While I am still unemployed, I feel there has been some progress made on finding suitable employment.
I had a couple of good leads this week, although nothing has panned out just yet. The one I am most hoping for is a Field Claims Representative for an insurance company. This is right up my alley and would put me on the road in two counties in my area, interacting with body shops, something I am familiar with.
The other position requires a college degree, but strings are being pulled trying to get my foot in the door. It helps to have people networking for you. Nothing has come of it yet, but I feel the opportunity may be there in the next couple of weeks.
Still exploring the possibility of taking some college courses and of course there is always the possibility of starting my own blogging business, although being self-employed is a scary thing.
This past week, I have written two press releases, one for a political candidate and one for a new business that opened up in downtown Greensburg. Although neither one offered any compensation for my efforts.
I also started a Face Book page for the political candidate and I have that up and running for him. This has been interesting as I have been able to attract about 300 friends to his page. It is a good start to his campaign and it amazes me how social electronic networking may play in this year's election.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
Start of week 3
It's the start of my third week on the unemployment line. I have a few irons in the fire, enough to keep me encouraged. However, still no offers of serious employment at this point.
I find it interesting that every person who has ever owned a business or product is willing to let you go out on your own making sales for them on a strictly commission basis. Of course they don't want to pay mileage or expenses - you make a sale - you get paid a percentage of that sale. I guess if I found that magical product that everyone wanted or if I didn't have to travel 60 miles one way to sell, then this type of arrangement would be OK. However, that is not the case with these types of offers.
So I will continue my job search for something a little more stable - something a little more 8-5'ish if you will (although it doesn't have to be 8-5 - I am willing to work any hours, to an extent).
I have a couple of social meetings this week. One is a networking effort being organized by a local entrepreneur who does marketing for small companies that can't afford to pay for a full time marketing person. Gee, that sounds familiar, doesn't it?
The second meeting is being sponsored by the local Chamber of Commerce, who is presenting a so-called social media "expert," who will discuss FaceBook and how it can relate to a business. I am on FaceBook as a personal endeavour, and I must say it can be addicting. When I was at my previous job, I tried to talk the boss into letting me start his own business FaceBook page, but he was always nervous about it. I also wanted to Twitter and Blog for his business, but again, he shot the idea down several times. It will be interesting to watch in the future as my replacement (his young daughter) will probably be able to convince him of the need.
Anyway - the two meetings will at least allow me the opportunity to sneak out of the house and away from my computer, where I usually spend about 6 hours a day researching companies and looking at job boards such as CareerBuilder, Monster, Craig's List and a few others. I am looking forward to face-to-face contact with people.
I find it interesting that every person who has ever owned a business or product is willing to let you go out on your own making sales for them on a strictly commission basis. Of course they don't want to pay mileage or expenses - you make a sale - you get paid a percentage of that sale. I guess if I found that magical product that everyone wanted or if I didn't have to travel 60 miles one way to sell, then this type of arrangement would be OK. However, that is not the case with these types of offers.
So I will continue my job search for something a little more stable - something a little more 8-5'ish if you will (although it doesn't have to be 8-5 - I am willing to work any hours, to an extent).
I have a couple of social meetings this week. One is a networking effort being organized by a local entrepreneur who does marketing for small companies that can't afford to pay for a full time marketing person. Gee, that sounds familiar, doesn't it?
The second meeting is being sponsored by the local Chamber of Commerce, who is presenting a so-called social media "expert," who will discuss FaceBook and how it can relate to a business. I am on FaceBook as a personal endeavour, and I must say it can be addicting. When I was at my previous job, I tried to talk the boss into letting me start his own business FaceBook page, but he was always nervous about it. I also wanted to Twitter and Blog for his business, but again, he shot the idea down several times. It will be interesting to watch in the future as my replacement (his young daughter) will probably be able to convince him of the need.
Anyway - the two meetings will at least allow me the opportunity to sneak out of the house and away from my computer, where I usually spend about 6 hours a day researching companies and looking at job boards such as CareerBuilder, Monster, Craig's List and a few others. I am looking forward to face-to-face contact with people.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
An encouraging day
Today I was able to resolve my issue with Microsoft Word 2007. I had emailed a resume and cover letter to a potential employer and was notified that they could not open my documents for whatever reason.
A simple save as Word 1997-2003 on my computer and another email to the prospective employer and they notified me that they were successful in opening it. I was lucky that they actually took the time to notify me of the problem. It makes me wonder how many resumes and cover letters I have sent that were just trashed because the recipient couldn't open it.
I received a tip of a new business opening up in the Batesville area and they are looking for telemarketers to help them begin the cold call process of getting new members to join their facility, which will be open in April. In my follow-up, the manager asked me to stop by Thursday to talk about a possible position. I fear it won't be what I want, but I am not sure if I can be choosy right now.
I also have composed my proposal to start a Job Seekers Club in Greensburg and Decatur County and I will be presenting this to the Mayor of Greensburg on Thursday, hoping for his buy in. I feel confident about this.
This should be a big thing and I hope that if it is successful, it will look good on my resume. While I want to help people, yes, I do have a little selfishness involved here - I need a job and am doing what I can to help my cause. Hopefully, an employer will look at this initiative as a sign of my ability to be a forward-thinker and a person who likes to get things accomplished.
A simple save as Word 1997-2003 on my computer and another email to the prospective employer and they notified me that they were successful in opening it. I was lucky that they actually took the time to notify me of the problem. It makes me wonder how many resumes and cover letters I have sent that were just trashed because the recipient couldn't open it.
I received a tip of a new business opening up in the Batesville area and they are looking for telemarketers to help them begin the cold call process of getting new members to join their facility, which will be open in April. In my follow-up, the manager asked me to stop by Thursday to talk about a possible position. I fear it won't be what I want, but I am not sure if I can be choosy right now.
I also have composed my proposal to start a Job Seekers Club in Greensburg and Decatur County and I will be presenting this to the Mayor of Greensburg on Thursday, hoping for his buy in. I feel confident about this.
This should be a big thing and I hope that if it is successful, it will look good on my resume. While I want to help people, yes, I do have a little selfishness involved here - I need a job and am doing what I can to help my cause. Hopefully, an employer will look at this initiative as a sign of my ability to be a forward-thinker and a person who likes to get things accomplished.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Not much today
It was kind of a cruddy day for me today. I didn't make many advances on the job search front, so I feel it was a wasted day.
I did, however, get some exercise in today, something that is lacking in my daily routine. I need to get serious about it and get back in the flow of physical activity.
I sent a resume and cover letter via email to a place in Greensburg on Monday, but was notified today that my Word doc and resume could not be opened because I used Microsoft Word 2007. It makes me wonder if there have been other places that couldn't open my resume and cover letter and they just weren't nice enough to inform me. This could be a problem and I need to figure it out. I guess I will download Word 2003 to see if that can correct the issue.
Still considering starting a job club of some sort to see what comes out it. But I can't let that idea bog me down causing me to delay my search for an actual paying position.
I did, however, get some exercise in today, something that is lacking in my daily routine. I need to get serious about it and get back in the flow of physical activity.
I sent a resume and cover letter via email to a place in Greensburg on Monday, but was notified today that my Word doc and resume could not be opened because I used Microsoft Word 2007. It makes me wonder if there have been other places that couldn't open my resume and cover letter and they just weren't nice enough to inform me. This could be a problem and I need to figure it out. I guess I will download Word 2003 to see if that can correct the issue.
Still considering starting a job club of some sort to see what comes out it. But I can't let that idea bog me down causing me to delay my search for an actual paying position.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Week 2 underway
Today is the start of my second week of being unemployed. My biggest fear is that as time drags on, the opportunities for work are going to be farther and farther apart.
I have been thinking about making a career change, although I am not sure what kind of change to make. It seems clear to me that in this area of Southeastern Indiana, I am not going to re-enter the journalism industry for print media and marketing people in my area are just not in demand.
I have considered going back to school to complete my education, but I have missed the opportunity to get signed up for the spring semester, which begins this week at most local continuing education facilities. I still have about two months to decide if I want to start in the summer.
I also have found that I have compassion for others and feel compelled to want to help other people, perhaps those people who are unemployed. I know it doesn't make a lot of sense for an unemployed guy to want to help others who are in the same boat he is.
However, I think if push comes to shove, I can go to a local car dealership and become a salesman for them.
I am thinking about starting an unemployed job club of some kind in this area. Perhaps this group of people could meet weekly to discuss their efforts to locate a job. Perhaps some need help with a resume, only Lord knows I still need help with mine, but maybe I could get an expert to come in and talk to the group.
Perhaps, as a group, we can network and get the word out that a job club is forming and that quality people are unemployed and perhaps it will give local firms an opportunity to snag their next hire.
I don't know if I could make money at it, I don't think that would be the purpose, much like my decision to blog about my job search journey. I guess in the back of my mind it would be nice to capitalize on this blogging effort and or if I could make a unemployed job club successful, perhaps that could lead to bigger and better things.
For the last year at my previous employer, I lived every day and night with the fear that I was going to be released due to the economy. I would wake up in the middle of the night wondering what I could do on a shoestring budget to bring more revenue into the place. I am sure I am not alone in this manner of thought. Many Americans are lying awake at night, worrying about tomorrow.
Now those fears are gone since I have been let go, but I find myself waking up now thinking about where I am going to get a job.
Maybe an opportunity to network with fellow Americans on the unemployment line is just what I need. A group of people who understand what I am going through. A group of people who have been unemployed much longer than I have.
I am considering approaching an organization about this idea of mine. I just haven't decided which one.
I have been thinking about making a career change, although I am not sure what kind of change to make. It seems clear to me that in this area of Southeastern Indiana, I am not going to re-enter the journalism industry for print media and marketing people in my area are just not in demand.
I have considered going back to school to complete my education, but I have missed the opportunity to get signed up for the spring semester, which begins this week at most local continuing education facilities. I still have about two months to decide if I want to start in the summer.
I also have found that I have compassion for others and feel compelled to want to help other people, perhaps those people who are unemployed. I know it doesn't make a lot of sense for an unemployed guy to want to help others who are in the same boat he is.
However, I think if push comes to shove, I can go to a local car dealership and become a salesman for them.
I am thinking about starting an unemployed job club of some kind in this area. Perhaps this group of people could meet weekly to discuss their efforts to locate a job. Perhaps some need help with a resume, only Lord knows I still need help with mine, but maybe I could get an expert to come in and talk to the group.
Perhaps, as a group, we can network and get the word out that a job club is forming and that quality people are unemployed and perhaps it will give local firms an opportunity to snag their next hire.
I don't know if I could make money at it, I don't think that would be the purpose, much like my decision to blog about my job search journey. I guess in the back of my mind it would be nice to capitalize on this blogging effort and or if I could make a unemployed job club successful, perhaps that could lead to bigger and better things.
For the last year at my previous employer, I lived every day and night with the fear that I was going to be released due to the economy. I would wake up in the middle of the night wondering what I could do on a shoestring budget to bring more revenue into the place. I am sure I am not alone in this manner of thought. Many Americans are lying awake at night, worrying about tomorrow.
Now those fears are gone since I have been let go, but I find myself waking up now thinking about where I am going to get a job.
Maybe an opportunity to network with fellow Americans on the unemployment line is just what I need. A group of people who understand what I am going through. A group of people who have been unemployed much longer than I have.
I am considering approaching an organization about this idea of mine. I just haven't decided which one.
Friday, January 8, 2010
End of the first week
It's the end of the week and I can't decide if I accomplished anything in my first week of unemployment.
I updated my resume much more to my liking, but I certainly think it has a ways to go before it is a get-your-attention resume. At least now I feel better about distributing this one, more so than the previous one.
I was able to see several key people who can help me get the word out about being available. One was the Mayor of Greensburg, who I spent entirely too much time with on Tuesday. But I consider the time I spent with him as quality networking time. We'll see if anything comes out of it. I am not holding my breath.
I also spent time researching my need to obtain a college degree. While I like to think that my 24 years of experience in the business world, many of those years managing a multi-million dollar newspaper business, should qualify me for a respectable position someplace, many companies don't see it the way I do.
Often times when applying for a job, especially electronically, you will get kicked over to another screen and there, at the bottom, is the question that stops your application from being submitted. "Do you hold a college degree?" Hit the no button and you are automatically rejected without a chance to speak to someone face-to-face. Without the opportunity to sell yourself.
I wonder how many great employees never get past this process. I believe companies are losing out. For example, Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Music and now Virgin Atlantic is one example. Oh, Richard Branson is now the only man on the face of the planet making it possible for space travel for regular citizens.
Other successful people without college degrees include Rachel Ray (she has a great job as TV cook with her own show), Matt Drudge (the Drudge Report), Barry Diller (Saturday Night Fever Producer), Michael Dell (Dell Computers) and, just a little guy we know as Bill Gates. Need I say more?
These people I mentioned would not get past the electronic process of applying for a job online because of that one question..."Do you hold a college degree..."
I'm not saying I should be put in the same category as the famous people I mentioned, certainly not. I'll let you decide on how important a college degree is. I, for one, can't get my foot in the door because I don't have one. My kids are sick of me explaining to them that they will go to college, if it kills me. I don't want them in this position. Sort of a do as I say, not as I do, situation.
So I have people networking for me, I am examining my options of continuing education, am considering getting my real estate license, and I am trying to figure out how to start my own business without any capital.
It is easy to get tired and worn out from being off work. There is a lot of stress.
I updated my resume much more to my liking, but I certainly think it has a ways to go before it is a get-your-attention resume. At least now I feel better about distributing this one, more so than the previous one.
I was able to see several key people who can help me get the word out about being available. One was the Mayor of Greensburg, who I spent entirely too much time with on Tuesday. But I consider the time I spent with him as quality networking time. We'll see if anything comes out of it. I am not holding my breath.
I also spent time researching my need to obtain a college degree. While I like to think that my 24 years of experience in the business world, many of those years managing a multi-million dollar newspaper business, should qualify me for a respectable position someplace, many companies don't see it the way I do.
Often times when applying for a job, especially electronically, you will get kicked over to another screen and there, at the bottom, is the question that stops your application from being submitted. "Do you hold a college degree?" Hit the no button and you are automatically rejected without a chance to speak to someone face-to-face. Without the opportunity to sell yourself.
I wonder how many great employees never get past this process. I believe companies are losing out. For example, Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Music and now Virgin Atlantic is one example. Oh, Richard Branson is now the only man on the face of the planet making it possible for space travel for regular citizens.
Other successful people without college degrees include Rachel Ray (she has a great job as TV cook with her own show), Matt Drudge (the Drudge Report), Barry Diller (Saturday Night Fever Producer), Michael Dell (Dell Computers) and, just a little guy we know as Bill Gates. Need I say more?
These people I mentioned would not get past the electronic process of applying for a job online because of that one question..."Do you hold a college degree..."
I'm not saying I should be put in the same category as the famous people I mentioned, certainly not. I'll let you decide on how important a college degree is. I, for one, can't get my foot in the door because I don't have one. My kids are sick of me explaining to them that they will go to college, if it kills me. I don't want them in this position. Sort of a do as I say, not as I do, situation.
So I have people networking for me, I am examining my options of continuing education, am considering getting my real estate license, and I am trying to figure out how to start my own business without any capital.
It is easy to get tired and worn out from being off work. There is a lot of stress.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
A painful day
Today was a painful day. Too many problems to talk about in a short amount of time, but they all had to do with signing up for unemployment.
Two trips to Shelbyville WorkForce Development, an overwhelming number of phone calls to Madison, Columbus, Lawrenceburg and Shelbyville which led to busy signals, voice mails and no hope of talking to a live person, hence the two trips to Shelbyville in one day from Greensburg.
I may visit this topic later after I compose my thoughts.
I was finally able to get signed up for unemployment benefits, but it will be at least three weeks before I get a check, due to my final check from former employer, who decided to pay me two weeks’ vacation for 2010. That was nice, don't you think?
After a trip to the doctor with my youngest son in the morning, it will be back to creating an award winning and eye-catching resume and get real serious about moving my job search to the next level. Plus I need to get to the Greensburg Learning Center to inquire about continuing education classes.
I hope I awaken in the morning with enthusiasm. I hope I get some sleep tonight, because sleep hasn't been good for quite some time.
Two trips to Shelbyville WorkForce Development, an overwhelming number of phone calls to Madison, Columbus, Lawrenceburg and Shelbyville which led to busy signals, voice mails and no hope of talking to a live person, hence the two trips to Shelbyville in one day from Greensburg.
I may visit this topic later after I compose my thoughts.
I was finally able to get signed up for unemployment benefits, but it will be at least three weeks before I get a check, due to my final check from former employer, who decided to pay me two weeks’ vacation for 2010. That was nice, don't you think?
After a trip to the doctor with my youngest son in the morning, it will be back to creating an award winning and eye-catching resume and get real serious about moving my job search to the next level. Plus I need to get to the Greensburg Learning Center to inquire about continuing education classes.
I hope I awaken in the morning with enthusiasm. I hope I get some sleep tonight, because sleep hasn't been good for quite some time.
Day 2
Tuesday, Jan. 5, saw the return to school for the kids, after a short Christmas break. Of course they weren't very excited to go back, but it was time.
I know I have a lot on my plate today, first and foremost is getting signed up for unemployment. I need to get my log on issues resolved with the state. Hopefully, someone will be able to help me reset my password and make it so I can access the system electronically.
I also plan on stopping by the Greensburg Learning Center to discuss options about taking classes and or moving in a direction to get an Associate’s Degree. I only wish I knew why I didn't pursue a college education after high school, 30 years ago. I was never pushed in that direction from my parents, but maybe I shouldn't have had to be pushed. Why didn't I just know that in order to obtain a great job, I would need a college degree?
Funny thing is, until this point in my life, I have done extremely well for a guy without a formal education. I am proud of the fact that I have been an award winning writer and photographer not only in the newspaper industry, but also when I owned Emsweller Photography in Rushville. I am most proud of the fact that one of my newspaper photos was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, and even though it didn't win, I have documentation that is was considered.
I am also proud of the photos I have taken and the life’s I have touched as a portrait and wedding photographer. I was the first in Central and Southeastern Indiana to offer trading cards with packages for sports teams. I was also the first photographer in the area to offer black and white photos with spot color to high school seniors. The other photographers in the area were two years behind me, back in 1984-1989. Plus, you should have seen people line up at my fair booth to watch my slide show presentations I put together with music. It was an awesome sight. Today, there are businesses specializing in transferring family photos to CD with music. Back in the 1980's, I was the only one doing it.
One would think that my accomplishments would speak for themselves. But so often, when applying for positions online, a candidate will be kicked out of consideration because he or she answers that they do not have a college degree.
I also have intentions on checking into real estate school, which may or may not be a full time gig, but one I think I would be good at and with my belief that the housing industry is going to eventually come back strong; it may put me in a position to make some good money on the side.
But first, I have to find a full time job and it is a full time job just looking for a full time job.
I know I have a lot on my plate today, first and foremost is getting signed up for unemployment. I need to get my log on issues resolved with the state. Hopefully, someone will be able to help me reset my password and make it so I can access the system electronically.
I also plan on stopping by the Greensburg Learning Center to discuss options about taking classes and or moving in a direction to get an Associate’s Degree. I only wish I knew why I didn't pursue a college education after high school, 30 years ago. I was never pushed in that direction from my parents, but maybe I shouldn't have had to be pushed. Why didn't I just know that in order to obtain a great job, I would need a college degree?
Funny thing is, until this point in my life, I have done extremely well for a guy without a formal education. I am proud of the fact that I have been an award winning writer and photographer not only in the newspaper industry, but also when I owned Emsweller Photography in Rushville. I am most proud of the fact that one of my newspaper photos was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, and even though it didn't win, I have documentation that is was considered.
I am also proud of the photos I have taken and the life’s I have touched as a portrait and wedding photographer. I was the first in Central and Southeastern Indiana to offer trading cards with packages for sports teams. I was also the first photographer in the area to offer black and white photos with spot color to high school seniors. The other photographers in the area were two years behind me, back in 1984-1989. Plus, you should have seen people line up at my fair booth to watch my slide show presentations I put together with music. It was an awesome sight. Today, there are businesses specializing in transferring family photos to CD with music. Back in the 1980's, I was the only one doing it.
One would think that my accomplishments would speak for themselves. But so often, when applying for positions online, a candidate will be kicked out of consideration because he or she answers that they do not have a college degree.
I also have intentions on checking into real estate school, which may or may not be a full time gig, but one I think I would be good at and with my belief that the housing industry is going to eventually come back strong; it may put me in a position to make some good money on the side.
But first, I have to find a full time job and it is a full time job just looking for a full time job.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Tough day
It was a tough day today in my first day of unemployment.
It began by trying to register online for unemployment benefits. After many hours, several phone calls and a personal visit to the local WorkOne Workforce Development Center, I can say, I am no farther along than I was when I got out bed this morning.
It seems there is a problem with me getting registered electronically and I can't get any help from WorkOne, the apparent administrators of the unemployment benefits for the State of Indiana. My social security number is apparently already on file with them from several years ago, but my user name and password are unknown by me. When I try to re-register, the system tells me that my SS number doesn't match my birthdate.
After visiting the local Express office of WorkOne, they informed me to contact a full service facility. Those are located in Indianapolis, Madison, Lawrenceburg, Shelbyville and Columbus, IN. At least I was able to get through to voice mails at all but Indianapolis. I tried calling for 4 hours to Indianapolis and received numerous recordings but never was able to talk to a live person or leave a message at that location.
So, I am still waiting to sign up for unemployment benefits.
On Tuesday, I will continue that effort as well as look into college course and tuitions in the event that I decide to continue my education in an effort to keep my options open.
I did find a job that I was perfect for today except for the fact that I do not have a college education. I do have the experience and the ability to handle the job, but it will be my lack of a degree that will stop me from getting it. It is with the local YMCA, which I have assisted numerous times over the years in fundraising and I have been a big supporter of the facility.
I was slightly depressed when I spoke with the director regarding the position, but due to the Federal grant that is being administered for the position, you must have a Bachelor's degree and unfortunately, I don't have that.
Tonight, I will read up on building a resume for today's workforce, in a book I obtained at the local library.
I hope to get up Tuesday with faith and excitement that I am moving in the right direction.
It began by trying to register online for unemployment benefits. After many hours, several phone calls and a personal visit to the local WorkOne Workforce Development Center, I can say, I am no farther along than I was when I got out bed this morning.
It seems there is a problem with me getting registered electronically and I can't get any help from WorkOne, the apparent administrators of the unemployment benefits for the State of Indiana. My social security number is apparently already on file with them from several years ago, but my user name and password are unknown by me. When I try to re-register, the system tells me that my SS number doesn't match my birthdate.
After visiting the local Express office of WorkOne, they informed me to contact a full service facility. Those are located in Indianapolis, Madison, Lawrenceburg, Shelbyville and Columbus, IN. At least I was able to get through to voice mails at all but Indianapolis. I tried calling for 4 hours to Indianapolis and received numerous recordings but never was able to talk to a live person or leave a message at that location.
So, I am still waiting to sign up for unemployment benefits.
On Tuesday, I will continue that effort as well as look into college course and tuitions in the event that I decide to continue my education in an effort to keep my options open.
I did find a job that I was perfect for today except for the fact that I do not have a college education. I do have the experience and the ability to handle the job, but it will be my lack of a degree that will stop me from getting it. It is with the local YMCA, which I have assisted numerous times over the years in fundraising and I have been a big supporter of the facility.
I was slightly depressed when I spoke with the director regarding the position, but due to the Federal grant that is being administered for the position, you must have a Bachelor's degree and unfortunately, I don't have that.
Tonight, I will read up on building a resume for today's workforce, in a book I obtained at the local library.
I hope to get up Tuesday with faith and excitement that I am moving in the right direction.
First full day of unemployment
It is Monday morning, the fourth day of the new year. I remain upbeat and optimistic despite not receiving a good night's sleep. I had trouble falling asleep and then I awoke at an early hour, with thousands of thoughts racing through my head.
It is a busy day for me - I have to sign up for unemployment, run to the library for any book that may help me in crafting a new resume, the last day home for the kids from the Christmas break and I need to get my resume updated as quickly as possible.
My resume has always been kept up-to-date, but it just isn't as sharp as I think it should be. And, truth be known, it looks a little like a resume from the 70's because that's how I was taught to create a resume.
I need something modern, eye-catching and attention grabbing. That is why I am headed to the library to see what suggestions are out there these days.
Trying to file for unemployment electronically has not worked out so well just yet. The system is slow, perhaps because so many people are online trying to file their weekly claim. Plus, when I tried to log on, the system tells me I am using the incorrect password. I don't remember the last time I had to file an unemployment claim, (the longest I have ever been unemployed is six days) but I evidently created a password several years ago. I tried to call tech support, but continued to receive a busy signal.
So, my day is a little behind schedule as of this point. I must remain upbeat and positive and I can't let the anxiety of unemployment consume my life.
It is a busy day for me - I have to sign up for unemployment, run to the library for any book that may help me in crafting a new resume, the last day home for the kids from the Christmas break and I need to get my resume updated as quickly as possible.
My resume has always been kept up-to-date, but it just isn't as sharp as I think it should be. And, truth be known, it looks a little like a resume from the 70's because that's how I was taught to create a resume.
I need something modern, eye-catching and attention grabbing. That is why I am headed to the library to see what suggestions are out there these days.
Trying to file for unemployment electronically has not worked out so well just yet. The system is slow, perhaps because so many people are online trying to file their weekly claim. Plus, when I tried to log on, the system tells me I am using the incorrect password. I don't remember the last time I had to file an unemployment claim, (the longest I have ever been unemployed is six days) but I evidently created a password several years ago. I tried to call tech support, but continued to receive a busy signal.
So, my day is a little behind schedule as of this point. I must remain upbeat and positive and I can't let the anxiety of unemployment consume my life.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Bad news on Dec. 4, 2009
The news came Friday, Dec. 4, 2009 at approximately 3:30 in the afternoon.
My boss called me to his office and told me to have a seat. My thoughts were that we were going to discuss how we were going to sell some of his used car inventory.
You see, my employer needed to add different revenue streams to his current business and he believed the answer was in selling used cars. Not just any used cars, but rebuilt titled cars at wholesale prices to the public. Since the stock market crash earlier in the year and the impending recession that hit our country, his business had really fallen off.
My employer was in the auto body collision repair industry and those people who had wrecks were opting to cash out rather than repair their dents and dings in their cars. With the economy in the state it was (is) in, I understood that, but it meant my job as the marketing guy was usually on the line.
Coupled with the fact that my advertising budget had been trimmed to almost nothing, I had been worried for several months about my position with the company.
However, I didn't for the life of me think that he would announce his decision to release me until after the holidays and the start of 2010. I couldn't have been more wrong.
My boss started by stating the obvious - "business has been slow" - "car sales weren't taking off" the way he had hoped - "things were tough." That's when I thought he was going to ask for my advice on advertising the used inventory. I couldn't have been more wrong.
"Jeff," he said, "I've decided that we are going to eliminate your position. You last day will be Dec. 31 or if you find something before then, feel free to leave." My heart swelled up to the size of a watermelon stuck inside my throat.
We talked about options, including just cutting my hours or letting me maintain the marketing for the company on a contract basis at a reduced rate. He said he would be handling any marketing from this point forward.
I later learned that I was not the only one to receive bad news on that day. The receptionist at our office was told her last day was also Dec. 31, 2009.
My employer had decided to let both of us go in order to bring on his daughter who had just graduated from college in December. She would be handling both the receptionist and the marketing duties.
So began three weeks of preparing the department and office for my departure. You see, I am the person who started the marketing department for my former employer. I started it from the ground up and I am proud to say we accomplished many good things considering I went from a relative huge budget to a bare bones budget in a matter of two years.
So, while I compose this blog, I write not to vent about my disappointment with being let go from my duties as a marketing manager for a small family-owned business. I write to record my adventures, fears, joys, failures and triumphs as I search for my next position with a company.
You see, as my title indicates, I am now 49 years old and I fall into a category of almost Baby Boomer who is looking and competing for a job amongst thousands of others, many of whom just graduated from college.
I will update as often as I am able, discussing my plans and actions to find gainful employment in a tight job market.
Thanks for reading - please check back often.
Jeff
My boss called me to his office and told me to have a seat. My thoughts were that we were going to discuss how we were going to sell some of his used car inventory.
You see, my employer needed to add different revenue streams to his current business and he believed the answer was in selling used cars. Not just any used cars, but rebuilt titled cars at wholesale prices to the public. Since the stock market crash earlier in the year and the impending recession that hit our country, his business had really fallen off.
My employer was in the auto body collision repair industry and those people who had wrecks were opting to cash out rather than repair their dents and dings in their cars. With the economy in the state it was (is) in, I understood that, but it meant my job as the marketing guy was usually on the line.
Coupled with the fact that my advertising budget had been trimmed to almost nothing, I had been worried for several months about my position with the company.
However, I didn't for the life of me think that he would announce his decision to release me until after the holidays and the start of 2010. I couldn't have been more wrong.
My boss started by stating the obvious - "business has been slow" - "car sales weren't taking off" the way he had hoped - "things were tough." That's when I thought he was going to ask for my advice on advertising the used inventory. I couldn't have been more wrong.
"Jeff," he said, "I've decided that we are going to eliminate your position. You last day will be Dec. 31 or if you find something before then, feel free to leave." My heart swelled up to the size of a watermelon stuck inside my throat.
We talked about options, including just cutting my hours or letting me maintain the marketing for the company on a contract basis at a reduced rate. He said he would be handling any marketing from this point forward.
I later learned that I was not the only one to receive bad news on that day. The receptionist at our office was told her last day was also Dec. 31, 2009.
My employer had decided to let both of us go in order to bring on his daughter who had just graduated from college in December. She would be handling both the receptionist and the marketing duties.
So began three weeks of preparing the department and office for my departure. You see, I am the person who started the marketing department for my former employer. I started it from the ground up and I am proud to say we accomplished many good things considering I went from a relative huge budget to a bare bones budget in a matter of two years.
So, while I compose this blog, I write not to vent about my disappointment with being let go from my duties as a marketing manager for a small family-owned business. I write to record my adventures, fears, joys, failures and triumphs as I search for my next position with a company.
You see, as my title indicates, I am now 49 years old and I fall into a category of almost Baby Boomer who is looking and competing for a job amongst thousands of others, many of whom just graduated from college.
I will update as often as I am able, discussing my plans and actions to find gainful employment in a tight job market.
Thanks for reading - please check back often.
Jeff
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