What is Your Employment Situation?

[AtLast]

Originally Posted by katsarecool

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!!!!!

Watched "Charlie Rose" last night with the two heads of the financial committe just out with solutions. very interesting- what they had to say about the holding back of this money and how it is essential that these corps get this money flowing! It won't happen unless these tough decisions are made - and it is time politics be put aside in both major parties.

Interesting how both agree that if decisions are not made soon and carried out, the markets will dictate the result.

I'm no economist, but, see reason in what the commission proposes- now, will the games stop? People need to feel some safety in employment.

Some in our community are struggling- evidenced right here. So many talented people with dreams! And others trying to get training and schooling to reach goals. You all are terrific!!

[Diva]

Hey Y'all....

I just wanted to say "Thanks!" for all the sweet messages/reps/rep comments since I posted. I didn't post what I posted for Y'all to feel sorry for me....in fact, I think being laid off ~ as I told someone earlier ~ was one of the best things that had ever happened to me. I believe I had felt defined by what I did for a living and that blessed paycheck for a very long time.

And that's not who I am at all! I believe not having that extra money has taught me many valuable lessons....primarily, the things that are really important are not THINGS. And also, my priorities in life have changed a great deal!!

Thanks again....I do so love this Planet! Thanks, Medusa, for this thread (and this SITE!).

[Just_G]

A lot of you already know that I work in my family's business. (4th generation at that). It is a retail shop and has been so rocky...from not getting paid for weeks at a time to just scraping by...I have seen it all here. I went back to school full time and am very fortunate that my dad still pays me for the 8 hours a week I am not actually in the shop.

We have a Trader Joe's opening up the street from my house after the first of the year and I plan on getting a job there...as many hours as possible...to try to get ahead again after having to blow through my savings over the last two years.

Luckily I can study at work when there isn't anything going on....and trust me, there ain't a lot happening in the oriental rug business right now!

I am very blessed to have what I have...but I sure can't wait to get out of this business and go to work for an engineering or architectural firm where I hope to have stable income!

March 2012!

[Ebon]

I work in Technical Support. I help people fix their computers. I absolutely love my job and I love working with the people. I won't complain about anything because I'm blessed to have a job. I am looking to go back to school now that I'm ready to go to school I can't afford it. lol

[suebee]

Had to leave my career in social work because of my health: depression, chronic migraines, high blood pressure. Took a huge cut in pay when I went on LTD, but I'm much happier. Was hoping to find another career, but was operated on a couple of years ago for a lung tumour, and the surgery left me with physical limitations and chronic pain. But I am in a really good place now, and will just wait and see if I'm ever able to go back to work. I keep myself busy with animal rescue and advocacy, which of course includes a whole gaggle of my adopted furbabies, so it's not as if I sit around doing nothing all day. Made the decision a few years ago to move home: the cost of living is so much lower that I can have my own home here whereas I wasn't able to when I was living in the city. I consider myself fortunate.

[theoddz]

I'm extremely lucky in that I've been employed full time with the U.S. Government for the last 15+ years as a Registered Respiratory Therapist. I'm blessed to have the full benefits of federal service, including good health insurance and a generous paid annual leave and sick leave program. I also receive a disability pension from my military service (unlike disability benefits from Social Security or other disability systems, one can still work and receive VA Disability Compensation) and I have full military benefits like Commissary and Exchange, etc. I get most of my health care and full dental care through the VA.

I realize that I am really, really, really blessed and I don't take for granted any of what I am blessed with, believe me!! I know what it is like in the private sector, because I worked for quite a few years in broadcast television production and then in health care. Since I have quite a few health issues, it just made sense for me to work for the VA, since I'm a Veteran and the VA is an "employer of choice" for someone like me. They also have a lot of patience with me when I have problems with my health, and that is a REALLY nice little perk to have, too.

My heart goes out to the folks who are sweating through this economic downturn. I keep praying for things to get better for all of us.

Respectfully,
~Theo~

[asphaltcowboi]

im lucky in many ways.. i retired with a full teamster pension after 17yrs due to fracturing my back in 7 places on the job. then also have a healthy SSDI. i am considering going back to school (fully paid) but at 52 im not sure who would hire me and in what field. while working in the union i learned how to program the on board computers in diesel engines and now i do alot of side work when i feel up to it. im very funtional most days so i might pick a field of interest and go for it.

[lipstixgal]

Originally Posted by cody

im lucky in many ways.. i retired with a full teamster pension after 17yrs due to fracturing my back in 7 places on the job. then also have a healthy SSDI. i am considering going back to school (fully paid) but at 52 im not sure who would hire me and in what field. while working in the union i learned how to program the on board computers in diesel engines and now i do alot of side work when i feel up to it. im very funtional most days so i might pick a field of interest and go for it.

That's great but 52 is not that old I'm 52 and starting a new career, no one has hired me yet but I don't think they can ask how old you are?? just saying

[asphaltcowboi]

Originally Posted by lipstixgal

That's great but 52 is not that old I'm 52 and starting a new career, no one has hired me yet but I don't think they can ask how old you are?? just saying

52 then a couple years school unless i go to one of those tech schools for something... im thinking sence im only 20 mins from the casinos in laughlin nev maybe learn slot machine mechanics i see alot of old dudes doing that. i have to limit my lifting so they say!

[Apocalipstic]

I am very lucky to have a job a love. I have been here for 12 years. No raises in a while due to the economy, but no cuts in pay either. Good insurance and benefits.

We have had some lay off's so I feel especially blessed to still be here.

I have been thinking about going back to school to either teach Spanish or English as a second language. I don't like the way languages are taught in the US, and am interested in new ways of teaching that are not so difficult. I have begun tutoring Spanish a bit, and the textbooks and on line programs are pretty confusing.

I would love to have a job where I could work from anywhere. I love to travel and our travel at work has been way cut back due to the economy, TARP, and President Obama encouraging people not to have conventions. (Yes, I am a supporter of the President)

[BullDog]

By the time my former mother-in-law finished dental school she was in her 50's. She had a liberal Arts B.A. that she had earned over 20 years ago and then had to take all the science prerequisites at night after work (dental hygienist) before even going to dental school. She ended up having her own dental practice for quite a number of years after the age of 50.

[Lynn]

As I mentioned, I am 50. If I pursue this idea of being a NP, I'll be at least 54, if not older. But, I figure that if I don't change careers, I'll be in the exact same situation in that time, if not worse.

My mom got her master's in education in her 50's, and she still works as a tutor and grading teacher certification exams at Eductional Testing Service in Princeton. She's 78. My mother-in-law (former) is 80 and still working as a psychotherapist after getting her MSW in her 50's. I know of two colleagues who recently got their RN licenses in their 50's, after working as social workers for over 25 years.

I looked at other options (psychology and law) but they did seem too costly and time consuming to make it worth it. All of a sudden, this idea seemed to fit, and, so far, it seems pretty doable.

If you have a dream, go for it! It's never too late to grow.

[AtLast]

Thinking about people changing careers or long-time employment at least 3 times throughout their working lives is very common. I did and also combined past skills and education along the way.

What is upsetting is when people just like what they do and want to continue doing it but are forced out by such things as a recession. And so many big employers (really true in Heartland states) don't have any re-training programs in place.

This is very different in other countries like Germany, for example. The US has never really put things like this in place for our workforce in the manufacturing areas. Hummm.... and look at how much of this work is being done by US companies in other countries! Even "Green" industries like solar energy is seeing this as solar panels were devloped here and are now manufactured outside of the US.

[WickedFemme]

I realized that I never mentioned what I do for work in my previous post. I have worked in social services for over 20 years and currently am a Director for a nonprofit that helps women getting out of Domestic Violence situations through provision of shelter and supportive services. I love my job and am committed to helping the women and children.

I tried doing Corporate a few times in the past and just couldn't stomach the 'bottom line' and greed as well as the 'coldness' among the ranks, etc... so, I know that I choose this and could make more money but the 'spiritual' costs aren't worth it for me. I truly give those of you who work in Corporate America credit for doing what you do... I know it takes a lot of perseverence and great inner strength to work in that system. I also know that we need to make products and export more than we do rather than outsourcing and importing everything... I hope this country can get some of it's industry back as well as skilled labor jobs soon, but until the heads of corporations get over their greedy selves I don't foresee it happening... something has to give and unfortunately the American people have been paying the price for way too long. It's sad that we have become so apathetic.

[Nat]

I don't want to put too much info online, but I do work full time and for about half as much as I was 3 years ago. I'm experienced in my field and very good at what I do, but I'm basically back to working entry-level due to a few moves and my current location. I've been using the time to get some extra qualifications to try something new, but it's slow going. I feel a bit imprisoned currently, but life should eventually improve if I can get my ish together. I'm looking forward to a future where what I do actually directly, daily, hourly helps others. If I manage to make my goals, I should be able to wake up every day and know that going to work is the most important thing I could be doing with my day, and I am looking forward to that feeling.

[Nat]

Originally Posted by apocalipstic

I am very lucky to have a job a love. I have been here for 12 years. No raises in a while due to the economy, but no cuts in pay either. Good insurance and benefits.

We have had some lay off's so I feel especially blessed to still be here.

I have been thinking about going back to school to either teach Spanish or English as a second language. I don't like the way languages are taught in the US, and am interested in new ways of teaching that are not so difficult. I have begun tutoring Spanish a bit, and the textbooks and on line programs are pretty confusing.

I would love to have a job where I could work from anywhere. I love to travel and our travel at work has been way cut back due to the economy, TARP, and President Obama encouraging people not to have conventions. (Yes, I am a supporter of the President)

I think you would be such a wonderful teacher!

[Softly]

I work at a good company. I just started in Sept. I was on unemployment prior to that for about 5 months.

that's all the info I will give ;D

I enjoy my job, so much! I hope they keep me onboard
the downside: 1 hour drive every morning! :P pffft sucky.

[bright_arrow]

I quit my FT job as a Department Manager w/ benefits to move in with my sweetie, and now work PT as a Cashier at lower pay. I'm lucky to have domestic partner benefits through hys job up at the University, but am still job searching for anything FT that isn't an insurance company every other day.

I was offered an Assistant Manager position at one point but never heard back

Looking at going back to college while working, just having an issue deciding what might be profitable and still something I'd like to do... once upon a time I wanted to be a teacher, but now looking at medical billing&coding. Medical field will always be there, right?



So until I find that job, I will be your friendly Lowe's cashier.

~ desd

[Legendryder]

I worry about those billing/coding jobs. Most of those are sent offshore these days. I would go more toward medical admin if I were you. Or court recording. Those jobs are pretty consistant and pay very well. Especially in a down economy. People tend to steal more when they cannot work for a living, so the court systems are filling up quickly with cases.

[Legendryder]

Oh, I forgot to put in what I am doing these days. I quit my job after 10 years due to medical issues (getting older, really could not do my job anymore) to go back to school. I am working part time as a cashier for a Murphy's USA here in Ellijay. I will finish my AA in Business in April, plan on taking a month off, then starting my BS in Green and Sustainable Business in May 2011. Will be finished with that in November 2012. From there I hope to move west where that degree will actually mean something. rofl