anyone else unemployed?
- Thread starter MPW
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So I'd like to spend some of this downtime filling out my skills. I've hit a brick wall looking for jobs sometimes where if I had mastery of a particular software (Final Cut Pro, Photoshop, InDesign, Quark, etc.), I'd have a huge leg up.
Are there methods out there (besides piracy) where I could use, learn and self-teach with this software? I just can't plunk down the thousands of dollars to buy them outright.
Are there methods out there (besides piracy) where I could use, learn and self-teach with this software? I just can't plunk down the thousands of dollars to buy them outright.
University libraries if the computers don't require a log in.
I would think almost any reputable university would restrict access to their network.
Magnus: you might want to try to take a CC class if you have the money and time available. Also you could look for art or design schools that offer relevant classes in digital imaging (there's a museum-affiliated school in my area that does this). Or maybe look into hobbyist organizations in your area, like a photography group or something, that might be able to help you out.
I see you're in Toronto. Here's something I found:
http://www.tiwi.ca/index.html
http://www.dpac.com/TrainingToronto/Toronto/TrainingCoursesToronto.html
TheyTookOurJobs
Member
I've been unemployed since Sept. of '11.
My story:
Worked there for 5 years, started as an intern. Long story short, during the end, there was a round of layoffs and everybody was jumping ship. I hung on for as long as I could and was only 1/2 time (20 hours) toward the end. I really loved the job and knew what I was doing too.
It crushed me when I got the news I had just bought a house before the layoff. My bipolar disorder got out of hand for awhile, I had rage and anxiety. I haven't really looked for a job because I haven't up until now felt like I could handle it. I'm going into the state unemployment office on Thurs. and getting assigned an occupational therapy conselor. Hopefully they can help find me a job.
Has anybody used one of those conselors? Do they actually help you find a job? I heard they support you pretty well.
My story:
Worked there for 5 years, started as an intern. Long story short, during the end, there was a round of layoffs and everybody was jumping ship. I hung on for as long as I could and was only 1/2 time (20 hours) toward the end. I really loved the job and knew what I was doing too.
It crushed me when I got the news I had just bought a house before the layoff. My bipolar disorder got out of hand for awhile, I had rage and anxiety. I haven't really looked for a job because I haven't up until now felt like I could handle it. I'm going into the state unemployment office on Thurs. and getting assigned an occupational therapy conselor. Hopefully they can help find me a job.
Has anybody used one of those conselors? Do they actually help you find a job? I heard they support you pretty well.
AlphaTwo00
Member
Hey guys.
My EI ran out. Starting to burn through savings now...
My EI ran out. Starting to burn through savings now...
So I'm changing gears in my employment been in the restaurant industry for the last 2 years but decided to get back to a real job that pays real money. The only issue I have is that I know I can do the job I am applying for but my resume only has restaurant work.
How do I play this off in the cover letter? I have a degree in business admin (lol a joke I know) so at least that is something.
How do I play this off in the cover letter? I have a degree in business admin (lol a joke I know) so at least that is something.
PantherLotus
Professional Schmuck
Just heard about layoffs here. Cutting 10%, or 60 something. Not sure which is bigger. Scared shitless. My wife just had a baby in Jan.
Keep me in your thoughts. This would be devastating if I'm one of them.
Keep me in your thoughts. This would be devastating if I'm one of them.
Thanks, and to everyone else offering advice.
I've made an arrangement with friends who have the relevant software to get access to them and learn everything I can with my downtime. After just a couple of days, I feel pretty happy with what I know about photoshop already! It'll just feel good to have extra things like that on a resume.
I got a call for a 10-day PA gig today. I always get the short-term jobs while my friends get the long-term ones or the permanent ones, but alas, can't complain. Any work is good and another stepping stone to more connections.
Pop your head into the resumé thread guys; interesting discussions there if nothing else.
Keepin all you guys in my thoughts and ask the same. 2012 will bring something for all of us.
ShadyMilkman
Banned
Hang in there, dude. I'll be hoping you aren't one of them
Finished my scientific phd in heart physiology jan 17th and the last 6mo was so time consuming I never had time to look for a job afterwards ans I kind of expected to get a post doc scholarship to continue my work. My lab didn't have money to keep me and I wasn't even rankesdin the top 15 of the scholarship receivers (too little experience), and the money for a 3 month contract to finish a project fell through. i live in a rather small city with no pharmaceutical industry to talk about and my gf just gt a new job, so we're stuck here. Up to yesterday, I haven't seen a single job offer that fit me and the one I've seen is a salesmen position, but I have to go for it. The moral is: don't overducate yourself
Edit: i get 60% of my last years salary for up to two years from the governmet, so at least I can pay my loans and buy food
Edit: i get 60% of my last years salary for up to two years from the governmet, so at least I can pay my loans and buy food
Old Gimlet Eyes
Member
Well the UI office can certainly answer better than I can, but I will give it a shot.
When you file a UI claim, EDD goes back a year from the date of the claim and looks at when you worked. They will take your highest earning quarter from that year and base your UI payments upon that quarter. For example, I was laid off in September 2009, they went back to my December 2008 work quarter and based my UI claim on that, as it was my highest earning quarter from that year.
If you would have waited until Feb 2012 to file, they would have went back one year previous from that claim date.
You shouldn't have any "old claims" or benefits on them. You use your UI until you run out or can no longer receive it due to new employment or otherwise. If you old claim was a tier 4 extension, you should have used the rest of that or not, they shouldn't go back to that and base your new claim upon that 4th extension.
Not sure how you wouldn't be eligible for an extension, when you just filed a new claim. You shouldn't even be worrying about extensions or talking about them with EDD, until your claim is approved.
Hope that helps.
Was fired last Friday for excessive lateness and absenteeism due to car problems, my workplace is a good 45 minutes away and my car's been acting up lately. Sucks, fired right before PAX. Got enough saved for the trip and stuff already, but afterwards completely wiped out. Parents can cover me for a bit while I try look for another job.
Old Gimlet Eyes
Member
You are going to file a UI claim right? Even if fired for cause there is still a chance you can get approved for UI.
disappeared
Banned
I'm getting pretty close to unemployment again, I think. We've had a lot of down-time at the yard and I've been working half days on and off for a while now. Some days I just don't even bother going in because I know there's nothing to do. It's great when we're busy because I have something to focus on, but it's been so hit and miss lately.
And then there's the simple fact that I don't see myself going too much further with this job (seriously thinking about going to university).
And then there's the simple fact that I don't see myself going too much further with this job (seriously thinking about going to university).
Bloody hell. Earning £450-500 monthly ... and I get a call for an accountancy apprenticeship. Sounds great, but the only problem is I'm worried I won't be able to get there every day. Can't exactly say that though to the people who have set me up with the interview: it would look pretty shitty.
Also finding it hard to get myself excited about an accountancy apprenticeship interview. It's almost three months since I got accepted into the program, and I've been working to the point where I just haven't been thinking about it. I was considering telling them it's too far out (which it is, really) but I may as well go for the interview if nothing else. Will talk with my parents later.
Also finding it hard to get myself excited about an accountancy apprenticeship interview. It's almost three months since I got accepted into the program, and I've been working to the point where I just haven't been thinking about it. I was considering telling them it's too far out (which it is, really) but I may as well go for the interview if nothing else. Will talk with my parents later.
Skel1ingt0n
I can't *believe* these lazy developers keep making file sizes so damn large. Btw, how does technology work?
On Monday I had a phone interview for an Advertising Manager position. Experience would be good, I'm familiar with the company, and I'm very confident in my ability to do the job well. I actually know the HR person who talked to me - I've worked for the company in the past (but in a much lower position) - and she was extremely friendly. She said the conversation would take about twenty minutes; but it kept going really well, and eventually lasted a bit over half an hour. For every question, I had a great answer; and for every skill in question, I had an example of how I had done just that in the past. I was told she was going to pass my information along to her boss, and I'd hopefully hear back in the next week or so.
***
Today I drove out about 50 minutes for a Marketing Specialist position. Again, experience would be great; but I'm much less familiar with the industry. I believe it would be a tougher job, and it take a bit to "catch up." That said, I'm eager to do so, and furthermore, the pay in this position is a lot better than most of the other positions I've applied for. I had a phone interview last Friday, which was initiated after I sent in my Cover Letter and Resume' on CareerBuilder. So, right of the bat, she knew I was a recent grad with little "real world" experience. But even still, I did well during that phone call, and she offered to see me today. Upon arriving, I was thrilled to see I had dressed appropriately (I decided not to go with the full tailored suit, and instead went for nice slacks, shirt, and a wool blazer). I was given an application/background check, a thirty minute logic exam, and then a thirty minute interview. I had absolutely zero jitters, and rocked every answer. The position sounds great, and I really do think I would do a whole lot of good for the company. I was told she'd get back to me by the end of the week.
... And so here we are. Just ... waiting... I'd really be happy with either position, and think I'd do an excellent job in either role. I'm really hoping to get some good news in the coming days.
I feel if they're willing to give someone with less experience a shot, then I have the job. But I know that's a big plunge to take, regardless of the company. I did my best. I answered promptly and with good content. I'm happy with myself. At this point, I think I can only wish for the best.
***
Today I drove out about 50 minutes for a Marketing Specialist position. Again, experience would be great; but I'm much less familiar with the industry. I believe it would be a tougher job, and it take a bit to "catch up." That said, I'm eager to do so, and furthermore, the pay in this position is a lot better than most of the other positions I've applied for. I had a phone interview last Friday, which was initiated after I sent in my Cover Letter and Resume' on CareerBuilder. So, right of the bat, she knew I was a recent grad with little "real world" experience. But even still, I did well during that phone call, and she offered to see me today. Upon arriving, I was thrilled to see I had dressed appropriately (I decided not to go with the full tailored suit, and instead went for nice slacks, shirt, and a wool blazer). I was given an application/background check, a thirty minute logic exam, and then a thirty minute interview. I had absolutely zero jitters, and rocked every answer. The position sounds great, and I really do think I would do a whole lot of good for the company. I was told she'd get back to me by the end of the week.
... And so here we are. Just ... waiting... I'd really be happy with either position, and think I'd do an excellent job in either role. I'm really hoping to get some good news in the coming days.
I feel if they're willing to give someone with less experience a shot, then I have the job. But I know that's a big plunge to take, regardless of the company. I did my best. I answered promptly and with good content. I'm happy with myself. At this point, I think I can only wish for the best.
Well.. I'm not unemployed, but I might as well be. I currently work two jobs (one day job, one night job), ranging from 55-70hr weeks. I recently graduated uni in the summer just gone, with a computing degree (got a 2:2 ;_; ). My current day job is in the financial planning sector, for which I have no interest in whatsoever. My friend got me the job sometime in September so I can't complain, I thought it would be good to get some experience and earn some money while looking for jobs I want to do.
I want to leave both jobs, but have nothing lined up. My degree qualification is not the greatest, most if not all jobs I see require at least a 2:1 to apply so there's no point in me applying for it right? I want to get a portfolio going, but I simply can't find time to create several programs/games/demos in order to make a portfolio.
I feel like I'm in a neverending cycle, with no way to get out. It's starting to depress me to be honest, as the days go by I feel like I'm getting further and further away from getting a job I want..
I want to leave both jobs, but have nothing lined up. My degree qualification is not the greatest, most if not all jobs I see require at least a 2:1 to apply so there's no point in me applying for it right? I want to get a portfolio going, but I simply can't find time to create several programs/games/demos in order to make a portfolio.
I feel like I'm in a neverending cycle, with no way to get out. It's starting to depress me to be honest, as the days go by I feel like I'm getting further and further away from getting a job I want..
Just been checking bus times, and basically comes down to one buse. 40 minute journey plus 15 minute walk is the total travel time.
Only one of the main buses can get me there on time and a little early, the one after gets me there at 9 in the morning (though any traffic, and I'm stuffed, and I've caught enough buses for college to know that you do get stuck every now and then and do run late).
The other bus service is every 60 minutes. So from 8 would be very fine, from 7 would get me there an hour before.
Edit: decided I'll go to the interview for practice, but I'll turn it down if I get it. It'd be too much hassle, and I can afford to wait.
Only one of the main buses can get me there on time and a little early, the one after gets me there at 9 in the morning (though any traffic, and I'm stuffed, and I've caught enough buses for college to know that you do get stuck every now and then and do run late).
The other bus service is every 60 minutes. So from 8 would be very fine, from 7 would get me there an hour before.
Edit: decided I'll go to the interview for practice, but I'll turn it down if I get it. It'd be too much hassle, and I can afford to wait.
PantherLotus
Professional Schmuck
They got me. Laid off.
It was just like you see in the movies. Fat little man on the other side of the desk, sad-looking HR lady next to him. And a folder.
I got a decent severance package and have at least one prospect in a different industry, but I'm pretty upset. Saw my friends crying on my way out with my box.
The worst part was the long walk of shame from my cube, all the way to the bottom floor, out to the parking garage. I walked out with my head held high, but my chin cracked a couple times when thinking about my toddler and baby girl.
Wish me luck.
It was just like you see in the movies. Fat little man on the other side of the desk, sad-looking HR lady next to him. And a folder.
I got a decent severance package and have at least one prospect in a different industry, but I'm pretty upset. Saw my friends crying on my way out with my box.
The worst part was the long walk of shame from my cube, all the way to the bottom floor, out to the parking garage. I walked out with my head held high, but my chin cracked a couple times when thinking about my toddler and baby girl.
Wish me luck.
After 4 months of unemployment (laid off because of HP's stupidity), I'm finally back with what looks like a great career. I felt like Atlas, carrying the world on my shoulders, and now I finally placed it aside and I feel like myself again. Finally.
Sorry to hear that PantherLotus. Best wishes getting back sooner rather than later and best of luck.
Sorry to hear that PantherLotus. Best wishes getting back sooner rather than later and best of luck.
You never know, it doesn't hurt to apply! If you can make it to an interview and show confidence in your abilities then something may happen.
Of course you got to pay the bills but you won't find something else unless you make time for it and take that financial hit.
Sqrt_minus_one
Member
I got a 2:2 in mechanical engineering - was absolutely devastated, got severely depressed about it - got several mix and match jobs till I got on a grad program the following July. Now got a career of sorts of the ground and intend to keep running - apply anyway to everyone.
ThisWreckage
Banned
Fuck North Carolina. What a shitty state. The unemployment rate here is miserable and it would be even worse if the banks weren't bailed out. People can't even get retail jobs here.
Red_taiyaki
Member
Oh man, I feel your pain. I worked as a p/t manager at my local GameStop for about five years....it was brutal :/. Still a job is a job I suppose.
keeblerdrow
Member
Guys. GUYS. As you can see from my tag, I've been unemployed since August 2008. August. Two thousand and eight.
In that time, I've spent time rebuilding who I was after a terrible soul shattering job. I went back to school. I spent two years there and came out with a Bachelors and a good idea of what I'd want out of a grad program. I fell ill right after graduation and with the work of doctors and the help of my family was well enough to start looking for work again this past fall. In the time since I was let go I've had 3 different girlfriends, 2 changes of address, 3 birthdays, 2 cars, a multitude of low points, and more high points than those. I've made friends and saw them off to work elsewhere in the US and I've welcomed friends home from work abroad. I've been a boomerang kid for schooling and a fiercely independent person despite my circumstances. I've played video games, read books, started bicycling twice, learned a programming language and forgotten it, volunteered, attended a prom, converted a vegetarian with the power of ball park hot dogs, dated a kink and a vanilla in that order, created a chili recipe that I am proud of, reused the same box for fifteen different presents with no one noticing...
This whole phase of my life has passed. Today I got a job. And in the state of Michigan, too. It feels like I played the odds for the longest time straight and they finally fell in my favor. This is such a relief and I wanted to share it with you. This unemployment isn't forever. And if you're just coming into it, it's not as scary as you think.
Now mods, if you're reading this, let's get me a tag change.
In that time, I've spent time rebuilding who I was after a terrible soul shattering job. I went back to school. I spent two years there and came out with a Bachelors and a good idea of what I'd want out of a grad program. I fell ill right after graduation and with the work of doctors and the help of my family was well enough to start looking for work again this past fall. In the time since I was let go I've had 3 different girlfriends, 2 changes of address, 3 birthdays, 2 cars, a multitude of low points, and more high points than those. I've made friends and saw them off to work elsewhere in the US and I've welcomed friends home from work abroad. I've been a boomerang kid for schooling and a fiercely independent person despite my circumstances. I've played video games, read books, started bicycling twice, learned a programming language and forgotten it, volunteered, attended a prom, converted a vegetarian with the power of ball park hot dogs, dated a kink and a vanilla in that order, created a chili recipe that I am proud of, reused the same box for fifteen different presents with no one noticing...
This whole phase of my life has passed. Today I got a job. And in the state of Michigan, too. It feels like I played the odds for the longest time straight and they finally fell in my favor. This is such a relief and I wanted to share it with you. This unemployment isn't forever. And if you're just coming into it, it's not as scary as you think.
Now mods, if you're reading this, let's get me a tag change.
Im reading this thread and seeing so many people unemployed for years. Um, how the fuck does that even work? I am going to assume these people had 40k in the bank when they got laid off, are living off a spouse, or they are living with parents. I mean, i got some money in the bank but if i were to be laid off even with unemployment (which is shit in Florida) i would be out of money in 6-9 months. I'm a single guy renting an apartment.
ThisWreckage
Banned
People living with their parents in the U.S. is at an all time high.
It's also infinitely depressing talking to people I graduated college with. Brilliant, educated people that are either unemployed or working some dead end part time job in retail. My generation is fucked.
keeblerdrow
Member
I had 35k in a profit sharing account that got dumped to me one month after I got let go. That combined with unemployment and the fact I've never had a car payment meant I lived for over a year on my own accountable to no one. 8 months after I started back at school, I moved into the house my parents were trying to sell because they moved across state and the market is terrible AND it was 5 minutes from campus. So yes. I had help, but I also had an emergency strategy for unemployment. All my planning never counted on going so long without a job though. The last 6 months I've been selling off my games in the B/S/T thread here and elsewhere just to cover my bills.
I've been unemployed for a month now. Having hard times finding anything to substantiate my life, every dollar I spend leaves me wracked with guilt and I have trouble not doing the few things that made my life worthwhile when I was working.
I'm really thinking about committing suicide, there are no jobs and everyday sucks. I'm having trouble hurting myself, is it something I graduate to? Any advice on a quick and easy way out from the cyclical hell of unemployment is appreciated. How about the army?
I'm really thinking about committing suicide, there are no jobs and everyday sucks. I'm having trouble hurting myself, is it something I graduate to? Any advice on a quick and easy way out from the cyclical hell of unemployment is appreciated. How about the army?
ThisWreckage
Banned
Some people will try to tell you otherwise, but joining the military for a job is a terrible idea and you'll probably end up hating everything you do as a result.
Ive always been curious about a life being sustainable by volunteering somewhere. Like maybe in another country doing an aid job. I can't imagine these are common though.
krameriffic
Member
Interviewed with Halliburton for a field engineer position today. Fucking hope I get it, I'm ready to have a job physically kick my ass for weeks at a time on an oil rig.
i am sorry dude to hear that. i know being unemployed is a terrible thing. My longest bout of it was 4 months. it was terrible.
one of my best friends gave him a nice advice and i remember it everytime. he said #'if you covet something out of reach look at those who are less fortunate than you'
As long as you're healthy in body and mind and you have nourishment and security then you are doing better than millions of people out there. remember things change. nothing remains the same. stay positive and keep looking. that job is just around the corner. It may take special effort to get it or even find it but its there. Preserve.
Don't feel sorry for yourself. That's a path to self destruction if there was ever on. Good luck.
Suicide over money is never the answer.
There's people who have been out of work for YEARS in this thread.
A month is nothing. You should consider serious professional mental health. If you can't afford it, then make it your motivator. You have 2 arms and legs, you can work at McDonald's until you get your life together.
Applied for it a few days ago. Haven't heard anything back. Still applying here and going to wait for a bit before setting myself on what I want to do, just throwing out applications here and there if anything bites.
Don't do it, try to attend job fairs at local universities you can apply with companies there even if you aren't a student just go in professional and be ready!
Trancetronic
Member
Although I'm not, it's really not worth your dignity working in retail/customer service industry. Sure it's a paycheck, and it gets the bills paid(and if you live with someone that you can work with, some cash to play around with), but I advice anyone who has common sense to never, ever work in retail. It will seriously make you a bitter person in the end.
If you can tolerate it, then that's cool. But sometimes when I go to work(I work in a retail pharmacy chain, guess which one) and by the time I leave, I wish I were unemployed.
If you can tolerate it, then that's cool. But sometimes when I go to work(I work in a retail pharmacy chain, guess which one) and by the time I leave, I wish I were unemployed.
What kind of nonsense is this? Yeah working retail is a shitty gig, but if its paying for your bills when you can't find work, suck it up and lower your standards.
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