primitives discuss fighting discouragement

[franksolich]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=362x925

Oh my.

raccoon  (1000+ posts)      Tue Jul-13-10 02:04 PM
Original message
 
How do you fight discouragement when looking for work?
 
I'm not looking now (thank you, God/Goddess/FSM), but I've looked before during some shitty economic times (Mainly, 1975 and 1982. Oh, and 1996, which wasn't overall a shitty economic time but I had a hell of a time finding work then. And of course it was part-time, no benes.)

Maybe some DU'ers out there have some experience, strength, and hope to share in this area, for those who are looking for work now.

Kat45  (1000+ posts)        Tue Jul-13-10 03:22 PM
Response to Original message
 
1. I'd also like to hear an answer to that question.

I've become quite discouraged, particularly since I'm in my fifties and I'm wondering if I have any job skills at all these days. With so few job openings, it's rare that I see an ad for a job that interests me. But when I do see one, I often don't even bother sending a resume because I know it won't do any good. In today's job market, you have to have 100% of every single thing mentioned in the job description. In the past, there was some leeway and companies were willing to give you some training and the time to learn. Today, companies pretty much want you to step in full speed from day one, already knowing how to do everything you could possibly have to do in the job. And if you're not at full speed in a few weeks, you're gone. These days, a six-month probationary period translates into 3-4 weeks. I've seen it more than once.

jp11  (740 posts)      Tue Jul-13-10 10:47 PM
Response to Original message
 
2. I don't know if I do.

I try for a while and usually 'burn out' after a while, take a break from it, before I get back in. There is only so much searching I can do and letter writing etc before I can't stand to do it anymore.

SCRUBDASHRUB  (1000+ posts)        Tue Jul-13-10 11:59 PM
Response to Reply #2
 
3. I've been looking since January of this year. It helps to get out and go to networking events (Chamber of Commerce breakfasts, etc.). Also, where I live, there are job support networking groups. If you have one or more of these where you live, seek them out. Some days, I have to turn off the news (I want to keep up with what's happening, but it can get me down some days). Also, I occasionally go for walks around the neighborhood (gets me the hell out of the house, and the exercise can't hurt.) Finally, it's vital to have a good support system (family, friends, etc.).

[Carl]

One would be surprised what can be accomplished in life as soon as the words "I can`t" become rare in your vocabulary.

[Ralph Wiggum]

It helps to get out and go to networking events (Chamber of Commerce breakfasts, etc.). Also, where I live, there are job support networking groups. If you have one or more of these where you live, seek them out.

But that actually involves work, which perplexes the DUmmies.  When you're unemployed, you have to treat every day like you're going to work.  Except your work is finding a job in any way possible.  Some good recommendations from SCRUBDASHRUB, even though the DUmmies will ignore it like a shower.

[DumbAss Tanker]

One would be surprised what can be accomplished in life as soon as the words "I can`t" become rare in your vocabulary.

It would be fine with me if they became so discouraged that thousands of them leaped to their deaths from tall structures around the nation.

[njpines]

It would be fine with me if they became so discouraged that thousands of them leaped to their deaths from tall structures around the nation.

which, of course, would create jobs as someone would have to clean up the mess!

[DumbAss Tanker]

which, of course, would create jobs as someone would have to clean up the mess!

Not to mention the salutory effect on unemployment claims and other demands on entitlement programs...

[JohnnyReb]

First thing DUmmie...stop starting and ending your resumes with "Heil Obama"

[jukin]

Isn't there just a way for me to get free money form our government, it would be a lot easier for me.[/DUchebag]

[Karin]

Kat45 expects a 6 month probationary period?  I've seen 90 days, but never half a damn year!  It takes you THAT long to learn the ropes? 

[thundley4]

Kat45 expects a 6 month probationary period?  I've seen 90 days, but never half a damn year!  It takes you THAT long to learn the ropes? 

Our company wanted a 90 day probation period, instead of the previous 30 day period.  They compromised, sort of.  The company got the 90 day period, but new hires had to pay union dues from their hire in date. New hires are still not allowed to join the union until the probation period is up.  That shows where the unions priorities are.

[DumbAss Tanker]

Kat45 expects a 6 month probationary period?  I've seen 90 days, but never half a damn year!  It takes you THAT long to learn the ropes? 

Yeah, that sounds weird.  The Feds give you a one-year 'probationary' status, but that does NOT mean you have one year to learn the job, you are expected to pick that up completely in three or four weeks just like any other employer.  What it really means is, they can cut you loose completely for just about any disciplinary or performance failing in that first probationary year with virtually no recourse.  All the legendary difficulty in firing a civil servant (Somewhat overstated IMHO) comes with the rights that kick in after that first full year is over.   

[Karin]

I just think of probationary period as the time till the health insurance kicks in.  Even in a new job, I like to be contributing in a meaningful way sometime before lunch.  Kat45 made it sound like the six months was "learning time." 

[AllosaursRus]

But that actually involves work, which perplexes the DUmmies.  When you're unemployed, you have to treat every day like you're going to work.  Except your work is finding a job in any way possible.  Some good recommendations from SCRUBDASHRUB, even though the DUmmies will ignore it like a shower.

Anyone know of one of these asshats actually willing to do actual labor? I mean, a job where ya actually have to do actual physical labor?

Myself, I don't remember a single one! They want to sit on their ass even when they work!

[chitownchica]

Oh boy- Scrubadub is gonna get hammered for mentioning Chamber of Commerce in a positive way. 

Sorry Kat- I feel for anyone who is looking for a job and can't find one, but geez- the Debbie downer attitude won't get you anywhere.  Six month learning period?

Kat45  (1000+ posts)        Tue Jul-13-10 03:22 PM
Response to Original message
 
...I've become quite discouraged... With so few job openings, it's rare that I see an ad for a job that interests me. But when I do see one, I often don't even bother sending a resume because I know it won't do any good.

Look Kat- I'm going to show you some tough love here, because no one over there will.  You don't exactly sound like a catch.  You need to:

a) widen your net and look for anything that brings cash in, no matter if it interests you or not. 
b) get out and mingle like you are looking for a date.  The odds are against you if you send blind resumes out.
c) for God's sake lady- start learning new skills! You obviously know how to type and use the internet. I'm assuming you can talk on the phone.  Expand your knowledge and get creative!