Anyone been unemployed?

Question

I've been unemployed since November 2005 when our company had a major lay-off. I've gone back to school to change career paths, but have also been looking to get another job in what I was doing. Unfortunately, nothing has come up yet and I'm getting kinda" bummed-out about the fact that I can't find another job. School is going to take another year and a half to finish, and to be quite honest, I really don't enjoy school anymore (I've been there, done that) and would just like to get back to working in a chemistry lab again. Anyone ever been unemployed and found themselves in this situation? I'm just venting I quess. Thanks for listening.

Answer 1

I have been in the Corporate "jungle" for 20+ years and been down sized twice. It stinks, believe me.

If I may be so bold....use this as an opportunity to discover what you enjoy doing...then find a way to work for yourself by starting your own business.

I wish I had taken that advice before I had a wife and 2 kids to support! You will never be anything but a resource to a corporation, to be pushed aside coldly whenever they need to cut costs.

Keep the faith! I believe everything happens for a reason. When one door closes, another will open. Just keep an open mind and believe in yourself!

Answer 2

You're not alone. The job market sucks right now if you're talking about finding a "real" job. But there seems to be an overwhelming supply of the kind of jobs that SHOULD only be for high school and college students... whose only real expenses are car insurance, books and entertainment. I've been out of work for 2 months now and can't even find a simple entry-level job paying $10/hour. That would be a considerable pay cut from my previous job, which I also was laid off from.

But don't worry! The economy is doing great! *rolls eyes* The person above who said if you live in the US, you have no reason to be unemployed because we have so many "options"... ugh, people like that make me sick. I'm quite sure they've never seriously been down and out, or they wouldn't be saying things like that.

In my opinion, "options" shouldn't mean working for less than $10/hour after you've already graduated college and had almost 3 years of work experience. But now it's your turn to pardon me because I'M venting. *sign* Okay, I'm done now.

Answer 3

I've been unemployed for some time, but not as long as you. Have you ever thought of relocating? Maybe where you live there are not as many options to offer you. You should definitely think of that.
I am 30 and I am trying to get into nursing school. Not easy. I am retaking a couple of classes to get better grades. I wish i could be a nurse tomorrow. But I am glad that I still enjoy school.

Another thing. I don't mean to sound harsh or anything. But I assume that you live in the US. There is no excuse to be unemployed in this country. We have so many options here.

Good luck to you. I am sure you will find something. Be open minded.

Answer 4

I was unemployed for a while and got two part-time jobs-after a while; I began to get "burnout" because of the scheduling...I dropped one of the jobs (I still kids in school) and began doing volunteer work at a neighborhood ministry for a while...and I heard about some jobs through their job bank...I asked a family about putting my name to some people who were in employing positions...next thing I knew I was working part-time (with benefits) and soon I was full time! Try asking friends and family for suggestions; also some city jobs where you can volunteer will soon hire you if you are dependable.
Yeah, I realize "volunteer" means no paycheck...but for a time if you are at these businesses (libraries, or hospitals, or hospices) you will see what jobs are open. I didn't mean to "talk" your ear off,but I sure hope that you find something.

Answer 5

JZ, For alternatives, support and ideas checkout our developing website http://helpingfriendscareernetwork.com.

For job leads join the Yahoo Group http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/hf-careernet/ indicate the type of job sought in what area, and we will do our best to add your desired employment to our watchlist.

You are not at all alone... Another Yahoo Group for folks laid off or just trying to figure out what their dream jobs are, many after feeling they needed to start over is http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/HFCN-CareerTransformationTalk/

both groups contain support the first is proactive and geared towards disaster recovery, layoff support and finding jobs now. The other is for career support, exploring ideas-- view it as online virtual career mentoring. :D

Many have been there and done this. It hurts mind and spirit to be laid off, and yet some companies have little or no alternative. In 2001, a group of volunteers were fed up with people struggling to get and keep jobs, so we helped one another reconnect to new jobs, then when the job seekers were employed, they passed on leads and so on.. We believe people have great skills whether or not their company can employ them and we can create more powerful options through a network of professionals then each individual laid off professional would face alone.

Answer 6

With a computer at home and internet connection, you can start earning from home, without any investment. You should choose your work at home job according to your skills and time available.
If you have a good typing speed, general and legal transcription jobs from companies like Mountain West, Tigerfish and Accutran are available. Some of these companies do not require any experience.
You can apply directly from their websites which are listed at
http://tinyurl.com/o65rb
Medical transcription work at home is also available if you have completed a course and have relevant experience.

Answer 7

It really sucks being unemployed. Keep plugging away with those resumes and school. 3 more semesters of school seems like a long time, but it's well worth it.


Good luck

Answer 8

yeah, being unemployed is the best thing in the world, I was only unemployed for 3 weeks, but it was the best 3 weeks ever, working suuuuuuuuuuuucks

Answer 9

Yeah, I've been unemployed and it sucks.
If I were you, I'd get a minimum wage job in the interim. It is easier to explain having a crappy job than to explain gaps in your resume.

Answer 10

i was umemployed several years ago,(during the clinton years), and i must say that it is depressing not being able to bring home a paycheck (i'm a guy, so it is ingrained into me to bring home the money to support the family) but anyway, i understand it is hard when you don't have a job, financially and emotionally too.good luck.