BlogBreak

By Christina

December 4, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this

I am a perfect example of this. After 4 years, I was laid off with 2 weeks severance. Then my company offered to let me do the same job 1 or 2 days per week for a very low hourly wage and no benefits. Because they offered me this deal, I am ineligible to collect unemployment until I can find a comparable job. GEE THANKS!

By Jacob Allen

December 4, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this

Yes, I am underemployed. Graduated from North Georgia College with a Bachelor’s Degree and served 6 years in the Marine Corps has only landed me a job for 32 hours a week, $12 an hour, and no benifits. What’s wrong with this picture?

By Gigi

December 4, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this

I found myself out of work last year and struggling to keep my financial head above water. So I took a temp job paying just above minimum wage and the temp job led me to a job I love working with a global technology developer!

When my husband was laid off, he took a lesser job with a national company and they have pulled every trick in the book to keep him from receiving his company benefits, so even after nearly a year on the job he still has no medical insurance or 401-k plan, in spite of his pleas and meetings with the boss.

By Lupe

December 4, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this

Everyone is suffering these days. My employer cut our pay by half last year and said “deal with it”. They knew this Bush Depression was coming and took advantage of it. Thank You Jesus Christ that January 20th is just around the corner.

Please help us President Obama!

By shaggy

December 4, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this

“Graduated from North Georgia College with a Bachelor’s Degree and served 6 years in the Marine Corps”

“What’s wrong with this picture?”

Maybe you are and your entitlement mentality are what’s wrong with this picture.

Just who was it that guaranteed you anything for your stated resume? Listen up Marine. There are NO guarantees! NO Whining either.

By dittohead

December 4, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this

The US Economy has not adapted—adjusted to the more competitive GLOBAL economy. Most US businesses, GM & FORD, are operating in the 1900, business model.ERgo..US manufacturing operates on an antiquated model…UnEmployed, but educated, must create their own businesses. Be the next Bill Gates.

By Allen

December 4, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this

I was recently laid off from my job in Alpharetta. I live in Clayton Co. So as you know that’s a good little drive. I made about 14 an hour. I’ve been searching like a mad man trying to find another job. While receiving my unemployment benefits I realized that when you consider the gas I was spending and all the other little expenses, although I wasn’t quite breaking even but it was close enough. Then when you toss in the stress factor that my job had, then yes I was breaking even. Anyone who has been looking for a job knows just how difficult it is. You see a lot of temp jobs, sales jobs, very specialized or jobs that just isn’t paying enough. While 14 dollars isn’t a whole lot of money, it’s decent and I wasn’t complaining. But when your talking 9-11 DOE. I have even seen 7. I mean lets be realistic here. Saying it would be difficult to live off that salary is an understatement. Then when you find a job that fits and is paying enough, it’s a rat race to apply for it. Often times if you see a job posted at say 9:00 am, by noon it will be removed because of so many applicants. I’m not saying wait until the job market improves, but if you have the time and can afford to be selective before your benefits expire, then by all means you definitely should take your time before you jump into something that is not worth it. Because you may very well be digging yourself into a deeper hole.

By RaisinBran

December 4, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

I was forced to resign my job almost 2 years ago due to medical reasons or face being terminated outright. I went 6 months without work and then found a 1099 job that pays only $10 an hour and no benefits at all. I have been blessed in the fact that I have not been sick in the last 2 years (except for a nasty cold or 2) and that we have somehow managed to make it on 1/4 of what I used to earn.

I am back in school full time and still getting 30 hours a week at my “full-time” job. I hope and pray each day that things do not get worse but in my line of work, we are already seeing the trickle-down effect of how the economy has affected everyone. The owner of the business says that this holiday season will either “make us or break us”.

By You Big Dummy

December 4, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this

For Lupe

I wouldn’t be so quick in praising your Lord and Savior Jesus for January 20th. Anything that President Homeslice tries to do to help out the economy is going to take years to reap any sort of benefit to the American people.

Even if the other guy who ran against him said the same things Nobama said he was going to do, it would still take a long time for anything to really happen. So all you Democrats who think your Homeboy is going to magically give everyone a “pill” to make things better are soon going to find that it’s a pretty bitter pill.

Things are going to get worse before they get better, no matter who is sitting in the “Big Chair”. We just need to sit back and ride out the storm.

By Itwillgetbetter

December 4, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

It will get better if everyone will just be positive. This country thrives off of depression and fear.

I’ve a MBA and I work retail. I’m not happy but I do have a 5 minute drive to work. I’m paying the bills so I’m happy. Sometimes I wish that I had a real skill instead of the waste of time MBA. I have to omit it from my resume just to get called.

Look at the auto industry. People are making $80 an hour to put lug nuts on a truck. Wow. I wished our union would get us benefits like that. We pay them $80 an hour and they still can’t make a car worth a darn. I’d buy a used Honda before I’d buy a new GM. That’s sad.

Nobody cares anymore and that’s one big issue. I went to a resturant the other day with a name that has another word for Bison in it. Well, I got 3-1 inch chicken tenders and about 10 cold soggy fries in a large tender plater. All for $6.49. I contacted their corporate. Oh, sorry but they are privately owned franchise. There’s nothing we can do. Nobody cares.

We should all be doing our BEST at everything right now. Go the extra mile with every customer. Get up earlier and make yourself look better before going to work. Smile. Make a better bag lunch for yourself. Turn off the news. Don’t open your 401k statements for a long time.
Be positive.

By lovelyliz

December 4, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this

Jacob Allen

I feel you pain. I spent 9 years the the Navy in a high tech field. I have a college degree that supposedly is in demand. I am smart, adaptible, punctual, loyal, reliable, etc., etc.

When I got out I went through all those transition classes believing that all my training was going to prepare me. Boy was I in for a shock.

I did everything right. I had a well done resume. I looked sharp and professional. I hit the pavement and cyberspace everyday. It still took me 3 months to get my first offer at $9-10 an hour with no benefits. Even back in 1999 that was an insult. I knew somebody who knew somebody and a month later I found a decent job with a good company that laid off everyone earlier this year. I found my current job through somebody I know and am currently making 20% less money with far fewer benfits.

Moral of my story: You can do everything the right way and still end up at the short end of the job market. That and connections matter more than anything. Knowing the right person who is in the right place matters more than an education, more than military experience, more that work experience.

By lovelyliz

December 4, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

Nobody in the auto industry is making $80 and hour to put klug nits on a truck.

By Lupe

December 4, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this

Don’t worry You Big Dummy. Even you and your Klan buddies will be able to work when the Obama Boom hits!

By You Big Dummy

December 4, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

And you shouldn’t worry with Lupe. ICE will be along to round up you and your illegal friends and family members and ship you all back to Meh-Hick-Oh.

By GaNative

December 4, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

I saw this downslide of the economy, banks and businesses closing coming years ago. There is no way you can diss the working middle class and keep the economy going. Tax revenues are down because the people that pay the taxes are not working. Banks and investment firms are closing because the people that make the deposits and invest are not working. Corporate America decided that it was profitable to hire non Americans in place of American Citizens and now it’s time to pay the piper. The sad thing is, it’s not over yet. What we are going through now really makes Rev. Jeremiah Wright look like a Prophet. America’s Chickens have come home to roost. And if you’re unemployed or underemployed while someone who is not an American Citizen is gainfully employed, it does make you want to sing “God Dayum America”.

By Ellen Sherman

December 4, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

When 50 year olds loose their jobs they run the risk of effecting the economy much more than when a 20 year old looses their job. The baby boomers with homes, cars, people who depend on them, find themselves on the verge of loosing everything with almost no hope of finding the 60k plus job that they just had. Age discrimination at hiring is almost impossible to prove but absolutely ramped in today’s job market. I am working after a 2 year job search on a part time and temporary basis. I may loose my car and my house but I am working my tail off to impress my employer so I might become full time. I would make much more on unemployment but that ended a long time ago. I personally favor quotas for those over 50!

By Michael

December 4, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

I am a self employed lawyer with tons of potential clients but only ounces of ones with money. Television shows indicate we all make 200k and up. There’s some new show on FX touting a first year lawyer who says she got a $2 million bonus. Guess what…

By Rick

December 4, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

Underemployed is a statement many coworkers and friends I have had over years now going through. MBA, 30 years experience in business world , teaching consulting, bookwriting, last formal corporate job I had was 5 years ago with stints in medical consulting ( high pay) and interim teaching (low pay). Thankfully we saved $ and invested in small niche businesses where we do seasonal work to generate cash flow for remainder of lean times of year. One of best books I ever read was to develop multiple pipelines for income streams as when one is closed others will open. Conserve cash.. do not shop for items you already have 10 of in your home and avoid credit cards.. some other lessons I have learned. Unemployment will soar in excess of 10% nationwide by 3/2009 and the real underemployed /given up rate will approach 18% of US citizens over 18 years old before anything begins to improve… with a bankrupt federal government our former trade partners will take a dim look on our perceived weaknesses and time could run out very quickly for any recovery .. I also read that the 21st century would be the years of China’s dominance and it is coming true very quickly.

By drego

December 4, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

I was forced to resign to and spent almost a year out of work then got a job only to be laid off.I have a degree in environmental science and minored in biology and chemistry! you would think that I shouldn’t havce a problem but I do! I have been out of work again since october.I use the money I had to try to stay a float bt now the holidays are here and it’s really hard to find a job and give my kids what they want!!! I guess this is what bush and congress wanted!?

By GaNative

December 4, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

Ellen Sherman you are so right in your statements about age discrimination. I’ve bounced around on temporary jobs for the last 4 years and have been out of work about half of those 4 years. I’m currently working a temporary contract assignment, but why would this employer hire me when they can get a H-1B Visa Worker in here and get the tax benefits?

By GaNative

December 4, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

As I read all the posts, it seems like we all did what was required to at least be given the opportunity to work in our own country. We educated ourselves and met the requirements to be able to have good written and oral communication skills. What a joke it has all turned out to be when you see someone hired who can bearly speak english and can’t compose a sentence that makes a bit of sense.

By SUCKS TO BE U

December 4, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

i’m 22, in college. My parents are dead and left me a truck, some great memories and their funeral expenses. I am working 40 hours a week @ 13.45 an hour and school 15 hours a week. I pay for all of my benefits, (health, life, dental, auto, savings) plus living expenses. Sounds like you guys just don’t have the motivation to do what you need to do. The money is out there, go get it!

p.s: This recession was not brought about by one person Lupe, but millions of people (black and white) not saving money and instead spending it on stupid s* they don’t need. Seriously, don’t put the blame on someone else when everything you “own” is owned by someone else. And Obama can not turn it around along, all those stupid people i mentioned have to follow suit. But hey, i don’t mind stupid people, they just clear the way for me to benefit. Keep up the good work.

By diddy

December 4, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

Read This

It’s hard to realize this, but if your are relying on sending out resumes, or applying for jobs online, or job fairs to land a well paying job with benefits then you may be searching for a LONG time. Employers are getting thousands of resumes a day in this though economy.

The best thing to do right now is NETWORK. Reach out to people you use to work with, college associates, members of your church or organizations, etc. and see if they know anybody.

There is a website called linkedin.com that is all about networking. There are a ton of professionals that you probably worked with or went to school with in the past. It’s 100% free, and you can view the connections/contacts of all your friends and colleagues and get introduced to them thru the website.

To answer the original question, I think its better to be under-employed then to collect unemployment benefits because new employers do not like gaps in employment. It’s better to be working and searching for a new job than not working and searching.

Also, temp jobs often do lead to permanant positions IF YOU WORK HARD AND ARE GOOD AT WHAT YOU DO.

By Yeldar

December 4, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

This is America, people! YOU determine you destiny. If you are underemployed, then go out and start a business. Use your ingenuity and God-given freedom to make money. No one is holding you in these low-paying, mindless jobs!

Pull yourself up by your boostraps. Tap your entrepreneurial spirit. Build yourself a new future!

By Ross

December 4, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

Joy: Your unemployment “benefits” don’t cover your mortgage payment and once you’ve reported that you earned a dime you’ll never be eligible to receive them again.

By Rico

December 4, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

I was making $28k a year in my last “real” job, and that was nearly three years ago. There was no potential for advancement and the raises were 2% a year. With inflation and our company health insurance premiums going up every year, I was losing money every time January rolled around. So, in my mid-30s, with a family and a mortgage, I decided to go back to school and get my college degree. I believed and still believe that a college degree is a key to success. I finished my bachelor’s in economics this past May. Like others said, I did everything correctly. I got to know all of my econ profs (and still keep in touch with some of them), I joined social groups, made friends with fellow classmates who had jobs at big companies and spent many hours in the career center honing my resume. Everyone who has seen my resume has praised it. I spent all summer sending out resumes, going to networking events, talking to everyone I know. But, of course, seven months after finally getting that diploma I thought would never get, I am underemployed and in my way of thinking, a discouraged worker as well. I have a job in the service industry where I make anywhere from $11-$15 an hour. I work about 30 hours a week. The company I work for is growing rapidly and they offer group health insurance. I’m not using my college degree, but I feel lucky to have a job where I am valued in this mess of an economy. I stopped sending resumes out when I got this job about three months ago (hence the “discouraged worker” label). Now, I’m hoping I can find a job using my degree in some capacity before I’m 40. I need to keep sending out resumes, but it’s hard to be motivated in this environment. The news today: AT&T is cutting 12,000 jobs. Which company will it be tomorrow?

By Alicia

December 4, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

Last year at this time I was making a six-figure salary with full benefits. After being out of work almost a year and operating a small ebay business to stay afloat, I am about to accept an hourly consulting job with no benefits, getting a 1099. My total income after taxes and paying my own benefits? Between a third and half of my former salary. Thankfully I was smart and didn’t take on any new debt recently (hey, with a six-figure salary I was paying it off), so I’ll be able to survive, but my debt payoff schedule and retirement plans are now way off. Thanks, Wall Street!

By GaNative

December 4, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

SUCKS TO BE U $13.45 an hour is not what I call money. I made more than that an hour back in the 70’s, so you can see my pain.

By Observer

December 4, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

GaNative - If you are going to criticize the language skills of others, you should make sure there are no grammatical errors in your own post. I think you meant “barely” instead of “bearly”.

By Yeldar

December 4, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

Bankruptcy attorneys never go hungry.

By Rico

December 4, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

I love it when the conservative types come in and try to tell everyone that this recession is all in their heads (that worked out really well for John McCain’s chief economic adviser - Phil Gramm - didn’t it) and that if they’d just work harder, all would be well. Economists are calling this the worst economic times since the Great Depression. Blaming this on individuals and not the corporations who we are now bailing out is naive.

By LB

December 4, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

Rico, he’s a 22 year old know it all. Wait and see what he knows when he’s 40 and really grown up.

By Jason

December 4, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

Hear hear, Rico. I was also surprised to learn that everyone earning less than $250K a year is a lazy drug addict who wants to take hard-earned money from the pockets of wealthy plumbers.

By Keep Your Head Up

December 4, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

People tend to navigate toward being negative or letting the sad media messages determine their attitude. We all have to stay positive, keep plugging and stay positive. Do not listen to the media, as they love the economic story. This is my background and know the economy story sells ratings. I am college educated and in my late 40s. I too spent my 20s working temp, laid off several times, and took crap grunt paying jobs just to get experience, hoping one day it would pay off. I now have a great job with good money, benefits and a good company. My pray each day it stays that way and feel fortunate. My point: my past experience is why they hired me. Your attitude is 90% of your make up. If I lose my job, I will work at something temp until I get what I want. I am old enough to remember the 70s recession and the early 90s. We all survived, and we will do it again! Keep your debt low, keep the prize in sight and stay focused, and most of all, be positive. Being negative is not going to pay the bills or bring you success. Sometimes, I wonder what kind of people post here - what rock did they crawl out of.

By Yeldar

December 4, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

Don’t believe the media!

Doom and glooms sells paper and brings eyeballs. Dispair is hot these days!

By ann

December 4, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

I realize the conversation has been focused on unemployment. I am skilled, accomplished, educated, etc. but cannot find a job.

I cannot pay my bills.

I am 50. I have a house in foreclosure. I paid the pmi insurance for 8 years and now there is a bailout.

If my house sells for 24,000, will I have to pay the balance of the mortgage company’s stated value?

By RealityKing

December 4, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

Noone with a math or science degree is underemployed in today’s economy. In fact, I see equivalently paid foreigner engineers being hired all the time to fill the dwindling American ranks. And it is up to you to adapt to the changing economy ya know. So stop whining, go back to a real school and get a real degree. If it worked for me, it’ll work for anyone…

By GJM

December 4, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

24+ years of software development, and no work for 5+ months…

Economic conditions are not real good in the market at all…

Peace…

By Keep the Faith

December 4, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

During my career, I’ve been laid off two different times and then a few years ago,I was out of work again so I basically had no choice but to take a lower paying job, or risk losing everything.With the economy the way it is, I haven’t been able to secure the position in my field .I’m totally underpaid, overworked, and have never received a raise, and now they have the nerve to cut our hours. Thank God, I went back to school again, and graduate in two months; so I’m confident by or before then I will be in a much better place financially. I thank God I’m able to pay all my bils on time, save some money back, and still have money to go out and do a little shopping every now and then.I know this is only temporary and that’s what we all have to remember; this will not last forever and things are getting better. Stay focused and positive!My advice to anyone is to always improve yourself by going back for that degree, taking classes in something to educate yourself, volunteer, because you never know who you will meet, and it makes you feel better about yourself because as bad as you may think your situation is; there are people going through so much worse and would gladly trade places with you. Always better yourself and keep an updated, fresh cover letter and resume handy, and always be ready to answer questions on the spot if you meet someone by chance that is in a position to hire you or refer you to someone else. Stay prepared, and good luck to us all!! Also to anyone making rude comments about the salary some people are making; first what you do is not WHO you are, second; you either survive or die, so if you have to take on a job making $11.00 or $12.00 it’s not permanent!If you stay focued, have a vision for your life, and a lot of faith; you will fare much better than those negative people ,and since when does making six fiqures make you better than someone making less than you? Stop being so shallow and materialistic; look at what happened to Wall Street.

By demwit

December 4, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

I’ve been underemployed my entire life! Even when I was a baby being breast fed by my small breasted mama…

By shaggy

December 4, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

RealityKing,

Only idiots use “noone” as one word.

Don’t come back and say you forgot to space. That’s just lame.

By Red

December 4, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

Yes, I was laid off from my job and my home foreclosed. If you face foreclosure, be warned that your mortgage company will forgive you the difference between what you owe and your fair market value. However, you will have to pay taxes on that forgiven amount which can run into the thousands owed to the IRS.

No one in government stepped up to help me. So, why should we all jump to help the financial institutions and the automakers? Why are they so special?

By mark

December 4, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

I was laid off almost 2 weeks ago my co was in business for 36 yrs.The unemployment i will recive will cover my child support and leave me 47 dollers per week to live on.I dont know what im going to do.There are no jobs out there in my field.

By RealityKing

December 4, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

Sorrry shggy, I;m multitaskng frm the bberry today(Beep! Beep!!)

By NICK

December 4, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

To all you whiney bit*hes who think that they are better then they really are, be lucky you are employed.

By DeDe

December 4, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

I was laid off after 14 years in november 2005. I had a good severance package while I looked for another job. I had been working part time in retail a few nights a week. After my severance ran out and still no “job” I went on umemployment, subtracting what I made at my retail job. I finially went full time in retail. Taking a $25000.00 dollar cut in pay. We lost out home. We were on a catch up plan and were 96% caught up when the mortage company gave us 20 days notice and forclosed on us. We then had to rent. Living paycheck to paycheck and taking from Peter to pay Paul utilities. Finally through a Temp agency I found a job in my field that was to go permanent. Well I just had my hours cut to 20 hrs a week. And no permanent position in site. I have been trying to find a part time job doing anything but no one is hiring. Being with a Temp agency I am not eligible for unemployment. I have used up my 401k in the past 3 years and no savings left. I am 52 years old and I have worked since I was 15. It is so frustrating to not be able to find a decent job so I can pay my own way. We are not elegible for any assistance anyway. So we just try and do our best. We may lose our rental and I guess our next step is a long term hotel. In 34 years since I left home (18) I have always had my own place. It is very disturbing now to see a very scary future of not knowing where we are going to end up. Alot of the jobs I am eligible for have been sent to India or are not internet available. (Corporate Travel) Who’s to blame? I don’t know and I don’t care. Just fix it and bring jobs back home.

By linda

December 4, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

This is me perfectly, and has been for about 5 years. My income has gone down 50% since that time. Two layoffs later, and I’m lucky to make $20-$25K a year. A master’s degree and two professional certifications. Go figure.

And Nick, yes, you are right. However, I am not a “whiney bi*ch.” I am lucky to have the work I do.

By workinsmart

December 4, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

I wonder how many of you are against unions and Big Government?

The exploitation of the American worker for decades is what gave rise to these protective entities; however, 26 years of so-called conservative moral patriotism has created a generation unaware of the life and death sacrifices to have a 40-hr week and health benefits, and a generation, who was aware, but brainwashed by deficit spending.

I’m sorry, nobody gets ahead by their own entrepreneurial efforts but by the support and efforts of others. You may have the idea but the sweat and toil of others make it work. And you paid these people what for your success? And luck is a big factor, too.

I’ve worked in B2B sales for over 15 years and I can’t count the number of so-called successful entrepreneurs who make money despite themselves.

Don’t hand me Neal’s line that anybody who is a success works >40 hrs a week. You are either so self-absorbed or you family does not want you around—just your money. Or you are not bright enough to do the the work in a reasonable amount of time. I wouldn’t brag about working >40 hrs a week; my wife and kids like for me to be around.

Small Business America is so proud of being the “backbone” of the American economy. Give us a break. You pay the worst salaries and asinine benefits.

Speaking of health, the children of “The Greatest Generation” are incapable of creating a cost-effective and patient-focused universal health program? I guess its a good thing we were not in charge of landing on Omaha Beach or the moon?

The bottom line is that individuals cannot beat a politically entrenched and financially fortified force known as Corporate America (backed by foreign investors). Only a group, collectively, can change these forces. Hopefully, the past six months has taught the American worker, that means you old and new college grads, too, that American economic success is based on the economic health of the American worker.

If you have ever supported the propaganda of Nixon, Reagan, Bush I and Bush II; you do not have a right to whine about underemployment.

By New2Atl

December 4, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

I hope that everyone finds this little story encouraging…… I just moved to GA in 2005 after the death of my 18 year old daughter on a GA highway in 2004. I was 43 at the time I moved to start a new life. I first worked for a friend who just opened her cleaning company and made ,,,, maybe 9 - 10 dollars an hour depending on how many houses we cleaned a day. (yes who you know IS VERY important).

I put my resume on the internet after Iworked 2 months with her, and got a response in 2 weeks. (Internet searching CAN work). I went on one interview and got a temporary position with an international company out of Duluth making 38,000/yr with benefits. (GA is great, in NY the temp agencies to do not offer benefits). I worked hard for 8 months and was hired permanently at 40,000/yr. I only tell this story to show that there is hope out there.
I am not proud that I do not have a college degree, even though I attempted several times. I had and raised my children early. I worked construction while I went to school and raised my family. It was very hard.

Of course the economy has affected me also. I have had to stay home from work because I could not afford gas. My co-worker and I keep a ‘HELP JAR” for those of us who cannot afford lunch, or we take the person out to lunch. We do lots of pot lucks and we all play the lotto together. I am now looking for a partime sales job to help supplement my income and help provide a good holiday for my 4 grandbabies.

DON’T GIVE UP!!! THIS CAN BE YOU TOO,, BUT ONLY IF YOU KEEP AT IT.

None of us ‘regular’ people are to blame for the mess the country is in (well…maybe how we vote(d)is the problem). The administration of the last eight years had no connection to or understanding of the working class american. Laws, rules, and policies were instituted without the ‘common man(/woman)’ in mind. Hopefully the next adminstration will do better by us all.

By Angelique CEO of Interview 180

December 4, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Good Afternoon,

My name is Angelique Perry and I am the CEO, President & Founder of Interview 180. Over the past 15 years I have tremendously enjoyed been a recruiter and owning and operating my own staffing companies. However, I have notice that many talented candidates have the skills but don’t necessarily know how, to express themselves in black and white via a resume or even in person when interviewing.

There are many job boards such as www.Monster.com, www.CareerBuilder.com and www.HotJobs.com however I see time and time again how these specific job boards and other job boards lack the personal customer service, interviewing coaching, mentoring and the one and one support that is much needed in today’s job market in order for a candidate to feel confident in getting the job. Thus, Interview 180 was born.

Interview 180 was created to assist individuals with the one on one support, coaching and mentoring that’s much needed in today’s job market in order to find the job and salary a candidate so desire. Did you know that most hiring managers and staffing agencies search resumes via key word submission. The professional staff of Interview 180 will professionally create or re-create your resume using key word submission, our professional recruiters with several solid years of experience know what hiring managers are looking for.

We also send you daily e-mails and leads on who’s hiring, specifically for the industry you may be looking for work in. Each candidate is assigned a professional recruiter who will keep in contact with you constantly, we coach you and prepare you for each interview, we tell you what to say and what not to say, we help you negotiate the best and highest salary possible and we also provide you with a series of thank you letters, cover letters, follow-up letters, rejection letters and acceptance letters.

Since the birth of Interview 180, 100% of our candidates have been very satisfied with our services, many of our candidates have been interviewed and even been offered the job based on our one and one personalized coaching to each candidate.

So if you personally are unemployed or know of someone who’s looking for work, have then give Interview 180 a call today. Our number is 770-622-8932, or you can call 218-936-7979 Sundays through Thursdays at 8:00 PM EST, enter access code 490439 and listen to our LIVE seminar.

Interview 180, the complete job search solutions company, give us a call today at 770-622-8932.

By Michael

December 4, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

People with child support problems need to file modifications. People with foreclosure and deficiency problems on mortgages need to do file bankruptcies or get write-downs before the foreclosure. Over 40’s and over 50’s who believe they face discrimination need to contact EEOC to investigate. However, none of these people have money to pay attorneys to pursue this — they all want payment plans or contingencies.

And the auto insurance companies are not paying millions for little auto wrecks. Commercial wrecks only pay if you have a broken bone, brain injury, or death. And that’s about all injury cases. So those of you thinking you can go slip and fall at a grocery store to get some Christmas money — guess what …

By Angelique CEO of Interview 180

December 4, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

Please feel free to send your resume to Angelique@Interview180.com.

Interview 180 is now scheduling appointments for your personalized one on one coaching and mentoring.

Interview 180, call us today. 770-622-8932.

By Jason

December 4, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

“Noone with a math or science degree is underemployed in today’s economy. In fact, I see equivalently paid foreigner engineers being hired all the time to fill the dwindling American ranks.”

Engineers earn fairly low salaries; they start out high but max out pretty quickly, which explains the lack of interest in the field.

By workinsmart

December 4, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

For Mark, check out GA Child Support Enforcement site. They have possible resources to help you reduce your support obligation. Remember, your support was based on your income at that time. You’ve had a change of circumstances. Wishing you well.

By GaNative

December 4, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

Red and DeDe, I certainly sympathize with you and know from my own personal situation what you are going through. DeDe, just because you worked for a temp agency does not mean you are not eligible for unemployment. If they took taxes out on you, then they also took unemployment compensation out on you. Most temp agencies will try to cheat you out of your unemployment because if you don’t collect it, the money goes back to them. Just be sure you follow the rules with documentation such as emails and certified letters on your last day at the temp agency telling them that you are available for more work. They know you are available, but if you don’t notify them, you can’t collect your unemployment.

By kevmoor

December 4, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

I ‘m curious to know how many people on this blog who have lost their jobs, benefits, their homes to foreclosures, and 401Ks voted for George Bush?. Not once, but twice! I know that’s now water under the bridge and we have a new President that everyone wants to come in and save the country. But if the Americans( upper and middle class) that where buying those big hummers and SUVs and the big homes back in 2000’s would have thought twice about our future instead of their own self indulgence, arrogance and disregard for each other. This country would not be in this situation it is in now. Think about it

By Michael

December 4, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

And tech job seekers should try my buddy’s website — www.jobwarehouse.com. He’s been placing people for 10 years and he gets paid by the companies posting positions, not the job seekers.

By JB

December 4, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

Tough times are definitely here, but as someone pointed out, it’s in the best interest of the various news media to make everything look as bad as possible. Unemployment at 9% means employment at 91%…The truth is, this is still a relatively free market when it comes to labor. Employers buy the services of the employees who offer them the best combination of experience, talent, intelligence, expertise that they can get for the money they’re willing to pay. There are no guarantees and nobody owes anybody anything.
I used to recruit when the economy was so strong that we were virtually at “full employment” and you couldn’t find people anywhere you looked. I was interviewing and hiring less-than-qualified people just because that was all I could get.
In my opinion (professional and personal), there is often a disjoint between individual perception of oneself and external perception of one by others. For example, “I have a degree, but can’t find a job in my field” is something that has to be taken in context. It certainly may be true: you may have a degree, tons of experience in a certain field, and a price tag of 200K/year. The other guy may have less of all that, but enough to meet your needs, and only be asking for 100. I’m hiring the guy who wants 100K. Also, I’ve interviewed people who have degrees and consider their “field” to be software development, for example. Unfortunately, their degree comes from some unknown school (or worse, a place known as a sketchy degree-selling internet school…an MBA from UGA generally gets a better response than an MBA from Univ of Phoenix, unfortunately) and they have six months experience as an assistant at a tech company. Their last call center job or retail gig ended badly because they couldn’t get to work on time or had a dispute with their supervisor. Well…that person isn’t going to be anyone’s top choice in a labor market where employers have options as they do now. By the same token, generalists always have more options than specialists. So if you’re a well-rounded professional with a solid skill set and experience that shows adaptability and growth, you’re generally going to have more options (and possibly be more attractive to a potential employer) than if you’ve been doing the same job in the same field for a long period of time.
It’s an unfortunate reality that ageism, sexism, racism, classism and a bunch of other “isms” make life unfair. The positive thing, as I see it, is that our economy in the Atlanta area is now so complex and varied that we can find places where the “isms” are minimized.
And to the person, Lupe, who had the whole “Obama will save the world” thing going on…that was satire, right? If someone is underemployed (or unemployed) and believes that one man, even the President, can magically make it all better on Jan 21, then that probably goes a long way toward explaining why that someone is under- or unemployed…I’m just sayin’.
Good luck to everyone in their search. It’s all cyclical; the good times will be here again. Stay strong!

By Terh Datassup

December 4, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

Any unemployed redheaded women currently lactating out there? I have a job for you.

By AthensVI Atlanta

December 4, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

Thank you GaNative For your information regarding Unemployment with temp agency. As I am currently working for one that is suppose to end at the end of January.

Here is what kills me with the agencies, newspapers and job posting websites. You see so many jobs in your field (Accountant with 7 plus years of experience plus a degree), You apply and apply all day long and no one calls you. Then if you do have a agency call you back, they always state that oh the position you applied for was filled yesterday. Please dont waste my time… call or email me and tell me that, I do not like to be used to fill your quota!

By Proud to be an American

December 4, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

JacobAllen THANK YOU For your service to our country!!!!!

I am sorry you are having a horrible time with your job. Things will get better!!!!

Again, thanks for your service!!! Merry Christmas.

By Rajj

December 4, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

Consider moving out of Atlanta if you are unemployed in Atlanta. There are other cities that need for skilled labor and cannot find skilled labor in their city. Ex-military folks: you are used to PCSing, maybe you should PCS from Atlanta and find work elsewhere.

By Villa Rica DAWG

December 4, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

Unfortunately, I work for a company that has just announced ANOTHER round of lay offs coming within the next 30-60 days…

My hats are off to those of you without work. I know that has got to be tough. Finding a “good job” in a good economy is harder than most of us remember. It really is about who you know and/or working your way up from the bottom.

I did the latter in my company, starting 9 years ago. I worked from the bottom up. It’s pretty hard for me to believe that another company would be willing to hire me for what I make now, or even 2/3 of what I make now. Given the fact that I worked my way up, this would be a first for me; trying to get hired on in middle management…

Again, my hats off to everyone out there who is losing their homes, their cars, etc. I cannot imagine…

By Jason

December 4, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

“You may have a degree, tons of experience in a certain field, and a price tag of 200K/year. The other guy may have less of all that, but enough to meet your needs, and only be asking for 100. I’m hiring the guy who wants 100K.”

Why wouldn’t you offer the more skilled applicant $100K? If he’s desperate enough for a job, he’ll accept; you’ll get a better employee for the same money.

Also, MBAs from UGA are pretty sketchy, too. They dilute the value of degrees from legitimate business schools like Chicago and Sloan.

By Michael

December 4, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

There’s an Atlanta law firm that always posts jobs and seeks resumes but rarely hires. They do this to subtlely threaten the current associates with the prospect that there’s always someone else that can do their job and they can keep wages low. Plus the firm gets to feel good about itself that so many people are applying.

A lot of companies do this and this may explain the lack of responses to the stellar qualifications you have submitted.

By Teacher

December 4, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

In ‘82 my parents wanted me to go to college. I said NO and I went to Tech school. In ‘84 I got a job making $13,000 and hated it. When back to college in ‘85 and got a BS in education. Got a masters in 2000 and a specialist in 2006. Nothing is recession or depression proof but being a teaching, in a demanding field come close.

An people are not interested in engineering because engineers top out too soon people aren’t interested in engineering because it requires thought, math skills, science skills and education. Most of today’s society don’t want to put in the time to get the reward and I see it everyday in our youth. Instant this and instant that has ruined us. We are too spoiled. I am thankful for my job and that if anything were to happen to it that I can get another, making the same w/ benefits just about anywhere I want to go. My father was an educator and I saw early on that good teachers were always going to be needed.

If you about to graduate or thinking of going back to college think about becoming a teacher in a field that is in demand … math, science, career-tech, special ed … and not in PE, social studies or english those teachers are a dime a dozen there are so many but a good number of schools can’t fill the in demand position w/ qualified teachers. But today’s kids are too back —- BS! — they are kids, you deal with them fairly they respond fairly.

18 years and still loving it. New borns are my job security.

By Mike

December 4, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

I make 75K has Electrical Engineer but I had to move to Florida. I can’t sell my freakin house in fulton county because no one has a job to buy it. F#$k Atlanta and trying live among educated, intelligent, affluent black folk. It’s overated! Go where the jobs are at. I may just let my house go into forclosure.

By Right ON

December 4, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

I really feel sorry for those who are unemployed, but just because you are college educated, and have a decent job, doesnt mean you have to go out and but the most expensive car, biggest house. Alot of people are suffering because they live beyond their means, especially in Atlanta. And another thing education doesnt mean crap, honestly these companies are looking for EXPERIENCE!!! They will cut a 100k job into 2. pay one person 50000 and another the same, with no education if they have the experience. I dont have a degree and I make good money but I have the experience. I feel sorry for those who have 100+ in student loans. Go to a two year and I can bet you will find employment. Bottom-line, if you are fortunate to get a job, next time LIVE UNDER YOUR MEANS AND NOT BEYOND!!

By Jason

December 4, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

“An people are not interested in engineering because engineers top out too soon people aren’t interested in engineering because it requires thought, math skills, science skills and education.”

Yes, and people with said skills go to med school or law school, or they (used to) get jobs in i-banking or management consulting, all of which offer much better compensation than engineering in the long run.

By Vet Dude

December 5, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this

Shaggy, Don’t vet your patriotism on the web. Been there and found out the hard way serving is viewed as a regular job like every other working joe. They don’t feel they owe you anything. Learn how to capture your skills that you learned into a good civilian user friendly resume. It will take some time and get use to getting blank stares on what you did but be prepared to tone it down and translate what you did during interviews to corporate lingo. If you don’t, they won’t decipher your OPORD missions and acroynyms and just toss your resume aside. Use some iniative and perservere as marines knows how. Good luck.

By KB

December 5, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

I want to say to everyone: Learn to have some sympathy for people these days. There are many people who like me who was told to go to school and gain an education in the form of a degree. We did those things and still not getting the income that log sites like CBeyond Salary and Monster Salary say that we should be getting. This job market is not getting better anytime soon and people are losing their homes, cars, and lives in the process. Not everyone who doesn’t file for unemployment is making it. There is a new category of people called “The Working Poor” many people fall in now because of this economy.

By Michael

December 5, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

What’s wrong with being an engineer? Is $75k not enough for people? Just who do you think you are? Oh, that’s right, engineers have to take calculus classes even though it is rarely used in many engineering fields. So you hide behind “they top out too quick” rather than the looking inward excuse that math is too hard.

By dittohead

December 5, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

By dittohead

December 5, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

By GA Peach

December 8, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

I hope that I’m wrong and not you who believe that the anti-christ is going to make this a better America. Before Bush was the great Clinton. The great democrat that he is. Boy did he screw things up. Why everybody blames things on Bush. He does have a democratic party that helps make the decisions. And all of you Christians out there who voted for the anti-christ did you look at his beliefs. Well my Christian beliefs would not let me vote for him. And the only reason he did win is because african americans voted that never voted in their life. Who cares what he stands for only the color of his skin. That is the only change that I see. I have no problem with a person of color in office if he had something positive. He talks a good talk so lets see if he walk the walk. If you all notice that they all say what we want to hear.

By jgo

December 11, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

I have to wonder how many US citizen software engineers, hardware engineers, physicists, and biochemists are out there raking leaves, pet-sitting, serving coffee, etc.

The academic press covers the longer stints in post-docs, but little has been published about other under-ulitilization of talent, skills, knowledge, etc., because it’s more difficult to measure.

A lot more also needs to be researched and published on the explosive growth of body shopping since 1982.

By A+Design

December 16, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

According to my observation we have been in a recession in the last 5-years. The political appointees do not want to cause panic so we do nothing as we watch our production job move aboard. Ship these 2-cent items in and we purchase it @ 102.99 we can not save every thing is high, we have no monies in our bank, an we borrow monies from these counties that now have our jobs to assist with our economy. Our politic people need a class in economy 101. Daaaa, let keep production jobs here in our county…With tax incentives.

By Stephanie

December 22, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

Help Please:

I just moved to Georgia my resume references and jobs were all in Louisiana. Why is it so hard to find a career in Atlanta? Currently I am 20 years old and a driven individual. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. The only work I have experienced in Georgia is a family owned business in cosmetology.

By Stephanie

December 22, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

Help Please:

I just moved to Georgia my resume references and jobs were all in Louisiana. Why is it so hard to find a career in Atlanta? Currently I am 20 years old and a driven individual. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. The only work I have experienced in Georgia is a family owned business in cosmetology.