Becoming unemployed and scared

[frustrated_lefty]

This is a crisis so many American's have experienced, I can in no way ask for sympathy. Next week, I am moving with a wing, a prayer, and a month's paycheck to find a job in Buffalo. I've moved a lot, New Orleans, San Francisco, San Diego, Richmond, Philadelphia, but never without a job lined up ahead of time. I'm 41 and one month away from being homeless with a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences.

I lost everything to Katrina 5 years ago, started to get secure in Philly, and the economy is now kicking my ass.

My grandfathers told me about this dream where you can make a living if you work for it. That age seems past, and I accept it, but this is the most general fear I've felt since I first started living on my own 20 years ago.

There's no point to this, I'm just getting shyte out of my head. Thanks for listening.

[MichiganVote]

1. Good luck.

[OhioChick]

2. Good luck to you

:hug:

[usregimechange]

3. on to the greatest page, anyone have a job tip?

[kentauros]

4. The Texas Medical Center is always expanding.

Have you considered them?
http://www.texasmedicalcenter.org/root/en/QuickLinks/Careers/Careers+Home+Page.htm

The cost of living is lower around here, too.

Good luck wherever you go :)

[Mimosa]

5. Sending good thoughts your way

Frustrated lefty, we are in our generation's equivalent of the Great Depression.

D.U. is full of people who have real goodness and we are here for each other. Sometimes it seems like kindness is all we have in an unkind world.

[riderinthestorm]

6. Why Buffalo? Do they have a booming economy or something?

Am I missing something about Buffalo and biomedical sciences?

Good luck regardless, just curious why Buffalo? (it's damn cold there, not a lot of culture, not some kind of global mecca for sciences....)

[K8-EEE]

26. i have the same question! nt

[frustrated_lefty]

32. My fiance. That's the short answer.

[dflprincess]

96. Last I heard Erie County has one of the worse economies in New York State

I lived near Buffalo when I was a kid - good times then.

We lived on a street in the 'burbs that had a real mix of professionals, white collar & union people who worked in the steel and Ford plants. Everyone was doing well and they all expected their kids would go to college and do better than their parents.

[volvoblue]

7. try temp agencies, and good luck

[Just-plain-Kathy]

48. Yes, temp agancies really get your foot in the door.

[TheKentuckian]

8. K&R It's disconcerting for sure.

[prolesunited]

9. The American dream sure ain't what it used to be

Why did you select Buffalo?

I'm not as mobile. My son lives with me, I have a small house that's almost paid for and my dad has Alzheimer's and lives about a mile away. I couldn't see leaving here until any of that changes.

But I live the fear every day. I'm trying to find more faith -- not in god, but people and the universe in general. Fear eats you up inside and makes you small.

[pitohui]

10. good luck don't know what else to say

i accepted that i was unemployable years ago, don't know what else to tell you but good luck

why buffalo? i wonder?

as a woman i found out early the whole thing abt get a good education and you'll always have a job is a lie, i should have spent more time giving BJs then i'd have money, getting an advanced education did nothing but enrich those who sell educations

[niyad]

11. sending good thoughts your way

[Hydra]

12. Good luck in your search

It's brutal out there- make the best use of contacts and inside tracking you can. You probably don't have a prayer otherwise.

[donco]

13. Hell, if you looking for a job

and moving to (Buffalo NY?) might as well move where they have less snow in the winter and have a jobless rate of 3.6 percent. North Dakota.

[gateley]

14. I'm curious, too -- why Buffalo? If you have family there that may help.

If it weren't for my brother and sister-in-law, I'd be on the street. When I lived in NC (when I became sick, blah blah blah) I actually looked up "how to live in your car". Only problem was, I didn't have any money to buy gas to get from place to place.

I know we hear horror stories, but we hear of successes, too - I hope you you fall into the success category.

Wishing you courage, hope, and all the best! :hug:

[Juche]

23. Same here

I have looked up how to live in a car. I have also looked into how to live in a tent. The problem always seems to be finding a place to actually set up where you won't be harassed or arrested. Plus the weather when it is extremely bad.

[Knight Hawk]

88. National Parks

You can move from one National park to another one and live in a tent for very little.

[Donnachaidh]

15. hit the temp agencies as soon as you hit town

And bug the bejesus out of them to find work and KEEP you working. It can be done. Also contact the county offices when you land, to get information on foodbanks, medical emergencies, etc. Apply for any and all aid available to you -- just to get yourself on the lists.

Keep us updated - and feel free to pm me if you need to. While we haven't moved in your situation, we have just come off a long LONG unemployed period.

You'll do it -- stay strong!

[Auggie]

16. Don't give up. Just don't give up.

:thumbsup:

[pscot]

17. Good luck, brother

and don't let the bastards wear you down.

[raouldukelives]

18. Best of luck to you frustrated lefty

[Blue_Tires]

19. all i can say is it won't be like this forever...

and i'm someone who has had reliable full-time work only five out of the last ten years after grad school...

[OwnedByFerrets]

44. Thats a nice sentiment, but there is nothing that indicates

that we/america will ever come out of this farking mess. In fact, most trends are headed downward. Our rulers (corporations) dont want a middle class. They want a working class poor.

[Hannah Bell]

20. don't ever let them convince you it's *you;* hard times can be endured if you keep your

dignity & sense of the bigger picture.

i hope things turn around for you quickly.

[Juche]

21. Its miserable

I've been out of college 3 years, and only 1 employer has been willing to hire me the whole time. And that was for an on/off contract job.

On another note it is cool that your degree let you live in so many places. I have always wanted to do that. I have a BS in biochemistry and would love to spend time in San Diego & San Francisco. I really liked San Diego the 2 months I was there. If I could get a PhD and travel around, that would be awesome. But the economy is such shit. Not only that, but due to it being shit I'm sure tons of people who would enter the job market are staying in school, so the market will be flooded with PhDs in about 5 years. The same thing happened in Vietnam with student deferments.

Have you looked into Raleigh NC, Seattle, LA, DC or Boston for jobs? Those are good areas for science.

[frustrated_lefty]

33. It's competitive, but you can pursue a grad degree in Biochem

and they'll basically pay your way. Your life will suck, you'll work long hours, you won't have spare cash, but you'll have a rubber stamp on your forehead at the end of the day.

At this point in time, out of the cities you've listed, Research Triangle Park, NC is the only feasible place when you consider pay and cost of living.

I don't want to discourage a young scientist, but, honest to god, the biological sciences are not friendly these days. I love the process of discovery. I'd die without it. Getting to be the very first person on the planet to learn something, something you can share and maybe use to cure disease, man, that is what I live for. That's me, though. If you just like science and have a degree in it, I'd suggest talking with some law firms which specialize in patenting. You'll make twice the money in half the time and avoid the frustration.

[frustrated_lefty]

34. A surprising number of people were curious about "why Buffalo"

My fiance wants to live there, close to her family. That basically settles it.

There are other reasons which make it agreeable. My daughter lives in Michigan, I want to stay in traveling range. I can't live in middle America, I need some kind of coast or major lake in seeing distance. The people I love are there, or near there...I have to make it work, basically. I can lose things, even lose important friends. I can't lose my daughter or fiance. I'll live in a shelter, work at a convenience store, whatever.

Thanks for bouncing ideas with me guys, this has helped remind me of my priorities.

[devilgrrl]

99. Being near Toronto, Canada will help...

you'll at least get to enjoy Canadian news and T.O. is only a hour and a half away.

[lonestarnot]

22. You will be ok. Things happen when you least expect them. I'm counting on them for you.

:hug:

[Urban Prairie]

24. Good Luck from a fellow DUer

who is still struggling to survive in one of the most infamous of unemployed areas of the US, been in your situation many, many times over the past 35 years. It is scary but stay strong and determined in your search for employment.

[roxiejules]

25. Call your Senators and Demand Help for People

How many people are we going to let drown before we send in a lifeboat?

PLEASE, please call or email your Senators and tell them to pass long term unemployment compensation and create some new jobs.

[renate]

27. good luck, and let us know how you're doing

No wonder you're scared... but wonderful things can and do happen every day. Which is probably not all that comforting until they happen to you, but still... good things happen, and I hope they happen to you.

:hug:

[eppur_se_muova]

28. That dream is not past, it never really worked.

Hard work *AND* lots of luck, like being born into the "right" family, will get you a living. Absent the luck, and you're on your own against the Invisible Bloody Hand of the Free Market.

If I didn't have an extended family I could count on, I'd be homeless now -- at 50.

[w8liftinglady]

29. Dallas Jobs,if Buffalo doesn't work

http://www.utsouthwestern.edu/utsw/cda/dept36801/files/357162.html

[w8liftinglady]

67. and you are welcome to stay in my apt,until you find a place to live...if you don't mind teenagers

[1776Forever]

30. Have you ever considered Atlanta? Check out the link:

http://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=Biomedical&l=Atlanta+GA

[chillspike]

31. Some links to make the transition easier

Simple Solar Homesteading: Site that shows you how build your own house with solar electricity for around $5000 total.

http://www.simplesolarhomesteading.com/

Living Without Money: Site and Blog by Daniel Suelo

http://sites.google.com/site/livingwithoutmoney/

http://www.zerocurrency.blogspot.com/

Living with Nature: A talk by Buddhist Monk, Arjahn Brahm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5y_UCf5seDM

That should be everything you need. Good Luck!

[SocialistLez]

43. I love that first link. Thank you. NT

[gleaner]

35. I'm very sorry you find yourself in this position ...

I hope you find a job soon. You have all of my hopes and good wishes. I wish I could materialize a job for you. We are all so helpless now and so victimized. Take good care of yourself and please let us know how you're doing from time to time.

[cap]

36. Philly has strong renter's protections

hit the free law clinics at the universities and pick up a copy of the renter's rights...

[tabasco]

37. Pittsburgh has lots of hospitals and universities.

About a 5-hour drive to Buffalo IIRC.

Good luck!

[distantearlywarning]

40. I was going to suggest the 'burgh too.

If there's one place in the nation where a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences should be able to find a job, Pittsburgh is probably it.

Also, we've weathered the recession very well - our unemployment rate is one of the best in the nation while still maintaining a low cost of living index.

[Scruffy1]

38. Come to Minneapolis

Tons of medical tech here-St.Jude, Boston Sci and the home of pacemakers and stents. If you decide to come be ready for a city of Lakes and Parks and being a Wob is about normal. If you decide to check it out put up a post and I'll send you my email--could help you with lodging etc. Good luck.

[Waiting For Everyman]

39. There's lots of biomed in Maryland, fwiw.

And the winters aren't nearly so rough as in Buffalo (except for last year's blizzards, but those aren't the norm).

Rockville, MD is crawling with biomed companies... and then there's also NIH etc. (Just in case an extra idea is wanted/needed).

I hope things work out for you, FL. I understand how you feel - I've been hanging over a cliff for several years now, myself. It isn't easy. "One day at a time", ya know? It's the only way to stay sane enough to keep trying. But you never know when things will turn around - don't lose hope. And things could turn around for YOU even if they don't for the rest of the country.

[mdmc]

41. My girlfriend is unemployed (disabled)

she now takes home more money then me (I'm "working poor")..

[raccoon]

42. Hope things work out for you. nt

[wackywaggin]

45. Timne to go for the throat of them folks,

that did this to you. In other words, the ruling oligarchy.

Heretic Wack

[aikoaiko]

46. Good luck, friend. Buffalo is a nice place to live affordably.

If it doesn't work out in Buffalo, there is a lot if biotech in MA.

[Paper Roses]

47. I'm sure you considered all the Boston Biomedical companies.

Good grief, I feel so badly for all you young people who find themselves in your position.

I cannot stand the way things are, as a Senior, I've seen good times and bad.

This is the worst I have ever lived through.

I wish you great success in Buffalo.

[tilsammans]

49. Best of luck to you . . .

I'm in the same boat. :hug:

[conspirator]

50. If you could break into biotechnology, I think you could a find a good job

Biotech jobs aren't being outsourced yet.

[Fire1]

51. Good luck to ya! Think positive. n/t

[NBachers]

52. Believe it or not, I've been hearing rumblings about Buffalo

There's an undercurrent of pride, promotion, and activism that's trying to bring Buffalo back. I don't know how realistic their chances are, but it seems to be gaining momentum. There may be good things to tie in to there. You may be getting in on a ground-floor movement.

[grantcart]

53. Good luck and looking forward to hearing the next part of the story

about your great new job.


I recently read a story about the effects of networking and finding jobs.

It has long been considered axiomatic that the best resource in finding jobs are recommendations from your friends.

What this showed was that the second tier of friends, 'friends of friends', that proved the best area.

The reason was that friends tended to all work in a small circle of job locations.

However friends of friends worked in a geometrically larger network and was a much more fruitful exercise than your best friends.

With that in mind ask all of your friends for a list of 5-6 other people that you can call and ask about job advice. Ask each of them for 5-6 names as well.

Good luck.

[wolfgangmo]

54. Look internationally brother.

Reach out beyond the borders. Many universities in other countries would love to have you as well as many companies. Understand that the US is becoming an empire and empires and very BAD for the poor within their own borders. They can't afford to spend money on citizens because they have wars of conquest and exploitation to fight.

Good luck. Look beyond the borders.

[jotsy]

55. Of course there's a point.

Have you checked craigslist in Buffalo? I took a quick look before responding to your post and saw an ad for a non profit Citizens Campaign, something about a wind turbine project and environmentalism. There are markets that can be flushed out without relying on who says what is available. A good running list to get a lay of the employment land is bound to make you a little less anxious if you have some bearings. Viability is rougher for lots of us, it's damn scary times. Be as well as can be.

[Greyhound]

56. You are not alone, hope you do well.

If you do, remember this please.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

57. All my hopes for you...

:hug::hug::hug:

[bora13]

58. Boston, MA/ Portsmouth, NH area

The Boston area as well as around Portsmouth , NH had a thriving Biotech industry in the late '90's. Maybe still...

[diva77]

59. just a thought regarding temp agencies -- you probably have lab tech skills

here are some links to employment sites that list some Buffalo locations hiring lab techs:

http://www.simplyhired.com/a/jobs/list/q-laboratory+technician/l-buffalo,+ny

http://www.indeed.com/q-Lab-Technician-l-Buffalo,-NY-jobs.html

best wishes as you embark on your search...

[Melissa G]

60. Best of luck to you!

:hug:

[wizstars]

61. Kansas City has a growing Bioscience industry.

Check out the Stowers Institute for one.

[barbtries]

62. with a PhD in biomedical Sciences

maybe you should consider the Triangle in NC. this is a biotech mecca.

i'll be 55 this year. in Sept 2007, with my then 15-year-old son, 2 cats and a chihuahua, i moved from CA (where i had lived all of my life) to Raleigh, NC. my rent had been raised to where i could no longer afford it and i had a friend out here. i rented an apt online; the rent was 1/2 of what it was in my place in LA. i had no idea when or if i would get a job, but figured i could swing it on unemployment here for some time if necessary.

we drove out here in our 1994 ford escort and on our first trip to Costco, i had to put things back because i didn't have enough money for it all. i had unemployment benefits and an affordable place to live.

within a month i had a good job, better than any job i ever had in CA. decent money, benefits, great bunch of people. i'm not a scientist, i'm the office manager, but my job is in biotech and even for admins, it's better than most industries.

i tell you this for two reasons. one, if you don't have an especially compelling reason for choosing buffalo, the price of living here is very reasonable, and your chances of getting a job would probably be quite high. and two, though i know it's easier said than done, lose the fear. if i could do it i know for sure you can! what is fear anyway but wasted energy?

i'm not religious, but perhaps superstitious? anyway. on our trip to NC from CA, the sun shone on us every inch of the way (one drop of rain in TN and about 5 minutes' worth in NC). No blow-outs, no breakdowns, no tickets, no wrecks, not even a close call. then i got this great job before even one month had passed. it was like we were charmed. i hope your experience turns out as positive.

[drmeow]

63. A potential place for support

http://versatilephd.com/ - although it says humanities and social sciences, there are a growing number of "hard" scientists there, too. Basic membership is free.

"The Versatile PhD mission is to help humanities and social science PhDs develop and demonstrate their versatility as professionals. We want you to be informed about academic employment realities, educated about nonacademic career options, and supported in preparing for a range of possible careers, so that in the end, you have choices. The key concept here is versatility: the ability to apply your skills and interests in a wide variety of fields."

[ailsagirl]

64. CALL THESE SENATORS ASAP

Olympia Snowe
Phone: [phone]

Susan Collins
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Joe Lieberman
202.224.4041 (Voice)
202.224.9750 (Fax)

Ben Nelson
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Scott Brown
[phone]

[SemperEadem]

65. I went through some dark years during my 40's

it got better for me, but while I was going through it, it was scary.

Hey, it's nothing to ask folks to send good energy and good thoughts your way! :hi:

[Grinchie]

66. This will sound harsh, but become "Less Specialized".

We have been sold a bill of goods when it comes to education and training. We have been told to become "Lawyers", "Doctors", "Real Estate Agents", "Information Technologists" etc, without emphasis on being healthy, happy, and able to provide for ourselves with a minimum of external input.

We are totally dependant on Money to purchase "Stuff" that we can easily provide for ourselves, such as food, water, crafts, household items, furniture and healthcare.

Without a job in our specialty, we are discarded and left to fend for ourselves, and those that cannot or are afraid to adapat to their situation are doomed to failure for the jackals to feed upon.

The simple matter is that when the money stops flowing, you need to become frugal and actively seek to provide for yourself. Go to the library and see how your grandfather managed without all the "Miracle" technology. You'll find that grandpa most likely grew much of his own food, made most of his own tools, was able to build a cabinet or coffee table, and was able to live quite happily with a minimum of possessions.

You'll also find out that he lived in a time before Bretton Woods, and the abandonment of the gold standard in lieu of the Fiat Money supply. He probably bought his home for about 3,000 to 5,000 dollars too. Rents were low, and the landlords were still making money.

This whole idea of classifying individuals into specialized robots is bullshit. Even though you have a PhD, it doesn't stop you from cleaning a chicken coop, or tilling the soil on an organic farm in trade for food and lodging.

In fact, if you think that sort of thing is below you, then you will have trouble ahead.

I have done so many things in my life that I have learned that being a specialist is not good for the human spirit. It's the same as sewing blinders onto your head, and it prevents you form making the connections needed to make informed decisions, estimate the true cost of things, and be able to see the true value in things, or be able to see a Shit Sundae being presented to you with whipped cream and a cherry on top.

I was just like you once.. Searching for my niche in the economy. I found it and excelled for 25 years, and then that niche disappeared to India, and I was left to fend for myself. Thanksfully, this happened almost a decade ago, and it woke me up to the fraud that is the American economy.

I work for myself and my wife, and the Environment I live in. I am happy to share my knowledge with others, but I don't say it more than once if people are "Poor Me" or it's so and so's fault.

Since my decision to abandon the economy and the rat race, I have learned so much, gathered to needed skills to survive and flourish, and have been able to rebuild my wealth to a point where I am totally secure and can pick and choose the opportunities that arise.

It can be done, but you are responsible for doing the hard work and educating yourself. There is no quick way to go about it other than experiencing it for your self, with the knowledge that going back to a simpler life is not the hell that Corporate America makes it out to be in order to sell you the latest cordless drill that happens to look like a Nike Tennis Shoe.

Choose where you want to live wisely. Don't be led by the carrot waved by the Corporation. Do what makes you happy and healthy, not what makes money, because in the end it's only a symbol or a tool that Corporate America uses to force conformity and obedience. i.e. Step out of line, and you're fired, don't get the promotion, etc. etc. etc. We see it everywhere, because people are in general debt slaves.

You'll find that when you make it, just a few thousand dollars in the bank account will last 6 months. It's weird, but it's a fact.

The only explanation I have for it is that we are then presented with time that We choose what to do with on a daily basis, and don't hand over all of our time to the rat race, which does not honor our precious time.

When you are free to schedule your own time, you get enough sleep to stay healthy, you work during hours that your body is in peak, you eat when it becomes necessary, and the food is better because you can take the time to prepare it yourself. Then you have the free time to actually think about your finances, the necessity of that 139 dollar Cable TV bill, and figure out ways to save money, like learning to go to the library and the internet for entertainment and research.

The biggest problem I think is that people are time starved, and money is their only answer for it.

[conspirator]

90. The only thing good about specialization is that is a good source of income

If you are specialized your hourly salary is higher. This means that you can work less hours or months and make the same money as a non specialized worker.
The important is that you spend the money that you make in your specialized job in learning other skills that will increase your chances of survival if the job terminates.
Otherwise I agree with you that specialization is for insects.

[Grinchie]

100. Thanks for seeing the point I was trying to make.

While I admire specialist that can calculate trig in their heads, the reality is that with a little incentive, we all can as well.

I think the driving force to my metamorphosis was being told that I couldn't do something because I didn't have the training of the "Sheepskin" if you will..

After a while, after repeated encounters and jobs where I was more valuable then the "Experts", due to my broad, liberal arts view of the world, I became convinced that we are all equally capable of having a virtual PHd in many fields, without ever having to go to school.

When the legal system demands experts to validate my case, I hire them, but for trivial stuff, if I'm not satisfied with the work product, I will fire consultants on the spot and endeavor to learn it myself. I have that freedom due to free time that get get by working for myself. In this respect, I have to say that the book Rich Dad, Poor Dad allowed me to see the error in my ways.

It's the only way you can protect yourself from the 80% charlatan, and 20% honest consultant syndrome that is prevalent today.

Unfortunately, our politicians, being in the public eye, demonstrate a lack of education that everyone emulates.

Education I think is the driving force for Humans, while most others think education is a one time deal forcing them to endure rote learning, and finally releasing them as full fledged professionals into the world.

The fact is that a well rounded generalist approach is a very salable attribute. One can adapt to nearly any situation, including cleaning a chicken coop, only now, you are wise enough to weak a dust mask and protective equipment. This is the part that many people miss, and that is knowing how to do any task without killing or injuring themselves in the process. It's harder than it sounds, simply because there are so many ways to injure oneself, or at least compromise health.

I must admit that I admire the Honeybee, but even they take vacations and rest during the day.

Thanks again.

[daligirl519]

68. I understand the stress and fear. . .

I have my last UI payment coming next week. It's not even a full payment: $110.00. I have had it with these assclowns in congress. They have thrown us under the bus. I only got 26 weeks in - I'm not even a 99er.
Fortunately for me, however, I do have a safety net called "Mama." (I'm a southerner.)
I just don't like going there with her, as I've been very independent most of my adult life.

[Godhumor]

69. As a current Buffalonian, I am going to suggest one place for you to look for work

The Roswell Park Cancer Institute (http://www.roswellpark.org/)

The place does a tremendous amount of biomedical work.

Good luck.

[droidamus2]

70. Good luck

I have been looking for a couple of years (I'm 56) to get back into the IT sector after being laid off after 15.5 years and being out of the business for 5 (tried to start my own business didn't work). Have had a few part time jobs but nothing that paid enough to pay my bills. Savings gone, retirement gone, bills piling up. Have a couple of temporary/part time job possibilities so I guess I'll see. Unfortunately for me I am not in a position where I could move to find a job. All you can do is try to keep a positive attitude and keep looking.

[XanaDUer]

71. Feel free

I just found out that, three weeks ago, our boss' boss wanted to cut at least two FTE in our tiny dept.

That would leave one person. We are just fortunate to have a boss who is protecting us to the extent that she can. In a month, we'll find out who will get the axe. I've been here five years, and moved here hundreds of miles to take this job.

So, I am out looking now. Good luck to you - small comfort, I am sure, but you're not alone.

[customerserviceguy]

72. You might be moving to the wrong side of the state

My lady's niece graduated with a master's degree in biomedical engineering just this year, and has already been able to get two jobs.

[Swamp Rat]

73. .

:hug:

[sonias]

74. I wish you the best, frustrated_lefty

Don't give up. You have a good head on your shoulders obviously. You can survive this but it's always good to talk it out. Reach out to friends like you are here. Most job leads come from friends. I hope that Buffalo will be a good match for you.

:hug:

[humbled_opinion]

75. Scary indeed...

Recently I have been weighing options if my contract doesn't get renewed and basically what it means to me is.... Immediate foreclosure, default on credit cards, repo of my only car... Then I will live mortgage free until the sheriff removes me from the premises, unemployment until that runs out then on to welfare and food stamps unless I can get something that will keep my kids fed and a semblence of a roof over their head. The real shame is that I have been sruggling for 10 years now living paycheck to paycheck there never seems to be a silver lining anymore the light at the end of the tunnel is a pin point and threatened to be extinguished forever. I truly believe America's best days are gone for good, whats the sense.

[defendandprotect]

76. Best wishes in Buffalo -- let us hear from you!!

My son just got laid off beginning of May --

I think he's looking at Scandinavia!!

:)

[democrank]

77. I`m pulling for you......

Good luck

[Ruby the Liberal]

78. Best wishes to you.

If the stress starts getting to you, come here and vent. MANY of us have been in your shoes in one way or another and can sympathize with what you are going through. We are here for you.

[MissDeeds]

79. I am so sorry for what you're going through

You did everything right and now you're one of the victims of this miserable economy. I hope Buffalo will be the answer. Safe travels, friend.

MissDeeds

:hug:

[Jakes Progress]

80. Best wishes. You are one of us. We are all you.

[OnlinePoker]

81. Have you thought of starting your own company?

Seriously, at 41 you have to have some ideas that you'd like to try out in your field that you've never had the chance to try out. At this point, even if you mortgage everything to the hilt, what would you have to lose if your future isn't guaranteed anyway. If your ideas bear fruit, you would not only be helping yourself out, but presumably employees you would be hiring on, and that would help America in the long run.

[NuttyFluffers]

82. i need a job, but you need it more. may you receive my share of fortune now.

unfortunately, unlike a tangible object, i have little control over such things. but if it was within my power...

good luck! :hug:

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

83. Definitely go to networking events. I'm still looking for a job, but have

found networking events (if they're free...even better!) to be helpful. Not only have I met new people, but it almost feels like interview practice (I went to one tonight (it's a monthly event), and everyone gives his/her 30 second elevator pitch). It also helps to get me the hell out of the house.

Also, if there are any job support groups in the community, I would definitely seek those out.

Good luck!

[hayu_lol]

84. Good thing about Buffalo is...

its only a short drive to Niagara Falls. Sort of a timeless place.

[undeterred]

85. All the best to you.

[Knight Hawk]

86. Buffalo?

I do not know many things about you i.e. age,health,gender etc. but it is a lot easier to live in Florida than Buffalo.I do not mean Miami Beach.You can rent a place in many parts of Florida for $450.00 month now .Assuming you do not find a job you can actually live without AC or heat in central Florida on down south .I do. You have to be healthy and fairly tough.My electric bill is $46.00 a month.All you need is cable,internet and a little food and you can survive until you get a job.The secret is being mentally and physically strong and disciplined .Until you get a job your job will be cutting corners .It is amazing how many corners you can cut when you have the time and you put your mind to it.

[DimplesinMI]

87. "THIS IS SHAMEFUL".......to quote Ed Schultz

On what the GOP is doing to 15 Million + and growing by the day (as the OP noted) to Unemployed American JOB SEEKERS!!! No one is on unemployment because it is the NEW GREAT WELFARE! Ugh....this subject makes me so angry.

I have had Temporary Job, after Temporary Job since April 2008. The ONLY thing that is somewhat keeping my finances in check is my Freelance Writing on Examiner.com and some cleaning jobs, I am picking up on the side.

I HATE to see another person in my situation. I feel deeply for the OP. This is straight up BEEP, BEEP!

Senator Harkin stated today the President Obama needs to be OUT FRONT in explaining why unemployment benefits are not being approved. I will go one further to say, he need to do a Evening Presidential News Broadcast to say that HE is signing a Executive order for unemployment benefits until the end of THIS YEAR. He also needs to call out the GOP on creating a CLASS WAR in this country.

Below is a link to my article. Since I write in third person on the site....I cannot VENT there as I can here....so THANK YOU DU for letting me vent. To the OP, you are in my prayers!!!

http://www.examiner.com/x-48896-Detroit-Job-Search-Examiner~y2010m6d24-Majority-does-not-rule-when-it-comes-to-helping-unemployed-job-seekers

[Taverner]

89. Good Luck

Survive my friend :hug:

[Patchuli]

91. I wish you much luck

with hope and a prayer. We understand; my husband lost his full time job last year and hasn't been able to find anything but low wage part time work. You are much younger than us and that will help you. Please let us know how you are doing, OK? :hug:

[JeffersonChick]

92. I'm so sorry...

Between your post, and watching the Ed Show, hearing about the unemployment extension legislation falling through, I think I was more enraged today than I ever have been.

[wisteria]

93. It is terrible being in limbo, I know, I am there now too. I pray things start going your way and

you find work.

[relayerbob]

94. Hang in there ...

it'll work itself out. Good luck

[GalleryGod]

95. I Know Where You're At. I'm there myself.

Living with friends..struggling to find a way out.
Being dumped...ah..Hang tough!

[saracat]

97. Best wishes. I am sorry i was too late to rec!

[riderinthestorm]

98. Okay, another question. Did you quit, or were you laid off?

You've said you are following a lover. So I'm wondering, did you quit or were you laid off? I can understand that you might want to follow your fiance/lover but then all sympathy questions aside (yes this IS a terrible market to gamble with), you are throwing the dice in this employment market.

So which is it? You left, or you were fired?