BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Amos
Date: 10 May 05 - 08:29 AM

Oh, Pauline, what a relief!! Way to go!!!!


A

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 10 May 05 - 08:26 AM

Good! now you have some breathing space to find "THE" job. Best of luck!

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 09 May 05 - 09:20 PM

Good start!

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Nancy King
Date: 09 May 05 - 07:29 PM

Not perfect, but WAAAY better than nothing! Congratulations!

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 09 May 05 - 07:15 PM

I just found out that I've got the temporary, part time job. I'll try very hard to make myself indispenseable and hope they'll keep me for longer, but I won't count on it. This work will keep the wolf from the door for a while, anyway. I'm running out of money and I'm almost at the panic point. I'm glad I got the position.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: GUEST,ClaireBear
Date: 04 May 05 - 07:43 PM

Pauline, how are your technical and marketing writing skills and experience? E-mail me the answer and I'll respond with why I'm asking.

Sorry, I've never become a Mudcat member because I don't have Internet access at home, so no PMs, but I am a frequent poster -- nothing weird going on.

Claire
claire [e-mail]
(substitute an underscore for the space -- standard precaution against spam harvesting)

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: PoppaGator
Date: 04 May 05 - 03:00 PM

Ouch! Too bad that you sometimes have to take the attitude that something is better than nothing, and you'll take whatever you can get. In the meanwhile, all you can do is visualize things developing to your best advantage.

This could work out OK, actually; once you get your foot in the door, you may very well be able to make yourself as indispensible as possible. If given the opportunity ~ spoil them! When summer comes to an end, they may well come to realize that they can't (or at least don't want to) go on without you. By then, if you have continued to seek better jobs, full-time positions with benefits, you might be able to turn the tables on them and issue an ultimatum: "If you want me to stay, you'll have to upgrade me to full time, with benefits and [x] amount of pay."

As always, good luck!

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 03 May 05 - 01:01 PM

Thanks, Amos. You're certainly right about the stress.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: GUEST,Amos
Date: 03 May 05 - 08:05 AM

Way to go, Pauline. You have found the right attitude -- tell 'em what they want, and you're it!

I hope this comes through -- even part time will take a loadof stress off for a bit.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 03 May 05 - 01:01 AM

I had an interview for a temporary, part time job today. A short time ago, I would not even have considered such a thing, but I'm getting desperate. I've noticed that most interviewers seem more nervous than I am. This time, I decided to try harder to warm up the audience, as if I were playing a gig or meeting a new student and trying to get him or her to relax. I was successful at doing that. When I applied for this job, back in January, I thought it would be full time, long term. The woman with whom I interviewed today told me that they had decided not to hire anyone at that time but they need someone now. She may be telling the truth. Actually, I had the impression that she doesn't know what she wants. I tried to convince her that she wants to hire me full time. I told her that I have so many skills that I could pinch hit for other people in a crunch. She said she's not sure whether they could afford to hire someone full time but she'll check into it. We left it that if I go to work for her, I'd start as part time and then we'd see what happens. I still don't know whether she wants to hire me short term (through the summer) or long term. I wouldn't mind working part time if they'd give me benefits, but very few employers give benefits to part time workers. The work sounds boring as hell, but I'm in no position to turn down an income. Ow, I have an awful headache.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 28 Apr 05 - 05:14 PM

Dear Pauline -- so sorry to hear this -- what a disappointment! I don't have any suggestions for you at the moment. I think you're doing everything right -- it's just that these days, even doing everything right is no guarantee of anything.

FWIW, I've heard the same things about jobs coming from contacts, not adverts, but almost every job I've ever managed to get has been the result of answering an ad or sending out my resume to a bunch of places, as opposed to hearing about a job from a personal contact or a (friend of a) friend.

Wish I could do more to help...

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Apr 05 - 01:15 AM

Pauline, I agree totally with the general consensus: "Bummer." Serious bummer. In spades. Amos' advice is terrific though, Flood that resume out to anyone and everyone who might have the vaguest connection with where you want to go. I know you've been doing roughly that all along.

I once read the term "Repetitive Strategy" to describe the process where you just keep on keeping on and keeping on and keeping on, until one time you reach the right people and you finally get what you want. You are pretty good at that, as you know I have admired your determination and perseverance.

The example the writer gave was his and his wife's desire to have a dream house for not too much money. They wrote to realtors all over the country for several years, until one day the right house showed up. Then they didn't hesitate: They bought it. Well I don't know if you're going to find your dream job but a job that works for you ought to be possible darn it.

Do you have any leads right now for any free lancing?

Would it be any use to use to you to write up a long list of crazy things you might do to earn a living? (Examples: Take a job playing violin gigs for orchestras in retirement communities. Get a job as a docent at a butterfly show.) It might be relaxing and fun to make such a list even if it didn't lead to any real ideas for income. And it might actually trigger a useful idea or two hidden among the absurdities.

Hugs & butterflies,
Rita

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Amos
Date: 27 Apr 05 - 03:55 AM

Keep on keeping on...what else can we do?


A

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 27 Apr 05 - 03:08 AM

Good news, Amos! I hope you get something you really like soon.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: mg
Date: 27 Apr 05 - 01:06 AM

have you tried all the government agencies? I know in Washington State you get full benefits from working half time at colleges, public school, state agencies...even if it were way below your education etc. it could stabalize things enough for you to do what you like the other half time...also federal jobs I would think kick in at half time. mg

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Amos
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 11:11 PM

I am happy to report I just passed two interviews in one day and got a job for the next 30-60 days. It is brain-numbing work, inheriting and taking responsibility for hundreds of pages of test data which was badly performed and yet making it into a rational and meaningful report. It is the white-collar equivalent of ditch digging, but I ain't complaining yet, because the dough is good. Oddly enough this one did not come through connections but through a recruiter.

Flood that resume out to anyone and everyone who might have the vaguest connection with where you want to go.

Me, I am going to keep right on looking for the right job. THis one will tide me along for a bit.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Janie
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 11:05 PM

((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUG))))))))))))))))))))))))))!

Janie

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 10:59 PM

Mary, thanks, but it's obvious you haven't been job hunting in a while. A part time, low paying job, even if I could get one, would not give benefits. I wish it were that easy.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: PoppaGator
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 03:58 PM

Bummer!

I just wrote and deleted a couple of long paragraphs that, on second thought, seemed to be entirely beside the point. I have no idea what to say to you.

Hang in there ~ something will have to happen sooner or later. Good luck!

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 03:52 PM

I'm waiting for the day this pops to the top and the latest additon is "Sorry I haven't been here for a while - too busy at my new job!"

I've got my fingers crossed every time I see the thread, Pauline.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: mg
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 03:44 PM

bummer. I hate looking for work myself and I hate having to watch other people go through it. It is a miracle I have ever gotten a job. Can you split up your needs and think about multiple income flows? That is probably going to be the safest way for everyone in coming years. I can't remember if I posted this or not already..but a half time job say with the schools, doing whatever, playground duty, whatever, so you get good benefits. Freelance writing and teaching...mg

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: heric
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 03:27 PM

I saw that risk coming for you Pauline, but kept my mouth shut to prevent any jinx on the program. I hate to give you platitudes, but you might as well enjoy the inevitable truth that that you have no other options but to keep trying. I like that seven year old and I will put a mental immage of her into my mind as an inspiration.

Jobs come from inside contacts. I've never gotten one any other way in my adult life. Some (three) of my contacts are working their contacts on my behalf, to no result yet. The point is, you might (a) use your contacts (think hard, you might be surprised at who qualifies) to push you onto an entirely different career path, or (b), as stated above, make it work in self-employment, from which you can never get canned.

You ain't beat yet, not by a longshot.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 26 Apr 05 - 02:44 PM

Today I got a phone call from HR in the last place I interviewed. Since I've had two interviews there, I figured this would be a job offer. It wasn't. HR called to tell me that they've hired someone else.

The job market in my field is very slow. I don't have other irons in the fire. What to do? I thought about one of my violin students, age 7. She is shy, determined, and adventurous, like me. When she knows what she wants, she goes for it and hangs on. A few months ago she told her parents that she wanted to learn to ice skate and to play the violin. On her first ice skating lesson, she fell down and cried repeatedly. Her father thought that she wouldn't want to come back for another try, but she did. She's still working at it. I will use her as my role model and inspiration.

Of course, I'm taking all this in stride. I'm just feeling weak and dizzy now. Tonight I'll go to the gym and work it out (not ice skating).

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 08:24 PM

PoppaGator, I, too, hope this thread won't last much longer. Having the support of friends has helped me so much. Start thinking about how we can all celebrate when I finally get a job. ;-) Lots and lots of chocolate would be a good way to begin.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: PoppaGator
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 03:41 PM

Pauline, I really hope this one works for you ! Especially now that you have found that you like the people and the work environment.

Also, I'm getting pretty sick of seeing theis thread reappear time after time! ;^) (As I'm sure you are too.)

Best of luck.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 03:16 PM

Good luck and good for you for hanging in there!

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 11:33 AM

Did they give you any idea how soon/long it might be 'til you hear back from them?

Do you rent or own your home? Just wondering if it might *possibly* be worth moving closer (if you get the job, of course) – especially if the work atmosphere is a good one.

Really hoping for you....

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 10:51 AM

Thank you all again for your support and kindness.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 09:36 AM

fingers crossed for you Pauline! Sounds like even with a horrible commute you've enjoy this job. But if not - maybe the one in DC will be the perfect fit.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Leadfingers
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 08:37 AM

Good Luck !!

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Amos
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 08:34 AM

Pauline:

I'd say you're doing really, really well!


A

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 03:01 AM

Tuesday I had my second interview for the medical writer position in Columbia MD. My attitude has changed from "I don't want this job because the commute is horrible" to "I'd really like to get this job because of the camaraderie and the quality of work life here." The company puts a major emphasis on assembling a team of people who work well together. I have now interviewed with 10 different people in this company of 60. They know that my professional credentials are good, and now they want to know how well I'd fit into the group. It reminds me of a rush (?) in a sorority. Do the sisters want me? (95% of the employees are women.) I really enjoyed talking to them. Did they enjoy talking to me? This is rather anxiety provoking. I only got one hour of sleep last night, and I can feel the acid in my stomach now. The matter is out of my hands now. I need to let go and move on, but this is a lot easier said than done.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 07 Apr 05 - 12:39 AM

Thanks, everyone.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Nancy King
Date: 06 Apr 05 - 08:23 PM

Good luck, Pauline!

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 06 Apr 05 - 08:21 PM

My fingers, too...

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: GUEST,Janie
Date: 06 Apr 05 - 05:39 PM

Fingers crossed!

Janie

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 06 Apr 05 - 05:28 PM

Today I got a call from HR at the most recent place I interviewed. They want me to come back for a second interview. The location is terrible, but I'm in no position to turn down a paying job if it's offered to me. Also today I found another job to apply for. It is very similar work but it's in DC, which would be a lot better for me.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Leadfingers
Date: 06 Apr 05 - 04:41 PM

200 !!!

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Leadfingers
Date: 06 Apr 05 - 04:40 PM

Oh - And by the way Ted !

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Leadfingers
Date: 06 Apr 05 - 04:40 PM

Technically I have been unemployed for eigteen months , but that is fron choice as I took early retirement to 'do' music ! I did think in my innocence that I may be able to do a bit of fill in temporary work
but didnt take into account the fact that once you are over a 'certain' age , NO one wants to know ! Still , I do have a pittance company pension and get enough gigs to keep my head well above water .

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: mg
Date: 06 Apr 05 - 03:45 PM

have you thought of multiple income streams? Like one thalf time job, maybe at a school, that pays a small wage but has good benefits. Then freelancing your scientific writing and consulting jobs, and then teaching fiddle. mg

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 06 Apr 05 - 08:56 AM

That company that re-advertised – did you ever hear from them saying they'd filled the job? If not, would it be worth getting back in touch with them to find out? I realise it's a long shot, but maybe if none of the new applicants knocked their socks off... It would have to be *very* carefully done, of course, but with what I've seen of your thoughtful, considered way of going about things, I think you could do it without coming across badly. Just a thought...

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: el_punkoid_nouveau
Date: 06 Apr 05 - 03:05 AM

I'm expecting to join you in about a years time...

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 06 Apr 05 - 12:59 AM

There are a few more I will apply for, but they don't look very likely.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 05 Apr 05 - 08:48 PM

Sorry to hear that. I can relate... Any more leads, then?

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Tam the man
Date: 05 Apr 05 - 01:32 PM

PAULINE,

I hope that I've spelt your mane right, I've been unemployed since leaving school, I left when I was 16, and I'll be 40 years old in Ocrober, I have never worked.
And I know how you feel

Tom
However you've just got to get used to it.

I would love a job, however I can't get one.

Tom

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 05 Apr 05 - 01:26 AM

YY, thanks so much for asking. No news yet. I'm getting rather anxious as my bank balance keeps dropping.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 05 Apr 05 - 01:20 AM

So, Pauline... any news?

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 24 Mar 05 - 11:00 PM

Rita, you can take the MARC train from the Rockville Metro station to downtown Baltimore. However, it's still a long way to Towson.

Beardedbruce, you've got a job with a long commute. Any advice for me?

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: beardedbruce
Date: 24 Mar 05 - 08:01 PM

red line to Union station, then MARC north... Or go to New Carrolton train station.