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

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Ferrara
Date: 24 Mar 05 - 06:52 PM

MTed, where in Rockville can one catch MARC trains? And, do any go from Rockville to Baltimore & vice versa (our kid's at Towson U.)

Rita F

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 24 Mar 05 - 04:35 PM

The idea of writing a TV series for this is good. LOL and thanks.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: M.Ted
Date: 24 Mar 05 - 02:38 PM

MARC trains will get you from Rockville to Columbia(environs, anyway) about and hour, total--this may seem like a lot of time, but it beats what it would take you to drive during rush hours, and you can read, do work, or even make phone calls enroute--and it is not subject to traffic delays, as car and van pools are--withnew the Verizon wireless connections, it is even possible to connect to the internet while on the train--

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Mar 05 - 10:01 AM

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Mar 05 - 09:45 AM

That's it, Pauline! Write your own new Reality TV series, Job Search 101 and get on one of the networks!! **bg**

Seriously, thinking of you, today, and wishing you the best,

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 24 Mar 05 - 02:30 AM

best of luck with the latest interview. can't help feeling you should be writing some of this down - all these highs and lows. it would make a good drama series for the tv!

all the best

big al

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 24 Mar 05 - 01:57 AM

Thanks, Rita and Dick.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Ferrara
Date: 24 Mar 05 - 12:43 AM

Pauline, I learned this as "Illegitimati non carborundum". Generally considered to be "fractured" Latin but however you say it, it means "Don't let the Bastards grind you down." :-)

Alway good advice!

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 23 Mar 05 - 11:55 PM

Dick, I appreciate your good, supportive, wishes, but what does your message mean? Carborundum is "hard" and nil is "nothing, I suppose, but what does the whole thing mean?

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 23 Mar 05 - 09:51 PM

Nil Illicit Carborundum, Pauline.
You'll make it.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 23 Mar 05 - 01:30 PM

I'm feeling more positive today. The job looks interesting. I've got to find a car pool or van pool.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: mg
Date: 23 Mar 05 - 12:07 AM

Do you own your home now? If not, can you just sublease it and get a studio apartment near the new job? If you own it, can you rent it out for a while? mg

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Mar 05 - 10:46 PM

Pauline, first, slow down and take a deep breath and blow it out, slowly.:-) Then, try not to project too much into the future. This is a new company, right, so it MAY be entirely different than the previous ones which said no to telecommuting; perhaps this one understands the value of low overhead, etc. by letting employees work at home.

Also, from my experience and studies, it is always easier to find a job whilst employed, so yes, if they offer you one, I'd seriously look at their offer and YES! call the folks down the road for a counter offer!

Most of all, know that we are sending you lots of good thoughts and live in the moment with positive visualisations of the outcome you desire, then what I do is give thanks for that "or something better, for the highest good of all concerned."

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 22 Mar 05 - 10:17 PM

Oh, no, I have a job interview next week. I say "oh, no" because it's not a job I particularly want. The problem is the commute. Even if I had a car, I would not want to drive that distance every day. Public transportation is not an option. I would have to find a car pool or van pool. On the other side of the equation, I really need a job. In the last 3 1/2 years, I've only been employed for 6 months. I'm getting anxious about running out of money, and I see several major expenses for me, including a car, in the near future. I figure that if they offer me the job, I'd try to get permission to work at home one or two days a week. However, at all my interviews to date, they've said "no" to telecommuting. This is crazy because the work is almost entirely Internet based, and some of the companies have employees who telecommute from hundreds of miles away. Also, if they offer me the job, I could call someone who has interviewed me for a job I really want (it's about a mile or two from home) and see if they'll make me an offer. If all else fails and they offer me the job, I could accept it and keep looking for another one while I'm earning money. Of course, there's the possibility that they won't offer me the job. I think I know what I have to do, but I would appreciate some feedback on this.

Also, if anyone has any suggestions about commuting from Rockville MD to Columbia MD, please let me know.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 10 Mar 05 - 01:39 PM

Oops, that was me – didn't realise I'd lost my cookie.

Sorry about the scary ones – I did debate with myself whether or not to go ahead & post it, 'cos I thought a few of them might be a bit close to the knuckle, but in the end I decided they were funny enough to risk it. Glad at least most of 'em did make you laugh.

Take care...

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 09 Mar 05 - 10:23 PM

Guest, thanks so much. A few of those were really scary, but most made me LOL.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Mar 05 - 04:08 PM

Got the following in my e-mail today & it made me think of this thread; hope you find it entertaining...

Corporate Speak

"COMPETITIVE SALARY"   –   We remain competitive by paying less than our competitors.

"JOIN OUR FAST PACED TEAM"   –   We have no time to train you.

"CASUAL WORK ATMOSPHERE"   –   We don't pay enough to expect that you'll dress up;
       well, a couple or the real daring guys wear earrings.

"MUST BE DEADLINE-ORIENTED"   –   You'll be six months behind schedule on your first day.

"SOME OVERTIME REQUIRED"   –   Some time each night and some time each weekend.

"DUTIES WILL VARY"   –   Anyone in the office can boss you around.

"MUST HAVE AN EYE FOR DETAIL"   –   We have no quality control.

"CAREER-MINDED"   –   Female applicants must be childless (and remain that way).

"APPLY IN PERSON"   –   If you're old, fat or ugly you'll be told the position has been filled.

"NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE"    –   We've filled the job; our call for resumes is just a legal formality.

"SEEKING CANDIDATES WITH A WIDE VARIETY OF EXPERIENCE"   –   You'll need to replace three people who just left.

"PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS A MUST"   –   You're walking into a company in perpetual chaos.

"REQUIRES TEAM LEADERSHIP SKILLS"   –   You'll have the responsibilities of a manager, without the pay or respect.

"GOOD COMMUNICATION SKILLS"   –   Management communicates, you listen, figure out what they want and do it.

Do keep us posted...

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Janie
Date: 07 Mar 05 - 08:46 AM

Thinking of you this morning and hoping for the best possible outcome.

Janie

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: bbc
Date: 06 Mar 05 - 09:12 PM

Rah, rah! Give it your best. We'll be waiting to hear.

love,

Barbara

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Mar 05 - 08:48 PM

Well, Pauline, it looks to me as though you're doing everything right, and it sounds as though you have all the skills necessary (and in abundance), so it seems to me it's really just a question of the odds finally going in your favor one of these days... It's gotta happen sooner or later (fingers crossed it's sooner!) You certainly have had more than your share of bad luck, so it's definitely time for a change!

Wishing you the very best of luck – with both opportunities!

P.S.: Maybe I shouldn't ask (please forgive me if it's something you don't want to think about, but I'm truly curious); did the company that re-advertised ever even give you the courtesy of a response?

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Janie
Date: 04 Mar 05 - 08:01 PM

Got my fingers crossed for you!

Janie

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 04 Mar 05 - 12:59 PM

I'll spend most of the weekend studying in preparation for the interview. Also, another employer has expressed interest in me. They gave me a take home test of science writing and presentations, including a PowerPoint preesentation. I told them that I'm fluent in PowerPoint, but, truthfully, I've never used it. One of my violin students, age 10, uses PowerPoint routinely for his homework, so it can't be too hard. I'll go get a book on it today and carry on.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 04 Mar 05 - 02:20 AM

OK, folks, here I go again. I have a job interview on Monday. I really would like to get a job. I've only been employed for 6 months out of the last 3 1/2 years. This is not like being out of work for a few weeks or even a few months. Sometimes I feel like my life has turned into a nightmare. I need an income!

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 01 Mar 05 - 12:24 PM

YY, that's a good suggestion. One of my friends sometimes writes back with a similar question if she hasn't heard anything for a while. However, I'm ahead of the game. Towards the end of the interview, I said, "We've talked a lot about my strengths and suitability for the job. Do you have any perceptions of weaknesses or limitations that I might have re this job? If so, I'd like to talk about them and clear matters up now."

Thanks for your suggestion to do something nice for myself. :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Diva
Date: 01 Mar 05 - 07:02 AM

This is a thread I've been watching with interest, I will be job hunting in a year, hopefully with a degree behind me this time and it seems like (stating the obvious) you are massively over qualified for these positions. Why don't you freelance? or aim higher? Anyway, good luck

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

Nope. I am launching a separate campaign involving expensive specialists doing all the work for me and just sending me offer letters.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 28 Feb 05 - 10:54 PM

(Tried to post this yesterday, but Mudcat wasn't working too well...)

Ouch! I'm so sorry. I don't have any helpful suggestions to add to what's already been said, just wanted you to know that I feel for you. Actually, I'm finding it hard to really take in... I keep thinking there must be some mistake and that you'll hear back from them with good news.

If I were in your place, I'd have a strong temptation to e-mail them saying I'd noticed the position was being re-advertised, and could they give me any additional information, although I suspect that's not really a great idea... does anybody else out there have a perspective on whether there's a good way to handle this situation – i.e., a better one than just having to wait things out until you hear from them again?

If you do hear from them and it's not good news, I'd suggest asking for feedback on what they felt your weak point(s) was. (Judging from what I've already seen you write, I feel sure you can do it without sounding whiny or accusing, but rather simply requesting constructive criticism.) You may or may not get a straight answer (if any) from them – but if you do, it could prove useful next time you apply for a similar position.

In the meantime, do something nice for yourself – maybe some flowers, or put on your favorite music?

Amos, have you heard anything yet?

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 28 Feb 05 - 03:14 PM

Katlaughing, that's great! Thanks so much.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Feb 05 - 12:34 PM

Dear Pauline,

I have been following this thread with great interest and lots of good thoughts for your success. Thanks so muhc for sharing with us.

On those days when you've just HAD IT with the whole process, you might find this helpful.:-)

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: bbc
Date: 25 Feb 05 - 09:24 PM

Bummer about the re-advertisement. I remember one really high-paying school district that I tried to apply to a couple of times. After awhile, I realized they must not be very serious; they advertised the same jobs again & again. Give each job your best shot, keep your head high, & just keep trying. Eventually, someone will realize that you are just the person that's needed!

love,

barbara

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 25 Feb 05 - 09:17 PM

MMario, they can't help but know that I'm really interested. I interviewed with them 10 days ago, and since then, have sent two emails, a new writing sample, and words like "I am interested..." I am currently re-applying for two dud dum jobs that I've already applied for but got no interview.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: GUEST,Linda Goodman at work
Date: 25 Feb 05 - 04:29 PM

Very tough news. I've got a tiny suggestion for freelancing, based on re-reading your earlier postings. I don't know if you are still interested in the freelancing route at all, but if you are.. The place in DC where I used to work, The American Society for Microbiology (ASM), several times a year held (holds) various Colloquia on topics related to Microbiology. For each of these, they hired a person (different people) to write up the results of the colloquium into a formal report. They usually used science writers. I don't know where they found them. At one point they tried to have an in-house person employed by the department at ASM itself to do this, but I don't know if that was successful or if they went back to hiring adhoc writers. In any case, perhaps similar scientific organizations in this area also hold colloquia and need science writers for their reports. I'll pm you later today with the little information I have about ASM - perhaps you could contact their human resources office. That might get you a lead on this. Best wishes,
-Linda Goodman

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Amos
Date: 25 Feb 05 - 02:31 PM

Pauline:

Consider getting in touch with professionals, like the people at Mckenzie Scott Executive. They are pro's at getting you through this exact kind of tangle.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 25 Feb 05 - 01:11 PM

Can you re-apply? That may make them realize that you are serious about wanting the job.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 25 Feb 05 - 01:07 PM

Grrrrrr! Bad news. The job I interviewed for and really wanted has been re-advertised. Almost all of the other jobs I've applied for are dum-dum jobs, targeted for people with a bachelor's degree and two years of experience. (No insult intended for any readers.) I have a Ph.D. and roughly 30 years of experience. The jobs do not allow for independent thinking, taking responsibility, or using professional judgment born of many years of very diverse work and hard labor. Many of the contract companies are rather fly-by-night. The job I interviewed for last week, with a major publishing firm, had the things I want, although it didn't pay particularly well. I know that I'm overqualified for most of the jobs I've applied for, and that's probably why so few employers call me back. This is a form of age discrimination. As someone told me, "How many bosses want to hire someone who knows more than they do?" I can't even exercise to burn off my stress, as I usually do. My asthma is so bad that I haven't bee able to exercise since Christmas. Grrrr!

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Metchosin
Date: 22 Feb 05 - 10:01 PM

Best of luck to the both of you!

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Ferrara
Date: 22 Feb 05 - 09:26 PM

"That means only one thing: his voice is working." Literally, I laughed out loud.

Sending you good thoughts and four leaf clovers,
Rita

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 21 Feb 05 - 10:57 PM

Thanks and LOL from me, too.

Pauline

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Amos
Date: 21 Feb 05 - 01:09 PM

LOL!


A

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Ebbie
Date: 21 Feb 05 - 12:52 PM

On a lighter note: Amos and Pauline L, when you get the job, remember to tell them you need time off in the middle of October!

Best of luck to both of you. They need the goods you offer.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 20 Feb 05 - 07:15 PM

Amos, I believe that I've had more experience more recently than you.

I hope that both of us get calls this time.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Amos
Date: 20 Feb 05 - 03:37 AM

Dates are different; I would take that as a positive indication!

A

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 20 Feb 05 - 01:31 AM

Amos, I always send a thank you note by email within 24 hours after the interview. It's de rigeur according to many sources on the Internet. This time, however, the interviewer responded with an email to me -- a first in my experience. He said, "We'll be talking to you." At first I was excited, but then I remembered something. When I go out on a date with someone for the first time, he almost always ends the date by saying, "I'll give you a call" or "I'll be talking to you." That means only one thing: his voice is working. I'm kind of jaded.

If Jacqui keeps her fingers crossed for both of us, maybe we really will have good luck. I hope so.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: jacqui.c
Date: 19 Feb 05 - 02:56 PM

Fingers crossed for both of you!

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Amos
Date: 19 Feb 05 - 01:25 PM

Good job, Pauline!! Maybe sending him a note saying thanks for the interview would be a good idea?

My phone interview went well; the hiring manager said she would get back to me as tot he next step which I take as a positive choice of words, but she had several others to interview.   So I can just grind my teeth for a week!! Meanwhile I am flogging ye olde resoomay up and down the town.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: bbc
Date: 18 Feb 05 - 04:50 PM

It sounds good, Pauline. Congratulations on a good interview. You're one step closer to where you want to be.

love,

Barbara

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 18 Feb 05 - 12:43 AM

When I got home from my interview yesterday, I was totally exhausted. It would probably be more accurate to say that I felt like I was coming unraveled. Chronic unemployment and job hunting are extremely stressful.

As I said yesterday, the interview went very well. I followed the advice given in several Internet articles I've read. I asked some substantive questions. This made me feel pro-active instead of passive. You can learn a lot from the answers someone gives to your questions, and I liked his answers. I took the editing test with the aid of a dictionary, not Microsoft Word Spell Check or the AP Style manual. every time I reread the document they gave me, i found more spelling errors. A lot of people have told me that, when writing, it's important to submit a "clean" copy, with no errors in grammar or spelling. Now I understand why. Their office computer system was down for repairs, and the interviewer initially told me that I would have to come back another day for the writing test. However, while I was taking the editing test, he read the writing samples I brought with me, and he told me that he really liked them and there was no need to come back and take the writing test. :-) I plan to send him one more writing sample of the type I've seen in the company's publication which he gave me. If he had any doubts about my ability to write because I'm a scientist and not a journalist, I think I convinced him that I really can write quite well. He said that in about a month, the one or two top applicants would be called to come back for another interview. I'm applying for other jobs, but I would be less than honest if I pretended that I don't want this job.

I suppose I'm superstitious, but I take the following as a good sign. I got to the office quite early and read the book I had brought with me, "Will you Miss Me When I'm Gone?" by Zwonitzer and Hirshberg. The interviewer saw the book and asked me what it was about, and I replied that it was about the Carter Family singers, and he knew who they were. That's got to be auspicious.

Amos, I'm so glad that you have a phone interview with the #1 employer on your wish list. I'm sure you'll ace it.

Peter, I'm sorry that you're about to join the ranks of the illustrious unemployed. I hope that your job search is short and fruitful. A lot of Mudcatters are wishing you well.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: GUEST,jacqui.c
Date: 17 Feb 05 - 07:00 AM

Good luck with that Amos.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Amos
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 11:44 PM

Brava, Brava, Pauline!

I just got an invitation for a phone interview with QualComm, the premium employer on my wish list, makers of CDMA and BREW wireless applications and Location-Based Services for wireless cellphones and so on.

This could be wayyyy cool!


A

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: GUEST,Peter Woodruff
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 09:29 PM

Pauline,

Don't you worry your little head off! We here in Bath, Maine will soon be laid off too, thanks to George W Bush.

Peter