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What is Your Employment Situation?
Hey Folks,
I noticed a lot of people talking lately about their employment status or losing their job. Im curious about the makeup of the folks here on the forum. Anyone wanting to talk about their employment status, searching for a job, etc - This might be a good way to support one another. Check out the poll: EDITED TO ADD: WHO VOTED IN POLL IS PRIVATE. |
My employment situation has been going down hill since August of 2008. I do still have a job and am working 30 hrs a week. There is rumor that if we loose one of the largest home improvement centers in the US we will go down to 24 hrs a week and likely some will be laid off. They've hit me for $1200 a month, but I am still working and have my benefits, but heck I can't afford to use my benefits. I'm looking for a job. Not a part-time job to compensate for the loss, but a new full time job. Best of luck to everyone looking for a job.
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Bodyworker here about ready to lay my hands on whomever I can get them on! Hopefully I get some clients who need me!
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I have a full time job in a highly stressful area of a large medical center. The trend is to hire younger, fresh out of school types who are paid less, and that is worrisome. I've been at it for 30 years. I love my job and am grateful to have it regardless.
I always say I need to find something else, (at my age), but at the same time, I feel I should not rock the boat! |
I am employed full time but have been at a 15% reduction in pay for the past year and a half. In January it will go to only a 10% reduction in pay.
I don't like it but I know I am still lucky and no matter what happens "out there," I will keep my self respect in knowing, I am doing what I can like most of us here are doing. |
I've been lucky enough to be employed by the same company for 5 years now and they've been proactive enough to get me a visa to work here in the US. My role has changed a bit but my company is also doing very well (profit of 40% year over year and receiving regular raises and bonuses each year -- this year is a whole new high at about 40% pay increase, bonus and raise combined).
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I am currently in school,working toward my A.A.S. as a physical therapist assistant. I live and breathe for graduation,state certification boards and getting back to work by June of 2011. It's been a long hard slog of almost 4 years to attain a 2 year degree. For the first 3 years I worked fulltime along with school. Working while actually in the PTA program was pretty much out of the question. So I have been living on school loans and finally,after impoverishing myself enough,I am getting Pell Grants. That along with the help and support of my Miss Pink,my Mama and my bro SnackTime have helped me to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I can't wait for that first paycheck in a field I LOVE,that happens to be very stable and has a HUGE projected growth rate over the next 10 years. The first thing I'm gonna do is take them all out to eat,on my dime because I wouldn't be doing this without them. Sorry for the off topic ramble,but I am truly BLESSED. The job market here in Middle Tennessee is pretty tight for all fields but if folks will post what they are looking for and whether they are able to re-locate maybe we can all help each other through this dismal period in our country's economy. Good luck to all who are looking!
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I've been out of work for a year now... I was a GM for an extended stay type of hotel. Been in the Hospitality industry for 20 something years, 3/4 of that time, I've been in upper managment.
My last job required me to live on property, which was fine, because we were selling the house in Co anyways, the apt there was almost 2000 sq ft, and everything else (elec, wireless, etc) was taken care of and the plan was for me to transfer and take over a property close to home- anyways, 3 1/2 yrs later, I am working 120 hours a week -LITERALLY, (and anyone who knows me knows my work ethic- knows that I gave EVERYTHING I had, and then some) with 1 desk clerk, and 2 housekeepers- I'm telling you, my company had it GOOD with me, lol. I found out after I lost my job that they had brought a 23 yr old desk clerk from a Vegas property to take my hotel, she was given 1/2 my salary, given a bigger title, and was flown in to replace me asap. I was then given 48 hours to vacate the property- mind you, not only did I lose my job, we lost our home... in a span of a 10 minute conversation in my office with my boss. I had moved to Colorado in 2006 a couple months after Damon and I met, and last year at this time, Hy brought me back home to SC after I lost my job. When we came home the unemplyment rate here was 12%- its not gone down much since. Since moving back home last november, I have searched for a job in some capacity every single day- I have even applied and interviewed for a job at McDonalds- only to be turned down because they said I wouldnt take it serious enuff because I would think making biscuits at 4am beneath me. No joke, I cannot find a job, and I will run out of unemployment benefits eventually. I've never been out of work this long my entire life, nor have I felt as low as I do when I call in my unemployment every 2 weeks- makes me feel like a bum, and to be quite honest.. I feel absolutely worthless most days. I am missing part of my identity, its affecting my confidence, my self esteem, my relationship, and my outlook on life in general. what saddens me... is that I am not the only one here feeling like this, and in this same situation. :vigil: |
I'm unemployed but just graduated literally weeks ago from a medical assistant college here in NJ. Looking to relocate though to warmer climate. NO I don't have experience which sucks but would do anything to get some. I did do an internship for 6 weeks so that is good. My dream job is to be an nurse a degree in RN...any tips would be appreciated..
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I'm currently employed full-time and while I'm not actively looking for another job right now, it's definitely on my mind considering how the company treats its employees and membership/clients. Once I've helped my current clients get to where they want to be, I'd like to move away from that kind of atmosphere though in a similar line of work. Who knows, though.
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At this moment in time I am an unemployed (laid off) teacher with a PhD in a field that is very competitive in the job search front. I taught for 10 years before the lay off happened. My dad found out 4 weeks ago that he has throat cancer. I believe that my lack of job enabled me to help my folks out. So does everything happen for a reason? I've got to believe in that or I would be really depressed.
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I am lucky enough to be working in my field. I do work two jobs, with some added work thrown in, in order to pay the bills. I haven't seen an increase in income for several years, and, as inflation goes up, this has lead to increasing debt in order to make ends meet. I have looked for jobs with more responsibility, hoping to increase my salary, and even have had job offers. But, always at a significant salary cut. I am actually looking at options for going back to school. I have an interview tomorrow at a college that offers a psychiatric nurse practitioner program. I am not sure that this is feasible, but I'm looking into it. I would immediately see my salary double, and I would be entering a field where there is a need. I already have a lot of expertise in this field, so I'm hoping that it will be possible.
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I am fortunate to be employed full-time, but sometimes I get a little resentful that I am working for less pay than I did before the Bush years and since. My bills certainly haven't changed and prices have not come down at all on anything. I looked for other jobs in my field but there isn't anything out there that I am interested in doing nor are there any jobs that pay more than I am making now. It's very sad, but I am grateful to have a job and am looking forward to the day when I can make at least what I was making ten years ago.. I heard I may get a raise next month, which would make me feel a little less stressed.
good luck everyone - it's tough out there... especially for us older folks that are looking for employment. I still can't afford to even touch my student loans - is that crazy or what? I wonder if I ever will??? |
I guess I'm lucky, I've been self-employed since 1989. I did go to work full-time for one of my clients for about 10 years but I still maintained my other clients on the side. I was working full-time for said client in 2005 when I had to have a neck and back surgery. Chuckles, they hired a 60+ yr old dude to "handle" my position while I was out on sick leave, but we all knew he was my replacement. I had to laugh when said dude cost the company over $150,000 buying computer equipment that was not needed because he corrupted the operating system on an AS400 and did not know how to reinstall it (said he worked for IBM for 20+ years and was a programmer/systems analyst like me, it took one phone call with him to figure out the man lied about his abilities so I told said client I would not help them in any way cuz that man was going to mess up their system and boy did he ever, lol) coughs, so 6 months after I had my back surgery they asked me to come back full-time to which I told them I didn't need their stinking ass job as I was making a comfortable living being self-employed and didn't have to handle the stress of the parent company plus the 6 branch locations (I was the MIS Director). So I'm still self-employed and making a good living at it.
Sorry to hear of everyone's troubles with employment. It does suck out there! |
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Some things to remember...as I told you in the other thread it's not you. Job hunting is not anywhere near the same as it was in our generation. You're screened through the internet along with hundreds of other applicants, and that's only if your resume gets seen. It's not like the old days when you could make a call, set up an interview and shake hands. Tailor everything towards the company if the company name is even listed. Tailor your presentation if it's not listed. They do that a lot not to be inundated and that makes it worse. Companies don't care about you. They only care about what's best for them. Because of the economy, most companies want cheaper help and people who are flexible enough to wear about 3 hats for the same amount of pay. I no longer believe it's good to list years of experience now days when a company's priorities are to get the best bang for the buck and someone who doesn't appear overqualified. Usually younger, and the smart ass savvy get the best shot. I completely revamped my resume to get rid of a lot of over qualifying information. I just haven't applied in quite awhile because I'm so sick. Make your resume brief, but invite them to inquire about additional information if available. And research the hell out of the company. Job hunting and today's methods and variables make it a tidal wave. Do everything you can to lower the water by getting rid of anything self defeating, that's first. You're not a bum or a loser. Revamp your approach if you need to and tailor your presentation to overcome the youth factor, the online limitations—make yourself custom fit. Having a ton of experience doesn't cut it anymore as much as mentioning stronger skills and venues for bringing technology, fresh ideas, streamlining, profitability to the company, and unique things to the position. Know that someone at the helm may not care about old history and a lengthy background. Everything these days is about about brevity and making it hard hitting. Know you're competition is likely to be younger and that means fresh ideas and cheaper pay. You just wouldn't believe their take on having years of experience. Streamline your resume and background info to make it tailor fit for what their looking for. Get rid of anything that smells of an "older worker." Hey, many of us are in the same boat. Looking for work is full time. Keep your chin up and get rid of anything thinking that doesn't serve you. I know it's hard. Good luck. J |
I am fully retired now which means that my monthly income is 1/3rd of what it was. Part of this does reflect the financial collapse in the US as my retirement is tied to those events and recovery. Also, I did retire earlier than expected due to disability issues and since I was self-employed, cannot receive state or federal disability income. I am not 65 yet, so no Medi-Care, but do have private health insurance. At 62, I will be able to collect Social Security at a reduced rate (is higher at 65 or age 70, but not all that much- and hell, ya‘ neva‘ know!!).
Since I left employment working for other people many years ago in which I paid into the SS system, my benefits will not be much- well under 1000/month, which I knew and tried to make up for with personal retirement savings plans- that went down with the Recession. POOF!!! The wipe-out of the housing sector blew a huge hole in supplemental income I inherited and know will never recover to prior levels. I'm glad I never had it in my head that what I inherited from my folks would be my entire retirement or income in prior years. That would have been a cruel joke and just plain stupid of me! True “Trust Fund babies” are of the Kennedy/Bush type, not we commoners. I really hope that younger generations think and plan around financial crises, future recessions, and the need for solid retirement planning including health care. What is being discussed now politically in the US about our entitlement and public retirement programs is critical to everyone, no matter what age we are. It WILL have an effect on each and every person’s life unless you do end up independently wealthy. You can count on this! Life turns on a dime- at any age. Live life to the fullest, be healthy & happy and do some financial planning for the future! From a grateful old fart! |
On one hand I feel blessed to have a job, when so many don't, but I also know it is sucking the life out of my life, so It's a conundrum right now. I have been here 18 years, so my job security is good,(though no retirement or health insurance) but I think it's time for the bosses to hire my replacement this year so I have time to train them. It's a little scary though in this economy to consider the big changes ahead.
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i am employed. for another two days. i don't have anything lined up yet, and am moving 900 miles from here. i am excited and hopeful. i have a broad enough skillset that finding work shouldn't be too difficult. (i can fix things...always in demand)
my plan is to work through temp services or day labor places while i and my buddy ash try to build us a picture business. one of the things i realized in caring for my mother the last two years is that if i'm ever going to chase my dreams, it's now or never. here's to following rainbows, tilting at windmills and running down a dream. |
I am on disability and will be for the forsee-able future.
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I was laid off from my corporate job a year and a half ago. Thanks to unemployment and COBRA subsidies, it has not been as painful as it could have been and we've managed to make ends meet. I am not one of those people who is extolling the virtues of simplifying my life and I really miss traveling, eating out and trips to the casino.
Because of my age and new found hatred of corporate America after this experience, I realized that I needed to do something other than finding a job just like the one I used to have. So, I went back to what I know, got my real estate license here and signed on with a broker's office close to my house. I've been connected to the real estate industry, in some form or fashion, for most of my life so the transition hasn't been difficult. As an unexpected little twist, I'm also whoring myself out doing web design and online marketing for other agents and it looks like it has the potential to be quite profitable. I've got a half dozen clients lined up along with some hourly consulting prospects. As tough as it can be, my best advice to anyone faced with this situation is, if you are able, use this as an opportunity to find something that will really make you happy. It's stressful at times and my anxiety levels can go through the roof but, all in all, I'm much happier than I was sitting in the cube farm all day every day! |
I just relocated to an area that has jobs because where I was at had absolutely nothing to offer unless I drove an hour or more to get there. I see plenty of jobs in the area I'm in, but many want online apps with resumes. Until I get my resume updated, I'm sort of at a stand still for those online apps. I have had one phone interview and talked to another who wants to sit down with me and talk more on Friday or Saturday as he's been out of town all week and those will be his first days back on the job. I do feel good about the area I'm in and look forward to getting back into the work force.
For the record, I happen to hate online job applications. They seem so impersonal and HR never gets to know the person behind the app if you do one thing wrong when filling it out. |
We are back to work full-time after being on a 32 hour schedule for 8 months....what I lost in pay, I gained in time with my Mom while she was dying.
I work in Aerospace Manufacturing; we were one of the last to feel the effects when the economy took a hit, and we are already running at full steam and hiring people at a time when most industries are still struggling..... I feel very blessed. Good luck to all of you in your searches (f) |
Work a fulltime job (with a college degree) that pays crap (day care teacher). Work a part time job as a respite worker for families with autistic children (pays pretty well, but not available full time or with benefits) dog sit, baby sit.... etc. Still can't make ends meet. Would go back to school for "something" but no one can predict right now what "something" will be both profitable and available any time soon. sigh.... I'm getting to old for this crap!
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I do software engineering and have been at my present job for six years and nine months. Our Bureau Chief held a special meeting in February 2009 for contractors only. Bottom line: We want to keep everyone of you. If you want to continue working here, submit your paperwork and be reachable or come this Fall, whatever happens is on you.
Some contractor friends started getting laid off. Watching my buddies go, one by one not only saddened me but was the wake-up call. I knew this was a serious, no-bluff situation. In past years, I have ridden through bluffs. Not the case here. Since I did not want to move, I opted for security. I have been a permanent employee for just over a year. All of us contractors took a pay cut to get to stay. The ones who did not want a pay cut moved. I made the correct choice for me. Good benefits (BC/BS insurance, sick leave, personal leave, a dozen paid holidays each year ... no stress at all and being a contractor was always stressful) I did not like PowerBuilder and had been coding in that environment for several years in contractor capacity. When I became a permanent employee, I was granted the privilege of working on a Microsoft Visual Studio (MVS) Development Team - which I enjoy tremendously. I have experience from years ago in MVS and mentioned to managers before I became permanent how much I would like to get back into MVS. They have provided between 15-20K in training so far to renew my MVS skillset in the past year. I cannot complain about a thing except for this loud, rude woman who sits right by me. She keeps loud visitors and work friends in her cubie constantly or talks on personal calls way too loud. It makes it difficult for me to concentrate and get my work done. Since this is my only complaint, I figure I am in decent shape. I bought earplugs at Home Depot. It is all about trade-offs and deciding what type balance I require. |
Been a certified nursing assistant for five years....currently employed at an in home care agency with no assigned hours....YAY
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I am extremely lucky. I do "freelance" and have more work now than I have time to do. Sometimes it gets a little crazy and stressful but for the most part I feel bad calling what I do "work".
I also set my own hours and love the people I do the work for. I feel like part of the company yet I don't have the restraints of being an employee. I also work at what I love! :flying: |
I work full time. I was a consultant there for 3 years and recently got hired in house. I work in online marketing for a (fucking huge) financial institution. We had massive layoffs a couple years ago, and I got a 15% pay cut, but I've got it all back now so I'm lucky. we're hiring too.
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We had a 4% pay reduction which was only supposed to last for a year. It lasted about 6 months longer but the pay rates were finally reinstated a few months ago. At that time, I received a 4% raise. I think only one other employee got that raise also. We picked up several new homes for a total of almost 5,000 beds. I guess we are doing ok. Sure the workload has increased but it makes for OT. I'm just thankful to have this job.
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I've taught middle school choral music for just about my whole adult life until about 1 1/2 years ago. I was teaching for a small private school and when the economy crashed, so did the school. We were all laid off in March 2009. In all my years of teaching, I had never been fired or laid off.....it was devastating.
I've had a few interviews since then, but nothing. Fortunately, my late father left me with a little bit. I'm not rich by any means....receiving about 1/4th what I made in teaching. At this point, the thought of teaching is a distant one. I'm enjoying my volunteer work and am wanting to see if I can't land a part~time job at the children's hospital. We'll see! |
A couple of years ago, I decided I wanted to leave the PNW and move down to Austin, where many of our beloved members reside. I'd visited on and off for a few years and it felt like home at a time when I needed a home. Eventually, I was able to save up enough to move down here, but I came without a safety net and, if it weren't for friends like Diva and Arwen and my honey, I'd have nothing, not even a pot to piss in.
So, I moved down here in August and kind of, sort of looked for work off and on for the first month. Shortly thereafter, the money ran out and the panic set in. I'm waiting to hear back from a potential employer who's basically said it's between myself and one other person. It's a part time job and way less than what I was making before, but if I get it, I'll be damn glad for it. |
In March 2005 was placed on permanent disability retroactively to May 2003 at which time my income decreased over $75K per year.... it was a long hard fall. In the end I actually think I'm happier in many ways. I learned that I am not what or who I am based on what I do for an occupation, or how much money I make. I am who and what I am because of who and what I am inside. Needless to say it's been quite a journey! I think some things do happen for a reason. Other times I have no clue as to the why of it all *chuckling*. |
I work full-time (a minimum 55 hours a wk) as the overnight manager of a domestic violence shelter. It's difficult, emotional work for next to no pay, but then again, no one goes into nonprofit work expecting to make the big bucks. My salary is dependent on grant money, so if we don't qualify or miss deadlines, then I'm just outta luck. (Although if we get the current grant we're hoping for, my salary will go up by $6000.) I'm also taking my placement tests Friday to go back to school. Hopefully once I finish my degree I can find an actual good paying job with insurance in this field. Insurance is a big motivation for me.
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I have been working with bio-fuels forthe past 4 years...cuttently ethanol...but getting tired of moving around a lot so am studying electrical/ plumbing/ heating and air conditioning...
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I went out on permanent disability five years ago next month. It is supposed to be reviewed every ten years. But there is no chance of it being taken away because of my age which I would have been too close to retire now anyway and there has been no improvement in things either.
My heart goes out to each and everyone of you who is looking for work and/or underemployed. I wish you all the very best luck in your job searches!!! My fingers are crossed daily for everyone and everyone in my personal life dealing with these issues. I believe with all my heart that the economy will get better and the job situation will improve. I also believe the economy will return to a much more level playing field between employer and employee too. Corporate America (talking about big companies) should be ashamed of themselves for sitting on over 2 trillion dollars they have recovered since the stock market bounced back. 2 trillions dollars; some of this should have been re-invested in their employees instead of hoarding it. Shame on them!!! Hugs to all of you looking to better yourselves!!! I feel for you all having been there myself in the recession of 2001. It is so scarey to look for work and it does reflect on how we feel about ourselves. Good luck!!!!! |
i am a full-time public librarian and i love it....i worked very hard to get the required degrees to be where i am and i continue to wwork hard to land grants, fellowships, publication, etc. so that my value increases within the field. i have marginal salary (lol), better-than-average benefits, and exceptional pension. Library work is an inspiring and exciting field and i want to stay where i am forever....my only worry is that our elected officials (who come and go, thank goodness) don't always value us, and what if our budgets gets slashed during the next philistine administration? what if the general public allows themselves to be convinced we are obsolete now that there is google? |
I voted yes........ I have a full time job.
i also paint and sell some of my art on the side for extra $$ my main job is as everyone here knows.. truck driving. i like to drive..... its not the kind of job i had dreams of having . but it is a JOB. ...... i miss home and doing some things like id like to do .. i dont ask for handouts, or depend on anyone to suport me ...... i take care of myself ... its not the best job but it is a job. If i am in a relationship....... i still will and always maintain a Job.. I like making and having my own bucks. :) |
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Currently I work for an NGO Non-Profit Peace Organization in which I run the Children's program of the org. In which we teach and foster peace education through the arts and community building on a global level. I am also responsible for all the design for both the web and print for all of our programs.
I still work freelance and have an advertising agency to supplement my non-profit salary. I took this position after working as a web/graphic designer creating animation and e-learning components for high school text books and working with television on the same level (web/animation/etc.) Now I want to retire and feed the Emu's (that would please me). |
While we're on the subject, I just had a great discussion with an admissions counselor for a master's program for psychiatric nurse practitioner. They WILL accept an AAS in nursing and RN (vs having to get another bachelor's degree), and my current master's will give me some advanced standing in the master's program, as well as the ability to teach some courses for credits and stipend. It could take as little as four years, so by the time I'm 55, I could be looking forward to a career that expands what I do as a social worker and affords an income on which I could support myself and my family as well as plan for a reasonable retirement some day.
She was VERY positive and encouraging, and I am EXCITED!!!! |
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