That statement is so true.
A few years ago, a highly qualified employee was let go. She had her moments of course, but as a fellow employee, my heart went out to her when I'd learned she had lost her job. Her ex husband was my locksmith, and whenever he came out to do work, I'd ask how she was doing. Three months passed, then four, and still she had no work. I remember thinking she was being too over selective in her prospects. Finally, at about the six month mark, he informed me she'd found work.
I thought about her today as I sat in the unemployment office. And as I reflected on my current state of affairs, I couldn't help but laugh at myself. How quick I'd been to criticize. And yet here I was, coming upon the five month mark, walking the very same road she did - on food stamps, collecting unemployment, with a very tough job market ahead of me.
Nowadays, I'm slow to speak, and ever slower to judge. I'm still a work in progress. And one thing I've learned these last few months is that not everyone collecting food stamps are lazy. They are many, like me, who are searching every possible method of finding employ that meets their family's needs. We spend hours a day at the computer, applying for job after job, with very little to no response.
Work agencies aren't what they used to be, either. That's not necessarily their fault, it's just an indication of how much the workforce has changed over the last twenty years.. In my 20's, I'd worked for temp agencies, and never lacked for work. Make the right impression, even on a week long assignment, and it's entirely possible something permanent developed. Nowadays, temp agencies are more concerned about getting you in the right place, "marrying" you to the right employer. So be patient.
Here's something I didn't know. Temp agencies will post positions on job search websites that aren't even available. Many times I'd apply for EA jobs, but never heard back after the initial interview. I kept hearing, "we don't have anything for you right now," which confused me considering I'd just applied for a job I knew I was qualified for. It wasn't until a recruiter explained that these agencies were simply filling their rosters for future positions. Knowing that took some of the sting out of the rejection.
So what's a person to do? There are a lot of resources out there for the unemployed - even if you don't qualify to receive unemployment. Maybe you find yourself in my shoes. I'm 40ish, married with 3 kids. I'm a jack of all trades, master of none, which can be a negative when looking for a job. Why? Because you don't have that ONE thing career wise that people look for.
If you find yourself recently unemployed and searching, here's some things that might help
1. Unemployment office. They'll ensure if you're entitled to receive benefits that you do receive them. Even if you're not, they will help you through the transition and advise you of all the resources at your disposal - for no charge.
2. Go to your local workforce center (THIS IS AN UNDERUSED TOOL). Mine had a couple of folks who were willing to work with me. I am pursuing a career change, and might have a way of paying for it now, even though I'm unemployed. There's a lot of state assistance out there. Don't be afraid to use it. My guess is your tax dollars have more than paid for it already :)
Maybe you're like me and you don't know what you like to do. Here's a couple of tools that will help you find your way.
1. http://traitmarker.com/signup - one of the best tests I've taken. It's not a standard personality test. Gave me a lot of direction in helping me determine my new career path. It's only $29.99 and comes with a free ebook. For me, this test was a CRITICAL first step in determining what I was put on this earth to do. I HIGHLY recommend it
2. www.careerinfornet.org/skills - helps you determine your job skills are. if it was me, take the traitmarker first, then this one. There's no charge associated with this one.
3. www.mynextmove.org - for those just entering the labor market
It takes work, as well as a LOT of courage to do what you want to do. If you're patient enough, and have the support at home, you'll get where you need to go. While I've not arrived at my destination, it's a lot more comforting to know what I like to do. Don't be discouraged - you can get there too :)
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