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Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Laid off - AGAIN

Yes, I am just devastated. I just can’t take all this pain and suffering. I have been waiting for 13 months (since I was laid off the first time) to see what unfolds. All that unfolded is pain and suffering. I have applied for over 100 jobs and have gone on 27 interviews only to be rejected 27 times. There are companies I will not do business with because they were so rude to me. I used the help of friends and relatives to get me into the door of businesses to get a job. All I had were doors slammed in my face.

After being home recovering from surgery during the last two weeks I returned to my part, part-time job on November 24th. At 4:30pm I was told I was being laid off because of budget cuts. Oh yes - and I am not supported to take anything personally or be upset. Are you kidding?????? This is MY person who you are laying off!!! I already was laid off another job 13 months ago - so now this has happened to me twice in 13 months.

I know this sounds very bleak – but it is how I feel.

13 comments:

Stephanie Frieze said...

Patty, it will be of little compensation to you, but you are not alone. According to NPR this morning, America’s current unemployment rate is hovering around 14 percent and for the first time, the number of Americans using food stamps is expected to surpass 30 million. The Agriculture Department will be releasing new numbers in the coming days as we enter the holiday season. The “Washington Post” reports today that the figure could surpass the previous record set after Hurricane Katrina. Retailers do not expect to see traditional sales on Friday as Americans tighten their belts this holiday season.

This year, more than ever, Americans need to remember to share whatever they have with charity organizaitons as detailed in previous posts this week. Yesterday I was gratified to see a mother and her children filling the FISH barrel at Fred Meyer in Gig Harbor with food they had brought from home. What a wonderful lesson for those children. If each of us give a little we can make a big difference in the lives of fellow Americans.

Patty Cake said...

Thank you Stephanie. I am volunteering at our local food bank tonite and donate $$ to YWCA Pierce County each month.

Anonymous said...

Well, one can view the repeated layoffs as extended unemployment. Benefits run out every 6 months, so to have a job lay you off can be a bright side. Although, the amount you receive is based on what you were making. I admit, its a rough way to go. Been there, done that, and expecting more of it. Good luck out there, we will ALL need it.

Kim Thompson said...

Patty:

Your words and the tone of this post echo that of many folks. Thanks for your courage, honesty, and openness in sharing this with the neighborhood.

Signed a believer in YOU,

Kim

Lorraine Hart said...

Patty, I'm so sorry to hear you news. I hope you've recovered well from the surgery.

Sometimes it's so difficult to have hope...except that no one knows what waits for us 'round just the next corner and hope is what keeps us walking towards it.

You are in our thoughts and prayers. Hey readers...the entire neighbourhood gives Patty a recommendation. She's a smart, enthusiastic, dedicated person and would be an asset to any company as an employee. Maybe your company?

Hoping for the best Patty. Lox

Anonymous said...

Stop listening to NPR Stephanie, the unemployment rate is 6.5% from the U.S. Department of Labors web page. These kind of misleading facts are not usful in these tough times.

Anonymous said...

Have you thought about a new career? I think you would be a great striper! The money is good and you can meet all kinds of interesting people.

VW said...

I've been laid off a couple times and it is no fun. Fighting the depression of having no job was almost as hard as looking for a job.

I hope you find something soon.

VW

Anonymous said...

What kind of feedback have you received from those giving you the interviews? What kind of follow up are you doing after? I try to write a thank you note in the car referring to interesting points in the interview and send it from the post office RIGHT AFTER the interview.

Then follow up. If you hear you didn't get the job either call, email, or send a note asking for feedback on how you can improve.

27 interviews without success is discouraging. It should be. Something is not working in your interviews and you need to find out what it is!

Lorraine Hart said...

JM...sorry you choose to embarrass yourself with sub-par comedy...and spelling.

Stephanie Frieze said...

Ayone who thinks we have seen the bottom of this recession is in deep denial. Many citizens who have volunteered and contributed to food banks are becoming clients.

Patty Cake said...

Anonymous ~
I have asked for "feedback" after an interview. All I have been told is "We hired someone else or hired another candidate". I have not heard anything negitive. I am thankfor for that but so very hurt after being laid off twice now in 13 months. And with the bad economy there is no hope.

Anonymous said...

Patty, as long as you say there is not hope there certainly isn't any. I have been where you are and I learned that when you are down and feeling terrible, people an smell it on you. Find things to be grateful for, take your joy back, and people with respond to you.