The other day, a good friend of mine was thoughtful enough to tell me how proud she was of me for the way I am handling my unemployment. If you saw my facebook page, you'd see that I haven't been standing very still lately and have maintained a positive attitude throughout. My friend noticed this, and commented how she doesn't know if she would be able to do the same, if she were in my shoes.
I'll be honest, it’s all real, but it’s not natural. It takes A LOT of work to keep my head up. But I knew from the beginning that the road back to the workforce is going to be a long one. This economy is a mess and will probably get worse before it gets better. There's not much I can do about that. So, I decided early on that instead of focusing on things I can't control, to take control of the things I can.
I can't control when I get my next job, but I can control my efforts to get there. I do the best I can, networking, following leads and getting my resume out there. That's the best I can do (as far as I know), and as long as I am doing my best, I have nothing to be ashamed of.
I can't control the fact that I don't have a job to fill my day, but I can control what I do with the day I have. When I am done with my job hunting, I can use my day in "productive" ways, visiting museums, building my skill set, helping friends, volunteering and going to the gym. If I am productive, I haven't wasted my time and that makes me feel good about my days.
I can't control that I don't have a daily paycheck, but I can control what makes me feel valuable to myself and others. I can celebrate my successes (big or small) and be there for my friends and family when they need me. While a paycheck is important (we all need money), there are other things that can result in a rich life.
So that's how I do it. You can do it too. Just don't let the things you can't control get you down. And thanks, good friend (you know who you are), for noticing. It made my day. :)
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
"Time is Money..."
No doubt...the sooner you land a job, the better off you will be financially. I don't think I need to be reminded of this...EVER. I'm in the race to get to my next job. I'm keeping myself busy searching, following up on leads, contacting old friends...
So when I got a call from Bonnie, who I thought was a headhunter, I followed up right away. She asked me to send my resume and promised to call me to discuss at 12:00 on Friday. I moved my plans around to make sure I was available for the call.
On Friday, Bonnie called filled with compliments on my experience, skills and education. She asked me about my biggest frustration concerning my job hunt. I said it was the amount of time it was taking me. She told me that she and her team would have me working again in 4 weeks. Her team included a resume writer, a team of letter writers and career coaches. Bonnie's team has access to all the jobs that are not posted anywhere else. They would do EVERYTHING for me.... send me leads, and even write my cover and thank you letters. All I have to do is show up for the interview, and call them afterwards to tell them what happened.
After 30 minutes, Bonnie says, "How does all this sound to you?" I had already shut down. I knew where this was going. But I already wasted this much time (MONEY) on the call, so I said, "Well, it sounds great, Bonnie, but I assume there is a cost involved." Bonnie says, "Well yes, it is a service. It costs $1,900. " And then without skipping a beat she asks, "What credit card do you want to put this on?"
Are you kidding me??? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
I asked her to email me the information and I would have to think about it. The email comes with the following message:
Barbara
Time is money……I understand that you do have obligations but you are lucky enough to make your ends meet, now is the time to figure out how long will you luck hold out for. This window on average is 4-6 weeks ...Keep in mind, at your income level you are losing $4,000 every month you haven’t found the right position.
Thanks for the advice, Bonnie. Do you have any words of wisdom about throwing money out the window? Well, I'm going to keep working on my own and I'll keep my $1900. How do you like that?
This kind of business really pisses me off. I hate when people prey on your insecurities. Basically, they are saying, "You don't have a job, you can't do it on your own, and you need us to get back on your feet...so give us all your money and sit back and watch us work. " I don't think so.
This is a tough time people, but we'll get through this. Just remember to keep your head up. Don't let these yo-yo's waste your time, take your money or get you down.
In honor of my experience, I decided to pull a bunch of quotes about money. I hope they inspire you to keep working to your next job.
Top 10 Quotes on Money
(AKA - There's more to life...)
1)“What we really want to do is what we are really meant to do. When we do what we are meant to do, money comes to us, doors open for us, we feel useful, and the work we do feels like play to us.” -- Julia Cameron
2) “Financial sense is knowing that certain men will promise to do certain things, and fail” -- Egar Watson Howe
3) “If a man has money, it is usually a sign, too, that he knows how to take care of it; don't imagine his money is easy to get simply because he has plenty of it.” --Edgar Watson Howe
4) “The best things in life are free.”
5) “Put not your trust in money, but put your money in trust” --Oliver Wendell Holmes
6) “Money buys everything but good sense” - Yiddish Proverb
7) “Money is the most important thing in the world. It represents health, strength, honor, generosity and beauty as conspicuously as the want of it represents illness, weakness, disgrace, meanness and ugliness.” - George Bernard Shaw
8) “With money you can buy a house, but not a home...With money you can buy a clock, but not time...With money you can buy a book, but not knowledge...With money you can buy blood, but not life
...With money you can buy sex, but not love...So what can you buy with money???”
9) “No horse can go as fast as the money you put on it” --Earl Wilson
10) “Rich people have money, poor people have faith.” Helen Lagerberg
So when I got a call from Bonnie, who I thought was a headhunter, I followed up right away. She asked me to send my resume and promised to call me to discuss at 12:00 on Friday. I moved my plans around to make sure I was available for the call.
On Friday, Bonnie called filled with compliments on my experience, skills and education. She asked me about my biggest frustration concerning my job hunt. I said it was the amount of time it was taking me. She told me that she and her team would have me working again in 4 weeks. Her team included a resume writer, a team of letter writers and career coaches. Bonnie's team has access to all the jobs that are not posted anywhere else. They would do EVERYTHING for me.... send me leads, and even write my cover and thank you letters. All I have to do is show up for the interview, and call them afterwards to tell them what happened.
After 30 minutes, Bonnie says, "How does all this sound to you?" I had already shut down. I knew where this was going. But I already wasted this much time (MONEY) on the call, so I said, "Well, it sounds great, Bonnie, but I assume there is a cost involved." Bonnie says, "Well yes, it is a service. It costs $1,900. " And then without skipping a beat she asks, "What credit card do you want to put this on?"
Are you kidding me??? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
I asked her to email me the information and I would have to think about it. The email comes with the following message:
Barbara
Time is money……I understand that you do have obligations but you are lucky enough to make your ends meet, now is the time to figure out how long will you luck hold out for. This window on average is 4-6 weeks ...Keep in mind, at your income level you are losing $4,000 every month you haven’t found the right position.
Thanks for the advice, Bonnie. Do you have any words of wisdom about throwing money out the window? Well, I'm going to keep working on my own and I'll keep my $1900. How do you like that?
This kind of business really pisses me off. I hate when people prey on your insecurities. Basically, they are saying, "You don't have a job, you can't do it on your own, and you need us to get back on your feet...so give us all your money and sit back and watch us work. " I don't think so.
This is a tough time people, but we'll get through this. Just remember to keep your head up. Don't let these yo-yo's waste your time, take your money or get you down.
In honor of my experience, I decided to pull a bunch of quotes about money. I hope they inspire you to keep working to your next job.
Top 10 Quotes on Money
(AKA - There's more to life...)
1)“What we really want to do is what we are really meant to do. When we do what we are meant to do, money comes to us, doors open for us, we feel useful, and the work we do feels like play to us.” -- Julia Cameron
2) “Financial sense is knowing that certain men will promise to do certain things, and fail” -- Egar Watson Howe
3) “If a man has money, it is usually a sign, too, that he knows how to take care of it; don't imagine his money is easy to get simply because he has plenty of it.” --Edgar Watson Howe
4) “The best things in life are free.”
5) “Put not your trust in money, but put your money in trust” --Oliver Wendell Holmes
6) “Money buys everything but good sense” - Yiddish Proverb
7) “Money is the most important thing in the world. It represents health, strength, honor, generosity and beauty as conspicuously as the want of it represents illness, weakness, disgrace, meanness and ugliness.” - George Bernard Shaw
8) “With money you can buy a house, but not a home...With money you can buy a clock, but not time...With money you can buy a book, but not knowledge...With money you can buy blood, but not life
...With money you can buy sex, but not love...So what can you buy with money???”
9) “No horse can go as fast as the money you put on it” --Earl Wilson
10) “Rich people have money, poor people have faith.” Helen Lagerberg
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Job Search Tip 4 - Save your receipts
Your job search expenses may be tax deductable when you file your income taxes. The key to getting these deductions is saving your receipts. You'll be surprised how much everything adds up. I have a folder on the refridge, where I deposit notes about my job search, and any receipts that I can get credit for when it comes to tax time.
In my research I learned that generally, you can make deductions if you are looking for a job in the same line of work in which you were employed. The only catch is that you can only deduct expenses that exceed 2% of your income. Your income would include: money you were making before you were laid off, your severance and vacation pay, and work you have done as an independent contractor (All of this is taxable.)
Please refer to the IRS and your tax advisor for the final word on what can be deducted.
The IRS lists the deductable expenses, at Publication 529.
http://www.irs.gov/publications/p529/ar02.html#en_US_publink100026911
Here are some other sources of information on this topic:
http://businessmajors.about.com/od/jobsearch/qt/tax_tips_expens.htm
http://www.prlog.org/10191814-unemployment-is-taxing-enough-get-yourself-tax-deduction.html
http://www.turbotax.com/
Any tips or articles you can share? Love to hear them.
In my research I learned that generally, you can make deductions if you are looking for a job in the same line of work in which you were employed. The only catch is that you can only deduct expenses that exceed 2% of your income. Your income would include: money you were making before you were laid off, your severance and vacation pay, and work you have done as an independent contractor (All of this is taxable.)
If you are making itemized deductions, here are some of the items you might be able to deduct:
- Outplacement services you paid for
- Local and Long Distance Phone calls you made
- Cost of having your resume done by a professional
- Copying/Printing your resume
- Mailing your resume out
- Traveling expenses for going to and from the interview.
- Internet Search
- Newspaper Subscriptions
- Schooling
- Memberships in Professional Associations
Please refer to the IRS and your tax advisor for the final word on what can be deducted.
The IRS lists the deductable expenses, at Publication 529.
http://www.irs.gov/publications/p529/ar02.html#en_US_publink100026911
Here are some other sources of information on this topic:
http://businessmajors.about.com/od/jobsearch/qt/tax_tips_expens.htm
http://www.prlog.org/10191814-unemployment-is-taxing-enough-get-yourself-tax-deduction.html
http://www.turbotax.com/
Any tips or articles you can share? Love to hear them.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Job Search Tip 3 - Work the network
Your network works both ways. Sometimes people will come to you for help, contacts or advice and sometimes you go to them. When everyone is working, the network is a great resource. But when you are unemployed, its a life preserver. You need to really work it.
As you search the job search sites and apply for jobs, take a second look on linkedin for people who work in the companies you are applying to. Reach out to them and ask them for help getting your resume in front of the right people. It is a simple request, and in most cases if your contact can help you, they will. Be sure to include a link for the job listing you are interested in, and attach your resume.
In the best case scenario, your contact will know the right person and will give your resume directly to them. They might even know of another position you would be perfect for. Worst case, they can't help you in this particular situation. But I always think like to think of the positive side of actions...No matter what, now you are on your contact's (friend's) radar. (And you know how I believe in the power of friends...)
Finding a full time job is a full time job, people. We can do it...just keep on trucking.
Quote of the day:
“Few of us get anything without working for it” - William Feather
As you search the job search sites and apply for jobs, take a second look on linkedin for people who work in the companies you are applying to. Reach out to them and ask them for help getting your resume in front of the right people. It is a simple request, and in most cases if your contact can help you, they will. Be sure to include a link for the job listing you are interested in, and attach your resume.
In the best case scenario, your contact will know the right person and will give your resume directly to them. They might even know of another position you would be perfect for. Worst case, they can't help you in this particular situation. But I always think like to think of the positive side of actions...No matter what, now you are on your contact's (friend's) radar. (And you know how I believe in the power of friends...)
Finding a full time job is a full time job, people. We can do it...just keep on trucking.
Quote of the day:
“Few of us get anything without working for it” - William Feather
Monday, September 14, 2009
Reality Check - Health Insurance
I'm a pretty healthy person, and hardly ever go to the doctor. But this weekend I got stung by a bee and was taken to the hospital by ambulance with an allergic reaction. The whole time I was going through this, I was thinking about the added expenses I was going to have to deal with AND feeling a little better about the fact that I have insurance.
I can't tell you how many people I talk to that opt to go without insurance simply because they can't afford it. That is so scary to me. You never know what blows life can deal you. I'm hoping that a) I get a good job with great benefits well before my supplemented COBRA runs out, and b) I never have to use them.
I've been so thankful for the 65% my old company has been contributing to my COBRA payments. They will be making these payments for the next few months and then I am on my own. The cost will go from $100 a month to close to $500. That's more than one unemployment check, and I still have a mortgage and other bills to pay.
This little reality check puts the health insurance debate front and center in my mind. This is the time I need coverage the most or I could be wiped out financially. I pray that Obama and his administration do right by all Americans and that he gets the support he needs to be successful.
As many posted on Facebook:
No one should die because they cannot afford health care. No one should go broke because they get sick. No one should be denied medical care by their own insurer. No one should stay in a job because they are afraid to lose their insurance.
And here is my motivational quote of the day:
Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall. --Confucius
I can't tell you how many people I talk to that opt to go without insurance simply because they can't afford it. That is so scary to me. You never know what blows life can deal you. I'm hoping that a) I get a good job with great benefits well before my supplemented COBRA runs out, and b) I never have to use them.
I've been so thankful for the 65% my old company has been contributing to my COBRA payments. They will be making these payments for the next few months and then I am on my own. The cost will go from $100 a month to close to $500. That's more than one unemployment check, and I still have a mortgage and other bills to pay.
This little reality check puts the health insurance debate front and center in my mind. This is the time I need coverage the most or I could be wiped out financially. I pray that Obama and his administration do right by all Americans and that he gets the support he needs to be successful.
As many posted on Facebook:
No one should die because they cannot afford health care. No one should go broke because they get sick. No one should be denied medical care by their own insurer. No one should stay in a job because they are afraid to lose their insurance.
And here is my motivational quote of the day:
Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall. --Confucius
Friday, September 11, 2009
Friends - You can always count on them
Thanks to Facebook, "friends" is a hot topics these days. I love hearing stories on how people are being reconnected to old schoolmates, co-workers and even friends-of-friends. It is an amazing phenomena. Facebook has revived social lives, prompted informal class reunions and built new online support systems. Mine included.
Today I have over 300 friends on Facebook, and the list grows bigger every day. I know some people would argue that these people aren't all my real friends, but I would argue they are, in their own ways.
I'm always touched by thoughtful comments on my status updates, and the good wishes sent my way. Some are from people I see and talk to every day, but many are not. It makes me feel really special and lucky. And now the leads coming from Facebook as I search for a job...unbelievable. It just more proof (if you need it), that you really can count on your friends (on Facebook and everywhere) when you need them.
Last week, as part of my networking strategy, I tried posting a "work wanted" ad as my status on Facebook. In my posting, I offered to help earn you a referral bonus from your employer. I got a few immediate responses with leads (which I am in the process of pursuing). I was happy with the results, but I figured I better go back to the drawing board with my networking strategy. I didn't count on the friend factor...
The underlying message of my post was, "I need your help." And that's a message that friends hear loud and clear. In the past week, I've gotten private emails offering to connect me with various headhunters and friends-of-friends in my industry. That's the amazing power of friends. They are there for you when you need them the most.
As Thomas Jefferson once said, "But friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life; and thanks to a benevolent arrangement of things, the greater part of life is sunshine." I couldn't have said it better myself. And I am looking forward to enjoying the sunshine with (and thanks to the help of) my friends.
Today, in honor of my 300+ friends on Facebook, and everywhere, I would like to share these friendship quotes. Send one to your friend and let them know how special they are to you.
Top 10 Quotes that Celebrate Friendship:
(AKA - thank you for being a friend)
1) "Life's truest happiness is found in friendships we make along the way.”
2) “Friendship is the golden thread that ties the heart of all the world.”
3) “Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together.” -Woodrow T. Wilson
4) “Of all the things which wisdom provides to make life entirely happy, much the greatest is the possession of friendship” -Epicurus
5) “Life has no pleasure higher or nobler than that of friendship”-Samuel Johnson
6) “A man's friendships are one of the best measures of his worth”-Charles Darwin
7) “There are not many things in life so beautiful as true friendship, and not many things more uncommon.”
8) “Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving, make every day a holiday and celebrate just living!”- Amanda Bradley
9) “True friendship multiplies the good in life and divides its evils. Strive to have friends, for life without friends is like life on a desert island..to find one real friend in a lifetime is good fortune; to keep him is a blessing.” - Baltasar Gracian
10) “So long as we love, we serve; so long as we are loved by others, I should say that we are almost indispensable; and no man is useless while he has a friend.” - Robert Louis Stevenson
So that's my quotes on Friendship...Have any stories or quotes you would like to share? Post a comment today.
Today I have over 300 friends on Facebook, and the list grows bigger every day. I know some people would argue that these people aren't all my real friends, but I would argue they are, in their own ways.
I'm always touched by thoughtful comments on my status updates, and the good wishes sent my way. Some are from people I see and talk to every day, but many are not. It makes me feel really special and lucky. And now the leads coming from Facebook as I search for a job...unbelievable. It just more proof (if you need it), that you really can count on your friends (on Facebook and everywhere) when you need them.
Last week, as part of my networking strategy, I tried posting a "work wanted" ad as my status on Facebook. In my posting, I offered to help earn you a referral bonus from your employer. I got a few immediate responses with leads (which I am in the process of pursuing). I was happy with the results, but I figured I better go back to the drawing board with my networking strategy. I didn't count on the friend factor...
The underlying message of my post was, "I need your help." And that's a message that friends hear loud and clear. In the past week, I've gotten private emails offering to connect me with various headhunters and friends-of-friends in my industry. That's the amazing power of friends. They are there for you when you need them the most.
As Thomas Jefferson once said, "But friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life; and thanks to a benevolent arrangement of things, the greater part of life is sunshine." I couldn't have said it better myself. And I am looking forward to enjoying the sunshine with (and thanks to the help of) my friends.
Today, in honor of my 300+ friends on Facebook, and everywhere, I would like to share these friendship quotes. Send one to your friend and let them know how special they are to you.
Top 10 Quotes that Celebrate Friendship:
(AKA - thank you for being a friend)
1) "Life's truest happiness is found in friendships we make along the way.”
2) “Friendship is the golden thread that ties the heart of all the world.”
3) “Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together.” -Woodrow T. Wilson
4) “Of all the things which wisdom provides to make life entirely happy, much the greatest is the possession of friendship” -Epicurus
5) “Life has no pleasure higher or nobler than that of friendship”-Samuel Johnson
6) “A man's friendships are one of the best measures of his worth”-Charles Darwin
7) “There are not many things in life so beautiful as true friendship, and not many things more uncommon.”
8) “Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving, make every day a holiday and celebrate just living!”- Amanda Bradley
9) “True friendship multiplies the good in life and divides its evils. Strive to have friends, for life without friends is like life on a desert island..to find one real friend in a lifetime is good fortune; to keep him is a blessing.” - Baltasar Gracian
10) “So long as we love, we serve; so long as we are loved by others, I should say that we are almost indispensable; and no man is useless while he has a friend.” - Robert Louis Stevenson
So that's my quotes on Friendship...Have any stories or quotes you would like to share? Post a comment today.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Job Search Tip 2 - Getting Organized for your Interview
I've been finding on many of my interviews, the first thing they have you do when you get to the office is fill in a application. Most of the information is already on your resume, but you still have to fill out the form.
I find it helpful to have a cheat sheet prepared to make filling in this form as quick as possible. Here's the information I include on my cheat sheet:
1) List of companies I worked for with the address and main phone numbers, my start and end dates and salary.
2) List of educational institutions I attended,and start and end dates, and GPA
3) List of references with their title, phone number and email address. (I also have this printed on a separate sheet in case they ask for this during the interview).
That's my job tip for the day...what's yours?
I find it helpful to have a cheat sheet prepared to make filling in this form as quick as possible. Here's the information I include on my cheat sheet:
1) List of companies I worked for with the address and main phone numbers, my start and end dates and salary.
2) List of educational institutions I attended,and start and end dates, and GPA
3) List of references with their title, phone number and email address. (I also have this printed on a separate sheet in case they ask for this during the interview).
That's my job tip for the day...what's yours?
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Job Search Tip 1 - Making a List
Last time I was laid off, they career counselor asked me to make a list of the different companies I would like to work for and show that list to everyone I knew. This is a good idea. There is a good chance that people might know someone at the company you want to work at, or know someone at a similar company.
I think it is also a good way to help focus your job search.
I'll be working on my list today. What is your job search tip?
I think it is also a good way to help focus your job search.
I'll be working on my list today. What is your job search tip?
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Working the Network
Well, today is the first day of September and I am kicking the job search into high(er) gear. That means NETWORKING.
First, I started with the Headhunters.
Companies bring in headhunters to help find candidates for various positions. You never pay a headhunter to get you a job. They get paid by the company that hires you. You can work with as many headhunters as you need to find a job, though you will find that some are better than others making the right matches for you.
Headhunters are constantly combing the resume posting services and networking sites (like Monster and Linkedin) for potential candidates who have worked at specific companies or have a specific skill set. They get the majority of their leads from people who know people who are looking.
Each time a headhunter contacts me, I add them to my database with their name, contact information and the company they contacted me about. I've been building my list over three years (since my last layoff). I also have a list of people that I know are looking (with email and phone numbers) in case a headhunter asks me for potential candidates.
I've shared my headhunter database with my closest friends that are also looking (most are in the same industry as me) and now I am using it for myself.
Today, I sent each of my Headhunters a personalized email with the following information:
Then I posted a status on Facebook.
I have never done this before, so I don't know if it will lead to anything, but you never know. If you can't count on your friends to help you in a time of crisis, who can you count on? Here's my post (I thought it was funny.)
Next stop...Linkedin.
This post will be a little more professional. I've got hundreds of contacts on this site, hopefully one will be able to give me a good foot in the door.
This is only the first level of networking. I'll be digging deeper later in the next few weeks. Stay tuned.
First, I started with the Headhunters.
Companies bring in headhunters to help find candidates for various positions. You never pay a headhunter to get you a job. They get paid by the company that hires you. You can work with as many headhunters as you need to find a job, though you will find that some are better than others making the right matches for you.
Headhunters are constantly combing the resume posting services and networking sites (like Monster and Linkedin) for potential candidates who have worked at specific companies or have a specific skill set. They get the majority of their leads from people who know people who are looking.
Each time a headhunter contacts me, I add them to my database with their name, contact information and the company they contacted me about. I've been building my list over three years (since my last layoff). I also have a list of people that I know are looking (with email and phone numbers) in case a headhunter asks me for potential candidates.
I've shared my headhunter database with my closest friends that are also looking (most are in the same industry as me) and now I am using it for myself.
Today, I sent each of my Headhunters a personalized email with the following information:
- my updated resume (thanks to the feedback from JobFox)
- a description of my experience
- what area of the country I was looking to work in
- my desired salary range
- the type of companies I would like to work at
- list of companies where I have already applied directly* (headhunters cannot get credit for introducing you to companies that already have your resume. I've also been told that it is worth consulting them first before you apply directly (through a job board), as they have a better chance of getting you in. I don't have evidence to prove otherwise, so I'll have to take their word for it (it makes sense).
Then I posted a status on Facebook.
I have never done this before, so I don't know if it will lead to anything, but you never know. If you can't count on your friends to help you in a time of crisis, who can you count on? Here's my post (I thought it was funny.)
ME + YOU + JOB = $$$ in your pocket *I'm a talented online marketer looking for a job. Your company has a referral bonus. Hook me up with a lead and you may collect some $$$! * Your company's referral bonus restrictions apply. Void where prohibited :)
Next stop...Linkedin.
This post will be a little more professional. I've got hundreds of contacts on this site, hopefully one will be able to give me a good foot in the door.
This is only the first level of networking. I'll be digging deeper later in the next few weeks. Stay tuned.
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