North Carolina Babies

So, I guess it's about that time...(long)

Time to start freaking out, that is.

My unemployment runs out in mid September, which I now realize is right around the corner. We've been fine, as long as that money has been coming in. The determination of how much I got from the State was based on a time period when I was actually doing pretty well, so what I've been getting hasn't been half bad, considering. But once's it's gone, I have to get some kind of job to bring some money in. Don't have a choice in the matter..

I still haven't heard back from the job I interviewed with last week (a week ago yesterday). I'm not feeling confident now about anymore, which stinks, because I really wanted that job. I guess there's still hope, but I just assumed I would have heard by now if I was going to be offered the job

(side note: when/how would you follow up on that? Phone call? Email? I failed to confirm if they'd only be calling the person they chose, or would also contact those that were not chosen..I can't imagine that they wouldn't contact everyone to let them know where they stand, but I'm not sure.)

As you've probably heard the other job seekers and me commiserate, there is just nothing out there. I'm now at the point where I've got to take something. I applied at the Target in Cary, and they didn't have any positions for me. I also applied at the Apex one, and haven't heard back yet. Target is the first place that comes to mind to me as a retail environment I might not mind. Aside from that, what are some places where you would apply in a pinch, even if they were miles away from your desired career path? I'm not waitress material, and can't rely on a commission only job, but am willing to consider most anything else. Obviously I'd like somewhere that might possibly offer daytime hours during the week so my weekends with Holly aren't compromised. The thought of a bunch of night and weekend hours quickly sends me to tears..Sad  Any ideas?

I've really tried keeping my head up about this, and quite honestly, feel lucky to have had the time with Holly that I have. But panic has definitely set in. I knew being faced with "just taking any job I could get" was a potentially possibility, but I honestly never thought it would come to this. I've been very humbled by this whole sh*tbag economy, and no longer feel "above" things that I might have in the past. But this whole thing has been a debilitating kick to the stomach of my self esteem where my career is related. Donning an apron at Lowe's Foods certainly isn't going to help that, but that's about where I stand right about now, I guess...

Sorry to be dramatic, just feeling really sad about this today. Sad

Thanks for any ideas you might have, and for letting me vent...

 



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Re: So, I guess it's about that time...(long)

  • I'm so sorry!  This economy really does suck.  I know somewhat how you feel, DH lost his 2nd job a few months ago and we are REALLY struggling right now.  I'm starting to panic a little too, and looking for work for myself.  I need the opposite of you though - nights and weekends since I don't have childcare during the day.  Target was one of the first things that came to my mind too!

    What about temping?  I assume you guys have benefits through your DH's work, so maybe that could help you with some income until you find a permanent job in your field?

    GL!  I hope you get a break soon! :(

    Rachel & Bill 9-10-05, Liam Andrew born 5-30-08 (formerly lakebride05)
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  • What about signing up with a temp agency? I know a lot of people are doing that but it couldn't hurt right? I know at my office we are still hiring temps and it seems most of the time they are the ones that end up filling the positions. good luck and I know it is a terrible time right now. Hang in there!
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  • I'm so sorry that you are going through this and know it must be so frustrating and disheartening. I don't really have any advice other than inquiring at malls to see what stores might be hiring. Hopefully you won't have to go that route, but it would at least be some money coming in. Maybe there will be more openings once HS and college kids start back to school- esp during the day.
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  • Are you on your 2nd round of unemployment..Im currently on the extension adn there is supposedly another extension after this one...I'm not sure if it has anything to do with how long u were at the job or not but I'd def look into the extension if u aren't already on it.

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  • You might remember where I work based on a conversation we have had in the past and how EO used to be my manager.  Check out our website and look at the About section and then the Careers.  Our Call Center is always hiring people.  Granted, I wouldn't want to really work there either, but it is something and it is a great company to work for.  It is far from your field, starting pay at that level is not desirable and you would be dealing with the general public with goals as far as call times and such, but it isn't the worst job in the world.

    If you don't remember where I work email me and I will remind you.

    My sweet boy :)
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  • My mom has been looking for a part time job and has been told things will open up soon as all the college and high school kids go back to school. I'd try bookstores, home decor stores (Pier One, Home Goods, Kirklands) and temp agencies. What about placing an add in CL to watch someone's child while you're watching your own? In NC, you can watch 2 kids you're not related to in your home and it's not considered a "daycare," so you don't have to pass any regulations.

    GL and I hate that you're going through this!?

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  • Yep, I am signed up with COUNTLESS temp agencies. Even those are overflowing with applicants, and it seems I am not being considered for jobs that I appear to be overqualifed for, even though I've advised them that I'm open to anything.

    Yes, I am on my final unemployment. I only received 17 weeks initially, then I got 13 more through the stimulus thing, which end on Sept 19.

    Angel, I do remember where you work, and will check that out. I also have a couple of other call center possibilities that I'm checking into (and yes, I dread that idea... a lot)..but at least some of them might be daytime hours.

    Thanks everyone :-)



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  • I will keep an eye open for something in a better location, like in an operations department where I am, and let you know.  I also know the operations managers really well so I could tell you if it would be worth it or not :)  We have managed to survive this economy and are still hiring fairly regularly in lots of different areas, but you have to take the lowest grade position to get in here.

     

    My sweet boy :)
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  • I am sorry you still haven't found anything Hughes! I know firsthand how frustrating it is. Regarding the job you interviewed for last week, I would definitely call them ASAP. It can't hurt to follow up on the hiring status for the position and it will also show them how interested you are in the opening. Just frame it around the fact that you hadn't heard anything and just want to make sure there is nothing further they need from you in the meantime. I would definitely call rather than e-mail too. GL!
  • I'm really sorry...it's tough out there! My DH lost his job a few months ago and the prospects are pretty slim. He reminded me of this posting on the News and Observer, not sure if you are interested but it's something. GL

    Link

  • Sad I'm sorry. I don't have much to add to what you're saying re: the suckiness of looking for a job. I know you're doing all you can, and I had a hard time keeping my head up when I lost my job in a relatively normal economy. Jobsearching isn't fun in a normal world, I can only imagine how shi!tty it is now.

    Re: following up, did they set up the interview via email? If you have direct access to your interviewer on email, and know that he/she emails back, etc, I'd shoot an email to him/her. And if not email, I'd call. I think it's important to follow up - just think about the other candidates. If they're all following up, you'll look like you don't care. DO IT! It sucks, it isn't fun, but it's the way it's done.

    And re: suggestions on "just jobs" to look at - I personally would go for Barnes & Noble, or at least someplace like Gap or maybe a children's store? Someplace where you'd be around something you enjoy, and get a discount you'd be able to use. Actually having an interest in the thing you're selling might make it less painful, IMO.

  • I haven't read all the other responses, so hopefully I'm not repeating anything...

    I'm not sure where you interviewed, but when I first interviewed at my current employer, it was October. I ended up starting in mid-January.  My situation was strange because they hired someone internally for the position I interviewed for, then they had another opening and I guess I was their best outside candidate.  So then they called me back, did another round of interviews and then offered me the job.  But I think there was still a good 2-4 weeks between the 2nd interview round and the job offer.  Sometimes big organizations are in no rush.  Maybe tha thelps a little...

     Some random things I'd consider doing would be nannying/babysitting, cleaning, or telephone interviewing.  I would be surprised if my employer wasn't hiring telephone interviewers (survey people) but they may not be.  Their survey lab is in Raleigh off capital blvd, but I believe that they are also letting people do telephone surveys from home now.  When I was in college, I worked for the same place doing telephone surveys and it was a pretty awesome job for me. 

    Also, my sister worked at Wal-Mart in Cary and she loved it.  I know that people think Wal-Mart is the devil and all that, but she worked there for years and thought it was awesome.  Now that she's in an office setting, she still brings up how she wishes she could cashier at WM.  *shrugs*

    Personally if I were in your situation, I'd apply at Lowe's Foods, Walgreens, etc and everywhere else that I could (while still applying for other "better" jobs too, of course).  Even though those jobs may seem "bad," it's not like they really suck that bad!  It's work & a paycheck & that's what matters!

  • Hughes,

    I just started selling Thirty-One Gifts.  It's a bag/purse company that sells houseware items as well.  It was a $99 investment and I've been doing it for less than a month and already made $.  It's really cute stuff.  Maybe you could start something like Thirty-One, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, etc.  Just a thought.  If you're interested, I'll be happy to send you my website link and talk to you about it.  I needed some extra money on the side.  I thought it would be hard to get people to book parties, but it hasn't been at all.  I'm actually really excited about it.  Just thought I'd throw that out there b/c it could possibly be a money maker for you.  GL with everything.  Let me know if I can help!

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  • Oh, I should add that if you think you might be interested in doing the survey thing, I think we hire through Greene Resources.  I'll check & see.  Shoot me an email/FB message if you're interested.  I can also check with some people in that dept to see if they are hiring.
  • I don't have any advice to offer, other than what every one else has said. I plan on going over to the mall and looking for nights/weekend work. I would also say Home Depot/Lowes. Whatever is near you. I also think mid September things will open up once everyone is back at college. Good luck!
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  • Oooh, we're hiring an HR Manager in Iraq....  You sure you don't want to go for that one? Stick out tongue

    LOL @ this part of the job description:  "Ability to travel throughout Iraq via convoy, helicopter or military aircraft wearing personal protective equipment."

  • imageECUGirl2004:

    Oooh, we're hiring an HR Manager in Iraq....  You sure you don't want to go for that one? Stick out tongue

    LOL @ this part of the job description:  "Ability to travel throughout Iraq via convoy, helicopter or military aircraft wearing personal protective equipment."

    LOL--I saw that... Hey, we'll see how desperate I get. hehe. 



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  • Hughes, this economy does suck.  I hear it everyday from my bankruptcy clients.  I don't think there has been any improvement at all here lately.  I'm wondering if you can possibly get another extension on your umeployment.  I'd definitely check with the ESC.  I definitely think you should follow up with a phone call or email to the person you interviewed with last week.  I don't think a week is that long and would still have hope that you are in the running.  Also, I agree with everyone else that maybe some of the other retail type jobs will open up with students going back to school.

    You've done well to keep your head up and keep knocking on doors this whole time.  I think it's totally understandable to feel down.  But keep doing what you are doing and I hope something will pan out for you soon!!!!!!!


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  • imageThe"Q":

    I'm really sorry...it's tough out there! My DH lost his job a few months ago and the prospects are pretty slim. He reminded me of this posting on the News and Observer, not sure if you are interested but it's something. GL

    Link

    Thanks Q...DH told me about this, and I'll admit it--I cringed at the thought.

    But what the hell.. I just applied. :-) At least it would be easy, right?



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  • All I can offer is big hugs.  You and I have had this (email) conversation before... things just SUCK right now. 
    Baby Charchie born 12/22/2011
  • I just wanted to say chin up lady!  I know what it feels like to just take any job and what a blow it can be to one's career ego.  But eff that man.  You're a strong person for doing what needs to be done.  Try not to let this take a toll on the way you feel about yourself.  I bet years from now you look back and are proud of yourself for making this sacrifice for your family. You should be.

    Maybe it's because I worked in food service a lot, but I always had fun waiting tables.  Perhaps your bro has some contacts or insight?  Or is food service totally out of the question for you? (I was the bitchiest snarkiest waitress/bartender you've ever seen, but I still managed to make $). I could see you making easy money during a lunch shift (and still having time to schedule outside interviews and such).  The time always passed by quickly for me working in restaurants, plus the exercise was a nice bonus.

  • My company is still hiring - thankfully.  You would probably make an excellent shift supervisor.  The only downfall would be the hours, you can't just have daytime hours in our business!  But, money is money!
  • imageAKH307:
    My company is still hiring - thankfully.  You would probably make an excellent shift supervisor.  The only downfall would be the hours, you can't just have daytime hours in our business!  But, money is money!

    I know what you do, but not where you work.. would you mind emailing me?

    jillfhughes at gmail

    TIA!



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  • J -- Just wanted to say I'm sorry you're going through this and I hope it all turns around for you SOON chica!!!! 
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  • I don't have any leads for you, but I hope something pans out for you soon. These are tough times and it just sucks!
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  • ECU mentioned Walmart, and I saw on WRAL's site yesterday there's a new one opening in Apex, I think and they will be hiring 400-some people.  They're taking applications now.  Though it sucks to think about jobs like that, I worked at Harris Teeter when I was between jobs - and careers - and everything ended up being okay, and I made money in the mean time!
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