My heart was broken today

[jiacinto]

A temp agency I interviewed with said they would get me an interview with a company doing data entry and evaluating profitablity of their contracts, with the potential to stay on permanently. I would be calling people to renew their contracts. I called them today and they said the company wanted someone with more experience.

They told me that they sent my information to another branch and that they would try to put me in an adminstrative assistant job in Miami that paid well. I was told to call sometime next week.

I was so happy. I thought things were going to work out. And then yesterday another one of my friends was just offered a high paying job.

I feel so depressed. Why aren't things happening for me? Why are all my friends getting the good jobs? Why do I have nothing while my checking account runs out of money?

I am so dejected right now. Things were going to be okay. I was going to be getting some money in. But no, that would have been too easy.

I can't rush things--my time will come. I can't force things to fall into place, but why oh why can't I get the job that will pay well?

And on another note my part time, night department store job forgot to submit the hours of my training in, so that means I won't get that money until next Friday.

[northzax]

1. carlos, that sucks, man

have you considered voting Republican? they're all for the little guy, I hear.

hang in there, big guy, things could be worse.

[tom_paine]

2. I'm sorry to hear that, carlos

We may occasionally disagree and joust, but I am genuinely sorry for your predicament.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

3. Carlos, take it from the guy...

Who has taken more shots to the kidneys than whole generations of prizefighters:

All you can really do is keep on keeping on. The job market sucks. Big. It is a tough country out there, if you are out of work. Since the alternatives suck more, you just gotta keep slugging away.

Written by a guy who has been reduced to menial jobs and food stamps.

[soleft]

4. take heart in the fact that nothing lasts forever

bad times have got to turn to good, the fact that everything changes is the one constant of the universe.

[Teaser]

5. Don't let it get to you...

I know the feeling. Sometimes it seems like the universe just wants to rub your face in your predicament. I can't explain it, apart from simply being on the wrong end of the luck distribution. Sooner or later, though, you'll regress to the mean and things will start looking up.

Good luck.

[alwynsw]

8. Keep plugging

When it comes to calling prospective employers about your application, perseverence works.

Many of us have been there. It stinks. With patience and work, you'll get through it and catch that brass ring.

I made a job out of getting a job way back when. Up early, dressed for an executive position, and put my resume' and face in every office I could reach every day. It finally paid off. I've spoken with many others who did the same.

My plan may not work for you, but it did for me.

Best of luck!

[jiacinto]

10. Well

My whole life I've been on the "wrong end of the luck distribution".

[Jeff in Cincinnati]

6. From the recently unemployed...

It's tough out there. I was sending out reams of interview and going on interviews -- all with no luck. I was hearing every kind of ridiculous excuse imaginable and it seemed like I was getting nowhere.

But it finally worked out. It will work out for you. Be brave and know that you've got plenty of shoulders here.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

7. Use the time in the middle to attempt to do what you love

You are highly qualified and it isn't hopeless. It's OK to be bummed for about five minutes every hour....schedule it....like a thing to do, then USE the next 55 minutes doing something that takes you towards your GOAL.

And just because you had a bad experience with ONE non profit, DO NOT rule them out.

[THUNDER HANDS]

9. damn

When bad luck hits, it hits like a tornado.

I'm sorry dude, I'll send some positive vibes your way.

*oooohhhhmmmmmmmm*

[sandnsea]

11. Life is long

It'll happen. In the meantime, you are wonderful whether your bank account is full or you're living in a tent eating canned beans. Everybody wants to do well financially, but I think we can't ever forget that real success comes from staying true to our values and as long as you do that, everything else will work out in its own time.

:loveya:

[leftyandproud]

12. hey there!

same thing happened to me...believe it or not...One temp company was hiring for a certain tech company...I applied there, took the necessary tests, passed...and waited for a phone call. Two days later, I called back and they had filled the position. Pissed, I went to two other temp companies and took every test they had...got my resume on file...got a call the next day and was hired for the SAME COMPANY that the first temp company passed me over for...

You'll find something...it just takes persistance.

[Rowdyboy]

13. You're healthy, young and smart....

You're in a difficult time of life. Trying to get started after college is tough for most people. My first job after graduating from a good college with a degree in history was as a minimum-wage office clerk. 14 months later I moved, went through 6 weeks of unemployment, spent all my savings, and was kept in food, beer and cigarettes by my best friend. Then I found 2 part-time jobs (one as a small town radio station DJ, the other as a convenience store cashier.

It wasn't until September 1978 (2 years, 4 months after graduation) that I found my career.

Many people here have tremendous faith in you. Have confidence in yourself. You'll be fine.

[MissMillie]

14. Imagine how good it will feel

when things do turn around for you. I'll pray that it happens soon.

[jburton]

15. that sucks

I have worked as a temp before, and had the whole "this may be permanent" thing pulled on me a few times. Once I was "released" from an assignment after two days for no reason. The temp agency said "they just wanted to check out other resumes" and that was that. I even got a perfect rating by the company, so go figure.

A general rule with temping is ALWAYS remember they serve the client company, not you. And there is a high level of fickleness.

My first three years after college were pretty disappointing. I wasn't expecting to start off as CEO, but temping was just not an experience I wish to go through again. It did pay the bills, though.

Hand in there!

[jiacinto]

18. Well

I am doing the temp thing to keep me going while I find something better.

[XanaDUer]

19. Exactly

I did the Miami temp thing-and they do always serve the client company, no matter where you temp.

While I had some of my worst jobs temping in Miami, it was money.

Believe it or not, the temp agency did want to hire me to work for them! But I had gotten a job in my field at that point, and I was happy to say bye-bye.

[JVS]

16. Bummer

have a bottle of Night Train and be patient. Your time will come.

[XanaDUer]

17. Carlos

I've been following your story, as you know.

It really sucks now, I know.

I am attempting to enter a new career (great time, right? with * in the WH), and it's really tough out there. I have been out of work for 1.5 year. I decided that I too needed to earn more money, since I had a "helping profession" degree, and simply cannot afford to live on the salary.

Things will get better. The best candidate does not always get the job. Really. But, with the economy the way it is, it is going to be a struggle. It is depressing to see other so-called "sucessful" people, when you feel you are not, but God knows what is going on in their lives other than the happy, successful face they present to the world.

How about this? Could you attempt to volunteer at a place in a field you DO want to work? Just a few hours' a week-and maybe, just maybe (I got two jobs doing this), they could hire you? It's a way to get your foot in the door.

Miami is a tough town, believe me.

Best of luck,and keep us updated.

[Nikia]

20. Don't give up

Don't be afraid to apply to other temp agencies along with more career oriented positions. It is hard to a good job with so many experienced people who are out of work or in a declining workplace. It is also hard trying to find a job where you know few other people. you'd be better off if you could move, but I've heard about your lease and everything. Still, don't let that stop you from sending your resume out for really good jobs. some relocation packages include paying off the lease. Keep in contact with those friends with good jobs. Perhaps, they will keep you informed about other open positions in their companies.

[monkeyboy]

21. I'll never forget the time

I was out of work, and couldn't find a job to save my life. I mean, I was willing to do almost ANYTHING. My brother-in-law the doper bum was given a job by a mutual aquaintance. He had been sitting on the couch for months while I was out every day beating the bushes for work. The phone rang, dumbass picks it up, "Hey man, wanna job swinging a hammer out at the job site I'm on?". "Uh, OK, I guess". I'm thinking "so that's how to find work, just sit around watching cartoons and the phone will magically ring. Fuck." Point of the story is, life ain't fair, and you just gotta keep swinging.

[jiacinto]

22. Ok

I see your point and understand it all too well.

[UrbScotty]

23. Do something positive!

And be sure to keep your head up high!

[SoCalDem]

24. Sorry for your predicament, Carlos.. BUT..

you have learned a valuable lesson.. NEVER QUIT A JOB YOU HAVE..(even if you HATE it), until you have another lined up..(paperwork processed, start date confirmed, background check done..etc)..

Even in good times, people who ARE employed, are a lot more likely to find a job, than people who are desperate to find a job, any job..

The fact that you have college degrees and were even considering outside sales, and department store jobs, says to me that you acted hastily when you left the job that moved you to Florida.. It's hard to network, when you are the "new guy" and live in a new place...

This can be a valuable experience, though.. When you DO find work in your field, you will be one happy camper, and the new-found empathy you will have for the down & out will always be with you.. It will be easy to understand the desperation that lots of people feel today, as THEY watch their savings diminish (if they even HAVE any)...

This can be a catalyst for you when you enter politics.. You will be able to say that you , too know what it's like to lay awake and worry about paying your bills..


I hope you find something soon...Keep plugging away..

[jiacinto]

44. Well

I had to leave the jobs for reasons I can't say in public.

[bobbieinok]

25. I've followed some of this, Carlos

My son had an interesting experience after he graduated from college. While trying to cope with all sorts of stuff in his life, he found out that the student association at the local state univ hired tutors in different subjects. He ended up tutoring students in several fields at an ok hourly wage that was paid by the student association, not the students.

There might be all sorts of interesting jobs at the colleges in your area.

[Sequoia]

26. As someone who is familiar with Temp agencies

I can tell you it happens all the time. This happened to me more than once and in the end they gave the job to some other person who was in the company, political reasons they said and looked embarassed. Or they realize they don't have the money or something. Sorry for you, I know it's bad but somehthing else will come along. Times are tough everywhere so be patient and try to do something good for yourself or one who's worse off than you.

[stanwyck]

27. Sending you good karma

I'm so sorry. I've been there. Remember, this time is just a tiny period in your life. Most of us work for at least 40-50 years! I know I started working when I was 16 and have had brief periods of unemployment. So, given all those years of being employed, this time for you is just a moment. Try to relax and treat yourself well. We're all thinking of you.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

28. I've been there

For the first year after finishing grad school, I was a classic unemployed Ph.D., registered at every temp agency in the Twin Cities and still not getting work every day. (This was 1982-1983, the height of the Reagan recession.)

Then one of my former undergrad professors told me about an opening for a part-time instructor at the college I graduated from. I got the job, but I still had to temp during summers and vacations in order to make ends meet. Even then, I frequently needed bail-outs from relatives.

Then one day, during my second year of part-time teaching and my third year out of grad school, I came home to find that my professional journal was bursting with job ads for my field. I kept going to interviews around the country and to hiring conventions, but I came in second for four jobs in a row.

Just when I had resigned myself to another year as a part-time instructor/temp, I got a call from Oregon State University to go out and interview for a full-time job.

They offered me the job before I left to return to Minneapolis.

But that was at the end of my third year out of grad school.

The moral of this story: Do not leave graduate school when a Republican is in the White House.

[jiacinto]

29. I see your point

nt

[Armstead]

30. It's a pain

Been there more than once. Hit the low point after college when I was living on the other side of the country, had no job, had to go on food stamps but didn't even have a quarter for bus fare to get to the food stamp office.

But from that rock-bottom place, life did start to pick up. One thing led to anotehr, and soon had a good job.

Just takes patience and an openess to possibilities. Most opportunities in my life have come from out of left field, or started from something small.

I realize it's easier to be philosophical on the otehr side, but you will break through this period, I'm sure.

[jiacinto]

33. I know

I have it better than a lot of people. But frankly it still is scary. And seeing DuckTapeFatwa's threads didn't help either.

[sleipnir]

Same happened to me today...

I found out I didn't get the choice job I wanted. I'm kinda pissed, but I really never thought I had much of a chance, I was lucky to even get the interview. My account is running dry, too, I have unemployment, but I'm done for in about 14 weeks from now.

Don't give up too easily, or settle for a horrific job. At least you have a lead for next week, it might lead to a good placement or an even better contact. It's a hard road, job hunting, kinda like the lottery and sex. Sometimes you hit the jackpot, sometimes you're dry for months...

I keep watching friends get to work on some choice projects, but I'm still unemployed, but I'm refusing to give up.

We will BOTH have jobs soon!!! I'm certain!!!

[sleipnir]

31. Same happened to me today...

I found out I didn't get the choice job I wanted. I'm kinda pissed, but I really never thought I had much of a chance, I was lucky to even get the interview. My account is running dry, too, I have unemployment, but I'm done for in about 14 weeks from now.

Don't give up too easily, or settle for a horrific job. At least you have a lead for next week, it might lead to a good placement or an even better contact. It's a hard road, job hunting, kinda like the lottery and sex. Sometimes you hit the jackpot, sometimes you're dry for months...

I keep watching friends get to work on some choice projects, but I'm still unemployed, but I'm refusing to give up.

We will BOTH have jobs soon!!! I'm certain!!!

[noiretextatique]

32. keep calling them, carlos

the turnover rate at the agencies is high...you have to stay on them to get placed. make sure you call every week...hell everyday, just to let them know you are available. the squeaky wheel is the one that gets the oil. and be patient...as you mentioned, your time is coming. just stay focused on YOUR PLAN, regardless of how things appear right now...that is key. i almost took a job because i was desperate, but my better self told me to pass. then, i had another offer for more money, but it would have meant a hellish commute. finally, when i was down to pennies in my checking account, i could not pay my rent on time this month, and i had to borrow money to keep the phone and lights on ...i got a GREAT job: it pays more money than i've ever made! and this from an agency that didn't have anything for me for the past two years. the manager of the place absolutely adores me, and i will probably stay for at least six months. and, this is a high-profile organization, which will greatly enhance my future with the agency, and will give me a future consulting possiblity for even bigger bucks. fyi: six months after a gig with most agencies, you can contact the client directly...something to keep in mind. take care carlos...your day is coming, so stay positive. you have got to project positivity and confidence to get what you want. and be happy for your friend...another person's success has nothing to do with your own success. trust me...i know. i hired a friend for a gig in june, and she ended up stabbing me in the back and undermining me. i was fired, and she ended up getting credit for all MY work. guess what: she's unemployed now, and i am making the big bucks. and do you think i will offer her any more opportunites? hardly...she showed her true colors. peace...and i will be praying for you.

[jiacinto]

34. My gameplan

1) Get a part-time job, any job, that brings in even a pittance of cash.

Did reach that goal by getting a seasonal job at a department store here in Miami. It actually is paying around more than the standard $6-7 dollars. So at least I have that money coming in.

2) Get a full time job, any job, that brings in money while I look for opportunitites that I really want.

I am working with temp agencies to get a placement. I am of the mindset that having a temp job would make it easier for me to work and go to interivews.

3) Save money from the jobs in #1 and #2 and look for the job I truly want.

Not at that goal yet.

[jiacinto]

35. I know what you mean, though

I turned down a second interview at a company I thought was fishy.

[noiretextatique]

36. good for you...no need to go from the frying pan to the fire

hang in there, kiddo...you will be just fine. you've got a good plan...just let it work for you. and try to have some fun in the interim :hi:

[jiacinto]

37. Trying my best to do so

Yeah that job sounded too good to be true. Doing research on that company told me that it had a sketchy reputation.

Needless to say, when they called me the next morning, I said that "something had come up" and that I was no longer interested.

[noiretextatique]

40. i've had the most success with robert half int'l

of course i'm in a specialized field, but they do have other divisions.

http://www.rhii.com/divisions/index.html

[jiacinto]

41. Will look into them

nt

[Yavin4]

38. Why'd You Leave D.C.?

D.C. has one of the best job bases in the country. Go back to D.C. Florida is a nice state, but it's lousy for jobs. Absolutely lousy. It's really a retirement and travel state.

[jiacinto]

39. send me a PM

and I will tell you why and what happened.

[stevedeshazer]

42. Hey

I had worked for 32 years without a break. I lost my job 10 months ago, and there is nothing on the horizon, unless I want to move to India and train/supervise customer service reps there.

Hang in there, buddy.

[roguevalley]

43. perserverance, honey

Don't give up or be down. Just pick yourself up again.
The squeaky wheel gets the grease, honey. {{HUGS!}}

Keep going.

[jiacinto]

45. I am trying to do that

nt

[JasonBerry]

46. Sorry...

Carlos, I'm sorry to hear that things didn't work out for the job that you wanted. As cliché as this sounds, maybe there is a serendipitous reason and something will come along - even better - that maybe wouldn't have had you been offered this last job. If we don't look at MOST things that way we would all go crazy. Good luck!

[jiacinto]

47. Ok

thanks.