I'm at wit's end--I need a job

[leftofthedial]

I've been locked in a steadily downward spiral of unemployment or underemployment since January of 2002. My last spasm of unemployment checks ended about 6 months ago and I've been scrambling with music gigs (nowhere near enough $$ to live on), trying to build enough students to supplement that, occasional odd jobs--all of which has left me about $1500 short every month. Short of living in my car, I've eliminated most monthly expenses. Pretty much all I have is mortgage, child support/maintenance, insurance and the Internet. Due to divorce last year, I just paid the last of my life savings in taxes.

I need a frigging job. I had a very successful 25-year technology career, I've had a modestly successful parallel music career, I've started a couple of businesses and run a nonprofit. I'm smart, experienced, fun to work with, self-directed and extremely creative. Over the last year, I've applied for over 250 jobs now without so much as an interview to show for it.

I'm not expecting a return to the pre-crash technology glory days. I just need to make a couple of grand a month.

All I can figure is I'm up against age-discrimination or I'm on some sort of blacklist.

Any ideas?

[shrike]

1. Don't know how mechanical/handy you are

But my husband does remodeling and home repair and has more jobs than he can handle. If you were in our area I'd have him refer some to you -- he's working too hard, IMO!

Our area has been hard-hit financially, but people still need doors and windows fixed, kitchen tile installed, doors hung, etc. Especially single women and the elderly.

If you can do the more complicated stuff, like install or rip out bathrooms (EVERYONE wants a new bathroom) you'd be home free.

Realize it's not what you want to do with the rest of your life, but it'll bring in some cash until a real job comes along.

[leftofthedial]

2. unfortunately, I'm not much of a handyman . . .

great idea though! Thanks.

[DaveJ]

3. I feel the same way...

I don't think you are a victim of age discrimination or a blacklist although I've felt the same way in the past. I had to settle for the amount you mentioned in order to get a job in IT. It's entry level although I am not, but that's what I had to settle for. Two recently hired people here in IT are in their 50s so if there are many other businesses like ours I would not worry about age too much.

I'm 37 and gave up on the idea of having a career years ago... it sucks. I always wanted one and did everything I could think of to obtain one. Anyway I'm just trying to build a product and start my own business. Hope all goes well. I assume you considered joining groups that match your skills and interests where you can meet people in your field. If you need quick money what about temp agencies?

[leftofthedial]

4. thanks djohnson

I'll keep plugging

Over the last couple of years, I've gradually stopped doing much of the networking I should be doing even more of.

[lukasahero]

5. Do you mind if I ask you some questions?

Maybe we can figure out what's going on and if you know why your resume isn't getting responses, you can use a different approach.

Anyway, here's some questions:

What kind of jobs are you applying to? (i.e. - what do you want to do?)

Does your resume support your job goals or are you looking to enter a different field?

If you're still interested in a technology career, what are your skills? Have you updated them? (Do they need updating?)

This might be too personal for you, but what's your resume look like? Have you ever had it reviewed?

Are you only interested in permanent positions or would you consider consulting/contracting?

How are your "soft skills" (i.e. - communication, analysis, project management)

How are you contacting employers? Are you following up with a phone call? Do you know anyone in the company's you are applying to?

I'm not ruling out age discrimination. How many years of experience do you have on your resume? If you're not getting interviews and you think it may be age discrimination, I suspect you have more years on your resume than you need. 10 years is sufficient - any more and they will be able to guess how old you are. Of course, if you get the interview, they may realize your age as well but at least you'll be in the door and able to combat any concerns they have in that regard.

Once you get an interview, we can talk about ways to get the job but we first need to get them to respond to your resume. Let's start there and see if we can't come up with some answers.

Peace.

[BrklynLiberal]

6. I am in a very similar position, even down to the former career in IT.

I have started looking in Craig's list and other places for jobs in the Non-profit arena, as I feel they will be least likely to discriminate based on age.
Also check out local civil service, as they are also barred from age discrimination.
If you find anything, let me know!!!!! :D
I am still struggling to get by on the last of my unemployment.

[Rich Hunt]

7. good luck to you

Start out small, and maybe you can build something from there.

[BrklynLiberal]

8. Thanks.

:)

[serryjw]

9. Can you tutor music students

to pick up money while looking?

[2Design]

10. All I can figure is I'm up against age-discrimination or I'm on some sort

your words have come out of my mouth many times and yes I believe both are true
BUT
this is what I have done
Gone back to school and gotten school loans to live on
then once I had enough got a adjunct teaching job
then went to graduate school and that gave me more money
then continued adjunct but with more money

still in school so I don't have to start paying back loans

just trying to re engineer myself

after 40 it is hard unless you are in the right place at the right time
most of the jobs we knew, IT, are over seas or gone to those under 40
When I was 40, they gave it to all those who are now complaining because they are going over seas

so you find a way around it all
and it is not easy
1500 a month is 10/hr
and lots of people are having trouble finding anything over that amount

yes it is starting over - but it isn't the world of yesterday where you could call up an employer and talk to them

if you can't go in a straight line, find another way around

where else are your interests what do you 'intuit' are the trends for employment in the future

follow your gut

it isn't about you - it is about the way the world is

http://www.epinet.org/content.cfm/issuebriefs_ib198
http://www.computerworld.com/careertopics/careers/story/0,10801,110180,00.html?from=story_picks

There was an article recently of the myth and the damage that unemployment or underemployment is doing to workers over 40 today. I can not remember where I read it - but it was about the fact that it is not you but the times - but like one of the responses you received - most people make it about how your resume looks, or you, or what you are not doing - yes all of those things are important but even when you follow them - it still may not work but the rules have changed

the media and corporations feed the lies to the public -
we need eduacation
we are not willing to do the jobs
the people in xxx country are more educated
our schools are failing

the reality is - corporation only want to pay less than 10 dollars so they can have record profits
and even if we would do it here - they will still ship the jobs out
they have lot less regualtions elsewhere
they don't have to pay usa taxes
they can pay pennies for the same job
they have no interest in helping the people of the usa
they had to have unions to get a 8 hour work day, benefits, holidays, etc
they broke the unions and now they are treating people the same as they did at the turn of the century - pittance

just remember - there is nothing wrong with you
yes you may have to retrain yourself for something else -

notice most republicans work for the government
the congresscritters give themselves a raise every year
they work 97 days a year for 167,000 dollars
and they don't think teachers should be paid as much
and they don't think the minimum wage should be raised
the money is for them - their retirements
they want to cut our retirements

well I guess I have ranted

[GOPBasher]

11. I'm with you buddy.

I'm in the same boat. I can't give you advice, because if I were good at getting jobs, I'd probably have one. But I can offer some sympathy. :shrug: :hug:

[liberalhistorian]

12. If you don't mind, would it be alright if I

took a look at your resume and gave you some free advice? I write customized resumes and cover letters as a side business and would be glad to help out. Maybe you're not customizing your resumes and cover letters to each job you're applying for and are, instead, sending out blanket resumes? That's a definite no-no nowadays.

[FloridaPat]

13. I've had trouble finding an IT job the last 3 years. I believe I am

being discriminated against based on the color of my passport. That blue USA passport. The last 2 gigs I was on was 50% from India and the other 75% foreign. I finally got a perm job. 25 years in IT too. I tried other jobs - selling mobile homes, selling newspaper ads. I was able to get 2 photographer jobs - my lifetime dream. They were too physically demanding and I got sick. Can't handle 10-12 hours a day on my feet working.

Sales jobs are real easy to get. Especially the ones where you're paid on commission. Stay away from insurance and cars if you decide to try it.

[blues90]

14. I'm with you

I have'nt gone through a devorce but as far as finding work and finding something that pays more then $8 per hour is a real depressing task . My god ! I just can't get a break and it's getting deserate now .
I have resumes all over the globe and all that I get calls for are from someone who somehow found my resumes in their data base and I would need a jet or a relocation or spend the weeks in shack motel or in my car to get there and work and these are crap jobs .

I have one position near me that is a fundraising call center job and after two 4 hours days of training and the $8 per hour min with maybe bonuses if I'm good . I have 4 days at 4 hours a day this week beginning tomarrow with training on the phones to go through yet . I don't feel comfortable after the first two days and each day since las friday everytime I think about this position and all the learning and pressure and work I feel like throwing up . This has never bothered me before . At 57 I am feeling like a complete failure and now after being in management now I am a trainee with bosses half my age and this is real odd .

I am at the point of taking up hang gliding with a do of die attitude just to get a firm result .

I really wish i had promise and inspiration to apply . How about we all share the rent and start a garden and live it out in a joint effort ?

[FormerOstrich]

15. I just posted about work in Phoenix....

I was where you are 3 months ago!

[demnan]

16. Yes all the technology jobs seem to be gone

But if you have experience with a not for profit perhaps you can still get a job with one. I'd ask if there is some kind of networking device to get a job with a not-for-profit. I took a job with one the beginning of the year (there are lots in Northern Virginia, those that have pacs and what not) You could try in this area. They pay lower but the jobs are more steady.