[Travelling Blackbird]

Thanks to the state of the world economy, I know I'm not alone in this, but that doesn't mean I can't have a quick vent, right?

I was working freelance for two schools this time last year: a business English school and an international school for traveling business-people's kids. I had health issues in the middle of the year, and had to let the contracts expire. I was briefly rehired by the latter, then they started to have financial problems, and let me go again. Then I found work for a school that needed a materials and program co-ordinator, again freelance... and then they ran out of money for the position, and that was me back looking for work again. Grr.

I also had a hospital stay in the meantime, which slowed things down. Grrr.

It's a frustrating position to be in again: looking for work is always a tough thing, no-one wants to hire full time because it's cheaper to hire freelancers, but there's no stability for me. Grrr. It's also kept me very busy and unable to take part in some fun activities lately. I haven't even had the time and energy to drop by here much.

I know that it's not the wheelchair that's keeping me from getting hired, because I've worked every year of the past 11, but I do find myself falling into a bad attitude. I know that I'm not getting hired because companies are being cautious about money, but I have had to fight to stop myself going into interviews with a chip on my shoulder.

Anyway: I have some freelance translation and proofreading to keep me ticking over, and I'm keeping my eye out for some tutoring work and so on. I've enough to get by, and unemployment benefits if things get dire. I just wanted to vent.

So, how are you all doing in the current economy? And how do you handle job searches, particularly long ones? Any ideas on ways to stop frustrations building and spoiling your attitude?

[Liquid0Numbness]

Hey sweetie my BF lost his job back in April and has just been in such a funk ever since and of course because of his funk he's having a hard time finding another one. All I can do is love and support him. But me on the other I'm a dog and cat groomer and I have a lot of cliental so the economy hasn't effect my paycheck (and hopefully never will). I hope all works out for you and you can vent anytime, take care sweetie!

[fatdave]

I lost my job as a piercer at a tattoo shop last month. I never made a lot, $50 a day plus tips. Some nights I walked out with $400+ in my pocket, some nights with just the $50.

It wasn't a lot of money, but it was there when I really needed it. I was let go because not many people were coming in for them anymore. He will call me in when it picks up and I hope it does soon, it really gave me a reason to get out of the house and be more social...not to mention the extra money.

I have taken this time to further my education, might end up being the only person in my family to have more than a high school diploma.

I wish you the best in finding employment.

[ClaraTaylor]

Really sorry to hear that. I hope something picks up for you soon.

I work as a project assistant / office b*tch / workshop minion doing a whole range of things for a company that designs pneumatic conveying systems. We had a quiet couple of months and the spares jobs I normally deal with dropped off but it's picking pack up again now (which is why I managed two hours over time yesterday crawling around on the workshop floor doing)

Good luck.

[Slowlegs]

I work for a large retail company and although we have just been through redundancies, this time I kept my job. I was made redundant a number of years back but got a new job pretty quickly in the late 90's and found at a couple of places I was almost openly discriminated against (ab's can be so dumb sometimes) when trying to hide things from us cripples. This time it seems a lot more dire as we have had bankers and people with degrees applying for checkout jobs just to pay the mortgage and put food on the table. Good luck to you guys, I hope you find something soon.

[fatdave]

I fear if I do get a degree in something that I would end up flipping burgers anyway. But, I am still going to try.

[Travelling Blackbird]

Liquid0Numbness, on May 19 2009, 12:59 AM, said:

Hey sweetie my BF lost his job back in April and has just been in such a funk ever since and of course because of his funk he's having a hard time finding another one. I'm a dog and cat groomer and I have a lot of cliental so the economy hasn't effect my paycheck (and hopefully never will). I hope all works out for you and you can vent anytime, take care sweetie!

I always find it interesting the jobs that get hit harder by turns in the economy. One of my exes is a dog trainer - more clients than ever right now - and the other one runs a bar and restaurant - ditto. All three of my architect friends are out of work. Seems like animals and alcohol were a better way to go than teaching and construction!

And thanks for the kind words. Best of luck to your boyfriend. Hopefully he can get beyond the funk to find himself in a headspace where he sell his personality and skills again.

fatdave, on May 19 2009, 04:41 AM, said:

I lost my job as a piercer at a tattoo shop last month. I never made a lot, $50 a day plus tips. Some nights I walked out with $400+ in my pocket, some nights with just the $50.

I have taken this time to further my education, might end up being the only person in my family to have more than a high school diploma.

I wish you the best in finding employment.

Thanks Dave, and I hope the piercing gig picks up again. It sounded like a good little extra. Good idea with the further education. Where did you enroll, and what courses?

ClaraTaylor, on May 19 2009, 08:38 AM, said:

Really sorry to hear that. I hope something picks up for you soon.

Good luck.

Thanks! I'm sure it will. I'm looking actively, and trying not to be too negative or angry.

I loved your description of your day at work! Crawling around on the floor... sounds like teaching kindergarten!

Slowlegs, on May 19 2009, 11:32 AM, said:

I was made redundant a number of years back but got a new job pretty quickly in the late 90's and found at a couple of places I was almost openly discriminated against (ab's can be so dumb sometimes) when trying to hide things from us cripples.

What kind of things did you come up against?

Slowlegs, on May 19 2009, 11:32 AM, said:

This time it seems a lot more dire as we have had bankers and people with degrees applying for checkout jobs just to pay the mortgage and put food on the table. Good luck to you guys, I hope you find something soon.

Thanks. It does seem to be a tough period for a lot of areas, but hopefully the various economies will start to pick up again sooner than later.

[ClaraTaylor]

Travelling Blackbird, on May 19 2009, 10:43 AM, said:

ClaraTaylor, on May 19 2009, 08:38 AM, said:

Really sorry to hear that. I hope something picks up for you soon.

Good luck.

Thanks! I'm sure it will. I'm looking actively, and trying not to be too negative or angry.

I loved your description of your day at work! Crawling around on the floor... sounds like teaching kindergarten!

*laughs* - I'm a lazy bugger and can't be bothered half of the time to get up to go and fetch tools! If anyone asks I'm sweeping the floor with my rump!

[fatdave]

I haven't enrolled yet, but I am looking at the local community college for their network security course.

[Travelling Blackbird]

ClaraTaylor, on May 19 2009, 10:46 PM, said:

*laughs* - I'm a lazy bugger and can't be bothered half of the time to get up to go and fetch tools! If anyone asks I'm sweeping the floor with my rump!

Hahahaha! That's a good one. I should try that excuse out sometime when someone asks me why I'm scooting across the floor instead of using my chair or crutches.

fatdave, on May 20 2009, 06:17 PM, said:

I haven't enrolled yet, but I am looking at the local community college for their network security course.

I always thought I should go back and try to learn more about IT. Seems like a good choice.