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Post by Honeylioness on Oct 4, 2011 18:36:47 GMT -5
04 October 2011So, where to start? A week ago yesterday I figured out something. The company was going to do another RIF (Reduction in Force) which is another word for layoffs. AND I was probably on the list of people whose jobs were going to be "eliminated". It's not really important how I found this out - as it was that I was feeling bad to begin with - having had the back window of my car blown out a few days earlier and a tooth ache that I was convinced was a broken molar that would have to be pulled. So to say that that evening I did some freaking out - that would be an understatement. After having a week to process the information and consider worse and best case scenarios it became just a matter of waiting for the other shoe to drop. Well this afternoon it did. Around 3:00 pm the VP of my department called me into his office to update me on what had been happening that day. I had been aware of two other people who had received the same news so I was prepared for what he would be saying. What I was not really prepared for was his, and the manager's, emotional reactions ... as well as my reaction. Both S and J were visibly emotional. And I found that I really didn't blame either of them personally. These decisions come down from Corporate and are made based on numbers and where they think cuts make sense - or where they assume it will not adversely effect a departments performance. I, on the other hand, contrary to what I am sure they expected - and to be honest contrary to how I thought I would be - was amazingly calm. I suppose because I had a week to get used to the idea and had done my first "freak out" already. I had also had time to then objectively consider my options. So - time to make a list. One of the ways I deal with things. - I have no student loans
- There are two open credit card, a Visa and one for medical expenses only, together the balances are just under $500.
- My vehicle is paid in full - so no car loan
- I went through my paperwork last weekend and compiled all my out of pocket medical receipts then submitted them today to my FSA account for reimbursement. That way I don't loose the $600 in the account. That payment should come in a couple of weeks.
- YFU will be moving the girls out this weekend. Not only will this alleviate my stress on the home front, but it will let me cut back a lot on utilities and food.
- My freezer is stocked as is my pantry. Aside from a few fresh vegetables and milk I should not have to spend much on groceries at all. Aside from a few paper goods and cat food.
- I will retain medical coverage until the end of October.
- S was able to push for some extras in my severance package:
- 15 weeks of severance pay
- Cash out of seven days unused vacation
- Cash out of six hours of unused PTO
- Two months with an outplacement and career counseling service with the option of a third month
- Three months worth of COBRA payments
- I will be able to collect unemployment right away because this is a lay off.
- I will take the cash out of my pension. Best case, I will roll it into my IRA. Worse case it could cover emergency bills and I will figure out the tax hit later.
- The option for a third week of pay, staying on the books until October 21st
[/center] [/li][/ul] The last item was something that came about from a discussion we had. I told them that I knew it would be very difficult for both of them to stay on top of my duties in addition to their own work load. So I made them an offer. Farm out the project I am currently working on to someone else - nothing in it is confidential. And I would focus on writing up for them "How To" guides, with detailed instructions and screen shots, of what I do with the databases. Along with a written timeline so they know what tasks need to be done on what days. Something that right now is just in my head. This would mean they would sign off on some overtime. They both seemed a bit taken aback by the offer and S said he did not want me to sacrifice doing best for me in order to do this for them. I told him that I was not sure that a week would put me back all that much. Besides, my personal sense of Honor and doing the right thing would not just let me walk away knowing they would be left in such a mess and chaos. S said if I could do that - he would keep me on payroll for an additional week. I then told him that I had known for a week about this possibility for a week - and had ne noticed that I had not been doing my job? He was rather surprised and asked how I knew. I chuckled and pointed out that I worked only six feet from his desk and in a department of only three people it was not that easy to keep things completely under wraps. I didn't get emotional until J told me how impressed she was with my offer and the manner and integrity I was showing over the situation. We ended the meeting with hugs all around, and they told me to go home a bit early and make sure this is what I wanted to do. So - where am I at right now? I feel better knowing the specifics. I am looking at firm numbers which helps. I will be listing out any and all outstanding balances due to anyone - utilities, insurance etc. My instinct is to pay off everything in full with the first part of the severance payment. So that I only have the mortgage and monthly utilities to have to cover each month. I am also planning on making an appointment to have my eyes checked and get another pair of eyeglasses. My insurance allows for one pair a year and if something were to happen to my current pair I would be in trouble, so a back up pair seems to be the prudent decision. This is not to say that I won't have another panic attack, or have sleepless nights. But for this moment I think I am doing okay.
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Post by Honeylioness on Oct 10, 2011 15:58:30 GMT -5
Honeylioness - Oct 4, 2011, 5:24pm Ladies, I will post updates later and responses to others. The other shoe dropped this afternoon. As of October 14th my job has been eliminated. ETA: Of course I wrote a web post about this. For me it is a form of journaling where I can process things. honeylioness.proboards.com/index.....ghts&thread=240startsmart - Oct 4, 2011, 5:29pmHoney-[/b] I don't know why employers are so freakin' stupid. Based on some of the stupid people you work with that you've told us about they should have done everything possible to transition you to another position. Karma for you because if there's anyone I know can handle this challenge, it's you. Not that it will be fun of course but you are strong, capable and amazing. muttleynfelix - Oct 4, 2011, 9:01pm
Honey - Major HUGS!!!!! So sorry to hear about your job loss. ses - Oct 4, 2011, 9:02pm Honey-[/b]-You are amazing. I don't know anyone else who could handle what life has thrown your way with such grace and wisdom. I am honored to have you in my life. midwesternjd - Oct 4, 2011, 9:16pmHoney[/b], I am so sorry. I know you will get through this... mizbear - Oct 4, 2011, 9:51pm Honey-[/b] HUGS. I know it's cliche' but it's the company's loss and stupidity letting you go. mittenkitten - Oct 5, 2011, 12:06pm Honey[/b]: Lots of hugs to you. Great job negotiating another weeks worth of work. What kind of company do you work for? Honeylioness - Oct 5, 2011, 12:16pm MittenKitten (2) [/b]- My current company is a biotechnology division of a major medical device company. We focus on heart catheters and treatment devices. I work primarily in the HR department and have been here 7 years. Before this I worked for seven years at a multi-national pharmaceutical company until my department was moved to another state. For them I was the Admin and Project Coordinator for a group of 17-25 researchers, executives and nurses working on human clinical trials. Prior to that I was the Office Manager for eight years at a company in Seattle that brokered air time between ad agencies and media outlets. Ladies – Thank you all SO much for your kind words here and on FaceBook. I am at work today and compiling lists of what I need to get done and what help sheets I need to create. I am not telling people at work yet that I am leaving since A) the date may move and B) I really don’t need or want the distraction of them wanting to do a post-game analysis of each little bit of minutia. I need to just focus and get through what I have set as a goal for myself. shanendoah - Oct 5, 2011, 1:23pm Honey:[/b] Good for you on having a plan (not that any of us are surprised), and offering to stay a little longer not only gets you that one extra paycheck but also adds to the glowing references you'll get when new jobs call to check. As for your thought of paying everything off right away, do the math of what bills you can pay with just UE. If you can use severance to get yourself down to that right away, then I'd say go for it. Yes, that means you could lose out on some savings, but it also means that if you don't get another job right away (and remember, 2+ years before DH gave up and went back to school), you know you can live on what's coming in, and trust me, that's a big deal. dakota4600 - Oct 5, 2011, 2:01pm Honey-[/b] Hugs on the job and the illness. In reading your post at least you will have a quiet house soon. You are a strong woman and have a great plan going forward. I hope something comes up quickly for you. I agree with Shan if you can payoff something completely to make the UE last a little longer I'd say go for it. sheilaincali - Oct 6, 2011, 8:57am Honey: [/b]Big hugs to you. I am so sorry you are dealing with all of this crap on top of being sick. sapphire12 - Oct 6, 2011, 9:10am honey [/b]-- hugs to you. I must say that you are handling the situation rather well. Good to know that the girls will be gone as well. Sorry it didn't work out, but your health is more important right now. Feel better soon. If you are prescribed an antibiotic for the respiratory infection that will knock out the tooth infection. Unfortunately, most antibiotics are not a cure all, unless you are like me and allergic to so many things that the one I can take works for all. ;D
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Post by Honeylioness on Oct 11, 2011 15:01:08 GMT -5
Honeylioness - Oct 11, 2011 at 2:54pm
Now, for some happier news and a moment to pat myself on the back and feel good about things ....
1) I just checked my FSA Account online and they have processed the receipts I turned in already. So I should be receiving a check in the amount of $690.00 for out of pocket medical expenses in the next week or so.
2) Another phone/internet provider called me last Thursday and offered a great deal at $50 a month for a year to bundle my services with their company, and I can keep my same home phone number. Well this afternoon I called my current provider - Verizon - to see if they would meet this offer to keep me as a customer. And to my surprise actually they said yes! So my monthly fixed rate will be dropping about 35% for the next 12 months. Which will ease the budget a little - but every $20 here and there helps.
3) Using the money from the FSA and my Vacation/PTO payouts I can pay off the following:
$690 - FSA
$990 - Vacation/PTO estimate after taxes
$1680 - Total
$ 200 - Balance of Credit card for medical expenses only
$ 470 - current + 1 month condo fee
$ 160 - HSBC credit card balance
$ 50 - Carry over balance on water/sewer bill
$ 400 - Balance of homeowners insurance through April 2012
$ 80 - Carry over balance of Electric Bill
$ 248 - Carry over balance on Phone/Internet bill (students)
$1608 - Total
4) Assuming worse case scenario and Unemployment Insurance (UI) only pays HALF of my weekly salary, I figure I would only need about $700-$800 a month out of my severance pay to cover my basic living expenses: Mortgage, condo, utilities, car insurance, gas and food. This would carry me for a little over a year.
However I am rather confident that in the interim I can find Temp work that will pay significantly more than UI.
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Post by Honeylioness on Oct 17, 2011 11:47:47 GMT -5
Guest Blogging: a couple of weeks ago a WIR friend - Mrs. Lynch - asked if anyone would be interested in writing a guest post for her blog. So I thought - "Sure, why not .. and I even know what it will be about ... getting laid off". Below is the text of that post that appeared on her blog on Monday, October 17, 2011. Her page is located at: wp.me/p1Slkj-8p*********************************************** Melissa Dawson is a long time member of the No Spend / Controlled Spend thread which started within the former MSN Money Boards and is now hosted on ProBoards. While not a traditional blogger you can see what else she is up to, or what is on her mind at her site The Lioness Den at honeylioness.proboards.com/ So your company is looking for ways of improving their net income. When sales don’t increase to cover the higher cost of supplies, insurance premiums and overhead they look at reducing staff. And that is where you now find yourself – the dreaded meeting with your manager who tells you they have eliminated your position. So now what? First, let yourself be upset. I don’t recommend doing this to excess while still at work, though it can’t always be helped. Hopefully you were able to maintain your composure until you got home. Losing a job is in the top ten of stressful life events. It’s normal to cry, rant, rave, panic and get angry. Once you get over the initial emotions it’s time to come up with a plan of action. Some of you will be fortunate enough to receive assistance from your soon-to-be-former employer in the way of a severance package, re-training assistance or other types of compensation. Others will be handed a final check and a box to clean out your desk. Regardless, there are things you can do to help you manage the situation in a productive way. There are many online resources out there that can walk you through the “hows” of looking for a new job: State unemployment benefits, resume building, agencies, networking and brushing up on your interview skills. But I would like to focus on what you do can on the home front in regards to your personal finances. • If you haven’t done it in a while, now is the time to sit down with all your statements and bills. The idea is to not be overwhelmed by your numbers – but to take an objective overview of where you are today. • Make a list of all outstanding balances and monthly minimum payments if applicable. • Determine the bare minimum you need to meet your monthly obligations: housing, food, utilities, insurance etc. • Talk to your family including your children, though it needs to be age appropriate. A seven year old can be told that Mom is looking for a new job and so sometimes we won’t be able to do some of the fun things we used to. A teenager can be told more and be a part of the family’s cost cutting program. • Look at what you can cut right now. Sometimes we get used to thinking there are things we must have when actually they are wants and not true needs. o Cable – contact your provider and drop the extended channel package. Change to their most basic package. Consider another company altogether. There are some great deals for new customers that can run for a year or more at reduced rates.
o Cell Phone – look into switching to a Pay As You Go plan. Unlimited texting is a luxury that you can learn to do without.
o Memberships – check to see if you can cancel your health club membership. Chances are like most of us you aren’t using it enough to justify the expense.
o Video Services – If you keep even a small cable package do you really need the Netflix account?
• Contact your utility and credit card companies to inform them that you are unemployed. Ask them what sort of hardship payment plan they can offer you.
• If you have a mortgage check out their website and get familiar with their hardship, or unemployment, programs well in advance of needing them. I know some readers will think that approaching creditors at this point is premature. My position is that right from Day 1 you should go into cost cutting mode. While it’s a good thing to be optimistic about finding another position in a few weeks, the current reality is that for most people it will take a lot longer. It is also easier to negotiate with creditors from a position of strength – and that means before you start falling behind. The sooner you can reduce your expenses, the longer you will be able to get by with unemployment and savings. There are however a few things that I would recommend spending money on: • Review your vehicle’s maintenance records – if you are close to the service date get the oil and filters changed. Now is not the time to have to deal with transportation issues. • Do you have a Flexible Spending or Health Savings Account? Gather up all your receipts and submit them for reimbursement before you lose those funds. • If your insurance coverage will remain in effect for any length of time make appointments to have your teeth cleaned, go in for a check-up, talk to your physician and get refills of all your medications before your coverage ends. • While you friends all think monsterkiller@website.com is a cool e-mail address, it does not look professional on a resume. Open a new, free, Yahoo account using just your first initial and last name to use during your job search. • Once you have an updated resume get copies made on high quality paper. • If you don’t have a warehouse membership, ask a friend who does to take you with them and stock up on items such as toilet paper, pet food or cereal. They are items you will need to buy anyway, so you should get them in bulk and at a lower price. • Get a haircut. You need to look your best as you interview. And it’s an esteem booster. • If you do not already have at least one professional outfit to interview in consider purchasing one. It can be as basic as a black shirt, crisp white shirt and a blazer. By facing the situation calmly and being proactive with your expenses you can at least feel more in control of your situation. And that sense of empowerment will come through during interviews, improving the favorable impression you leave with those you meet. For those wondering, I am speaking from personal experience and preparations. You see, I was laid off on the fourth of this month. |
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Post by Honeylioness on Oct 17, 2011 14:54:22 GMT -5
Honeylioness - Oct 14, 2011, 10:31am Well, today is officially "D" day for the others who were laid off last week. However I am the only one still at my desk working and not spending hours either kvetching with co-workers or being in a snit. It feels weird - but also good in a way. This afternoon I have my first meeting with the Transitional Placement counselor / service that the company is paying for as part of my severance package. I must confess to being a "little" nervous actually - and not really sure why. dakota4600 - Oct 14, 2011, 11:32amHoney-[/b] Good luck with placement office. How much longer are you there? Honeylioness - 17 Oct 2011 at 3:03pm dakota [/b]- Regarding your question of how much longer I am going to be at my job? I honestly don't know. We are trying to push it to the end of the month and "fingers crossed* November 1st - because that would mean the company would pay for my medical through November 30th before I would have to pick up the COBRA payments. And while the company agreed to this - it is MY choice to stay and write these process manuals. Something I am going to start trying to do from home actually as there are way too many distractions here for me to be able to focus. As to my "weird" feelings about the meeting Friday - I think the short answer is that I hate sales, and especially trying to "sell" myself. It makes me squirmy, anxious and I do believe I suck at it. So when the counselor started talking about "branding myself" my first response was "Oh H$LL NO .. I'm no salesman" ... my other reaction was "What? I'm a heifer that might get lost so you need to burn a mark on my a$$?"Still feeling weird about this, but I think I have to get over it. Seems to be a common thing now in the recruiting world. Doesn't mean I like it any better though. In my world this is the same thing as being boastful and prideful and is NOT something proper people do. mizbear - Oct 17, 2011, 7:26pm Honey-[/b] I think you are a brand that women should aspire for: Confident, intelligent, able to lead a group, take constructive criticism or give it, but can still work alone. Can be a shoulder to cry on, but is strong enough to cry. Beautiful and delicate- but not weak. Recognizes their flaws, capitalizes on them. And God help you if you hurt her, her friends, or her family! (Or mess with the chocolate and vino stash  )
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Post by Honeylioness on Nov 10, 2011 16:45:26 GMT -5
10 November 2011I thought it was time for an update on the work front - especially now that I have had a few days to start "processing" recent events. Steve and I had come to an agreement that my last official day at Bard EP would be Friday, November 4, 2011. The week before I started to tell people I worked with that I would be leaving. As I predicted in an earlier post - it was quite distracting to have people coming by or calling to "discuss" the situation and express their dismay at my leaving. For the two weeks before my final day I think I put in more productive hours than I had in the month prior. And for the first time in my tenure not a word was said no matter what time I came in ... meaning I could stroll in 45 minutes "late" with not even a raised eyebrow. That was rather nice. I did have a major "Geek Moment" though which made me grin and several people shake their heads. I realized 10 days before I left that I had already made my chutneys, syrups and jams which I normally hand out as Christmas gifts to friends at work .... and obviously I would not be there for Christmas this year. So ignoring what the calendar said I put together gift bags and such with the jars of things I had made ... and I handed them out. Steve gave a self conscious laugh and almost rolled his eyes. Joyce said she had though about this also .... and Linda laughed and took a gift bag from her desk and handed it to me ... seems we both had the same idea! I did get tired of explaining to people though why I was staying past the October 14th Lay off date. People made assumptions that I was being forced to do this, or perhaps they would change their minds and keep me on. By the time the last week came along I really don't know that I would have accepted an offer if they did offer to let me stay on. At that point I felt as though I had completed a mental divorce from the office - though I was still feeling a lot of attachment to several people. Monday, October 31st, I woke up to the results of a freak early snow storm. And because the trees were still leafed out and the snow was heavy there were a lot of trees down which in turn took power to a large section of the state. Including the mile area around my office building. So for the first time in the seven years I worked there we were closed - sort of a Snow Day. Power came back around lunch time on Tuesday - which I learned when Steve called to let me know...then said in a rather cajoling manner that "if" I wanted to I could come in .... but if not .. well, that was okay. I did wind up going in - but not because of any pressure except my own self imposed ones. And my mild panic that having lost one day I would not have enough time to get completed everything I wanted to before I left. However, almost to my own surprise I did get everything completed which included writing over two dozen "HOW TO" set of instructions including screen shots and sample forms/documents. My weekly update to my bosses looked like this on my last day: FACILITIES
* Coffee supplies
* Cleaners
* Office Nameplates
* PM reports for Fire Extinguishers, Pest Control, First Aid, AED
* B.E.S.T. Recording system for EHS hours
* Security Badges
* Update of contacts listing and vendors
R & D
* Compilation of Patent correspondence into “T” drive files
* Sent Labor Hours log on and allocation information to Christophe and Paul
* Assignment of ownership for travel phones
* Staff Vacation Tracking
* Contract files
* WPR Monitoring
HUMAN RESOURCES
* Background Screening
* Benefits: Open Enrollment
* Candidates and Recruiting including iCIMS and CareerBuilder
* DSR (Divisional Succession Review)
o Employee Prior Experience
o Employee Education
o Setting up parameters
o Running reports
o Narratives
o Binders
* Employee Meetings and Recognitions
* JDE
o JDE Administrator assigned – Joyce Leger
o New employees
o Change/delete employees
o Sales employees access rights
o Managing the Address Book
* Monthly Reports
* New Employees
o Setting up files
o eVerify
o Paperwork listings
o PS How To
o Training set up and notification
o Benefits
* Payroll Processing – Exempts
* Payroll Processing – NonExempts
* PeopleSoft Reports - Transfer all “Private” PS Queries to “Public”
* Radiation Badges and Monitoring
* Temps and Contractors
* Terminating Employees
* Training:
o CR Releases/Revised procedure employee listings
o Gap Analysis
o Status reports for tracking
o Matrix creations and revisions
o Matrices assignment for employees and temps
* Vendor Credentialing
* Yearly pay increases and reviews – partially done
o Spreadsheets: Internal and corporate loading
o Tracking
MISCELLANEOUS TASKS
* 2012 United Way Spreadsheets created
* LOA letters for Marie Lippold
* 2012 calendars ordered
* 2012 Compensation spreadsheets created
* Show Linda F how to run employee training lists
* Completed revising all employee matrices into the database, run and compile reports
* Yearly revised matrices sent to all employees
* Complete close out of Chicago TM Job Req and iCIMS
* CPR Training scheduled, PO completed
* HR room filing cabinet labeling updated
* Perform Gap analysis of Training for October 2011
* October Monthly Fire Extinguisher inspection and PM
* HOW TO for NonExempt carry over hours
* Monthly Pest Control inspection and PM
* 2012 Service awards ordered, PO completed, supplies received and organized
* Benefits Packages handed out / mailed
* New employee binders and document folders updated with new medical program information sheets.
* All HR filing done
* Binder created with all HOW TO instructions printed out
* New employee Sanor File created, Background check and urine testing initiated.
* Submitted my final severance pay paperwork to Corporate
* Printed out and compiled a paper binder of all HOW TO guides for team reference.So we come to that last Friday - I have finished what I could and left them actually in better shape documentation wise than when I inherited the job. Several co-workers came by with good bye cards and some small gifts - like Dunkin' Donuts gift cards. Steve did take the team out to lunch at a rather nice restaurant nearby that sits next to a pretty stream. Of course, as I suspected it would be, I was the only one who had alcohol with lunch ... two glasses of red wine actually. Because at this point if I am back at the office a bit "buzzed" what were they going to do? Fire me? At the end of lunch Joyce handed me a gift bag .... a fifth of vodka: Grey Goose. AND an American Express gift card in the amount of $100 which i can use for anything. Though for the moment I am planning on tucking it away and using it to buy something special for myself once I get a new job. After doing my final Exit Interview I went and gathered the rest of my personal items from my work space. I had cleaned out my desk the evening before so there was only two boxes - one of which had my plants. And who carried my things out to my car? Three Vice Presidents: Human Resources, Finance and Quality. Not too shabby. The weekend was pretty normal - then came Monday morning. Having talked to my father on Sunday, one of the pieces of advice he gave me, having gone through this himself, was to try and keep to a regular schedule. So I had set my alarm for 8:00 am. After getting up, brushing my teeth, getting dressed and then coming downstairs to make coffee - I saw the clock. Then it hit me. It was 8:30 am on a Monday morning that was not a holiday. And I had nowhere to go and suddenly felt as tough no one wanted me. I started to cry. I think that is when it really hit me that I no longer had a job and a dependable source of income. So I just had myself a morning of feeling pretty bad on multiple levels. Having indulged in that for a while I thought perhaps I should go and file my initial unemployment insurance claim. But lo and behold I was told that I couldn't file. Due to the high volume of claims they are processing they are assigning days of the week you are allowed to open a claim based on the last digit of your SSN. Which means that I had to wait until Wednesday. However I knew I had to do something to keep myself busy or I would just continue to mope and obsess. So I looked around my home and started in on doing things that I may have wanted to do but either did not have the time or impetus to do before this. So, what have I done since Friday, November 4th: * Cleaned my bedroom * Scrubbed the upstairs bathroom including floor * Straightened up and cleaned the living room * Straightened up and cleaned the dining room * Scrubbed the downstairs bathroom including floor * Did the grocery shopping * Took paper recycling to the drop off * Washed kitchen cabinets * Took apart exhaust hood over stove and cleaned * Cleaned stove * Cleaned out refrigerator * Cleaned counters, appliances, window and doors in kitchen * Scrubbed kitchen floor * Washed floor in pantry * Re-potted five planters * Emptied display cabinet in kitchen holding my delft collection. Washed inside of cabinet and all china. * Did laundry * Got caught up with mending * Picked up last week's pay check * Replaced mini blinds on two exterior doors * Dismantled all displays in entry hall. Washed the quilt on display. Washed the walls, display shelves and all decorative items then re-displayed items. * Wiped down washing machine and dryer * Confirmed appointment with transition counselor for Friday * Revised resume and sent it to counselor * Filed initial unemployment claim * Worked with Theron and startsmart to get her PC information to get her set up on my home network prior to her arrival, as my PC will be in for repairs * Went through all my e-mail folders. Compiled information I wanted to save by subject and cleaned out extra and extraneous items - thereby increasing my memory storage space * Went through all the folders on my computer and organized documents into folders. Yeah ... I do tend to clean when I am stressed. A couple of friends and my mother said they wished I would come over to their house and work out some of this nervous energy at their homes. So what is on tap for the rest of the weekend? Well: * Go to my bank and deposit last week's paycheck and the severance check I received via Federal Express today * Would like to do the ironing tonight * Dye my hair * Schedule automatic bill paying for next week * Drop off my PC and peripherals to Theron Friday so he can fix a system problem with my lap top * I am picking up startsmart from the airport Friday afternoon after she drops off her rental car * We are having dinner with friends Friday night at a great sushi restaurant Startsmart and I will play tourist over the weekend, then I will drop her off at the airport on Tuesday afternoon for her flight home. Next week I will start job hunting in earnest. Unemployment tells you to keep a log of all your contacts during the week because they could ask to see it in order to verify that you are really looking for a job. Edited to Add: I forgot to mention this. Since Friday night I have received FIVE calls from various people in the office asking questions about how to do things and where are things kept etc. The first one, Friday night at 8:00pm, was from S who needed the access code to give the security company in order to shut down an erroneous alarm going off at the building.
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Post by Honeylioness on Nov 26, 2011 1:03:21 GMT -5
25 November 2011
I haven't written an update for a couple of weeks - partly because I wasn't actually sure what I would write about. Not that there haven't been things to says, but because perhaps there has been TOO much to say.
Some of what has occurred in the last couple of weeks has been good - and some has been borderline awful. So as a result I feel as though I have been on somewhat of an emotional roller coaster.
On the good side:
* I had a great four day visit with startsmart. We did an all day walking tour of Boston and did all sorts of "touristy" things.
* Had a nice dinner with her and my friends then played board games.
* I pulled out all my quilts for startsmart to see and she took quite a few photographs.
* I pulled $2,800 from my savings account and paid off everything .... annual home owner's insurance, this month's mortgage, utilities, credit cards, condo fees etc. so I am starting at $0 debt.
* My weekly meetings with my job transition counselor are going well. I find her incredibly personable and helpful as I begin to work
this process.
* I have applied to over 12 jobs.
* I have had two phone screenings.
* Steve has agreed that I will be receiving the transitional services guaranteed until the first part of January and can still get an additional month if I need it.
On the bad side:
* I pulled $2,800 from savings to pay off everything. Yes this was listed under the "Good" heading, and objectively I know it was the right things to do - to not have anything outstanding hanging over my head. However, at my core I am extremely Yankee frugal - and
paying out that amount of money all at once almost made my head explode.
* Neither phone screen has led to an interview.(This could also fall under a good thing as these were not the right fit for my skills- so I didn't waste my time or theirs).
* I am not sleeping well.
* What loose schedule I had in the beginning has gone to h3ll. Not just my waking and going to bed, but meals as well. Often it comes to 6:00 pm and I have not eaten that day.
* The last week or so I seem to not be able to get out of my own way.
* I am finding it difficult to focus on the job search or even basic household chores.
* Twice now I have cried myself to sleep.
* I have been having some weird twinges in one of my fingers and I now have an ache in an elbow that won't go away.
* I found out that my daily medication has now been substituted by the insurance company that supplies it to me. And I could almost SWEAR that it does NOT work as good as the name brand. So I am going to write a note to my doctor asking about it.
I have received consistent and good advice from several sources. I just need to find a way to actually put these ideas into action. I am afraid that I will become a complete shlub and start spending my days in my pajamas.
I am used to living by a schedule and am finding that I do not do well without one. I would like to be one of those self-motivated people who don't seem to need outside motivation or impetus. However I am starting to think I am not as self disciplined as I would like to think I am.
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spruby - 26 Nov 2011 at 9:55am
Honey -
I read your update - brings back painful memories for me. All I have are kind words:
1) you are an amazing and talented person,
2) a job search is less about you than you and more about what others think they want/need - so it isn't a reflection on you;
3) routines are great - but hard to stick to on your own - I found it helped to schedule outside meetings/activities with others
4) watch - or ask a very trusted friend to -watch for signs of depression. It is very common and understandable - but if it settles in for a long stay - you may want to get some help.
mittenkitten - 26Nov 2011 at 9:52pm
Honey: It is tough to be unemployed. I agree with spruby you should be able to roll over your pension or 401K to an IRA. I did it with a couple of jobs. Although I did leave my pension alone as that made more sense.
moneysquirrel - 26 Nov 2011 at 10:31pm
Honey -- Take a deep breath and realize that this period of time is a chance for you to explore the possibilities. Also like spruby I too am curious as to the outcome of the twin terrors.
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Post by Honeylioness on Dec 24, 2011 11:18:24 GMT -5
23 December 2011
Well, this is the seventh week of my being unemployed.
On one hand I am more than a little surprised I have not landed a new position yet. However on the other side I am aware that finding a new job between Thanksgiving and New Years can be difficult at best.
There are quite a few positions listed on various career posting websites that have the words: Administrative Assistant, Executive Assistant or Sr. Assistant. I have read all of them and this is what I have learned.
Job postings share a lot of similarities to real estate listings.
When you read listings for houses you often see certain buzz words: Cozy = Incredibly Small. Needs Updating = Plumbing and electrical systems were installed during WWI. Great School System = Prohibitively high taxes. Possible third bedroom = Its a large closet with a window. Handyman special = Don't lean on the building because it could just slide off the foundation.
I have found that in job postings there are buzz words also that tell whether the position is one I should apply for or just pass over: 2-5 years experience, reports to anyone under the position of V.P., receptionist duties, Jr., no college required. These are the clues that the position is one I am overqualified for and pays what I was making 10 years ago.
Out of the dozens of cover letters and online applications I have submitted I have thus far had ONE phone screening. And this was for a job that was in no way accurately presented online. In speaking to the recruiter I learned the company had recently gone through a "re-organization" (code word for they laid off more than ten people) and the position had been "down graded". I mentioned to this recruiter that if she wanted to save herself a lot of time screening over qualified candidates then perhaps she should do something about the posting. This position I also learned would have required me accepting a pay cut of over 40%. Next.
Last week I received a call from an agency who had seen my resume posted on a career board - and she had an interesting opening. A pharmaceutical company located about 12 miles from my home. They have a new V.P of Research who has never had his own assistant before. As a result he has not had luck thus far keeping an EA. Aparently he has gone through four temps in under a year - frustrated because tasks don't come back to him the way he wants. Through further conversation with the agent I am able to infer that this may be a situation where the prior temps have been at a more junior level. Probably women who are unable or unwilling to push back as needed in getting all the information needed from this VP in order to complete projects fully.
She assured me that this was indeed a permanent position, however they would be amiable to a temp to perm situation. This would allow both the VP and myself to "test drive" the situation as it were. So on Monday I trekked into Boston to meet with the agent and complete all sorts of paperwork and testing. If nothing else, this jaunt strengthened my stance that I don't want to work there everyday. The odyssey of getting from Lowell to downtown is a royal pain! So, I am hoping that next week I will be getting a call to go to the company and meet this VP for myself.
Of course there is a real possibility that I won't hear anything until after New Years since offices will be closed, people will be on vacation etc. So I guess that all I can do is wait. Never my best skill even at the best of times.
As with any process where a large change in a person's life has occurred there have been days where I find myself incapable of getting even the basic things accomplished - and days were I feel as though I have been productive in one or more areas. I did have several days after Thanksgiving, and after my friend K went back home whereit really "hit" me and I felt as though I had been out of work for months. I became very depressed, had several days when I never even got dressed and did not even eat.
When you add to the inherent stress of finding a new job - that it is happening during the second most important holiday for me - it perhaps is no wonder that I am having such a hard time.
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Post by Honeylioness on Feb 6, 2012 14:35:32 GMT -5
A discussion I have been following on LinkedIn: _______________________________________________ Listen Up, Applicants: Here Are 5 Reasons Why I Won't Hire You lifehacker.com If you've ever hired anyone for a job, you understand a whole new perspective on what makes an applicant stand out—and what makes you toss an application to the bin. **************************************************** Why I Won't Hire You By Charlie Balmer If you've ever hired anyone for a job, you understand a whole new perspective on what makes an applicant stand out—and what makes you toss an application to the bin. Fair or not, blogger, consultant, and hirer Charlie Balmer discusses honestly the mistakes that can ruin your chances with a potential employer. I will be very honest with you in this post. Most interview articles only show obvious mistakes, as if most people don't know showing up late is bad form. I will tell you the things I didn't really know about until I was the one interviewing, and interviewing for a variety of positions and person-types. No interview prep article ever prepared me in the right way for how interviewers really think. That is what I will be sharing with you today.
When you first walk in to my office, I am expecting you to be one of the 99%+ people who I know I won't hire in the first 5 minutes. I am hoping I will be proven wrong, because I really want to hire you and be done interviewing. Unfortunately, most people looking for jobs don't deserve them. Here are the most common ways I know you don't deserve any job I have to offer.
You send me a stupidly long resume
If I have to spend more than 30 seconds finding out what you have accomplished, forget it. You have annoyed me. Somehow, since resumes went digital, people feel like they can cram in 10 pages of boring essays talking about this achievement or that role, and expect me to read every juicy word. More likely, I will ignore the whole thing, write down in my notes "poor communicator", and move on. If you have a good set of skills or something catches my eye, you might still get an interview, but I'll still never read the resume. And you had better be a better communicator on the phone or in person.
Think about it this way – the resume items communicate to me your past successes in a (supposedly) succinct manner. If you can't nail it in one sentence, do I really want to look forward to your rambling emails every day? If I can't read your resume, it doesn't bode well for your emails, and I get enough of those in my inbox as it is.
To craft a great resume, tailor it to my job posting. If I have a skill set in there like "Windows Administration", make sure you have at least one bullet point talking about success in a project where you used that skill. Make the bullet no longer than three sentences. One is better. I am likely to read one sentence. I might read three. More than that and I won't even know what you wrote there. You wasted my time and your own.
You can't tell me why you like your current job
I always ask people what they like most about their current job before I get into any details about a role. Why? I want to see if you'll be happy working in this new job. If you can't tell me anything you like, or you tell me something you like but it sounds really generic? Then forget it, I have no idea what you want to do in life and you probably don't either. Come see me when you know what you want to do. I would even be happy with something like "Well, this job doesn't enliven me, but my last job, I loved doing XXX every day, and man, I miss that. It looks like this role will let me get back to that." Let me know you're passionate or don't waste my time.
The worst answers? "Well I like the challenge" or some other BS. Don't BS me. I have a super BS detector, and most other interviewers do too. The worst BS is the kind where more than 50% of candidates say the same thing. If you can't be original about what you like about your unique job how can I expect you to be creative working for me?
If you have a generic answer like you enjoy learning, the challenge, helping customers, that can be alright. Just sound excited when you talk about it. Give me an example of a time when you got really fired up about it. I don't mind if it doesn't relate to the job I am interviewing you for, though that helps. Just expect me to ask why you think this job will give you the same passion – and have a good answer ready. Really, why else are you applying if you don't know this?
No career plans or vision
When I ask you what your next role is going to be after the one you're interviewing for, you had better have a good answer. Everyone should have a story about why you want to come work for me, in this specific role. If you can tell me how this role helps you accomplish your long term goals, I'm much more likely to think you'll be happy here and work hard in the job. If you just want a job, why should I care? Someone else will come to me with their vision. Eventually.
A good answer is a well thought out vision. You should have that anyway. Here is a good example: "I am looking to move away from working in my current small company to a bigger company with more career growth and opportunities. I want to rise to an executive level in the next 10 years, but my current company is too small to allow me to stretch effectively in that way. [This role] builds on my strengths in communication and project management, and will help me grow as a leader and improve my influencing skills. In a few years, I would look to becoming a senior manager…" and on with how this role fits into your life vision.
No Skills
Please, don't bother applying if you don't have the required skills. I will know. If you'll be programming, expect to program in the interview. And program well. If you'll be project managing, you had better be able to tell me about the right way to build a project plan and project vision. I'll probably even describe a project and ask you to build a plan right there, with me. Just because the title has something in it you vaguely think you can do, if you don't meet the requirements, please don't waste my time. I might be ok if you are up front with me and tell me you want a career change and are willing to take a more junior position to learn. I might take a chance on you if everything else is solid. But tell me that in your resume so we don't waste time. Yes, telling me that in your resume improves your chances of getting hired, even if not necessarily for this job or winning an interview. I won't claim this is true for all interviewers, but it is true for me.
It's about setting expectations. If you come in, and my expectation is, for instance, that you know Unix administration, and then you tell me "Well, I read a book and I really want to learn it", no, I won't like that. If instead you put in your resume an objective line "Looking to grow skills in Unix administration from a project background", now we are on the same page. If I don't need an expert right now, maybe I will invest in training you since you have the vision and self-motivation. Oh, and describing what you are doing to prepare is also good, even if you don't have on the job experience. See how the expectation can change my perspective? Give me happy surprises, not unhappy surprises.
Answer my questions with conjecture
I will test you in a lot of ways. I will ask you to describe a lot of situations – where you failed, where you succeeded, what you would change, what you hate and what you love. Don't sit there and tell me what you would do in the future. I didn't ask what you would do, I asked what you did. If I have to wait for you to finish talking, then say "Could you give me a specific example where you did something like that?" Then you have failed to answer my question. If I ask for an example, please give me one. If you don't have one, that's ok, tell me you have never been in that situation, but you have some ideas if I would like to hear them. Yes, I probably would like to hear them, but I might also have another question with different examples I would rather know about.
If you don't think well on your feet, spend some time reading through and practicing situational interview questions. I won't ever use one I see online, but it will help train your mind to answer, and give you fresh memories to draw from. I also don't mind when a candidate pauses to think. I will wait. I know everyone has different styles of thinking and responding.
How to Win the interview
I think it's pretty simple. I look for a few traits in people I am going to hire. If you are missing even one, I'm probably going to pass you up for someone who doesn't. Do your best to show off these traits and you'll win. This is true in every case, from hiring a janitor to an executive.
* Show me you can get things done. This means you can accomplish challenging tasks quickly, come up to speed when necessary, go the extra mile if you have to, influence peers. You must be self-motivated.
* Show me you are intelligent. I will ask you questions that are designed to make you think. Show me you can. Don't confuse intelligence with education. I don't care what kind of schooling you had, if you can't think, no job. If you can think, and aren't educated, no problem in my book, though I'll probably look for more experience instead.
* Show me how I fit into your vision. Truthfully, we'll work best together if you think this job is the best place for you to be right now. I want to help you succeed in your career, let me.
* Be highly skilled. Unfortunately, I don't hire awesome people who don't have the right skill mix. But I do keep their information around for when I need their skill mix. I also tend to recommend these people to others who are hiring as strong candidates. The skill level required to be hired depends on the job and expectations. Entry level can get away with rough skill sets or classwork. Senior needs to be top of the field, regardless of years in the workforce.
* Be Passionate. If you are bored working in a similar job somewhere else, you'll be bored with me. Period. I don't want any of that.
The End
Most of the stuff I am talking about here has nothing to do with Golem Technologies, but more about what it is like to hire in the first place. There are so many articles out there with bad advice for both those hiring and those trying to be hired, I wanted to inject some raw honesty into the equation. If you are looking to hire people, then I would recommend you use my 5 points above to screen people. As for me hiring, no, I am not currently hiring, so please don't ask me. When I am hiring though, and if you happen to apply, the above is the criteria I will use to decide.
This is true across business functions and across companies. The people who have the stuff I listed to win the interview will get jobs they want consistently. If you are lacking something, then figure out a way to get there. Just having a plan puts you ahead of 99% of job candidates. I also like giving people a chance whenever they let me, as long as I have the flexibility to do so. So far, I haven't been disappointed. Do you have hiring war stories (interviewer or interviewee)? Share them in the comments! Charlie Balmer is an entrepreneur, technology blogger, and website consultant. He has worked for multiple fortune 500 companies in IT management, marketing, and application design. His latest company, Golem Technologies, is a cloud based website security scanning application for IT departments and security professionals. www.linkedin.com/news?viewArticle=&articleID=5564793187748294671&gid=93904&type=member&item=90179958&articleURL=http%3A%2F%2Flifehacker.com%2F5874647%2Fwhy-i-wont-hire-you&urlhash=sMFD&goback=.gde_93904_member_90179958******************************************************* Cindy - Excellent information thanks Jocelyn - Thanks for sharing - it is very interesting Kathleen - Thanks so much for sharing and giving the other perspective. Pamela I. - I wouldn't work for this guy. Glenn - Gee Pamela, that's a pretty pithy analysis after getting a chunk of inner thoughts to the process from someone who seems to have a grip on things. Would you not work for him because he has definite ideas about how he'd approach your past experience, tossing the majority of accomplishments aside without caring how proud you are of them and asking you to articulate how X situation works instead? I'm sure you understand if the skill mix required lacks something--hey, it *IS* a buyers market--but is being definitive about what and how he as a potential employer views an interviewee a real problem? There are always reasons you don't get what you want, maybe its just an off-hand remark about not being "anywhere near the computer geek my brother is" that he just can't let go of, since he was considered a geek 'back in the day.' ALL information like this is capable of being helpful. Having an 'elevator speech' to tap appropriately might be an absolute, and while you can't know whether tailoring your resume failed to hit the vein of rightness any one (or twenty-one) potential employers wanted, reading this article should generate a hmmm... vs. Vague and absolute one line negative you slap on it. Mary - Amen, Glenn! Pamela I. - Glenn, after that response I wouldn't work for you either. You make assumptions that are based on - nothing. Melissa J - Having worked in HR for the last six years, and been laid off in November, a lot of what the author had to say I am finding true in my job search. If you take the time to notice you can usually see that point in the first few moments where you either have made a good impression - or the interviewer is making To-Do lists in their head. :-) Even though it may be a "Buyer's Market" as Glenn noted, for me that is no reason to treat applicants badly - which unfortunately I have seen and heard of more and more frequently. Yes, employers will always want the best talent for the lowest reasonable cost, and applicants want/need a living wage in addition to a well fitting position. But for me that search, both in the past and currently, has revealed a very unattractive side to the hiring process which I call: "Attention Employers: Four Reasons I Won't Work Here" 1) NOBODY in your organization smiles. I mean NOBODY! Your receptionist had all the personality of a warthog, every employee I saw talked in hushed tones with their co-workers and immediately shut up when we approached them. Everyone looked either shell shocked or in need a strong medications. Makes it hard for me to believe the recruiter's spiel about how good business is and what a great place you are to work. No thanks - if I feel the need to be traumatized I'll just look under my teenager's bed. 2) The position advertised is not the position I am being interviewed for. I understand that priorities change and one product line may suddenly be at the forefront of the companies interest which is wasn't last week. But please do not waste my time bringing me in to interview and then tell me "Oh yeah, we had a bit of a 'restrustructure' last month - the position isn't really so much of an Executive Assistant as it is answering phones and making coffee - you don't mind right?" I may be looking for work, but I came in expecting to discuss what you advertised - and this bait-and-switch has me wondering just what else you will lie to me about. 3) The interviewer was extremely unprofessional. I know some executives still consider EA's to be just a half-step above unpaid slave - but I had thought someone in that postion would have learned how to fake hiding this contempt - even just a little. He asked me about my marital status, did I have kids, what time did I go to bed, how often did I think I would need to make personal calls on the office phone? After calmly informing him that those questions were inappropriate and perhaps we should focus on the job at hand - he got really snotty. But when he said "Well, you must have good skills as I don't suppose you have been getting points for your looks" ..... That was when I stood up, thanked him for his time, walked back to HR and informed the recruiter I was withdrawing my application and why. Really??? I should be so grateful for a job I will work with this cretin? I don't think so. 4) Noone on your end was prepared. Not one of the people I met with had my resume, knew I was coming or even had an appointment on their calendar. I got to sit with four different people all of whom spent the first ten minutes of our meeting reading my resume and/or yelling over the phone at HR for not being on the ball. It may be judgemental, but if your HR department can't coordinate something this simple - can I really trust them to help with something bigger and more important? These are just my personal top four deal breakers - there are other indications for me that also tell me this company is not going to be a good fit: interviewers who keep you waiting 20-30 minutes past the appointment time then don't even apologize, those who take personal phone calls during the interview to discuss lunch plans or frequent cursing heard from both the interviewer and employees in the general office. It would be nice even in this "buyers market" if both sides could remember that common courtesy and respect goes a long way. Kimberly - Thank you for the information. I totally agree. I've gone on interviews and experienced the interviewers being totally unprofessional and wouldn't think twice of working in an environment or organization like that. Betty - Thank you for your input, Melissa. I have had similar experiences, and I agree with you on your comments. I also enjoy your sense of humor. Good luck in the trenches! Lisa - I think the biggest turn-off in this article is the writer's frequent use of "waste of my time" or some form of the sentiment. If it's such a waste of your time then maybe you shouldn't be in a position that requires interviewing; or at least have someone with an ounce of empathy do some pre-screening for you. Another thing that is annoying to me, both in real life and in this article, is the emphasis on future goals as related to working for a new company. My goal is to have enough time, energy, and money to go on vacation. I don't want to be a leader, start my own business, or rise to the top of the ranks. For anyone who does, good for you, but I'm quite happy to be a little worker bee. Does that make me less attractive as an employee? Perhaps if more companies appreciated their employees there would be less need for poor Mr. Balmer to sort through thousands of resumes because he would retain the strong workers he already has. Elaine S - For those who remember *doing her best Rodney King* "Can't we all jes' get along?" The one thing that strikes me from the article and reactions to it is the Us vs. Them quality. Presumably, we're all trying to meld into one finely-tuned machine. I can appreciate the sentiments listed here and elsewhere, but I'm still left with the feeling that the ability to filter out diatribe from the core message would be eminently helpful to all. Lord knows the political process could use it. Specifically honing in on the example here, finding the message content, not the emotional response to it, reveals a lot of information that could be used to improve the process from both ends. A lot of what Mr. Balmer writes makes sense to me -- I can dispense with the delivery but the basic message is sound. If I need to find a job, I will probably keep some of those points in the back of my mind while I craft or update my resume. I want to be appealing to an interviewer. Comments made here also have their validity in how an employer creates its work atmosphere; I want to happy where I work ... who wouldn't? OK, throw a stupidly large amount of money at me and I might consider it worth my time -- but only for a time. I believe it's foolhardy in this day and age to think of anyone in their organization as unimportant. (You want folks to understand the worth of a good administrative support staff? I mean, think about it ... what if all AA and EAs in a company decided on a one-week work action at the same time?? With the advent of social media, it's even globally possible now.) The basic messages extracted here would certainly contribute to the holistic whole of any company; it would heighten respect and civility for everyone's job roles and capabilities, create recognition of each role's importance to the operating whole (assuming, of course, folks are giving their best) and ultimately, I believe, create a great work environment. Business wins; they get great workers and employees win; they go to a job they WANT to go to. But, hey, that's just me... Rahul - It is interesting. Tracey - Lisa, I agree with your comments about the emphasis on "next steps" and goals. I, too, am happy in the worker bee role. But it's still possible to show passion for the job and a desire to grow through new skills or taking on additional responsibilities. When I interview assistant candidates I don't care so much about their goals, but I want to know they enjoy the assistant job and that they have interests and skills that they'll put to use. I think it's possible to answer the "where do you see yourself in 5 years?" question without faking goals you don't have. S C. - I think it’s naive to think that people are not making a decision about you within minutes of your introduction. As Assistants, we are trained to be flexible, to project with accuracy the requirements of a particular situation, while keeping the personalities of all participants in mind. Executives, HR or otherwise, do not have the same type of training. Even though it is a "buyers" market, I agree that the interview is as much for me to judge them, as it is for the hiring manager to see if I will fit into their "square hole." I need to believe that I will be respected for my abilities and that my experience and judgment will be valued, otherwise it is not a good fit for ME. I have been in a situation where I turned down a position because it did not meet my top 3 requirements, but was talked into taking it by the headhunter (who clearly had her own reasons for the placement), and I was sorely disappointed. I believe each conversation you have with a potential employer is a chance to sell yourself, as well as see what kind of market there is for your actual "skillset." If someone tries to derail you with "BS" then, the interview should end shortly thereafter. If that means soup, and rice and beans for a few more weeks, then so be it. Rebecca - I think we need to remember, personalities vary every where. If we want to be a successful contribution in any company, we need to learn to deal with everyone. Also, while some people react personally to the "wasted time" comments in this article, that is a KEY issue in many companies experiencing growth currently. Many had laid off employees and then saw surges. It will take a tough skin, cut to the point, get down to work and be creative in finding / demonstrating solutions if the growth is to continue. Let's face it, if it's a company that's growing we want to be a part of it. Which means, we would have to get on board with what needs to happen. Haven't we all been in those situations where we have been the take charge person to get something done? In those moments, are we considered to be the most friendly or considerate? But then again, I think it's always good to be interested in the "No" answer. How else are we to gain the insight that may be the most impactful? Glenn - Good thoughts SC. While in many ways I'm moving away from pursuing EA situation because being away 4 years (retail has paid the bills) seems too big a rock to push up hill, that 'thinking of other personalities/requirements' was always in back of my mind, and no, many others DON'T deal with situations in that manner. In retail and other sales and writing projects I do it's still at a premium though! I'd still like to find PA-type role because that hits my skills at several levels, and gaining that is probably going to be more of the 'rifle' approach--I'll have tracked down a specific person who I get to discuss things with, more 'soft' approach than as applicant. That 1-1 is where we all want to be anyway, so I know fit hits both mine and their goals. lol And of course, if my novella-into-screenplay hits right chord where I've sent it, all bets are off, but still think we should have some consideration for whats going through an interviewers mind. And MJD, yes, walk away from situations that unprofessional. |
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Post by Honeylioness on Feb 6, 2012 14:42:53 GMT -5
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Post by Honeylioness on Mar 6, 2012 20:47:15 GMT -5
06 March 2012
First, Yes I am aware that I have not posted any sort of update on my job search for quite a while. Probably because there is really nothing to report. And I do mean NOTHING.
I am up to just over 75 positions that I have applied to. These have been though Internet searches, Agencies, referrals and word of mouth. and to date I have met with three agency reps who all told me they had a specific position in mind that would fit my skill set.
And then it is as if once I leave their office - I no longer exist. I cannot even seem to get any update replies. When I send an e-mail, or call to see what the job status is - I do not hear back.
Any wonder I am discouraged beyond words?
Last week I was contacted by an agency that found my resume online and want me to come into their office for yet another Meet-And-Greet. I have some reservations since they are already seeming to push real hard for positions only in downtown Boston. From where I live that is over 30 miles. However by train/subway - or with driving - it is easily over an hour each way ... IF I am lucky. Often the train/subway option can take almost two hours from the time I leave my house until I arrive at my destination.
Perhaps I am being unreasonable ... but I know myself. I know that if I did accept a job in that area .. within 2-3 months I would be out of my mind with frustration and stress. Additionally, if/when I host students again I do not think it is reasonable that I leave the house each day at 6:00 am and not return until 7:00 pm. That means they would be alone for five hours each afternoon and we would not be eating dinner until almost 8:00 pm.
I have found a LOT of open positions outside of downtown Boston - many within 5-20 miles of my home. And since they are in outlying areas it would take me only about 30 minutes to get there. However if I cannot even get a first interview with a company then I feel as though the entire thing is moot.
Any wonder that I have some days where it doesn't even seem worth it to get out of bed? I try to hold onto the idea that this won't go on forever, but even that is a problem some days.
One a positive note I found out that as a part of Massachusetts Unemployment Insurance program is a plan that helps pay part of my COBRA medical insurance payment - which is $547 per month. My application has been received but they won't start processing it until the first of March as they are running 6-8 weeks behind in reviewing applications according to the woman I spoke to a couple of weeks ago. However I do fit the criteria and could be eligible for receiving up to 80% of that monthly cost refunds back to me. Here in Massachusetts, if you do not have medical insurance you take a HUGE tax hit at the end of the year as they charge you a steep penalty for each month you are uninsured. I am trying to avoid that obviously.
My transitions counselor has contacted me - I thought I had one hour worth of services left - we had decided to keep that one in reserve for when I would need some assistance in negotiating salary and benefits. She has told me I have two hours left and would like me to come in next week to see if she can help me find other ways to get my foot in a door.
So - that is all the news I have at then moment.
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Post by Honeylioness on Apr 27, 2012 20:10:28 GMT -5
25 April 2012
I have been thinking a lot about my job search and it's glacial response rate. As of today I have submitted 134 applications and signed up with 25 various agencies and job search sites. And still I hear little to nothing in response. I send e-mails to remind them of who I am and that I am still looking - but ... nada.
I have applied for Temp positions, Contract positions and full-time positions. Senior positions and general positions, HR and non-HR .... yet I still have heard nothing of any substance. More than one person has said to me I should apply for jobs with a significant cut in pay. Not that this isn't a reasonable suggestion, I just question it's viability. In order to get a job paying up to $20,000 less than I was making before - even if that were possible - several factors have to be considered.
One - I would still have a mortgage payment and it would be nearly impossible to meet basic expenses on a gross income of $35,000. Even considering my mortgage is less than the monthly cost of the average two bedroom apartment in this area.
Two - I would need to drastically change my resume. Some might say falsify it. Most employers aren't going to hire someone with 20+ listed years of experience for the same salary as a recent college graduate. Actually, most employers don't like hiring people they consider "over qualified" in the first place. Too concerned they will soon leave for greener and better paying pastures.
Yesterday I had one person I know ask if I had considered moving to another State. Not to be a continual downer but I am not sure I would even be able to sell my townhouse - if I did, I am sure it would be at a loss. Then I could deplete what is left of my savings to move to another state - maybe.
Okay, so I went back to being Debbie Downer - oops.
But selfishly - I don't want to move to another State. Hell, I moved cross country every few years when I was growing up. It was hard enough then for me to make new friends and re-establish myself, and I don't think it would be any easier to deal with now. I would like to someday give up living in a townhouse with an Association dictating what I can plant, or wether I can change my front door. Ideally I would like a single family house with a real yard where I can plant a real garden, install rain barrels and a compost heap. I moved once before for partially job related reasons when I left Seattle. Selfishly, I don't want to do it again.
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Something that has been an unexpected, and not that welcome side effect, is my stamina. Now, I have never been, nor do I ever anticipate being, a poster child for working out or a gym. But prior to being laid off I was a lot more active. Lots of walking around the office, carrying boxes of paper, files, supplies. But since then there has been a LOT more sitting. Using the Internet to research jobs, writing cover letters etc.
As a result I have seen my energy level go down. Standing for more than 15 minutes makes my lower back hurt. I have to take smaller loads or number of grocery bags upstairs to the kitchen, and I need to rest more often then before when doing things like housework or gardening.
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Post by Honeylioness on May 9, 2012 21:03:27 GMT -5
Honeylioness - 09 May 2012
Question and a request for feedback:[/u]
I have received a couple of calls the last month or so about temporary positions. So far I have talked to the recruiters and even met with a couple of them face to face.
My dilemma is this - if I was offered one of these temp positions, does it make financial sense for me to take it?
By cutting expenses to the bone - no occasional cup of coffee, no monthly hamburger, nothing for charity, clothes or entertainment, and including a drastic increase for gas and/or transportation costs AND taking into consideration that I would lose the 80% reimbursement of my monthly COBRA payment (currently $547) if I go off Unemployment the rough numbers look like this:
$ 18.00 - Average hourly rate of temp work offered
$ 579.60 - Net weekly pay after taxes
$2,316.00 - Estimated monthly take home
$3,072.00 - Budgeted monthly expenses
This means I would need to take $800 a month out of my savings/emergency fund each month to just break even. In six months my savings would be gone.
I know a lot of people advocate taking any job just to get your foot in the door, but when it is a temp only position with no possibility for converting to a permanent position with benefits .. is it worth it or feasible to take the temp position even though it would actually "cost" me money?
Additionally, if I apply for unemployment again after October 2012 the benefits I would receive would be a LOT less than I receive now because it would then be based on my DUI payments and the much lower temp earnings.
I would be interested in hearing what other people think.
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muttleynfelix - 09 May 2012 at 9:23pm
Honey - I really don't know. Best of luck with whatever you decide. $800 is a lot to be running in the red every month (says the family that based on our budget runs about $100 to $200 in the red each month - not actually how it works out, last year we broke even). At $800 a month you would have no hope of just being able to say oh I over budgeted a few areas. I don't have enough of a feel for your job market or even enough experience job hunting to be able to give you good advice.
3catslady - 09 May 2012 at 9:33pm
Honey: in PA the claim runs for a year. If in that time you work a temp job and it is over in 6 months, you can then reopen your claim and draw from that until your claim runs out. It is like your claim is suspended for the time you work. Then you open another claim and continue drawing. I don't know how that works in other states. Just ask at the job center. They will tell you what to expect
sbcalimom - 09 May 2012 at 9:59pm
Honey: Thank you so much for your amazing list. I am totally printing that and using it to help me. As far as the unemployment question, I would hesitate to take something that left me that much in the red that didn't have any potential for permanence AND could influence UI negatively later.
startsmart - 09 May 2012 at 10:06pm
Honey - does that negative $800 budget include the expenses associated with work (gas for the car, parking, work clothes, misc expenses)? I would stick to your minimally acceptable wage with either full time or temp work.
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Honeylioness - 09 May 2012 at 11:37pm
startsmart - The shortage is primarily made up of my COBRA payment where I lose my 80% subsidy going off unemployment. It also accounts for an increase in my Auto line item to account for increased gas usage and parking OR the cost of the commuter train and subway fees.
This may be the first time I have ever posted my actual numbers. And I have gone through it several times but it is pared down as much as possible. Living in the Northeast the cost of utilities are pretty high as are other things due to this being a higher COL area than othre parts of the country.
Projected Fixed Expenses
$1,153.00 - Mortgage/Rent
$ 225.00 - Condo Fees
$ 110.00 - Electricity (avg)
$ 83.00 - Natural Gas (avg)
$ 12.75 - Cable (for reception)
$ 18.00 - Water/Sewer (avg - Paid Quarterly)
$ 145.58 - Insurance - Auto
$ 25.00 - Insurance - Home (avg - Paid twice a year)
$ 17.94 - Juno: DSL
$ 90.84 - Verizon (local & unlimited long dist)
$ 15.94 - Cell Phone
$ 32.92 - LTD
$ 30.00 - HSBC
$1,959.97 - Total Fixed Expenses
Projected Variable Expenses
$ 300.00 - Groceries/Cat Food
$ 550.00 - Pharmacy/ Medical
$ 200.00 - Gas / Auto Items
$ 0.00 - Clothing/Gifts
$ 10.00 - Meals Out/Coffee
$ 20.00 - Entertainment
$ 0.00 - Fabric/Craft
$ 0.00 - Dues (Costco/AAA)
$ 0.00 - Subscriptions
$ 20.00 - Alcohol
$ 0.00 - Charity
$ 0.00 - Household
$ 0.00 - Parlee/canning
$ 10.00 - Other
$1,110.00 - Total Variable Expenses
$3,069.97 - Total Expenses
$2,316.00 - Temp Pay Take Home ($18/hr w/ 2 exemptions)
$ 753.97 - Amount to be transferred monthly from savings
Rocky Mtn Saver - 10 May 2012 at 8:19am
Honey, how long have you been looking for work? How long is the temp gig? Are you certain that there would be no chance to move into a permanent gig? I've worked several times at temp gigs that were converted to full-time permanent jobs after 3 months.
dakota4600 - 10 May 2012 at 8:47am
Honey- I would stick with holding out for a better paying job, unless by turning it down you are risking losing the UI benefits.
startsmart - 10 May 2012 at 9:38am
Honey - I still think it's a tight budget assuming no emergencies, flat tires, utility increases or socially obligated gifts required. With your budget now and the unemployment are you able to cover everything or most everything? What's your out of savings amount per month now (if you can't cover it all with unemployment)? My Mom wrapped up a temp job last week that she started in December as a 2 week job but faced the same problem, once they re-evaluate her unemployment she'll get bumped down because for one quarter she made some money which lowers the payment. She's glad to be working but it's tight, especially with my Dad laid off for several months.
mizbear - 10 May 2012 at 2:55pm
Honey- I'm not sure. I tend to feel that it may not be in your best interest to take a temp job that will not convert if it will wipe out your savings. I am in the same boat with permanent disability.
ses - 10 May 2012 at 5:00pm
Honey- I still think I would hesitate to go temp when it would impact you that much, financially and time-wise. Especially if you will be hosting foreign students again this year.
Honeylioness - 10 May 2012 at 7:10pm
Rocky - This last Temp position was definitely Temp only as it was for a specific department's project. I am open to Temp-to-Perm positions. My frustration there is those I have interviewed for have not panned out.
startsmart - Right now the budget shortfall from Unemployment only and the 90% payback of my COBRA payment leaves a short fall of about $400 each month. The balance of my severance pay would cover that for six months before I would need to dip into the balance of my Tax Refund.
Dental problems - So I had my teeth cleaned today and next week will be meeting with the dentist to determine what dental work needs to be done next and the order of the work. I am hoping that the molars which I have already had root canals on are still stable enough for crowns. I did not get the crowns at the time because I could not afford them.
However, I have a plan ..... if these two teeth can be crowned it will be about $450 per crown after insurance. I am waiting for a check from the state for the three months of COBRA reimbursement I was finally approved for - that will be $1,312. Which I would use to pay for the crowns. I could have the option of placing the bill on credit and paying it off in four months.
I know there are some people who would say that I should not be spending money on these at all, however my thinking is this. I still have insurance, the $1300 has already been "spent" out of my budget, and not dealing with a major dental issue will just lead to additional dental and health problems down the line.
DUI - For this month and August I will get a fifth week of unemployment which I am hoping to be able to transfer directly into my savings.
CraigsList - I have started listing some things for sale. These are items that I have been culling from cupboards and closets for a while that I either no longer need, use or want.
Today I sold a large bolt of fabric that I purchased several years ago for a project that I never started, since I changed my mind about color scheme and style. So that is an extra $250 I can put into my emergency cash on hand - not in my savings account.
mizbear - 10 May 2012 at 8:06pm
Honey- You are absolutely correct- you definitely should be taking care of your health! Dental or otherwise!
ses - May 10, 2012, 5:00pm
Honey- My appointment is 5/18/0212. Thanks to you I am developing a good set of questions to ask.
I still think I would hesitate to go temp when it would impact you that much, financially and time-wise. Especially if you will be hosting foreign students again this year.
moneysquirrel - May 10, 2012, 10:22pm
Honey -- No advice for you regarding the job. You have to weigh the pros and cons and make the best decision concerning your circumstances. Good job on selling the fabric. I am sure that as you continue to sort through your items that you will locate other things that no longer serves your needs that will be a treasure for someone else.
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Post by Honeylioness on May 20, 2012 17:07:20 GMT -5
Message in reply to a query from my transitions counselor:
Just checking in
Mary,
I know I have not replied to your last message which you sent me via LinkedIn - I apologize.
First though, how was your trip? I hope you had a good time and feel as though you were able to accomplish a lot for those you went to help.
You asked how the the search is going - and unfortunately it is NOT! To date I have applied for 174 separate positions. Signed up on 29 websites and have met with and/or gotten on the client list of at least 18 agencies, permanent and temporary placements.
Then to top it off I received a notice from the State on Friday that my UI has expired as it has been six months. So tomorrow I need to call and get an emergency extension. I did have three agencies call with potential temp positions which would each last 2-3 months - but they were only offering $12/hour - which before taxes would be about half of what I was getting monthly from Unemployment.
One of the biggest issues has become medical coverage. If I take the State option if would cost me just about the same as I am paying for my COBRA. And once I am no longer taking Unemployment I lose my subsidy on the COBRA payments. Which means that taking a temp job would only work financially if I discontinue carrying any insurance at all - then I will have to pay a penalty at the end of the year on my taxes. However if I am not able to get an emergency extension on my DUI - which is what my letter called it - then I may just have to stop my medical treatment and deal with it later after I find a job and can get medical again.
Sorry to rant - but as you can tell - things are starting to wear on me.
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Post by Honeylioness on Jun 4, 2012 20:22:53 GMT -5
04 June 2012I am approaching the 200 mark as to how many times I have submitted my resume to multiple companies for different and re-listed positions. Within that number there are some repeat companies and recurring agencies - but still.............. I have been reaching out with e-mails to past co-workers and others in my LinkedIn 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 20 different agencies and head hunter companies. So why then have I only had ONE interview at an actual company?  And that was for a long term temporary assignment. And it didn't work out as best I know because I never heard back from the recruiter 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. Two weeks ago I was in a mild panic after receiving a notice from the State that my six months of unemployment had run out. However after calling the help line I was accepted into the Federal extension program for another 20 weeks. I just 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 a week 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, degress, industry experience etc. I found it more depressing than helpful so I elected to not use that anymore. For the last couple of weeks I have been attending a Thursday sewing session at a local quilt shop. It's an unstructured time where you can drop in and work on whatever you want to with other people who also dropped in that day. I have found that not only has it let me work on some projects which have been hanging over my head for a while - I also get some human contact. Something which I had underestimated my need for. Something that I don't think I have noted on this section of the boards is my decision in April to stop smoking. A visit to my doctor and we decided that trying Chantix would be a possibility. While there have been documented incidents of increased depression - I chose to try it. Not JUST because I felt I was in a state of mind to do it - frankly I was incredibly motivated by money. I had been tracking what I was spending on cigarettes every month and the figure made me feel ill. So my official Quit Date became May 1, 2012. For the most part it has been a lot easier than I had anticipated. As of today I think I only have lit six - most of those during the first week - and a few of them I didn't even finish. But in the last three weeks there really have not been any severe cravings for a smoke. However there has been a couple of side effects. One is a tendency for my intestines to "bind up" unless I eat enough fruit and drink a lot of water. The other side effect which I really did not pay attention to until recently is the disruption in my sleep patterns. Not bizarre dreams, which is also a possible side effect, but for me - not being able to sleep at all. For about the last three and a half weeks I have not had one good night's sleep. Not only have I been unable to fall asleep, no matter how late it is or how much work I have done that day, but once I do manage to fall asleep I usually only sleep for about two hours at a time. And when I wake up from one of these short "naps" I am WIDE awake almost instantly. So as a result I have been experiencing a variety of side effects seen with sleep deprivation. My concentration is poor, I feel testy and on edge, and even trying to go to bed becomes a frustrating experience since I know I will just lay there. As I was not having this issue until I started taking the Chantix that was my likely culprit. So on last Friday I began to cut back on my dosing. And instead of taking two doses a day I only took one a day. And as I have always been very sensitive to medications, by Saturday night I felt truly sleepy for the first time in weeks. Once I went to bed I fell asleep quickly and slept .. and slept .. and slept. In fact, I slept a total of 12 hours in one stretch. I got up for a while but fell asleep early in the afternoon and slept another six hours. So I guess I was right - I was having a bad reaction to the Chantix. I sent an e-mail to my doctor outlining the problem and my "solution", then asked if she thought I had to go back to the twice a day dosing. She replied that as I was not having smoking cravings, and was probably past the hardest part of quitting, then I should stay on the once a day dosing. Because she shared my concern about not sleeping through the night for such a long time.
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) 
And that was for a long term temporary assignment. And it didn't work out as best I know because I never heard back from the recruiter even after we talked several times after the interview.