BlogBreak

By HP

December 22, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

Laid off two weeks ago. Although I wasn’t ready emotionally, I went ahead and filed for unemployment. I sent out an SOS to everyone I know and so far, 99 percent of them hit me back immediately and said they are ready to help as references, offering leads, etc. They have also offered immense emotional support. I don’t have a good network, I have GOOD FRIENDS! I have chased a couple of leads and applied to several jobs. Luckily, I already had an updated resume and bought a new interview suit before I was let go. I am praying for everyone out there pounding the pavement and for people let go at the holidays. I do believe there is a special, uniquely evil place for employers who feel the need to do this around the holidays, no matter how desperate their situation. The Karma Folks should also have it in for employers who let people go and don’t provide some sort of job search assistance as they are pushing you out the door. A phone number to a career counselor or someone to glance at your resume would be helpful. I got nothing.

As you can tell, I am working through the anger phase.

By HP

December 22, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

One more thing - I am sure there will be LOTS of postings today. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions on how to get through this, but if some hack makes ONE post trying to take advantage of people’s bad situations with some fake work-at-home scheme or MLM, I hope they burn too, and slowly. People are looking for real jobs, not some stupid scheme where they have to come out of their pocket and they are already broke in the first place and never earn a cent. Go to Craigslist with that stuff.

By Julio

December 22, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

HP:

Come on now!

Everybody needs detergent and liquid soap and make-up and snacks and stuff like that.

And who doesn’t like to save money?

I can show you a way to help your friends save money and you can make some money! Everybody wins, dammit!

Buy my sutff. Buy it now or my son will go hungry. Why do you hate children? Are you the devil?

^&^#$#@### YOU!!!!

By EW

December 22, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

This just happened where I work too, several of my co-workers were laid off the first and second week before Christmas. Is there really ever a good time to go through this? A couple of my co-workers were actually glad this happened to them before and not after Christmas because now they know they don’t have money to buy for others. What if they’d rushed out and bought gifts under the assumption all is well and the check would continue to come in where in reality, that’s not the case. Good luck HP, I hope it ends up well for you. I wish for all the economic bad news to end soon. Merry Christmas.

By JustMe

December 22, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

My spouse just told me that a friend got laid off this morning - this “business owner” is the ultimate Scrooge, year round!

By Amy

December 22, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

I have a question, my position was eliminated due to downsizing and I received a decent severance, but it has now run out. I am thinking of moving back home to Texas. Do I file for unemployment in Georgia or in Texas once I move back?

By Michelle

December 22, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

I’m very thankful for my job and i’m praying for everyone who has lost their job due to the financial crises.

By John

December 22, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

I was canned many years ago on Christmas Eve, everyone was eating , drinking and being merry. About 1:00, the owners son came to me, slurring and told me he was letting me go. I punched his drunk lights out and left. I always reflect on that at his time of year. I should have hit him a few more times.

By LJM

December 22, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

Amy,

I just moved back home to LA from GA and I file unemp through the GA dept of labor. I went down and explained the situation and they told me that you file in the state where the employer is located. Hope this helps. File before you go.

By justduckie

December 22, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

Best of luck to everyone in this situation. Keep positive thoughts - I’ve gotten hired my last three jobs in Dec/Jan. Employers smell fear just like dogs do! Know you are a valued asset and it will shine through in your interviews. It’s a crappy time - will be praying for ya’ll.

By By Pray

December 22, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

My prayers are with all of you.Keep GOD first everything will get better in time.HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS

By TKM

December 22, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

If you’re looking for help with your resume and you graduated from a college or university in the area, be sure to touch base with your alma-maters Career Center or their equivalent. Or talk to them about job leads. Your an alumni, dammit, take advantage of that.

By By Pray

December 22, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

My prayers are with all of you.Keep GOD first everything will get better in time.HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS

By San

December 22, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

My thoughts and prayers are with each of you. I was in the same position last year and I know how hard it is. Thankfully I found a new job that pays more than the previous ~ I know I was very blessed!!! Its hard, but stay positive and remember that things happen for a reason. My previous employer is on the brink of closing. If I had still been at my previous employer (and they close) then I would have missed out on the great opportunity I’ve been given.

Stay strong!

By Jasper

December 22, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

I was “furloughed” along with 5 other people in October and told they would try to bring us back in December. That word, “furloughed” saved the company from having to provide a severance package. I got the call at Thanksgiving that the company would not be able to bring us back afterall (big surprise!!!, NOT!) I have gone on about 25 interviews after sending out at least 500 or more resumes, and was just offered a new position starting January 5th. There are opportunities available and I feel blessed. You just have to work hard and go on as many interviews as possible and keep following up. It was much harder to find a new job than to have one!!! Happy Holidays everyone…..

By Jasper

December 22, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

I was “furloughed” along with 5 other people in October and told they would try to bring us back in December. That word, “furloughed” saved the company from having to provide a severance package. I got the call at Thanksgiving that the company would not be able to bring us back afterall (big surprise!!!, NOT!) I have gone on about 25 interviews after sending out at least 500 or more resumes, and was just offered a new position starting January 5th. There are opportunities available and I feel blessed. You just have to work hard and go on as many interviews as possible and keep following up. It was much harder to find a new job than to have one!!! Happy Holidays everyone…..

By demwit

December 22, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

Know how to work a road shovel? Then no worries… Obama’s trillion dollar stimulus plan will be out early next year.

By allen981

December 22, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

Yes, there are jobs; my out of work son-in-law just got the job of his dreams and starts Jan. 12. He was prepared, organized, and positive.

I have been through that situation myself, and to anyone who knows someone in that situation, be a friend.

By Lissa

December 22, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

My husband just had to fire someone two weeks ago. Nobody wanted to do it, but the employee was basically asking for it - not showing up for work, not doing his job when he was there, arguing with coworkers, and other things. He was given many warnings. It broke my husband’s heart do it, but the guy seemed not to care. He didn’t even ask why - all he did was ask when he’d get his last paycheck.

By Mike

December 22, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

I was laid off in August and found a wonderful new job six weeks later, but I had what might be an even worse experience…

When I first moved to Atlanta, I lived in a very nice apartment in a beautifully restored old hotel. Turns out the owner had a secret plan - get historic preservation tax credits without having to restore the original dinky hotel rooms by using the building for something else for five years.

Two weeks before Christmas 1996 they sent a letter out telling everyone that they weren’t renewing leases. Included was a full-color brochure for the new hotel, complete with rates - my $650 apartment was going to go for $300 a night! Then they closed down one of the entrances to the resident parking deck and stopped validating guest parking. They would only pay for moving expenses if we moved to another building that the same owner had, which was cheaply built and had no storage space.

By Lisa

December 22, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

I had to laugh when I saw this and it made me think of working for Corporate Express. Every year before Christmas they lay off, downsize, resize or fire people. Just in time for their division Prez and V.P.s to get their bonus by cutting costs.

By tj

December 22, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

Amy

File where you are living now. You can always transfer the claim when you actually move. The sooner you file the better off you are.

By HP

December 22, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

To John: Did you know that you are now my hero? I profess my undying love and devotion to you on this message board! LOL!

San: It seems dark now, but I have a sneaky suspicion that is exactly what is going to happen in my case - this company is on the brink of disaster. If this is the case, in the long run, I am better off. I have heard of companies closing unexpectedly - it is not like they warn you - and people don’t get their paychecks, etc. At least I got my money. I do think God works in mysterious ways and that is a blessing in disguise. It just hurts like heck now.

By tweety

December 22, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

Wow, I am so surprised to find that Ms. Chandra Fox didnt properly do her research. Her tip # 4 is so incorrect any job you find-whether full-time or part-time, will affect your unemployment benefits. In the state of georgia you cannot make even $20.00 over your weekly benefit amount. For example—let’s say your wkly benefit amt is $320.00 and you work a part-time job making $220.00 wkly that $220.00 will be subtracted from your $320.00 changing your wkly benefit amount to only $100.00.

The state does not offer ways for people to make their monthly rents/mortgages/utilities and other expenses if receiving unemployment. And with unemployment on the rise in the state of Georgia the agencies that are offering assistance are not bringing in enough funding to provide for those persons that are in need.

So now Ms. Fox—-where does your research suggest we go and what does your research suggest we do?!?!

The inquiring minds of the unemployed and frustrated living off of Georgia’s unemployment compensation want to know.

By MANGLER

December 22, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

I’ve had the pleasure of being unemployed since mid-October. The online job boards are proving pretty much useless. That is, unless you want to be contacted by an endless array of under motivated recruiters who seem only to run generic tag word searches and who call you with that perfect job, only then to start actually reading your resume along with you over the phone and realize that your skills, their requirements, and the pay offered don’t really apply. However, they will still send you in “just in case”. Then, on the rare occasion that you run across an actual company and try to contact them, they’ve been so inundated with attempts by recruiters that they don’t even want to talk. At least that’s what it feels like most of the time.

By Leigh

December 22, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

My company has really been hit hard by this credit crunch and they have had to either lay off or cut back people to part-time. Since I cannot afford to work just part-time I was one of those laid off. I fortunately will be paid through the 10th of January and have already started looking, but unfortunately nothing thus far. On the bright side I am looking forward to having a new opportunity and meeting some new people (I have been at the same job for almost 10 years) … I just hope those things come sooner rather than later.

By Tomhere

December 22, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I remember that SOB Martin (not his real name) and how he let Stacey (not her real name) go on the day we were supposed to have the Christmas party. He hired her and then never trained her, like he promised. Then he let her go on the 20th. She was a single mother and was so excited about having a nice Christmas for her son and then the SOB fired her. It was just a few months later when he fired me. Today I say the same thing that I told him then: “You miserable SOB - you will never have enough money. I hope you choke to death on a chunk of Filet and your last thought is of the dollar that you missed.” Merry Christmas!

By The BlogFather of Scroll

December 22, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

You people think you have career problems? My Xmas bonus just arrived. This year, instead of money, my boss elected to give me a free subscription to the Jelly of the Month Club. I’ve just purchased a swimming pool, and have already imagined my neighbor’s wife lounging around it in her bikini.

Now what am I supposed to do?

By awm

December 22, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

In life you are hired to do a job, the job does not belong to you. Be grateful for the opportunity that was given to you. I have been self employed for the past 20 years, for that same reason, I was laid off once and I said never again. Suggestion..stop living from pay day to pay day, start saving, and whatever happens you will be in a better position. Good luck, and always remember your priority.

By Guess I'am Looking Again

December 22, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

I was just laid off last week after getting back from vacation.

My boss said the company was downsizing and that my position no longer fit into its bigger “dreams”

I was p** and upset! They gave me until the begining of January.

Its sad, but my family and I have faith. I will have a job before mid-January!

By Guess I'am Looking Again

December 22, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

I was just laid off last week after getting back from vacation.

My boss said the company was downsizing and that my position no longer fit into its bigger “dreams”

I was p** and upset! They gave me until the begining of January.

Its sad, but my family and I have faith. I will have a job before mid-January!

Oh, and our Christmas gifts were USB ports.

By pete

December 22, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

Question. I have not been on a job interview in 25 years. Nowdays, do you send all your resume’s over the internet, or do you still go door to door? Anyone interested in an experienced Call Center agent/manager with no degree?

By Steve

December 22, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

I dont know why everyone says when they get laid off its the most horrible, devastating thing that can happen. Its not. I got laid off the end of november. I received $7000.00 in severance and i get $330.00 a week in umemployment. My house payment is $650.00 a month..no car payment and only minimal credit card payments. While it is boring sometimes being unemployed, now is the time to catch up on things at home and have a good time. I’m not gonna mope around saying who-is-me. Now is the time to relax until the perfect job comes along.

By ntstar4

December 22, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

Bank of America does this every year. I was laid off from BOA about 4 years ago after 35 years. They do not care, it happened again this year. Ken Lewis needs his big bonus at the end of each year. It looks like our tax dollars will be paying it this year.

Merry Christmas!!

By ESR

December 22, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

Sometimes being laid off is out of your control, sometimes not. We were told months ago that there could be some position eliminations the last quarter of the year. Most of us with half a brain made sure we positioned ourselves to look as if you couldn’t run the company without us. Still, a few complained and moaned and groaned and became less and less productive by the day, always talking about the dreaded job cuts and the day it would happen. When asked to do extra work they said it wasn’t in their defined job description. Well guess what, the moaners were sent packing. There are some things you can do to make sure it’s not you and in these days of lay-offs and few jobs, I made sure I covered my own butt to help provide for my family. This is not the time to be negative, complaining or hard to deal with at work.

By Ms. Bennett

December 22, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

I was laid off several years ago the Friday before Thanskgiving and like Steve I had a great severance but unlike Steve my situation was very different. Instead of enjoying my self my at the time husband (thank God for DIVORCE) was FIRED for something stupid, we had a 3 year old and I had just found out I was pregnant. It was the most horrible Christmas that I experienced but thank God I finally got a job in February of the next year, had my healthy baby the next Christmas was great, then a year later I divorced. LOL All is right with the world.

By Amy

December 22, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

Thanks LJM and TJ. I’ll file here in GA this week, and let them know once I’ve moved. Thanks again.

By momof1

December 22, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

In regards to unemployment benefits, file in the state that has the highest per week benefits. The situation may now be different, however, several years ago, when I lost my job in Michigan, I filed for unemployment there. I decided to move here to Atlanta, I was told I could transfer my claim, but my weekly benefits would have been reduced because this states maximum was lower than in Michigan. So, like I said it might be different now, but ask questions of the DOL offices here and there before you file. Best wishes, it’ll turn around soon, I pray.

By Who Moved My Cheese?

December 22, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

I got “downsized” after 25+ years at the same company the first week in December.

It is a different animal to go out and start trying to find a decent job when you are 50+.

In the interview they look at you like “don’t say anything wrong or we could get sued for age discrimination.”

Never any call backs, and reasons & excuses when I follow up. My kids are grown and out of the nest. It makes for a lousy Christmas but I am hopeful there is a future out there somewhere.

By GaNative

December 22, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

I pray for each and everyone that is out of a job in this economy. Last year from March 2008 thru February 2009 I was unemployed. Looking back I thank God it was then and not now because it’s really tough now. The unemployment office is a joke. Recruiters are jokes too. In a way it’s kinda nice seeing companies hurt a little bit. Maybe it will bring them back to reality that hiring American Citizens should be their first priority instead of cheap labor and offshoring jobs. They’ve killed their consumer base by laying off the people who were purchasing their products. All the dirt that employers have done for years to employees when they could replace you in the blink of an eye is coming back to haunt them now. Life has really shown me that what goes around, comes around.

By incog

December 22, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

Tucker Ga.- United Controls International(hiring) Norcross, Ga- Welding Services Inc.(hiring) HireDynamics(temp agency)- Hiring AccountsOne-(temp agency)- Hiring

By Jessa

December 22, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

I was let go last year the Monday after Thanksgiving. They told me they were eliminating my position, but in reality, one of the managers had convinced the owner to give him my boss’ job and they slowly got rid of everyone associated with my boss (starting with the executive assistant). I went to work for the same boss at another company two months later and he was great about hiring me to help him and his wife out during the holidays so I could keep my home. Anyway, fast forward a year and the guy who took over has been fired last week for non-production (my boss had a record year in 2007) and a host of other reasons. I never wish ill on anyone, but sometimes if your a SOB, it comes back to bite you in the bottom. Everyone have a wonderful holiday, I’m praying for those who are looking for work. I have faith that there is something for you out there.

By sbrown

December 22, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

All a good networking tool is linkedin.com. Check it out and hope it helps. I will be praying for each and everyone of you in hopes that you will soon find a job.

By lisa

December 22, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

I just want to remind everyone to stay prayerful. It IS hard, I have been there, but I KNEW something was going to come job-wise and it did. The most difficult part is the waiting.
Since January 2004, I’ve worked for 5 different companies as a Contractor and I’ve had alot of unemployment in between the jobs. Finally, beginning in January, I will start a full time job. Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. BIG HUG all that needs one!

By catlady

December 22, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

Steve, most people get NO severance, no out-placement. Get real. (Good for you, but you are not dealing with what most folks face).

By GaNative

December 22, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

One more thing you need to get used to while you’re unemployed and looking for work. Get ready for a bunch of calls from recruiters who can barely speak english. It sheds light on why this country is in this situation. I was always taught to go to school and to have good oral and written communications skills to be able to compete in the market place.

By John

December 22, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

I was given the choice 30 years ago on the Monday before Christmas of being fired or asked to resign. I did have some accumulated vacation so I was going to get paid until mid-January. Fortunately, I was single and 25 at the time with no dependents and minimal debt. I took three days off to sort through my feelings. I then started calling anybody I knew who could help. I ended up with a new job in the same town making 90 percent of my former salary within two weeks and actually started work before my leave time on the old job ran out. Ten years later, the boss who fired me gave me a great reference because in large part of the way I handled my termination from that job.

I had not been as productive as I should have been in the old job. I had lapsed into the habit of being a little late in the morning and not being as diligent as I should have been. I never made that mistake again and have been employed regularly ever since.

One word of advice—In this economy, don’t use your sick days unless you are really sick. Don’t take off time unnecessarily unless you have to. Be willing to volunteer for extra work and don’t worry about getting paid for overtime. Employers are looking to get rid of the slackers and keep ther best people. Don’t make youself expendable. And, if something does happen, you will be glad you have that unused leave time to tide yourself over while looking for a new job. Most importantly, don’t take parting shots at your boss or harbor unnecessary ill will. You very likely will need that employer down the road.

By BossLady

December 22, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

Steve most people don’t get $7000 severance pay. The last pay check was all they got until unemployment check kicks in and have car notes and little children. Just so you know.

By GaNative

December 22, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

I’m no Rev. Jeremiah Wright fan by a long shot, but it makes me wonder if this nut case was really a prophet. Looking at this economy and job market, maybe America’s chickens have come home to roost. Also, when I was unemployed while folks who were not American citizens still had jobs, it made me want to sing “God Dayum America”.

By Axiom

December 22, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

Teacher,teacher,tell us please,who tutored the 40 million illegals for jobs and housing,many not speaking one word of English.Don’t argue my numbers, they’re u-n-d-o-c-u-m-e-n-t-e-d,so, theoretically,nobody knows! They didn’t search for press one for English,press two for se habla espanol,it was forced down our throat. 100,000,A hundred thousand PATEL’s didn’t need schooling,and these pot-bellies don’t do physical work. Fox is paid to program us.If American citizens would wake up(hopefully before it’s to late),then Fox would need a job,there will be no press two for espanol, from a smattering,thieving PATEL!

By GaNative

December 22, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

Axiom, most of them are not here illegally. They are here on the H-1B Visa program which our government promoted and corporations get incentives to hire them and lay you off. In fact, it’s like they have Jobless Immunity. They have to work to stay in the country and the Visa almost guarantees them a job.

By PD

December 22, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

The best advice is to stay positive and keep searching. I was laid-off Oct 1 - I am 54 years old and NOT bi-lingual - I used the internet job boards and was called by several companies for an interview - yes, I also heard from a lot of recruiters but that is also part of job searching. I interviewed and was hired - starting my new job Dec 1st at an increase in pay. Keep trying, don’t give up no matter how old or how mad - there are real jobs out there - they are not going to coem to you = go get them.

By Axiom

December 22, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

GANative, that’s what cooks my goose.Importing workers and exporting jobs. While the talking heads and the government tells you,you need a resume and a,(coded) obsequious attitude!

By Noelle

December 22, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

I was laid off in mid-October of 2002 when the publication I worked for shut down suddenly. They handled it very well, though. We knew the company wasn’t doing well for a while before that, so I was able to cut back on spending and build up some savings. I lived in a shared housing situation that cost me very little, and I’d been able to cut my debt in half because of that. The company decided to shut down before they ran completely out of money, so they could do as much as they could manage to help us out. I got 6 weeks’ severance and health care, with full unemployment after that, and my COBRA was only $250 a month.

It took me 6 months to find a new job, and I had to relocate out of state, but it was worth it for the 40% salary increase. Plus, that job helped me get my current job back in Atlanta, making nearly twice what I was making before I was laid off, and with much more job security.

By WB

December 22, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

I have been laid off many times since 2004 so i know what your going through.I have had 7 jobs since 2004.the best advise i can give anyone is to stay possitive and network.Networking is all fine and dandy but nine times out of ten its going to be up to you to find a job.Most of your friends and contacts don’t have time to help you because they have thier jobs to worry about or just don’ want to be bothered.And allways be cauios when you apply for a job of somebody bad mouthing you and saying things that are not true about you.Thats happen to me and a lot of other people.

By George

December 22, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

I was laid off in October.I was working for an American company,which unbelievably,hired and worked 95% Hispanics,92%were illegal. The employer paid these guys under the table,avoiding taxes,social security,unemployment funds and other laws. Prior to getting laid off,I was constantly cut short of 40 hours,some weeks only getting 16 hours,while the employer always had 40 hours for the illegals. I worked harder and was more skilled than any and every illegal on the job.American and self-pride was my motivation,and I successfully worked harder and smarter than my co-workers. But the American employer laid me off and kept the unskilled,lazy illegals. Tell me it’s about trying hard,being smart,and having a good resume,and not unbridled greed and exploitation. I’m listening…

By CBL

December 22, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

Being in a similar situation, this thread caught my eye. Best thing you can do now is prepare ASAP for a layoff, termination, “down-sizing”, or however your employer chooses to sugar-coat the fact that you will not be receiving money from them. Get the resume ready, invest in a quality suit while you have an income, pay off debts, and have 6 months of living expenses in liquid cash.

My company was acquired recently. More often than not, this means your status as an employee is uncertain since there are probably more positions filled than they need. Earlier posters said it before: be assertive in how you show how much value you bring to the company. Be proactive, underpromise, overdeliver, go home after 5:30pm when its dark.

I’m keeping my head up but you can bet I’m also getting ready for the worst.

By KELLY

December 22, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

My husband is/was a district manager for a huge electoronic retailer that recently filed bankruptcy and closed most GA locations, need I say a name? They were told two months prior that their jobs were over as of 1/9/09. After 11 years of dedicated service, he is not even getting a severance package. He has sent his resume to over 100 companies, networked with anyone he ever met, and has had only 3 interviews, none of which even compare money wise to what he is currently making and only one of which gave him a solid job offer. We are a family of 5, I work, but my salary while decent doesnt cover half of our bills. We are just hoping and praying that something will come along. Merry Christmas

By Hayden

December 22, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

I got laid off almost 2 years ago, also right after I came back from vacation. It was a shock, but I got a job in 2 weeks. I got my last paycheck from my old job - my first paycheck from my new job and also hit the lottery for $790 all on the same day. What is meant for harm can always turn really good - just don’t get discouraged.

By LaRita

December 22, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

I had a friend that told me when we look for a job, to remember it’s a numbers game. She said to put in “hundreds of resumes”. Not just a selective few. So we have to be willing to relocate, etc sometimes. So hit the job banks online and like you said all the friends resources. Start really thinking about the retraining. And remember healthcare and law enforcement fields. Retraining is probably the best alternative. Because sometimes you keep taking poor job offers and have a hard time getting back where you were before the layoff. So look at accepting the grants for school and the state aid if you have children, and figure out how many weeks,months,years to retrain and try to make that work. It might mean working at fast food joints,selling newspapers etc just to get the flexible hours. I just came out that slump. Laid off after working 10 years in the customer service industry. Now a registered nurse….It was rough but well worth it.

By suz

December 22, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

Hi all, I am not sure this will help but I would begin looking at local colleges, Emory and there are quite a few openings for Admins Asst, Secretaries, Aministrtors, Medical, College, Professors. etc . Also Check with Childrens Health Care ( choa.org) I’ll keep all of you in my prayers.

By Stevie B

December 22, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

I had to fire a manager last week and another today, the way I look at it is, they fired themselves. If you make poor decisions, you have to live with them.

By HHGreg Sucks

December 22, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

My brother was fired last week. He took FMLA because his daughter was born with MAJOR complications (heart stopped for 10 mins and sizures). His father had a stroke a week later.

2 weeks later he finds out that his daughter has brain damage and his father can no longer treat the cancer cause of the stroke so they are sending him home to die.

He goes back to work after everything settles down adn they fire him ILLEAGALLY on that Thursday.

HHGregg should be ashamed.

This man has a sick newborn and dying father and a wife and another child at home.

By Vicki

December 22, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

What happens if you lose your job, are alone (no roomate, spouse etc) & have not been able to save any money because your paycheck just barely covered your basic expenses, if even? I’m facing that distinct possibility…

By Donald

December 22, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

I’m a contractor.Business slowed with the mortgage crisis,but when gas hit four dollars a gallon,my phone stopped ringing. Haven’t had a contract or a call since August.All my networks are saying the same thing,no work. Last week a competitor offered a subcontract position on his job,which he insisted I hire illegal workers at unlawful wages,as he does.Showing me the vast crowds that were charging his truck as we stopped at various location on Buford highway,made me nervous,so I declined. Besides,I didn’t want to start falsifying lawful documents. I hope 2009 brings more and better employment to whoever needs it,we’re all joined at the pocket.

By twiggypt

December 23, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

Pete, Try Ryla.com. You may be able to find something there.

By Stillinshock

December 24, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

To Kelly above. I know the company you are talking about. Anyone that’s lived in Atlanta will remember what was once a great place to buy great hifi and video products. But things changed when a larger, “better” company purchased us. Yes, I was a part of that company. I was with them for 28 years. You would not believe how cruel the most recent owners were in closing the company down. I was let go at the beginning of November. No severance. We were told we would have Cobra available to us. Wrong! They didn’t fund it. No Cobra for anyone. Most former employees don’t even know that. They got no notice of anything. I know companies go out of business all the time, and on the outside looking in it seems crazy to stick with a company that you know is going down. Maybe it’s pride, or the fact that we all really wanted our company to survive. But that was not the plan our owner had. Suffice it to say, he made out VERY well. I don’t have a job yet either, but that will change. It’s just very hard looking for a job for the first time in 28 years. I feel out of touch. Again, some people will say it’s our fault. We shouldn’t have stayed. In retrospect, they are right. Hindsight, you know. My Christmas wish this year? I wish the last owner would end up in jail. He broke many laws along the way as he shut down our company. There are many states looking into the illegal activities, but I have a feeling he will get away with it. They always seem to.