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[Videoneon]

As of today, I am officially employed in my first "real" job. I held a couple of jobs through a work study program during undergrad, but they weren't "real" jobs; the sense of competition wasn't as real and the demand in skill is not the same. Don't get me wrong I'm grateful for the experience, but I felt I had it too easy while other people struggled more than I did. Look at the stories here.

This, after a summer of sending out resumes and one other interview before the ones I conducted with my (now) place of employment. I'm grateful to the place that finally considered me. I'll be starting soon. This thread has been amazing for its anecdotes, my apologies to those who lament their situations, employed or unemployed.

A lot of people that are unemployed are generally going for the service industry - i.e. cooks, waiters/waitresses, customer service representatives, manual labor, warehouse workers, and so on and so forth. There's a lot of competition in the unskilled jobs category from both people that don't have degrees/training for specific jobs and those that can't find jobs in their actual career fields of choice. It's completely saturated and it's a no brainer as to why people struggle to get employment. If you develop a skill that's truly needed it tends to be more difficult for your position to be eliminated or for you to be let go - while people that deliver pizza or push carts at a grocery store are a dime a dozen.

Something I've noticed too. And the more noticeable growth in jobs usually occurs in that industry. In general I've met people who say I rush into things without being ready, so I've talked to people and researched things, in the mean time when I'd be frustrated.

 

[Magnus]

I've officially started as a barista while continuing to find full time work in my field. I just needed ANYTHING, and despite the enormously low pay, Starbucks at least treats its employees generously and with ten times the respect of any other retail chain I've encountered.

I just found out though that a sure-thing paid internship close to my field (via a fellow grad) has just about evaporated because her bosses are insisting on a current student. Man. Fuck this; fuck a system that puts current students over recent grads with actual experience. I know it's an insurance thing and out of the hands of those who'd actually be hiring, but god damn it. I actually have experience and would be a huge degree more dedicated than the average postgrad student they'd hire instead.

I'm nearly 28 and constantly losing out on opportunities to people with less experience, maturity and years than me, and I'm starting to feel like potential employers are considering me a lost cause or something, opting instead for peppy young new grads in their early 20's.

How the fuck am I supposed to get ahead here? Or not ahead, just ON PAR with these 22 year olds?

Fuck.

 

[The Adder]

Interviews today and Tuesday, so I may not be for much longer

 

[Magnus]

Interviews today and Tuesday, so I may not be for much longer

Nice dude! Let us know how they go!

 

[Pachimari]

Ah, after I graduated college, it was almost a year before I got a job. Sometimes, you just have to keep on moving and hope for the best.

Yeah I'll try staying motivated.

I got one more rejection this week. But those who reply and reject me actually saves my application cause they think it's very interesting. But why wouldn't they bring me in for an interview in the first place then. =/

I'm just looking for a really basic job, kindergarten or retail stuff - part time now as I'm going back to school in a week.

 

[RedSwirl]

Turn 26 today. Still haven't landed a full-time job. God damn. Been unemployed from my last part-time gig since the new year.

 

[Magnus]

Turn 26 today. Still haven't landed a full-time job. God damn. Been unemployed from my last part-time gig since the new year.

It's been part time and freelance and intermittent bullshit all year. Finally have something steady now to keep me afloat, even if it's completely irrelevant to my career. Maybe pick up something similar for yourself to keep busy, and more importantly, stay mentally fit for work? It's rescued me from true despair.

 

[leroidys]

I've officially started as a barista while continuing to find full time work in my field. I just needed ANYTHING, and despite the enormously low pay, Starbucks at least treats its employees generously and with ten times the respect of any other retail chain I've encountered.

I just found out though that a sure-thing paid internship close to my field (via a fellow grad) has just about evaporated because her bosses are insisting on a current student. Man. Fuck this; fuck a system that puts current students over recent grads with actual experience. I know it's an insurance thing and out of the hands of those who'd actually be hiring, but god damn it. I actually have experience and would be a huge degree more dedicated than the average postgrad student they'd hire instead.

I'm nearly 28 and constantly losing out on opportunities to people with less experience, maturity and years than me, and I'm starting to feel like potential employers are considering me a lost cause or something, opting instead for peppy young new grads in their early 20's.

How the fuck am I supposed to get ahead here? Or not ahead, just ON PAR with these 22 year olds?

Fuck.

I'm 25 but basically in the same situation. I'm working retail and have squeeked up to 11.20/hour while going back to school for computer science (hold a degree in linguistics). I'm seriously considering just leaving the country.

 

[Magnus]

I'm 25 but basically in the same situation. I'm working retail and have squeeked up to 11.20/hour while going back to school for computer science (hold a degree in linguistics). I'm seriously considering just leaving the country.

High-five.

Serious question: where does the money come from for a venture like leaving the country? I've had people suggest things like that to me, like, "move to another city?", "go back to school", etc. And I'm like, "that takes thousands and thousands of dollars to do effectively, especially if you want some kind of financial safety net in case things don't work out."

 

[1stStrike]

High-five.

Serious question: where does the money come from for a venture like leaving the country? I've had people suggest things like that to me, like, "move to another city?", "go back to school", etc. And I'm like, "that takes thousands and thousands of dollars to do effectively, especially if you want some kind of financial safety net in case things don't work out."

Moving isn't cheap, even it's just to another state. Obviously, if you don't take much with you (like just a suitcase or something) then it does get quite a bit cheaper. I'm going to be moving to another state at some point and I'm going to give myself a $5,000 buffer just to ensure that ALL of my expenses are covered before and after the move.

I think the people suggesting this aren't taking into the account the fact that you're broke/can't afford to drop money on moving. It sounds good in theory. "Just move somewhere else and start fresh!" Not as easy as it sounds in reality, though.

 

[MC Safety]

Moving isn't cheap, even it's just to another state. Obviously, if you don't take much with you (like just a suitcase or something) then it does get quite a bit cheaper. I'm going to be moving to another state at some point and I'm going to give myself a $5,000 buffer just to ensure that ALL of my expenses are covered before and after the move.

I think the people suggesting this aren't taking into the account the fact that you're broke/can't afford to drop money on moving. It sounds good in theory. "Just move somewhere else and start fresh!" Not as easy as it sounds in reality, though.

It's also known as doing a geographic (or geographical), the thinking being you're addressing your problems by moving to a new location. But the problems still exist and, of course, it's costly and time consuming to move to a new location.

I didn't know it, but apparently the phrase originated from alcoholics anonymous.

 

[Chinpoko_Master]

I just started applying for jobs this summer. I got my first interview ever about a week ago, and I didn't get the job but I'm grateful that now I'll at least be a little more comfortable with the interview process.

The thing is, I just turned 22 a week ago and I've never had a job of any kind. Thinking about it just makes me depressed and makes me feel like I'm at a huge disadvantage already. I know it's better late than never, but I feel like I'm screwed.

The only thing that comforts me is that I'm in the process of getting my degree for Computer Science, which I've heard is a promising field for careers. I just hope it stays that way by the time I graduate.

 

[TheyTookOurJobs]

I love some mild fear and anxiety and occassional depression. Anybody else experience this? I find myself self staying in bed until 11am, sometimes 2 pm with naps during the day. Some times all I do is watch TV. My therapists say I shouldn't be looking for work right now, but should stay active by doing projects, reading, and work around the house. I do those things too, but 13 hours a day is a lot to kill...

 

[MC Safety]

I love some mild fear and anxiety and occassional depression. Anybody else experience this? I find myself self staying in bed until 11am, sometimes 2 pm with naps during the day. Some times all I do is watch TV. My therapists say I shouldn't be looking for work right now, but should stay active by doing projects, reading, and work around the house. I do those things too, but 13 hours a day is a lot to kill...

I know it's hard, but helping to incorporate some routine in your schedule may be theraputic.

Maybe you should try spending, say, two hours per day searching job-related Web sites, preparing résumés and cover letters, and applying to one job a day. If nothing else, it will keep you engaged and give you good practice/experience for when you're able to search for jobs in earnest.

I'd be interested to know why your therapists suggest you shouldn't be searching for jobs.

 

[1stStrike]

I love some mild fear and anxiety and occassional depression. Anybody else experience this? I find myself self staying in bed until 11am, sometimes 2 pm with naps during the day. Some times all I do is watch TV. My therapists say I shouldn't be looking for work right now, but should stay active by doing projects, reading, and work around the house. I do those things too, but 13 hours a day is a lot to kill...

This is what I was talking about in an earlier reply to this thread. We're creatures of habit, which is why retirement can be difficult for a lot of people to settle into. You need to find something to do throughout the day.

If you don't already, spend an hour or two working out. Even if it's just walking, riding a bike, some basic exercises in your home, or hell, Wii Fit. Just stay active. It'll help invigorate you. There's no reason for you to be sleeping as late as you do and then taking a nap in the middle of the day at your age (I'm assuming you're not 75 years old).

As MC Safety said, dedicate time to job hunting. You can't half ass it if you actually want to get employed (you need to suck it up and get over this depressed bs). Next, keep your brain active by learning something. Don't just stare at the tv all day and feel sorry for yourself. Read a book. Teach yourself something. Go to http://livemocha.com and start learning a new language. There's a ton of things you can do.

Like I said earlier, I'm 100% self-taught and that's how I got the job I have now. You have all this free time - don't waste it. Even if you actually believe your therapist and don't pursue a job right now, you should still attempt to better yourself.

 

[TheyTookOurJobs]

This is what I was talking about in an earlier reply to this thread. We're creatures of habit, which is why retirement can be difficult for a lot of people to settle into. You need to find something to do throughout the day.

If you don't already, spend an hour or two working out. Even if it's just walking, riding a bike, some basic exercises in your home, or hell, Wii Fit. Just stay active. It'll help invigorate you. There's no reason for you to be sleeping as late as you do and then taking a nap in the middle of the day at your age (I'm assuming you're not 75 years old).

As MC Safety said, dedicate time to job hunting. You can't half ass it if you actually want to get employed (you need to suck it up and get over this depressed bs). Next, keep your brain active by learning something. Don't just stare at the tv all day and feel sorry for yourself. Read a book. Teach yourself something. Go to http://livemocha.com and start learning a new language. There's a ton of things you can do.

Like I said earlier, I'm 100% self-taught and that's how I got the job I have now. You have all this free time - don't waste it. Even if you actually believe your therapist and don't pursue a job right now, you should still attempt to better yourself.

It's too hot to walk outside right now, but I try to do it in the morning or evening. And I can't just "get over" depression BS. I know some of it my fault, and I'm working on that, but I'm bipolar and some of it is chemical. Being unemployed makes it even worse. I feel like I've learned enough with 2 degrees and a certificate and have had enough learning. I do read throughout the day.

 

[TheyTookOurJobs]

I know it's hard, but helping to incorporate some routine in your schedule may be theraputic.

Maybe you should try spending, say, two hours per day searching job-related Web sites, preparing résumés and cover letters, and applying to one job a day. If nothing else, it will keep you engaged and give you good practice/experience for when you're able to search for jobs in earnest.

I'd be interested to know why your therapists suggest you shouldn't be searching for jobs.

I work with a voc rehab conselor (Or at least, I did), and she had me applying to 4-5 jobs a week.

My therapists don't want me looking because job hunting is stressful and that makes me more anxious, fearful and depressed.

 

[Magnus]

Is applying to just one or two jobs a day really enough? I don't feel like I've hit all the right bases unless I've applied to at least 5-10 a day, or more realistically these days (since I'm working part time), like 20 a week.

 

[MrPink93485]

Is applying to just one or two jobs a day really enough? I don't feel like I've hit all the right bases unless I've applied to at least 5-10 a day, or more realistically these days (since I'm working part time), like 20 a week.

Maybe I'm being overly picky or not motivated enough but I couldn't stand to do more than a couple a day. Right now I've got an ultimatum of doing at least one a day, so 7 a week unless there's a lot of jobs I think are a good fit for me. I've done maybe 9 this week?

 

[Magnus]

Maybe I'm being overly picky or not motivated enough but I couldn't stand to do more than a couple a day. Right now I've got an ultimatum of doing at least one a day, so 7 a week unless there's a lot of jobs I think are a good fit for me. I've done maybe 9 this week?

I hear ya

I begin to lose my mind at the 3-hour mark on a day's worth of searching. That is, three hours combined of searching, researching, resume prep, cover letter editing, looking up contacts, perhaps cold calling, and actual submissions/applications. Sometimes I'll read up a bunch and commit 10-20 minutes to working on something or researching a position, and realize it's not a right move for me, and end up not applying to it. It's the process. End result is hopefully at least 4-5 apps a day.

 

[MrPink93485]

I hear ya

I begin to lose my mind at the 3-hour mark on a day's worth of searching. That is, three hours combined of searching, researching, resume prep, cover letter editing, looking up contacts, perhaps cold calling, and actual submissions/applications. Sometimes I'll read up a bunch and commit 10-20 minutes to working on something or researching a position, and realize it's not a right move for me, and end up not applying to it. It's the process. End result is hopefully at least 4-5 apps a day.

Yeah, you're way more dedicated than me. I spend maybe an hour to an hour and a half per day finding something and making the necessary edits to my resume and cover letter. I feel like I'm half ass-ing the process sometimes which is a problem, but then again, it's only been a few months since I've graduated so I'm not completely desperate yet.

 

[Laughing Banana]

If any of you are interested in working in hotels, I can probably help you guys, but I live in Indonesia so... :\

Hopefully all of you can pick yourself up.

 

[Pachimari]

I just started applying for jobs this summer. I got my first interview ever about a week ago, and I didn't get the job but I'm grateful that now I'll at least be a little more comfortable with the interview process.

The thing is, I just turned 22 a week ago and I've never had a job of any kind. Thinking about it just makes me depressed and makes me feel like I'm at a huge disadvantage already. I know it's better late than never, but I feel like I'm screwed.

The only thing that comforts me is that I'm in the process of getting my degree for Computer Science, which I've heard is a promising field for careers. I just hope it stays that way by the time I graduate.

I had never had a real job until I were 22 as well last year. I have since had 2 full-time jobs do don't worry too much.

I haven't had a job since October last year and got another rejection today but I'm all for sending out more applications this month. I won't give up at all, I just need to be patient and save the money I can save.

 

[black_vegeta]

After a year of being unemployed I finally landed a job (part time). Ironically it's with the same company that laid me off. This time I'm working with their IT HelpDesk team instead of working for their Tech Support (supporting external customers). I love it and I enjoy it alot! Hopefully there's a chance for me to go full time with them, if not I'll have some great experience to put on my resume.

 

[Liberty4all]

I lost my job in December 2011. Was given 2 months paid severance and then I knew I would have another six months of employment insurance.

Surely I would find something in eight months right?


My biggest mistake was this:

I focused solely on the industry I am trained in/went to school for/have worked for the last six years. I discovered quickly that due to government budget cutbacks there weren't nearly as many positions in my field as when I had started in the industry. I sent out an average of 3 resumes a week (targeted resumes at specific employers I knew I would get interviews at). Most of the employers that interviewed me they flat out told me they had over 200 resumes come in for these positions (usually for 1 position) After about 12 or 13 interviews (I lost count) and seven months later I still found myself without a job.

I realized it was do or die time. So I diversified. It sounds so simple, but when you are mid career it's hard to realize you may have to "start over" again in a new industry/career. The next question being of course, how and where to start over. Looking at my transferable skills I quickly ascertained that perhaps counselling could be shifted into customer service/advisor type role. I also found I had transferable skills in marketing, and social media.

I went from 3 resumes a week to sending out SIXTY resumes a week averaging about 9 - 10 resumes a day. Thanks to "diversifying" into essentially new industries and entry level positions I was able to easily find lots of stuff to apply for.

Fast forward to today. My Employment Insurance ran out August 4th (today).




I start on August 13th.


Thank god.

I got a position as a Customer Advisor at a tech company. For the record the last six years of my life have been working as an Employment Counsellor (irony I know). I suppose I should have really looked at my transferable skills sooner, but I fell into the same trap many of my clients used to make ...

a. Didn't want to leave my industry/don't want to start over
b. Felt that "surely" something would come/lots of time left
c. Not trained for other roles/want to continue working in the "career" I'm educated in

and I held onto this frame of mind until it was almost too late.

To be fair to myself I DID get shitloads of interviews throughout the last 8 months for positions in my industry ... but the competition was SO fierce.

Anyways the position I locked in is with a great tech company, working in a role where I'll be working directly with people (CSR/Social Media/email response/etc). I'm looking at it as an entirely new beginning, and as an entry level corporate position, something that may lead to great things down the road.

I also believe that I've found the right "fit" in terms of companies ... while they are corporate we are talking "tech" corporate (ie. no dress codes, flat management structure, work/life balance, etc). My previous positions as Employment Counsellors were all contract based revolving year to year around hoping to get government funding approval (and getting laid off if funding not approved). So I'm also hoping this new corporate job is alot more stable.

Meh sharing my story. I'm really happy to have found a job. Anxious a little bit as it's new from what I've been doing, but still really happy.

Moral of my story I guess is to look at positions that may not always be obvious -- look based on your transferable skills and life experiences. What you went to school for is not the be all and end all of careers. I'm not saying don't try to get into whatever you went to school for, but I'm saying don't let it all ride on that if things aren't working out (in terms of getting an interview).

 

[DarkChronic]

Good luck everyone. Finally landed something. It's at a mortgage loan company, I'll be working directly under the loan offices starting at $13/hour.

I'm 22, fresh out of college and back to living with parents, so I'll probably live here for another year or so and just save up before I move out.

Can't stress how important networking and connections are. Unless your resume is absolutely outstanding, you'll have a difficult time jumping to the top of the interview process, it seems.

 

[Magnus]

I'm officially sick of hearing sad stories about acquaintances finishing up a contract/losing a job, having a million people reach out to them with support an connections and having them bounce back to full time work within a month. The bravado afterwards of people praising said person for 'bouncing back' so well after having no work for "so long" (a whole fucking month?!) makes me ill. Some of us sidelined LIFE for months, and some in this thread, for YEARS.

I know, I know, I'm insanely bitter. I'm happy for my friends and acquaintances that find something, but man. Where's my support and connections? It's like everyone gives up on you if you don't seem to make progress within a few months; I feel like a totally written-off lost cause every day, even though I plug away at apps, network like crazy and reach out to find new opportunities every single day. Sigh.

On the up side, the new part job's going ok, but man, I barely get around 30 hours a week, and at minimum wage in Toronto, it's nowhere near enough to move out again with.

 

[iNancy]

My boyfriend is unemployed. I decided to major in nursing in hopes to avoid that issue. I will go into debt with student loans though. Yay for BSN

 

[1stStrike]

My boyfriend is unemployed. I decided to major in nursing in hopes to avoid that issue. I will go into debt with student loans though. Yay for BSN

It seems like that's become the catch all. Can't find a job in what you originally wanted to do? Has life got you down? Become a nurse now!

Nursing (and any kind of medical field, really) is quite an investment. I wouldn't go into it unless it was something I seriously wanted to do just because of the huge expense of paying for the education aspect of it.

Now, don't get me wrong. Nurses are a necessity in our society since everyone lives way older than we were ever intended to these days, but I wonder how long until that career field becomes saturated too?

 

[yn-neko hates a cat]

The worst thing to hear is that you can't even be considered because you are over-qualified. Who new low-income labor would be as dificult to get with an education as professional position is without an education.

*risk management*

Thankfully those days are behind me. I roled the dice and after 8 months of being an unemployed cs major, it seems that I know enough people and have picked up enough skills to be marketable. I wish I fought my friends harder when they went into various engineering fields. Who would have predicted that developers would end up being in demand 9 years later. Fate is a strange thing.

 

[yn-neko hates a cat]

In all seriousness people... consider CANADA!

 

[Misguided]

Was working at my first job at DQ (17), now unemployed since I'm leaving for college soon. Hopefully I'll be able to get a job somewhere up in Orlando!

 

[yn-neko hates a cat]

Was working at my first job at DQ (17), now unemployed since I'm leaving for college soon. Hopefully I'll be able to get a job somewhere up in Orlando!

What's your major?

 

[Misguided]

What's your major?

Computer Science

 

[yn-neko hates a cat]

Computer Science

I know you didn't ask for it but here's some advice:

1. Bad News: College, on the surface, will not prepare you for the professional world. It'll just give you a good foundation for theory. Good News: All the tools you need to get yourself ready are there already. Ask and spung knowledge from the professors and other students at every opportunity.
2. Once you fill compitent in something new you learned, do a personal project you like with it and take time to polish it. This will be far more valuable in your portfolio later than any school work. If you can get paid by a company or have it used by some business (fro free), do it! Sure your being used but it will pay out like you wouldn't believe.
3. In case you missed that, keep a portfolio. Old fashioned? It's the only way to save your potential employer time during the interview process. If they know you can do what you claim to be able to do. The more confident they will feel when they hire you. It takes years to build a portfolio you can talk through with confidence so start early.
4. Find what area CS you are interested in and find out what the professional applications are for every course you take to get closer to that goal. This will also help to inform you what the course aren't teaching you and then read and study online if necessary. You have time in college so don't overdo it.
5. Take speach and debate classes. Our type often relegate ourselvse to the social ineptness. Be the guy who's always assertive and presents his thoughts clearly. Elimimate the sound "umm" and "ehhh" (...etc) from your vocabulary. This is a very important attribute if you wish to advance in your career.
6. A good foundation in CS is development focused around data systems. This includeds data abstraction and data communication layers and it goes far beyond networking. Don't worry if you don't know what it means now because your college education will do a good job of making sure you are exposed to it. Become really good at those concepts because in tough times, they are really good security blankets because they work above languages... above hardware. Once you know them, you can pretty much couple it with anything in technology.
7. Take your time with all the things I listed and you will have no problem with work in the future. This is the trend technology has been moving in for years abd as far as I know, its a sector that isn't hurting and is still will to let you work remotely... if you're good enough..

 

[vipemike]

Can i ask how honestly people cant find a job after 2 months let alone a year ?

I've moved to 2 cities i have never lived in before from a small farm, Found jobs that both paid resonably well in like 16 days.

You cant just send out 3 resumes a day and then blame it on depression. Your not going to ace every interview but you keep trying. I woke up at 8am and sent out resumes first then, Went to an interview, Came home and kept applying.

Its not that hard.. Really!

 

[BotoxAgent]

After a year of being unemployed I finally landed a job (part time). Ironically it's with the same company that laid me off. This time I'm working with their IT HelpDesk team instead of working for their Tech Support (supporting external customers). I love it and I enjoy it alot! Hopefully there's a chance for me to go full time with them, if not I'll have some great experience to put on my resume.

congrats man! I hope u go full time soon.

 

[Raitosaito]

I just got a scheduled test with the City of Long Beach. The fiance needed a more secure income than freelance videography, and now I think we might not have to live at a crap place.
First time in a long time I almost cried just getting a response. I know I've only been lurking in this thread, but for the rest of you stay strong.

 

[Xero]

Can i ask how honestly people cant find a job after 2 months let alone a year ?

I've moved to 2 cities i have never lived in before from a small farm, Found jobs that both paid resonably well in like 16 days.

You cant just send out 3 resumes a day and then blame it on depression. Your not going to ace every interview but you keep trying. I woke up at 8am and sent out resumes first then, Went to an interview, Came home and kept applying.

Its not that hard.. Really!

I've have sent over 50 resumes a week before for a few weeks and not gotten a job offer.

 

[1stStrike]

I've have sent over 50 resumes a week before for a few weeks and not gotten a job offer.

Usually indicates either a problem with your resume, yourself or you're applying for the wrong jobs. You have to look at it logically - if you're applying for jobs and aren't getting offers, then you're doing something wrong. You need to change things up and re-attack the problem from a new angle.

 

[zoleristec]

Another prospect fell through.

2012 is a lost year.

 

[Xero]

Usually indicates either a problem with your resume, yourself or you're applying for the wrong jobs. You have to look at it logically - if you're applying for jobs and aren't getting offers, then you're doing something wrong. You need to change things up and re-attack the problem from a new angle.

A lot of my problem is the wage range I'm looking for, and the jobs I have to apply for due to lack of college.

 

[The Adder]

I am officially employed with Public Outreach!

At least for a week, if I pass muster during training I will have solid gainful employment!

Taxes would be the same either way. He just gets benefits now.

Benefits trump $2.75/hr if you ask me

 

[PantherLotus]

Been a while since I posted in this thread, but I have only good news. I had a part-time gig, which started out as a hobby, become a very serious, very full time gig with bennies doing what I love. It's a dream job, working from home, playing on the internet all fucking day long.

All things said and done, with a three month severance and part time work (and some freelance design gigs I picked up along the way), I lost only about three weeks of pay over the course of five and a half months.

Last bit of advice before I unsubscribe: do what you love and get really fucking good at it, then prove it over and over again to people that would care. Connections matter, experience matters. Resumes and cover letters and all that...it really sucks and it's the worst way to get a job. If this schmuck can get a dream job, anyone can. Best of luck!

 

[Liberty4all]

Can i ask how honestly people cant find a job after 2 months let alone a year ?

It depends what you are looking for.

Speaking for myself, sure I could have grabbed a minimum wage job after being laid off. But does it make sense to go from 45k a year with benefits to 12 dollars an hour? Especially if you have a family to support? Better to stay on Employment Insurance (which Often pays MORE than a min wage job) and take the time to find a good paying job in your field that isn't going to be a dead end career wise.

Many people also have specific education and years of experience in specialized fields -- a job in that field if expertise = good money/career mobility/more experience/etc ...

Speaking for myself I spent months trying to get back into my field (close to 7 months). Sometimes the bottom of an industry falls out and it's not as simple as "just send 50 resumes a day". In my field you'd be lucky if 3 or 4 relevant positions a week showed up in a job search.

Eventually I expanded my search to other industries where I focused on my transferable skills to land a new position. But I had to think real hard about it. As you get older changing careers is a big move and one that could potentially screw you over progression wise (as you start with less experience than others and when that job ends you'll be older with still less experience in that new industry compared to younger workers)

I'm not saying its unfeasable but I am saying career pathing is VERY important once you hit your 30s. Alot of roads (specifically entry level positions) close once you hit 40 so it's very important to be mid stream career wise by the time you hit your 40s.

Again it's not as simple as "send out 50 resumes a week!" unless you just dont care anymore what it is you do (your willing to go anything for any pay at all).

With that said, once I figured out my transferable skills and researched new industries that paid well AND had lots of openings I did do the 50 a week thing and found work within a month. The thing is though I look at this as a last chance for a career change (I'm 36) in terms of going into something new entry level AND having enough years left to build up to mid level by the time I'm 40.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that planning out how you apply and to whom is just as important as the number of resumes sent out ... And this process becomes even more important as you get older.

 

[Sqrt_minus_one]

So having recently joined the ranks of the unemployed from today, I thought it would be a good idea to get some feedback on the state of my CV - skills I should be looking to develop, professional qualifications and the overall presentation.

I recall some gaffers were offering CV advice so I thought why not, if you are able to give a shout in the thread and I will PM my CV.

For the record I am a Mechanical Engineer with 3 years experience but I have been working in project management of engineering projects not in the engineering side of the projects for the entire of that period. I am looking to move into the engineering side but opportunities are few, I did screw up on my first degree though and got a 2:2 (equivalent American GPA ~ 3.0), a low score did all right in my post grad and got a high merit.

Thanks GAF

 

[Songbird]

I've given up on job hunting. Had nothing but a few unsuccessful interviews every month since Dec 20th, so I'm going back to school. Entrance interview is next Tuesday - If I don't get it I'll try fasting so I can become a soldier.

So tired of getting no feedback other than "you were in the top three." Is it how I look? My voice? How I have no Facebook account?

 

[Arsenic Yellow]

.

 

[pje122]

Been a while since I posted in this thread, but I have only good news. I had a part-time gig, which started out as a hobby, become a very serious, very full time gig with bennies doing what I love. It's a dream job, working from home, playing on the internet all fucking day long.

All things said and done, with a three month severance and part time work (and some freelance design gigs I picked up along the way), I lost only about three weeks of pay over the course of five and a half months.

Last bit of advice before I unsubscribe: do what you love and get really fucking good at it, then prove it over and over again to people that would care. Connections matter, experience matters. Resumes and cover letters and all that...it really sucks and it's the worst way to get a job. If this schmuck can get a dream job, anyone can. Best of luck!

Wow. May I ask what the role is?

 

[Lion Heart]

Goddammit.

I was offered a job from a friend who works at a place his friends started a few years ago. I told him I would think about it but as of yesterday they hired someone else.

This was my chance to get out of the manual labor industry and I fucking blew it. I'm sick with grief right now. Why do I make such poor decisions.