The Frustration of Looking for a Job

As of today I have applied for 360 positions since I was laid off in November 2011. More than half of these included writing a specific cover letter and/or going through a rather lengthy application online process on a specific company's recruiting website.Within that number there are some repeat companies and recurring agencies - but still..............

I have reached out with e-mails to past co-workers and others in my Linked In network. Not asking for a job, just trying to stay connected - then hopefully if an opportunity does come up they will remember me. I also counted it up - and I have enrolled with 25 different agencies and head hunter companies. And have set up profiles on at least 12 different web sites that are geared towards job seekers.

  I have also taken the required, and some of the optional, sessions offered by the local Job Center which is run by the Department of Unemployment Assistance in Massachusetts. 



So why then have I only had interviewed with FIVE actual companies???? These were for long term temporary assignments as well as full time positions. 

 And it didn't work out as best I know because I never heard back from the recruiters or interviewers even after we talked several times after the interview.

 I work into almost all conversations with new people I meet that I am open to any new employment opportunities - without actually saying I am out of work. Except lately I have started including that phrase as well.

I never thought I would be out of work this long. It really is the longest I have ever been out of work in my entire adult life.

 About two months ago I tried a new job search tool - which frankly I am not planning to use again. This "tool" will tell you how many other people have applied for the same job which you just did. It also breaks down the years of experience they have, degrees, industry experience etc. I found it more depressing than helpful so I elected to not use that anymore.

 But now things are changing again. I received a notice from the state department of unemployment telling me that the program under which my current benefits are being paid out of is a federal program that will be ending December 29, 2012 - regardless of whether my account shows a balance still available or note. As best I can tell this is another effect of this "fiscal cliff" which the news has been talking about.

 This means that as of January 1st I have no earthly idea just how I will pay my bills. Considering this I suppose it is not all that surprising that I had a full blown panic attack and meltdown two days ago.

 
I shared my state of mind with two groups I belong to online. I am blessed in that neither of them had anyone who was less than supportive and no one even hinted that I was not trying hard enough or that any way it was my "fault" I could not find work still. However both groups did have similar comments and rather than repeating myself I thought this would be a good way to address some of the questions that came up.


Networking: I will confess that in some ways I was a complete novice to this idea when I first started this process. I still find it a bit difficult to "sell" myself.

I just sent out a new e-mail to former co-workers, bosses etc. letting them know that I am still seeking employment and would appreciate any inside information of open positions they hear of.

Job Boards: One of the dirty little secrets of Human Resources is something I learned during my last position. More than half of the jobs you see posted on a website do not really exist. What I mean by that is that the positions have already been filled. The company found someone referred by a senior manager or a position was created for a specific person. However in order to satisfy the company's EEO requirements they post the position for a specific period of time so that they can show a list of "applicants" for a position when it comes time to do their annual reporting.
 
Temporary work: I have definitely looked into this several times. There have been three issues with this however.

* The first is the pay scale. With a small exception all the temporary positions I have talked to agents and recruiters about pay LESS than what my unemployment insurance does.

* The second problem is that none of these were listed as Temp-to-Perm which I would most definitely consider as I have found positions this way before.

* The third issue is perhaps the most difficult. If I take a temporary position then of course I am no longer eligible for Unemployment payments. If I am not longer receiving UI payments then I can no longer participate in an auxiliary program called Medical Surety (MSP). The MSP allows for a refund of up to 80% of the monthly payment I am making for my COBRA medical insurance. Without this program I could not afford to keep my medical insurance.

And dropping my insurance is very much a last ditch step. I take medication every day, and most likely will for the balance of my life. And even with the generic substitution without insurance it is quite expensive. One of the group members asked whether "Obamacare" would help me at all - it will not. In fact, in Massachusetts the sort of state medical plans available are beyond my budget as well. However if you do not use them - you are assessed a monthly fine at the end of the year on your taxes.


So here I am today. Looking at December and wondering "What Now?". Well there are some steps I have already taken and will be looking at come Monday:


Mortgage: I have spoken to my mortgage company and after acquiring the proper forms and documents I have submitted a hardship request to help with the payments for a period of time.

Medical 1: I am working with my doctor to "stock up" on my medication before I need to drop my COBRA insurance. We are hoping to get a six month supply in stock for me.

Medical 2: Two days ago I received a very unexpected and generous statement. I have been seeing a chiropractor for several months. Both for re-alignment of an ongoing issue and as a stress reliever which has served a secondary benefit of assisting me to sleep better. The doctor's office contacted the billing department and DRAMATICALLY reduced my weekly co-pay amount thereby drastically cutting my balance due to less than half. What a very nice surprise.

Public Services: The letter I received from the state pointed me to some alternative assistance programs such as food stamps, utility assistance and other programs to help with housing. I will be contacting them on Monday.

Income options: I was approached by someone I know who has asked if I would be willing to consider cooking for them weekly so they can be frozen for use during the week. I also need to re-connect with a local real estate agent who has indicated he would like me to work with him in helping his clients during foreclosures and other less than desirable home situations.  


So overall where does this leave me today? In many ways right where I have always been. Held securely in my Father's arms. I will hold onto my faith and trust that He wishes only good things for me and my household.

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart...I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. - Psalm 37:4, 25