Stress Center Peer Support

Hello,

I was laid off at the end of April this year. Since that time I have been in school working on a masters degree and have gone on unemployment. When I'm not studying, I'm looking for work. I have applied to several places and probably 98% of the time hear nothing back at all. I haven't gotten a single interview in all this time! It is rough out there and the unemployment rate keeps rising so it is nerve-wracking for not just myself, but for many. My unemployment will run out in December and my only hope is to find something I can handle physically. Unfortunately, I have a bad back and am unable to perform physical work. With these constraints I can only hope to find something- even a clerical position would suffice. But it seems like even those positions are all flooded with like-minded applicants. If I haven't found work by the end of the year I will have to drop out of school altogether and probably will find a way to work- even odd jobs as I'm able. As the saying goes, it's tough out there. And it appears to be getting worse before it gets better. So to all of you, like me, who have been out of work for awhile- don't lose the faith. This can't last forever. It's hard to keep a positive mind about this but don't give up the ship. Don't give up!

Hi Sparkus -

I left my last job in the beginning of September. Fortunately, my field has not been as hard hit as others in this downturn. I don't know where you live or what your profession is, but I would recommend getting "The Job Hunter's Survival Guide" by Richard Bolles. I bought it within a week of quitting my job and it's been a really great resource.

Sparkus,

You will come out of this shining. You'll be surprised how much stronger you will be. You will have a sense of the worth of a dollar also. If you overspent before, you won't once you find a job. Treat this as a journey. It won't be forever. Take it a day at a time and try to stay as positive as possible. I was on a rotating layoff from March until September. I'm back full time, but who knows for how long. If I were to worry now about something that may happen or not, I'll waste my "precious present moment". Just breathe.

Hey Sparkus,

Just a thought: have you considered going into your own business? If you have, check with your state's unemployment office about starting a business or home business while you're on unemployment. Here in New York, once Albany approves you, you can start a biz while on unemployment and you get free or low-cost business advice on owning a biz. This business would not be a sideline gig. It would eventually be your primary source of income (that's what the state expects.)

My department was eliminated early this summer and have been working on my own enterprise while on unemployment after getting Albany's ok.

I've tried the self-employment route a couple times before with no luck- in fact lost money each time. I think I'm destined to just be someone's employee. I've already resigned myself to pick up whatever kind of work I can- even if it means doing physical stuff. My back is bad but I don't have much of a choice as I do need to generate income somehow. Thanks for your comments.

Sparkus,

you lost money.

I truly hope you find work soon.

Have you tried going through a staffing agency? They will be able to find you something, even if it's temporary.