an email with the list of pre-employment requirements and said that the contract signing would probably be this week.
I'm just waiting for them to call and schedule a contract signing. Kind of weird that a contract signing is taking too long? But they did say that the position they offered me is a new one and that the contract/actual job description was still being prepared.
Hope they call tomorrow.
Last week, they emailed me a job offer and then a few days later, sent me an email with the list of pre-employment requirements and said that the contract signing would probably be this week.
I'm just waiting for them to call and schedule a contract signing. Kind of weird that a contract signing is taking too long? But they did say that the position they offered me is a new one and that the contract/actual job description was still being prepared.
Hope they call tomorrow.
MrPink93485
Member
You're in Houston too?
Getting crushed here. Got a BSBA in Econ, but nothing going so far.
There are total lackwits (ungrateful, total self-servers to boot) totally gobbling up all the positions I've been after for the past year, including VOLUNTEER positions. It's utterly maddening.
I'm so sorry man. That's the absolute heart-wrenching worst. Now you know that you'll never make that mistake again though.
(I take it you called back to ensure that the job's actually gone? Would you be able to manufacture some kind of story to cover for why you'd be replying so late, etc?)
ChubbyHuggs
Member
I just started a job last Friday and I'm moving into a new apartment nest Tuesday! 
youngwerther
Banned
Yeah, I called first thing today and said something about having to order a new battery for my phone (bleh), but the guy said the position has already been filled.
Oh well, you live and you learn.
Bummer dude!
I feel with you, big time.I'm in a total haze lately. Like, all of the right connections are in place in the industry I want into. Everyone knows I'm actively looking for work. I send a fuckton of resumes and apps out every week. Nothing seems to be materializing though.
It's hard not to have an overactive/self-destructive imagination, and start thinking that there's some kind of conspiracy against you. I look at what I've done and what I'm doing to find work, and compare it to all my peers from school, and my results are nothing like their's. I have no idea what I'm doing wrong. Sometimes it feels like I pissed off one or two key individuals without even realizing it and I've been blacklisted or something. (tv in Toronto is a remarkably incestuous, if still sizeable industry; feels like there are only 2-3 degrees of separation between everyone)
I have a lead on work in hospitality via family connections, with jobs that might be ultra-tangentially related to some of the jobs I'd love to have in my own target industry (television production), but the prospect of spending a year or more in the wrong industry feels a little soul-crushing. But damn, I'd say yes right now if something came of this new opportunity; any kind of full-time job would be a dream come true right now.
user8503492
Banned
Well, Comcast in Trenton shot me down with a nice "sorry, you didnt get the job" email this morning...
I fucking knew it was going to happen. they gave me the most unprofessional interview I have ever had
(guy was late, both interviewers kept taking calls or leaving the room during the interview and while I was answering thier questions, dude had a TV in his office and was watching "Amen" etc..)
I hate to say it but I feel like my great resume and list of tech certs didnt mean shit cause when I walked into the office I automatically was gonna be struck down..
Lets just say, I walked into the Comcast located in the middle of Trenton (yeah, ghetto as fuck) maybe a bit over dressed..and the last question they asked was "You think you could work in an Urban environment"...
I fucking knew it was going to happen. they gave me the most unprofessional interview I have ever had
(guy was late, both interviewers kept taking calls or leaving the room during the interview and while I was answering thier questions, dude had a TV in his office and was watching "Amen" etc..)
I hate to say it but I feel like my great resume and list of tech certs didnt mean shit cause when I walked into the office I automatically was gonna be struck down..
Lets just say, I walked into the Comcast located in the middle of Trenton (yeah, ghetto as fuck) maybe a bit over dressed..and the last question they asked was "You think you could work in an Urban environment"...
The Horror the horror
Banned
I've been in one of those where the hiring manager immediately disqualified me before conducting the interview. I knew she wasn't interested in anything I said, because she would nod her head after every question before I even opened my mouth to answer them. No follow up questions; it's like she was reading from a script and was set to automatically nod at the end of each question. Later I discovered, from my recruiter, that she simply did not approve of the fact that I removed my blazer before the interview started, and she simply eliminated me right then and there.
Skellig Gra
Member
Sounds like you were better off not working there if they deal in that kind of petty shit.
user8503492
Banned
I think, and Im not trying to pull any race cards, it was because I was white..
I talked to some people I know her are supervisors/admin at my wifes work and they said "WOW..thats F'd up" at the last question "Can you work in an urban environment"
Not to mention when I left the interview and and walked past all the others thier for an interview, I was the only white dude.
I think thats what killed it for me...others I talked to thought it too, saying they might not want to send a white cable installer/tech into the projects and such.
Its funny cause Ive done extensive structural drilling projects in Camden, all 5 borroughs in NY, the worse parts of Philly etc... I mean Ive had ATV's nearly run me over in the streets as I was working and bought crack heads lunch to keep watch of my samples, shit I grew up in the projects and was basically po' white trash lol..
But they didnt even give me an oppurtunity to say anything about my job history, just read off a bunch of pre-written questions...
I just started a job last Friday and I'm moving into a new apartment nest Tuesday!
Congrats, it's nice to read a success in this thread of no financial gain.
Being over-qualified has been a problem I've been running into lately, and I'm afraid its cost me a few opportunities. I think people are afraid i'm just going to hang around until a new job opens up then you run. Just today i applied for a job that required only a High school degree and two years experience with the software they use. I'm thinking letting them know i have a BS was a mistake. I really need a job bad, so i'd be grateful for almost anything at this point. I'm not sure what to do? Is it technically lying not to mention i have a bachelors if it applies? And then how do i explain the gap of several years it creates?
I know that pain. A while back i saw a job posting from my old college. I didn't take a good look because I was busy, and it didn't look like it would fit me well, so i back burnered it for a few days.
A few days later i sit back down to take a look at it. And it was perfect. Abso-fucking-perfect fit for me and my job skills. I have two, kind of different education backgrounds, and this used them both. And it said, in big bold letters at the bottom of the application "Applicants must submit by 10:00 AM on Friday." I was reading this at 11:00 Am on Friday. I quickly filled it out and fired it back, begging for an exception, but it was just too late. He was very nice about it, and wrote me back saying he'd keep an eye out for other jobs (and since he has sent me a few things, he actually meant it).
But to miss out on the perfect job opportunity by an hour? I felt like shit the rest of the day.
I know that pain. A while back i saw a job posting from my old college. I didn't take a good look because I was busy, and it didn't look like it would fit me well, so i back burnered it for a few days.
A few days later i sit back down to take a look at it. And it was perfect. Abso-fucking-perfect fit for me and my job skills. I have two, kind of different education backgrounds, and this used them both. And it said, in big bold letters at the bottom of the application "Applicants must submit by 10:00 AM on Friday." I was reading this at 11:00 Am on Friday. I quickly filled it out and fired it back, begging for an exception, but it was just too late. He was very nice about it, and wrote me back saying he'd keep an eye out for other jobs (and since he has sent me a few things, he actually meant it).
But to miss out on the perfect job opportunity by an hour? I felt like shit the rest of the day.
perfectchaos007
Member
Houston unemployed GAF unite! I have been applying for at least one job every day for a month now. Still no replies, and I even tailor my cover letter unique to the job/position I'm applying for. I have a BS in Advertising, but I'm also applying for Marketing jobs. I'm not getting any hits and my parents are getting frustrated with me. Also, most of the job listings say "please, no phone calls". So i figure if I call them, i'm instantly eliminated from contention. There's no way to win.
Rebel Leader
THE POWER OF BUTTERSCOTCH BOTTOMS
MrPink93485
Member
Well it feels good to not be alone, though of course sad that we're all in these unfortunate situations. It's only been two months though so far, so I'm not utterly broken in spirit yet, but it's hard for me to get around and do stuff since I don't have a car, and my parents need them to get to work. So that leaves me to online applications which have so far been useless.
perfectchaos007
Member
I've tried the "hand delivered resume" method before, but more often then not you'll just hand it to a secretary that will give it hand it of to HR. In other words, it's no more effective than the email method. I would say well more than half of the jobs these days are given to individuals with a strong connections with someone who works at the business. I'm trying to build my network, play the game if you will, but I'm not exactly the extroverted type. Introverts are at a HUGE disadvantage in this economy when it comes to landing jobs.
MrPink93485
Member
Yep, and of course, I'm an introverted type, certainly more than capable of social interaction with strangers but I'm not the kind of guy with tons of initiative. And since I don't have much of a network here at all, I'm in a pretty bad position.
ChubbyHuggs
Member
I didn't think I was going to get it, but they called back and did an interview. They then called me in the exact day after for a "second interview." Told me I needed to do a drug test and background check. I'm only part time, but pretty sure that's 30 hours for them, so it all works for me.
Cow Mengde
Banned
Lie through your teeth.
That piece of advise applies to a lot of people. Lie to make yourself look better, or lie to make yourself look qualified. I got a job a few years ago simply by exaggerating my accomplishment. All I had was a week of work experience back then, but during my interview/resume, I wrote a year of experience. I got the job. I mean, I don't even know if that was the reason that got me hired, but it certainly didn't hurt me. I definitely looked better to say a year of experience rather than a week.
If you're worried you're over-qualified, then don't show all your card and hide some facts. I'm sorry if anyone thinks this is dirty or dishonest, but it's a competitive market. It's every man for himself. If you're trying to get a job just flipping burgers, tell them you're a college drop out/undergrad or something. Don't show them your Computer Science degree.
That piece of advise applies to a lot of people. Lie to make yourself look better, or lie to make yourself look qualified. I got a job a few years ago simply by exaggerating my accomplishment. All I had was a week of work experience back then, but during my interview/resume, I wrote a year of experience. I got the job. I mean, I don't even know if that was the reason that got me hired, but it certainly didn't hurt me. I definitely looked better to say a year of experience rather than a week.
If you're worried you're over-qualified, then don't show all your card and hide some facts. I'm sorry if anyone thinks this is dirty or dishonest, but it's a competitive market. It's every man for himself. If you're trying to get a job just flipping burgers, tell them you're a college drop out/undergrad or something. Don't show them your Computer Science degree.
Yeah, I finished college not too long ago, and I've been having trouble finding a job because I don't have much experience. Not too long after I finished school, a friend of mine got a full-time job working at a hotel on a employee recommendation.
It's really discouraging, and all I've been applying for are retail-like jobs, since that's about the only experience I have.
Aesius
Member
For a fast food/retail/low skilled job, yeah, this probably works. But you really can't do this for a "real job." They'll run a background check on you and your dates of employment will show up, and if they don't match what's on your resume (or are off by more than a month or two), you are eliminated from consideration.
Dr. Feel Good
Banned
What was your major? Why aren't you applying to jobs that relate to what you studied?
Hard to get experience in anything but retail jobs if you need experience for every other job. These employers are acting like assholes because it's recession time and they get to choose.
Cow Mengde
Banned
It wasn't a retail job, but was one of my very first jobs back when I got out of school many years ago. It was during a recession too. Plus, my example was just that, an example. I know there are jobs that check your background. What you need to lie about depends on what you're applying for. That's why I recommended people with high education and are desperate for anything to lie about their education for low paying jobs. I mean, what have you got to lose? You're not going to get it cause you're over-qualified anyway.
perfectchaos007
Member
Well the one thing you don't want to do is burn bridges. I cant say from personal experience, but from what others have told me who are in the marketing/advertising field, the community is closely knit. If you get caught by an employer doing something unethical like lie on your resume or even grossly exaggerate an achievement, it may very well may haunt you for years to come.
So had my Amtrak interview today and I messed up. Apparently the presidents motorcade was coming today or something so traffic was terrible and they blocked off my exit. I left 1 hour and 40 minutes early, and ended up being 7 minutes late. Unfortunately you can't get into the building unless someone lets you in. So by the time I got up there and they let someone know I was there, it was already like 20 after. They still did the interview, but by that point I was so nervous from being late, that the interview itself only went average. I know being late to an interview is essentially the kiss of death, so I suppose I will just have to wait for another opportunity with them.
EYEL1NER
Member
I had my eligibility review at the unemployment office yesterday but after spending the morning thinking about my benefits, I have decided I need to go in today and change my tax withholding.
I'm eligible for max benefits, $325 a week, but I opted to have the taxes withheld and only get $277 or so. I thought at the time that it was a good idea and meant I would have less to deal with at tax-time next year.
I'm leaving for my job in about three weeks but am unable to buy anything before I leave (and since I am going to a polar enviroment and only own shorts and shirtsleeve tops, I have a lot to buy). I have been playing catch-up ever since I got on unemployment since I was a bit short for rent when they started paying me and I had to borrow money from my buddy. I paid him back but the act of paying him back left me short the next month and I have to borrow from him again. My wife pays everything that isn't rent but she barely gets paid enough for that.
It seemed like such a good idea at the time, having them deduct taxes, but what good is owing less next year if I have no money now? I start work soon and can afford owing money next year; I can't afford anything now.
Such a dumb decision on my part. Luckily the unemployment office said all I have to do is stop in and fill out a form by the end of the week and it will take effect by next payment.
I'll only be able to get $100 extra or so, but it is much needed.
I'm eligible for max benefits, $325 a week, but I opted to have the taxes withheld and only get $277 or so. I thought at the time that it was a good idea and meant I would have less to deal with at tax-time next year.
I'm leaving for my job in about three weeks but am unable to buy anything before I leave (and since I am going to a polar enviroment and only own shorts and shirtsleeve tops, I have a lot to buy). I have been playing catch-up ever since I got on unemployment since I was a bit short for rent when they started paying me and I had to borrow money from my buddy. I paid him back but the act of paying him back left me short the next month and I have to borrow from him again. My wife pays everything that isn't rent but she barely gets paid enough for that.
It seemed like such a good idea at the time, having them deduct taxes, but what good is owing less next year if I have no money now? I start work soon and can afford owing money next year; I can't afford anything now.
Such a dumb decision on my part. Luckily the unemployment office said all I have to do is stop in and fill out a form by the end of the week and it will take effect by next payment.
I'll only be able to get $100 extra or so, but it is much needed.
Darren870
Member
Though I'm not unemployed my brother is just graduating school. Trying to get some advice for him besides just my own.
Right now he has been working "part time" at a company doing QA making about $20/ hr. He has been working 40hr a week recently so they offered him a full time job. Turns out the offer for the full time job will wind up with him making $17.25/hr. I found this very strange and so did he but I guess HR said it was due to benefits.
I told him to keep working part time as he has some other interviews coming up which would be more money. He seems committed to signing with them though and taking the interviews also. If the interviews turn into something then he would hand in his notice like 2-3 weeks later. I thought that was silly, but I think he is worried that if he waits any longer the whole offer will disappear.
He said he also likes the company and the people and that he sees it as an opportunity to move up. I told him that is silly and that its his first job out of school and that most people don't stay in their first jobs, especially in the IT field. Plus its not like it was with my parents where company loyalty actually got you something.
I know when I went from part time to permie at my first job they gave me about $11/hr raise.
Anyone have any advice, thoughts? Or is the economy still that bad he should be happy? I don't live in the US any more so I really don't know how it is. He is in the new england area if that helps.
Right now he has been working "part time" at a company doing QA making about $20/ hr. He has been working 40hr a week recently so they offered him a full time job. Turns out the offer for the full time job will wind up with him making $17.25/hr. I found this very strange and so did he but I guess HR said it was due to benefits.
I told him to keep working part time as he has some other interviews coming up which would be more money. He seems committed to signing with them though and taking the interviews also. If the interviews turn into something then he would hand in his notice like 2-3 weeks later. I thought that was silly, but I think he is worried that if he waits any longer the whole offer will disappear.
He said he also likes the company and the people and that he sees it as an opportunity to move up. I told him that is silly and that its his first job out of school and that most people don't stay in their first jobs, especially in the IT field. Plus its not like it was with my parents where company loyalty actually got you something.
I know when I went from part time to permie at my first job they gave me about $11/hr raise.
Anyone have any advice, thoughts? Or is the economy still that bad he should be happy? I don't live in the US any more so I really don't know how it is. He is in the new england area if that helps.
I'm at my wits end. Applied for a job, was invitied for an interview two days ago. Filled out some forms etc. A couple of documents were missing, she said I can give them in on Friday when I'm going to sign the contract, no problem etc.
Today I was supposed to sign the contract. I call and suddenly "err.. no, you took too long with the documents, we're not hiring you, please apply again etc." I felt like crying. This was the perfect job, very good pay, full time. I'm feeling seriously depressed right now. I have sent off the application but they're not even looking for people anymore according to their website.
I'm going on benefits now. I've tried avoiding it but I'm running out of money here. I've been on benefits before, I hate being on benefits. Feels shit and hardly covers anything. My only hope to get ouf this slump is to start Uni in October.
Today I was supposed to sign the contract. I call and suddenly "err.. no, you took too long with the documents, we're not hiring you, please apply again etc." I felt like crying. This was the perfect job, very good pay, full time. I'm feeling seriously depressed right now. I have sent off the application but they're not even looking for people anymore according to their website.
I'm going on benefits now. I've tried avoiding it but I'm running out of money here. I've been on benefits before, I hate being on benefits. Feels shit and hardly covers anything. My only hope to get ouf this slump is to start Uni in October.
Darren870
Member
Depends where you live and/or if you have to support a family. I would say yes though...
I would love a job with that pay.
My current part time job pays about $11/hour, and I work so periodically it's not funny. We're talking maybe two weeks a month, if I am INCREDIBLY lucky.
Add in benefits for the days I don't work, which amounts to about $20/a DAY.
These are all excluding the taxes that get's taken from me when the paycheck arrives. I can scrape by pretty much, but it's hard. Got to figure out ways to pay off the rest of the bills this month. Lawl.
(And yeah, in Sweden btw, so the currency might not be EXACT.)
Thats ~3250 a month here. Even after taxes, if you are not able to live with that, you have a big problem.
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