Comments on: Dealing With Job Search Depression

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:01:02 +0000

Lynn, I am subscribed to comments and saw yours come through and had to come back to comment. With your skill set there’s no reason you can’t create your own job as a Virtual Assistant. If you have access tp a computer and phone you can sign up with an existing firm such as Contemporary VA or A Clayton’s Secretary or start your own. There are lots of small to medium sized businesses requiring project management and admin support on a contract basis. You should also give Elance a try although it does take a little time to establish yourself with higher paying clients. For other great tips on the new work strategy, visit Tory Johnson’s site, Job Club. I am praying for you!

Karen Swim

By: lynn

lynn — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:30:30 +0000

I type 100 wpm and take shorthand, have project management and administrative skills, am fluent in office software, and am 55+ years old. I’ve gotten a single interview in the last two months, and floated over 1000 applications. I was outsourced and took a job at $20K less than what I had been making just to get work a few years back. What hope is there when you can no longer take care of yourself and you’re coming to the end of your rope? There is no ‘pad’ and no one else to rely on. I’m it, and I’m already on antidepressants. Homelessness looms and then there’s no ability to even apply for work. Who decided that I am redundant and no longer valuable, that skills I’ve worked my entire life to hone are now meaningless? I’ve given everything to every position I’ve ever held. The reality is, I can’t afford to do anything but apply for work 14-16 hours per day, maximizing every potential opportunity. Am I burnt out? You bet I am. I’ve never feel so degraded as when I have to “whore” myself to the business world. But I’ll keep doing it until I land something or die trying.

By: Elaine Z

Elaine Z — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 02:20:46 +0000

I just got laid off this morning. My boss called and said business was slowing down. and due to the economy my job was going to be eliminated. I have inside sales background and felt bad all day. A great New Year present…to be unemployed. I called the Unemployment Office to apply for benefits and was on hold most of the day. Tomorrow I will go back to a networking group at a local church. I just feel it is important to get out with people. I worry about paying my rent, etc. I went through this before about a year ago and settled for a lower paying job. I just feel so depressed about this. I know a lot of people are out of work. It is all so depressing.

By: David C

David C — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 03:18:46 +0000

Karen,

I’ve tried moving around this site and other links to your name, but cannot locate an email. If you click on my name, it takes you directly to my website and email. My resume etc is also on my website.

I do appreciate your sincere concern. It seems there are very few people around me who understand this amount of frustration and concern about the well being of my family.

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 02:30:09 +0000

David, I saw your comment come through and could not simply nod my head in sympathy and go away. I am not sure what area you live in or what area of IT you’re in but please feel free to contact me. I know plenty of IT people and can at least make inquiries on your behalf. I know it totally stinks and after awhile the “rah rah” stuff does not encourage it just irritates. I don’t know if I can help, but I would like to try.

Karen (contact info on website, would put it here but don’t want to bait the spammers!)

By: David C

David C — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 23:16:59 +0000

Try being 43, worked in IT for 25 years, then layed-off. Now nobody will touch me. I go to interviews, network, do everything right, but nothing seems to be working. Going on 8 months now, have wife and kids to worry about.

I’ve tried everything on the list, but it works for a “while”. After a while, it turns into another (this is getting nowhere).

I think the best tip is helping others to help pass the time. Just staying busy.

Those with small kids like myself. I feel for you. It is impossible to just get out of the house and do something for yourself. You have a greater responsibility.

Yes, I’m pissed, depressed, but not giving up. my mornings are job hunting, every day. Till I feel like I want to throw my PC and DSL out the window.

That’s life and gotta keep moving.

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:15:15 +0000

Jason, my heart broke when I read the term “recession depression” a few weeks ago. It is a sad term that points to the rise of this very serious issue. Each and every one of us should make an effort to reach out, often people do not even realize they are depressed and can sink deeper without intervention. There are so many great solutions here and I would add:

*Watch what you eat. High fat and sugar may feel like comfort food but will actually make you feel worse.
*Get out of the house! You may not feel like being around other people which is exactly why you should.
*Spend some time around children. They are instant mood boosters and remind us of the simple things in life.
*Take an in between job, treat it as an adventure or stepping stone but having some income will relieve your pressure and help you to see things clearly.
*If depression lingers, see your doctor. Blue days are normal but clinical depression requires treatment, don’t ignore it.
*Have a timed pity party, 15 minutes, let it all out, cry, scream, feel sorry for yourself and then get on with it.
*Hold your family and friends close, share your struggles and know that you can recover from job loss and financial hardship.

By: Bill Smith

Bill Smith — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 22:36:35 +0000

Folks…. It’s not time for a ‘pity party’!

In all likelihood, you won’t get any ‘pity’ from many people – if any. There are millions of people who are floating on the same cruise ship. So… as so many others have said, “Pull on your pants. Get dressed. Move on. It’s your life. Deal with it.”

Make the most of the time that you would otherwise not have to yourself. Put a list of ‘honey do’s’ or ‘action items’ together. Get that will or living trust written. Go see your 9investment broker. Join AARP and take a “Driver improvement course” for $12 – you might save money on your car insurance. Get your finances in order. Volunteer. Paint the kitchen. Vacuum the car. Yes! Set some direction for yourself. Read that book you’ve been putting off forever. Or, as I’m doing: I go to the community pool and swim 3x per week. Best exercise there is… just $3.60 for 1-2 hours.

I’ve been visiting my broker – repeatedly. Going to job fairs. Visiting disabled friends. Helping others with their new computers. Investigating some courses at my local community college. Assessing my station in life and going to career networking meetings (lots of them).

Love yourself. Love your family. Love your life. Make it happen.

This is not a dress rehearsal folks – so get on the stage and as Star Trek’s Piccard says, “Make it so.”

By: Mary Renner

Mary Renner — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:24:10 +0000

Karen

What the heck is wrong with this picture. I’m gripping because I’m too young to retire and too old to get hired and here you are with your own insurance getting penalized for not signing up for Medicare.
I have so much to look forward to don’t I?!

By: Karen

Karen — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:55:27 +0000

Mary Renner. We are in the same boat almost. I’ve been out for 8 months.

Here’s YOUR list with MY comments:

1) I gave myself a make over, new clothes (not too many and not expensive) hair cut, makeup, the works. (NOT SO MUCH. JUST ENOUGH CLOTHES FOR JOB SEARCHING)

2) Set up agents with every job board I could find. (LIST OF JOB BOARD/AGENCIES NOW at 75)

3) Tried some work from home suggestions, (they are a waste of money and usually a rip-off).
(NOT GONNA TRY THIS)

4) Got really bored and started watching too much TV (BIG mistake) gained a few pounds.
(SAME HERE…TOO MUCH DOMINO’s PIZZA)

5) Read a few books (Animal, Vegetable, Miracle – excellent book, Eat, Pray, Love another good one)
(READING, WHAT’S THAT.. I HAVE NO PATIENCE)

5) Springtime – planted a garden and keep working and weeding (lost a few of those pounds).
(LUCKY YOU. I WISH I HAD A GARDEN. I CANT EVEN GROW PLANTS IN MY APT)

6) Depression never too far from the service, but trying to add in more exercise to curb this.
(GOOD IDEA. I WAS THINKING ABOUT JOINING A CHEAP LOCAL GYM)

7) Re-wrote resumes and cover letters again, signed up with Twitter, Facebook and of course LinkedIn.
(SIGNED UP FOR SAME…….MY RESUME’S ABOUT AS GOOD AS I CAN GET IT. I DONT HAVE STD COVER LETTERS, BUT I WRITE INDIVIDUAL LTR/BUT MOSTLY EMAIL)

I am so frustrated and sad…..and so tired of agencies rejecting me for what I KNOW is my age…. Now I’m having a fight with Social Security. Signed up for Medicare at 66.5 yrs….until oct 08 I HAD HEALTH INSURANCE SO WHY SHD I SIGN UP FOR M’CARE. But turns out I am penalized by 10% for NOT SIGNING UP…BUT I HAD HEALTH INSURANCE…>ROUND AND ROUND WE GO. ANd just TRY and get a real person on the phone at SS or M’Care…..(OK…RANT OVER!!! THanks for listening).