I lost my job today...

[ocean girl]

I was unemployed for 3 years and then got this freelance job. I was only there for 6 months and I was one of the best performers in the group, but I was the last one hired, so I was the first one to be cut.

I'm so overwhelmed right now. Everything seems to be disintegrating (including the country).

After a 30 year career, I hate what's happened to the business world. Companies don't even pretend to care about you and I've seen people get fired right before their retirement date, after the death of a spouse or a serious illness.

I gotta figure out how to make a living without being owned.

[truebrit71]

1. I'm sorry to hear that...

....keep your chin up....

[MadAsHellNewYorker]

2. Im so sorry ocean girl

:hug:

i hope that this phase of unemployment is short lived.

[readmoreoften]

3. that sucks, i'm sorry.

i just interviewed for a job today and they told me that if I am awarded a Ph.D. (I'm almost done with my dissertation) then I might not be eligible for the position.

The work world has always been weird and its getting weirder.

[Jo March]

4. Oh,no!! That is awful

ocean girl, I was right where you are in January. Took me over 2 months to find another job but I did find one.

Do you have any prospects? Is your resume updated? Have you considered going to a recruiter to find a job?

Here is a :hug: for you. When you are feeling low, please come here and let us know. Honey, we will try our best to help.

And, by golly, if you feel like crying right now, you just go ahead and do so! It won't help but it might make you feel a bit better.

[getmeouttahere]

5. Unfortunately, it's the nature of global corporatization....

it wasn't so long ago that we had a burgeoning middle class where virtually everyone could afford to own a home (albeit a small starter home, which they don't build anymore) because they were either part of a union or they were just plain paid a decent wage. That America is long gone...

I find myself just hanging on as long as I can, and trying to go back to school to finish my degree so I can teach, which is a slightly more secure career...but I have no illusions because nothing is even close to secure anymore, really...

[Pharaoh]

6. Don't let the bastards get ya down!

It is happening all over and will get really bad soon.........

get drunk, take a deep breath and go on with the fight tommorow.....:toast:

[SlavesandBulldozers]

7. don't worry about it

it's an opportunity.

if you were the best performer and they got rid of you, fuck them. they are bound to fail with decision-making like that, and you would find yourself in the exact same position. this gives you an opportunity to find something else, something better.

you will look back and laugh, and they will crumble.

[ultraist]

45. I agree, it can be an opportunity for a better position

Hang in there Ocean Girl, I know it's not easy! :hug:

[DemBeans]

8. damn their lies

This economy isn't booming, it's causing good people such as yourself to suffer. It's a house of cards for everyone but the CEO's.

Please don't be overwhelmed - take the night off, read your favorite book, light some candles - and then jump back into the race tomorrow.

What field are you in? Maybe people here can give you some leads.

[ocean girl]

18. Well, I've had an unusual career

but most of my experience is in publishing and advertising.

Have worked for huge corporations and small companies and made it to Vice President level at one point.

I've been an editor and a graphic artist (Quark and all that) - I can pretty much do any job in editorial and production.

At this point, I just want to work. As long as I'm treated in a respectful manner, I'm super-flexible about what I do.

BTW, I live in Palm Beach County, Florida.

Back to Monster.com.

Thanks again!

[Clark2008]

26. Me too!

Newspapers first, then marketing and advertising later.

Never got as high as VP, but, during the Clinton years, I never wanted for work, either.

See my post below. I'm looking at the whole marketing gamut locally, from administration to coordinator, matters not as long as I'm drawing a paycheck.

[City of Mills]

52. Have you considered teaching?

A lot of colleges are looking to hire adjunct faculty to teach online courses, at my community college we have instructors who live all around the country. You sound like you have a lot of great real-world experience and I think that would make you a strong candidate. :)

[kentuck]

9. I sympathize ocean girl...

I have been unemployed about 2 years of the last four... No health insurance... Health problems with prescription needs... Big bills... spending retirement money...etc.. Finally got a job about 8 months ago that doesn't pay very well but pays my bills...mostly... It's a brave new world with Bush and the Republicans. Good luck on this. I hope you find something soon...

[ocean girl]

10. Thanks everyone - wow, I didn't expect so much support

I'm crying now - guess I needed that.

What's really bad is that I was working for one of the most evil companies in the U.S., but I needed the money to survive. As I left today, I looked around at the people and they all looked so worn down and beaten up - I felt lucky, in a way.

Gotta be a better way.

Thanks to everyone for the fabulous support - I love this place!

[fudge stripe cookays]

11. I'm so sorry sweetie.

Here, try this place. It always cheers me up. A Yahoo group for liberals looking for a job!

Good luck, and try to keep your chin up,
FSC

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jobsthatareleft/?yguid=161057499

[bananas]

34. That link isn't working

That link isn't working,
I get this:

We're Sorry...

There was a problem with your request.

The page you've requested returned this error:

Unable to read configuration
If you continue to receive this error for more than 48 hours, please contact our Customer Care team. We apologize for this inconvenience.

[fudge stripe cookays]

56. I hate it when that happens!

It's just a basic Yahoo group.

If you go to www.yahoo.com; Look up "jobs that are left" in the search for groups option, and join the group.

FSC

[faithnotgreed]

12. when youre leaving (or forced out) of a job and everyone looks "worn

down and beaten up" then i cant help but think that you may be one of the lucky ones. i dont say that with anything but support. truly sometimes these things happen so that you can start working somewhere that is NOT one of the most evil companies in the us!

very best wishes ocean girl

eta: have you ever checked out idealist.org
you probably have but just in case its a cool resource for job listings (and progressive news etc primarily for the non-profit crowd)

[bballny]

13. find your own business

This happened to me 3 years ago and I swore I would never let a company own me again. I started my own business and never looked back. You need to find something everyone hates to do and that becomes your business. People will pay you to do what they hate.

[Straight Shooter]

23. "People will pay you to do what they hate"

Liberals will actually pay me to listen to george bush? :P

Actually, I was reading the thread so I could chime in and give support to ocean girl. I'm really sorry about your loss of a job when you're doing a terrific job, but bballny makes a lot of sense. It goes back to the idea of find a need and fill it, or create a need and fill it.

Best of luck to you. I'm hangin' on by my fingernails over here, too. I had a job land in my lap yesterday, and today they called and jerked it away. Such is the life of the self-employed x(

edit to clarify, cuz sometimes what I'm thinking doesn't match what I'm writing

[newyawker99]

47. Hi bballny!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[mwb970]

51. I like the "start your own business" idea...

...but I'm not sure it has to be something everyone hates to do. I got laid off from my systems analyst and started an on-location recording business. It's much better!

[sandnsea]

70. dog doo picker upper

I read about somebody who started a business cleaning up doo in people's backyards. $10 a week. He has something like 100 clients. Not rich, but enough to live in most places. I think he was going to franchise it.

[BigBearJohn]

14. I wish DU had a JOBS group -- for DUers offering and looking for jobs

[faithnotgreed]

17. we do in the non-political forums: marketplace: job openings

and also job seekers etc

[fudge stripe cookays]

20. Your wish is my command...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=212

:-)
FSC

[BigBearJohn]

24. My bad -- it would help if I opened my eyes.

:banghead:

[coloradodem2005]

15. I think we all do.

I hope things improve for you. :hug:

[hiley]

16. ocean girl

I am sorry you were cut from your job.
all I can offer is good thoughts and wishes for you, i wish it could be more.
you will be in my thoughts...
:hug:

[tabasco]

19. Let's start our own business.

What line of work are you in?

I think seniority has some merit, but performance is really more important. It was stupid of them to fire you merely because you were the junior employee. Greed seems to be the overwhelming force in the US these days. But greed and stupidity are twins.

[DrDebug]

21. I'm sorry to hear that

Lots of strength and love

[Clark2008]

22. I can empathize, ocean girl

I lost my job nearly two months ago and I was a top performer, as well.

I found out later, however, that the reason I probably was let go was so that the vp could pay his "honey," the new administrative assistant $3 more an hour (and, yes, he's married and has children). They let go of one of the sales staff shortly after me, too. Now, both the accounting clerks have turned in notices and one of the customer service reps is looking elsewhere. Hope they fall flat on their ego'ed faces.

I'm kind of glad I'm not there anymore, given all that crap.

I don't know what your field is, but always try to look just a little askew of it to find work. I've been on six interviews (two of which were second interviews) and will be going on another tomorrow. Some are GREAT opportunities and some would just pay the bills, but I won't be picky. Unfortunately, we have to do it this way, now. :(

[nonconformist]

25. I'm so sorry

My hubby spent most of 2004, and several periods since 2001 unemployed, so I feel your pain.

*hugs*

Try to keep positive, I know it's very hard though. The jobs just aren't THERE anymore, and when you do find one rest assured there will be a paycut and a loss of benefits involved.

At least gay people can't get married, because that would be the worstest thing EVER.

[patdem]

27. I will tell you, I was a manager and refused to cut a man who had cancer

from the health care program, even though he could not afford to pay the cobra premium because he had cancer and could not work in order to pay the premium. My thought was.... back then..... why would you have insurance and pay premiums to support you when you were sick...if not WHEN you NEEDED it? And he had paid for insurance from his first day he was eligable till he got sick...why when he got sick should he be cut from the policy? He paid the same he always did when he was a worker...the cobra was about 3 times what he paid as a worker! :grr: I cheated...I agree and I could have been fired for doing that...I understood that from the time I allowed him to pay only the premium for the workers...and I did NOT hesitate! His health at that point was more important than my job!

[SmokingJacket]

33. Thanks for doing that.

I know a "human resources" person who brags about firing a guy with a brain tumor. She seems to believe that other people will admire her for her dedication to her company...

:puke: :puke: :puke:

[Merope215]

74. Eww

She may be human resources, but she doesn't sound human. :puke:

[Double T]

28. Sorry To Hear That , It Is One Of The Hardest Things To Cope With, But...

....Where Ever You Are Going Will Be Better Than Where You Were , Your Just Not There Yet. Good Luck, It Will All Work Out !!!!

[kcass1954]

29. I may join you tomorrow....

Rumors about layoffs for months now. Tomorrow is supposed to be "the day". All the managers have been in various closed-door meetings all day long, and the word is that they're axing 35 jobs (10% of our work force).

I'm just below middle in seniority. I have, however, become the backup person for 3 other positions in my department. I'm not the highest paid person, but I'm pretty close. And I'm 50. Some plus, some minus. We shall see what tomorrow brings...


On edit - I'm sorry for your layoff today. It really sucks. I've been there before, but never when the economy was this bad.

[ocean girl]

35. Isn't that the worst feeling, when you're waiting for the ax to fall?

Since I was a day-rater, I figured that when the closed-door meetings started, I was vulnerable. You know what's really weird? The guy who axed me used to work under me about 20 years ago at this same evil company. He's always telling everyone that I taught him how to use a computer (I did), but he didn't stand up for me today.

I had my own business for 5 years and would love to have one again, but in today's economic climate, I can't figure out how to do it, but I am going to pursue it.

Really, I just can't get over how much support ya'll have given me today. I've been to all the suggested websites and registered and I'll be visiting the DU Marketplace forum also.

Again, my best regards to everyone.

[CoffeeCat]

73. Ocean girl...you need to make some waves in your own business...

Ocean girl, graphic design is one of the most sought-after skills right now--if you're a freelancer.

Because the economy is souring--PR, graphic design and advertising are on the chopping block at many companies. In-house CorpComm Departments and agencies are cutting, as you know.

However, companies still need PR/graphic design/marketing/advertising work done and they're looking to freelancers. Freelancers are cheaper than agencies and cheaper than hiring a full-time employee.

I have a friend who quit her design job, moved to the Midwest and started her own freelance operation. She was never a VP, but she had a decade of experience. She's making a killing.

I'm so sorry you lost your job. However, I have a good feeling about this. I think you're going to make it big. Sometimes a little shove out of the nest ends up being a very good thing.

Best to you. Keep us posted.

[unhappycamper]

39. Hang tough

Ben there, done that. Was UE (Unemployed) from 12/2--2002 to 9/2003 for the first time in my life. Did a consulting gig 9/2002 to 3/2004. Turning 60 next month. Fuck 'em in the pie hole. (Sorry for the profanity; it just slipped out.)

[Chicago1]

30. Very sorry to hear this

Ocean Girl,

This is truly terrible and I'm sorry to hear this. This is happening all over the country to alot of people who are experienced and educated. There are ALOT of incompetent people who are employed and who are in charge. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. We have evidence that a recruiter is administering a personality inventory based on Carl Jung's theory BUT SHE DOESN'T KNOW WHAT CARL JUNG'S THEOR STANDS FOR.
THIS IS HORRIBLE!!! Chin up. You're going to find something.

FOR EVERYONE: Please come and share your story with us at America's Work Stories: http://usaworkstories.blogspot.com, [e-mail].

[applegrove]

31. Really sorry the hear that. My thoughts are with you. n/t

[bigwillq]

32. Sorry to hear about the bad news.

:hug:

[sickinohio]

36. I'm really sorry to hear that.

Wish there was something that I could do for you. My heart aches. My brother also lost his job last week. 53 years old. No jobs here in Ohio for him that's for sure. I'm just sick about the way things are in our country.

[mogster]

37. Hey, didn't see that you had a thread

Answer is same: Keep the spirit, and don't allow yourself to relax. Whip up your self confidence all the time - as you said; you was the best of your group. Being fired because you're last to be hired doesn't go on you as a person, and you should see it as a minor (although painful) bump in the road ;-)

If you take your time for real action now, you'll gain a lot from being 'in the flow', if you know what I mean. If you're unemployed for a while, you'll develop other routines and will think different too.

But the worst thing is the drop in self confidence, and you have all reason to be satisfied with your previous work, so keep that in mind.

So, immediate action is my advice. And kick ass attitude.

Interesting last sentence; what do you want to do? :-)

[ocean girl]

59. Thanks so much...

for everyone's fantastic feedback and support today. I am just overwhelmed with the positive energy I got from everyone sharing with me.

I usually have a kick ass attitude but the bastards got to me today.

Just wanted to let everyone know how valuable your posts were and thank you again!

[Imagine My Surprise]

38. I'm so sorry, but...

if you can get to the library and read a book I just started called THE RISE OF THE CREATIVE CLASS by Richard Florida, you might get some perspective. Short of that, definitely do "temp" work because in our current economy, it works. That's how I got both of my last jobs. Good luck!

[ultraist]

43. Welcome Imagine My Surprise!

:hi:

[newyawker99]

48. Hi Imagine My Surprise!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[cap]

40. this shit has just gotta stop

it just has to

[caty]

41. I believe that republicans will

reap what they have sowed. Alot of the people who voted for bush will also loose their jobs and health care.

[Divernan]

42. Get out your yoga mat - good for the soul

Me, my 3 adult kids, & many friends have been through the layoff situation more than once - it doesn't get easier, that's for sure. But you sound extremely experienced and talented so some smart employer should want you on the payroll! Best of luck to you kiddo!

[ocean girl]

44. Hey - how did you know that I do yoga?

And I need to do some RIGHT NOW - thanks for the kick!

[evolvenow]

46. You are TOO GOOD for that PLACE! It sucks but you will create something

better, where you are respected and appreciated. How are making a flyer/brochure/email campaign and share/ send to groups that are meaningful to you, offering your services. Everyone needs what you do, I am an illustrator, and most of the time people need a designer/editor. Present yourself as a "Green Designer" to all of the sustainable businesses you can find, or "Animal Designer" for animal rights or animal lovers, or focus on teaching your own class, or reasonable priced packages for non-profits, fill in the blank...whatever your passion...go towards that. Ultimately, that is how the world will change when we are doing what we fill good about, or at least not being abused by some lousy company.

Take extra good care of yourself and get a cupcake...that always helps me:)

You are too good for that place!!

:grouphug:

[lady lib]

49. Very sorry to hear that.

I've worked for companies and now own a small business. For me at least, being my own boss has been preferable.

:hug:

[splat@14]

50. So sorry to hear

Take some time to visit your Mom or some friends you haven't seen for awhile.....something,anything that you couldn't do while you were employed. Come back refreshed and get back in the fight. We need you!

[Digit]

53. I am sorry this happened to you.

Same thing happened to me in February.
Bushworld sucks

[CTyankee]

54. I hear you

I was being threatened at my last job. I worked out a timeline because I was close to retirement and announced the date that I would retire. I told everyone that I was retiring on that date. Management had really no choice but to keep me on till then. I stopped the pain of being threatened regularly, but I did it on my own time.

You are one of many. Don't worry, you will rise again, I guarantee it. It takes a while but you will do it. AND, you will be stronger for the experience!

[Coloradan4Truth]

55. ocean girl:

I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your job. I know what you mean about everything seems to be disintegrating... it feels like the evilness and greed of the SOBs in charge of the country has trickled right down to businesses and administrators, who now have no problem F*ing people over...especially people who do a good job.

I'm unemployed too, and going back to school to modify my career...It's been a long road. My honey gave me a geode the other day to symbolize that all is not what it seems on the surface, and that something wonderful is bound to come.

We've got to keep the faith and it will work out! Best wishes!

hugs,
C4T
:hug:

[WLKjr]

57. Cheney had a good idea for you

use Ebay, that's how everyone is making it in thier shit economy.

Sorry about you losing your job and all. :hug:

[GreenPartyVoter]

58. *hugs*

[shance]

60. Im sorry too OG, and it is great to see such support from DUer's.

We are SUCH a kewl crew.

Take care and hang on*

:)

[DanCa]

61. Hang in there ocean girl

I know what its like to be out of a job and the heartless machine goes on and on. *Big Hugs to you*

[B Calm]

62. One of my right wing co workers was fired this week. Stupid

bastard came up from behind a girl on a fork lift truck and grabbed one of her boobs. She didn't waste no time turning the creep in.

[Virginian]

63. My condolences -- This Bush economy sucks.

I'm out of work, too.

Keep your chin up.

[Sugarbleus]

64. I'm deeply distressed for you..........

I'm so very very sorry. This madness has got to stop!

I had similar woes in the 80's into the mid 90's--find a job, then they let us go. I went to temp jobs. I had some support from hubby but we never really recovered from the trend you are experiencing.

No stability (for me) means disquietude. I earnestly hope you do much much better than I did.

Here's hoping for a much brighter future for you. If you're young enough and talented enough, I'm sure you'll make it. :grouphug:

[EC]

65. Sorry to hear this,

It hit me when I saw your thread title, because I was just thinking I'll probably be losing my job soon. My boss just found out he has cancer, he's the owner of the business and it's just him and me...I can carry on with keeping the office opened, but am not licensed to do new business...so, I'm thinking he'll more than likely close up and retire, he's really old and past ready for retirement...

You're right starting a business is the way to go, but to find a product that people will pay for when there is a shortage of funds...well, we'll just have to think of something for the rich since that's where the money is...

Good luck and hugs:hug:

[FreedomAngel82]

66. I'm so sorry

:( :hug:

[IronLionZion]

67. Fuck them

I'm so sorry you lost your source of income, but trust me when a company is retarded like that one, you'd be unemployed anyway. I really hope you find something better.

I was fired from my first job in high school 5 years ago for asking for a raise to minimum wage. go figure. But then I found a much better job within 2 weeks. The new job paid more, was less dirty, and they actually gave me breaks and decent hours. life is like that sometimes

Best of luck to you :pals:

on edit: I forgot to mention that my first boss was a hardcore Republican and his restaurant closed down a year after I left.

[lonestarnot]

68. Poor thing..What kind of freelance job?

[ocean girl]

69. Copy editor, proofreader, graphic artist

Kind of a bastardized combination job of editorial and production. The work was fun and I didn't have to manage anyone (been there, done that).

Gotta sleep, I'm so drained.

Thanks again, everybody!

[lonestarnot]

72. Get some rest and start pounding the pavement on Monday. You'll

find something else to do.

[RebelOne]

76. I'm a copy editor for an outdoors magazine

in the Atlanta area. Too bad you don't live here. We just hired another copy editor. The pay sucks, but the benefits are great.

[Dorian Gray]

71. I'm truly sorry.

That's so difficult to deal with. My best thoughts are with you, and I hope you find the perfect job for yourself soon.

[arikara]

75. I lost my job in September

when the company that I worked for sold out to a German company and the new owners started getting rid of the original employees. When the personnel manager who was a friend called me in for my turn, she was crying and I had to console her. Talk about mixed emotions, regardless of how much I disliked the place at the end; I still didn't like getting axed... but yet I felt like dancing out the door. By the time left, I hated it there. They'd spent the previous 2 years firing 4 or 5 good people every quarter. They had no attachment to the people who'd built up the company, and they wanted to hire for lower wages and less benefits.

I've decided to try going into business for myself. I just don't want to go out and pound the pavement at my age... (turning 50 this year). I'm also going to do my Reiki Master training and that will be something I can fall back on too. I've always had a deep and abiding belief that the universe will provide and it always has. I have noticed lately that anything I need, however small has been appearing in the strangest ways. For instance I needed a piece of mirror to do some stained glass work and I was going to have to drive in to the city to get it. One of my husband's friends came over to help him with some mechanic work and out of the blue, he hauled a big mirror out of his car and asked me if I wanted it.

Hang in there, ocean girl. It sounds like you have really good marketable skills. Now you have a chance to re-evaluate what it is that you really want to do and then you can just do it. Let your mind think big; and it often helps to just sleep on it. You can get good ideas from your dreams.

:grouphug:

Hugs!

[faithnotgreed]

77. hi arikara

im in real harmony with what you say here

things always happen for some reason and if were lucky we are listening

thats fantastic about your reiki training
im quite familiar with energy work incl reiki and polarity (and craniosacral etc) and am so happy for you that you are able to do that
talk about pursuing your hearts work!

take good care and thanks for sharing your important story

[demnan]

78. I'm sorry you lost your job

I really know how you feel. I hope that in just a few short weeks you will be in a much better place.