Frustrations - This Looks Like 2011
How many of you remember how bad the job market was in 2011? The numbers were abysmal, and the news was saying that most of us would not be working again until 2017. I went nine months before I got a contract - no benefits. Straight pay. Then, I could afford to do that. My wife worked at SAS Institute, where the benefits were awesome. Healthcare was great. We had no worries.
I have, in the past, been able to land contracts easily. Gigs, if you will. Straight pay, no benefits. Now, my wife is not working. I need the pay and the benefits. I need a full-time job with the real benefits. But I cannot land such a situation. Period. I have never had much success submitting my resume to companies willing to take me on full-time. I have done excellent contract work but have never been able to really land that full-time role. Why? What is wrong with me? People review my resume and talk about how great it is, but if it is so great, why have I been flying by the seat of my pants and unable to obtain that coveted full-time permanent situation? Why do I watch my peers in the field enjoy security and the ability to care for their families while I struggle?
And I just bought a house only to have my contract end with nothing to go to.
Nobody is calling me. Two weeks, and no calls. My resume is out on numerous sites, I have applied to 30 job openings, and there is no action. I have until August 1 when my next mortgage payment is due, and my household is making $0 per week. Seriously. It is that bad.
I might have to end my marriage and go home to my parents because I can't get work to support my family. The numbers say 3.9% unemployment, but the silence on my phone line is the same as 2011, when the unemployment rate was 11%. I don't have nine months to wait for a job. And every day I don't have work I lose my chance of employers seeing any appeal in hiring me.
My career looks like it's over. And my marriage soon after because I can't take care of my family.
My fear is that the young people are not finding jobs.
A jobless recovery the newscasters and experts have said. There is nothing wrong with the life and career you have had. You have done amazingly. Out there, brick and mortar stores are closing...a continuation of what has been happening 2011. It's cheaper to order on line. Jobs are a big question mark today. I don't know what to tell you M, I have a good deal of respect for the young person who keeps searching for a job and he's young and doesn't have to think to deeply about the questions of if he took the wrong road in the last 20 years of his life. I have more regard for the older person who thinks those deep thoughts of who he/she is. Got to dig deeper.
I could not agree more sir! What happened to the promise of “a chicken in every pot and a car in every garage .”. Now if you work 40 hours a week at the federal minimum wage you cant even afford to rent a one bedroom apartment! We need change in a BIG way!
They probally rhink you're too old. Which means they think you're expwnsive
Michael - While I may not have either a mortgage or marriage vows to worry about I do have 2 elder parents that require care. After being resourced by IBM in July 2013 it took just a few short months to land a contract position with Manpower supporting IBMers, so I know how you feel about straight pay and no employer benefits. Ever since then, I've been sending out my resume and hearing - for the most part - the same thing you are, 'You have an impressive resume, however, we've decided to go with another candidate.' In all that time I've only been called in for 1 interview and 2 weeks later received an email saying, 'We appreciate you taking the time to come in and meet with us, however, in spite of your impressive resume and superior qualifications we've decided to go with another candidate.' Do I think age is a factor? Absolutely. Companies - including IBM - are saying how much they value older employees because of their experience, and yet it's those same older employees (especially ones 55 and older,) that are being let go. Many, like us, are still capable of working a 40 hour work week and are more than willing to do so and some, like yourself, need to work. Don't give up on yourself....or your family. The older we get the more frustrating it becomes and we have to find a way to re-direct that frustration so we don't lose focus on what's important.
Michael in your wedding vows it's for better or worse so don't give up on your family first off and second things don't happen when you want sometimes but if you are a true believer in God he will provide a way. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers.
Hi Michael! I am so sorry for the struggles you are facing. You are not alone and you came to a good place for support and guidance. I would make sure your resume has everything it needs to be seen so it isn't being weeded out. Check out [these tips] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/596c18f2-664b-5584-816e-ef1860520181?from=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.jobcase.com%252Fcommunity). If you aren't landing any interviews this could be the issue. Also make sure to [follow up with your application] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/1a5dc93f-d04e-5a34-8e38-215550b0f363).
On a separate note, have you spoken to your wife about how you're feeling? Is she currently working as well or looking for work? I would say in times like this the best thing you can do is to support one another. I understand the pressure you feel but don't give up!
Follow these simple steps to find a job opportunity here on Jobcase.
1. Click on Jobs & Companies at the top of the page, or head over [here] (http://www.jobcase.com/jobs/search)
2. Enter a job into the search field where it says Job Title, Keywords, or Company.
3. Add in your location by filling in your City and State OR zip code. Then click the magnifying glass to search.
4. Once the list is up, click on “View Job" of any you are interested in and then apply.
Please let me know how else I can help!
Have you tried a Staffing Agency for Technical Writers/Sr Technical Writers? They may be able to place you in the meantime. Your career isn’t over. Your just going thru a rough patch. Try to keep your faith and believe this will pass. You have what it takes to make things happen!
OK, I will be the first to admit that I can be a nervous Nelly about jobs. I am getting older (though I am trying to maintain good health to be EFFECTIVELY young), so seeing silence on the job front gets scary. I want to say that after three weeks of hunting, applying, and getting myself out there, I have my first job interview tomorrow and another one on Friday. Additionally, these prospects are strong possibilities that meet my professional compensation requirements. I will say that all of us get discouraged, and the best advice I can give you is not to give up entirely. So, the rest of you who are in the same boat as me can rest assured that the boat is not going to sink so fast that you can't swim to safety.