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

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: 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: 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: 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: 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,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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 - 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: 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: 24 Mar 05 - 01:57 AM

Thanks, Rita and Dick.

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: 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: GUEST
Date: 24 Mar 05 - 10:01 AM

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: 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: 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: beardedbruce
Date: 24 Mar 05 - 08:01 PM

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

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 - 04:41 PM

200 !!!