Hi, my name is Sue, I have been unemployed since June 2007 ... I feel like a failure ... does this sound like an AA meeting?
I have been unemployed since June 2007 when the company I worked for closed. I had been their office manager for 15 years. I have looked for a job off and on during the past 5 years. I am lucky enough to have a husband who doesn't mind his "stay at home mom" being a "stay at home wife" - lol. But, that being said, I do miss working at a regular job.
My job was with a school so I was able to drop my children off at their schools, work, and pick them up after school. I had holidays and summers off and I had a boss who understood that family always came first.
I have signed up as a temp for the school districts in the area and have worked very little. I don't think people want to take time off for fear of losing the jobs they have. I did have a dream job last year until I fell down my stairs at home while getting out the door for work and broke my arm. I have spent the past year trying to heal and find another job.
I have a small address book for internet addresses that I keep website information in. I have found it useful to have all my login information in one place. When I apply for a job, I print out the job information and attach a copy of the email I sent when applying. I just keep adding any pertinent information to that.
I have a list of references and job addresses with any information that isn't included on my resume so I don't have to search everywhere for it.
I think one of my biggest frustrations is no face-to-face during the application process - I also resent having to have a college degree to be a receptionist for $10/hour ... really?!?!?
I really have just joined the retired group - I pursue hobbies, volunteer and enjoy being able to do things with my family without having to discuss time off with an employer - do I wish I had a job - yes, but the real truth is I am enjoying not working.
I wish everyone who wanted to work could find a job that would pay a living wage - my daughter lives at home because she doesn't earn enough to support an apartment on her own - she is looking for a better job and possibly a roommate. I will be sad to see her go ... lol
Our son has been unemployed for a little over a year now, thankfully he has skills that allow him to work freelance so he hasn't starved to death yet or moved back home - not that I know where we would put him - now that the kids are "gone" it seems we actually need a bigger house because when they bounce back they bring more stuff with them than they had when they left ...
I am just thankful that we can offer them a roof over their heads when they need it while they get back on their feet.