The first time I was laid off, which was thirteen years ago, I decided I was better off without a job. Sleeping in late, lounging around in my pajamas all day and enjoy being a bum was all I did. But I knew that had to change eventually, like as soon as my unemployment ran out, so I finally got a new job. Twelve years went by at that job, and I was a very good employee. The office management position required a lot of focus and hard work, which was fine because it’s what I knew how to do it with my eyes closed, and I ran an office with about 75 employees.
When I first started there I had the feeling it would be the same environment with the same annoying customers and overbearing co-workers as my previous job. But actually I loved the people I worked with and ended up forming some great friendships. I did the best job I could and was always on time and prepared. That office was run without a hitch for 12 years. And then, when the recession started, sales at the company went down a lot and I ended up being in the first round of lay-offs. It had been a good, long run, but I was unemployed again, and in one of the worst times ever.
I’ve been looking ever since (I got laid off eight months ago) and haven’t even been able to get an interview, even though I have applied for every type of job that even is CLOSE to office management and registered with several temp agencies. Several hours of each of my days are devoted to job hunting, and there’s still been nothing. Thankfully my unemployment has been extended but I’m desperate to get back to work and very frustrated at the lack of responses I’m getting. I guess I just try and stay optimistic and remember what my grandmother always said: This too shall pass.
By: R. Montes, Cherry Hill, NJ
9/03/2009
(21 votes, average: 1.00 out of 1)
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Things will turn around just stay positive and keep trying
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I live in New Jersey as well and I know of lot of people affected by the recent layoff… my prayers go out to you and your family.
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i’m in the same boat . my unemployment ran out a few months ago and I’m having a difficult time trying to a new job
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it is good to be able to collect unemployment for a while.. but you go crazy looking for a job that pays good in order to pay your bills.. i want to work need to work… i am about to lose my home my bills are behind i am lucky to have money for food.. yes is nice to get extend on the unemployment for now.. but i have friends and family who collect unemployment and they love it because they love be at home.. it is like a long vacation to them… i feel by collecting unemployment makes people less to go out there and look for a job.. it is just welfare and collecting food stamp.. they feel the goverment will take care of them…no need to worry about anything… people on welfare live better then if they were working.. i love to work and make money on my own .. i like to feel worth something… so when it comes to unemployment collecting that does not solve the promblems…the more unemployment gives more months to collect the less people are going to go out there to look for a job..
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