Here are my responses:

(1) The last time I was employed full-time was in May 2013, but was employed part-time until April 30th.

(2) I have a B.A. from UC Berkeley and ABA-approved Paralegal Certificate
(3) I endeavor to become an executive assistant to a large publishers or entertainment firm
(4) alking to other people that have struggle in circumstance about what they did to make it as true successes, running and socializing with quality people.
(5) No money. I can hardly get away from my unhealthy roommates or do anything fun without money
(6) I have 1.5 years of relevant experience in my dream career.
(7) I had an interview the first week of June for an assistant position with a nationally renowned magazine, but never got invited back for the second interview. I believe I didn't continue because I was too nervous and not specific/confident enough in my answers.
(8) Letting me know what other people's experiences are with applying and ways they've reached success with past opportunities.
(9) (1) No money; (2) Stuck in a bad housing situation (bad landlord/neighbors/roommates) because of money and (3) No social life because of lack of money. I want it to change by finding a solid housing situation with positive people that is cheap while I am applying and find out areas other unemployed or broke but high quality people socialize and hang out.

1. May 15th
2 have a degree in graphic design and animation.
3. To be a game developer.
4. I don't really know
5. The bill collectors calling and each time i tell them i am unemployed and don't have money to pay it off.
6. 4 years experience.
7. 4 weeks ago.i guess it was because i am overweight.and the fact the lady had a clear expression that she didn't think i could do the job during the interview. also my references.
8. I wanna know how to deal with it i get enough to get by but i want to be greedy and get more i want a house a car and to bring up a family. i would like advice on how to get a job or expanding my network with nothing in the bank.
9. Finances, networking.mental stability.
i want at least something coming in so i can have something to work with. not good at all with making networking connections and unfortunately that seems like a good 80% of job require to work their. as far as happiness i know thats something in me that i need to work on. but for this group one thing A response to silence the Idiots that thinks "you should try getting a job" as the answer to helping me with my unemployment situation would be awesome.

Hello BrokenWing,

I'll share a little bit of my story. Please forgive if my answers are not as organized. In 2008, I decided to move back to my hometown due to family illness. I also, had struggles of my own. It took a long time to find a job after that. In February of 2010, I finally gained employment through a staffing agency. I was tracking employee attendance for a large manufacturing company. I worked as a temp for 14 months, and was finally hired full-time in March of 2011. I really did not like the job, but I was glad I had one. However, I knew it was not something I wanted to do long term. I wanted to be doing something different. I turned 40 in October of last year. And, because I have a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, I knew I could be doing something better. So, in November of last year I decided to resign. I thought that if I took a couple of months off to clear my head, I would once again get it together. But, this did not happen.

The months started rolling by. So, in March of this year, I started another office job as a temp. But, it was much tougher this time. I was really nervous, and the training was going super fast. Also, my vision is getting worse, and I struggled with some of the paperwork. The girl training me was much younger than me, and just did not have much patience with me. This made me even more anxious. I could see right off the bat, this was not the job for me, but I was desperate to have a job, so I thought I could hold on until something else came along.

But, 11 days after the job began, I had gotten a call from the staffing agency saying that my position had ended. I asked why. The lady said, I was extremely nervous, I was in tears when given a new task, and I did not want to meet new people. Well, she only had half of the story. I told her about the training going too fast. Also, the trainer became annoyed when she had to get off of the phone with her boyfriend to answer a question. I wasn't given the opportunity to get comfortable with one task before I was shown half a dozen new things. I'm the type of person, I want to do it right the first time. I do not believe in just half way doing a job. The tears was not facing new tasks. The tears were due to being in pain. I had a lot of data entry to do in this position. So, naturally, I was stuck sitting in one position for several hours. The keyboard was not ergonomically correct. And, I had expressed my concern of my shoulders and neck hurting. But, when the pain was spreading up the back of my head, yes, I became very concerned. I was working as a temp with no insurance. Who wouldn't be concerned? And, I wasn't worried about meeting everyone in the plant right off the bat because I was trying desperately to learn the new job.

I felt like such a failure for a while. I felt like I was thrown away like a dirty dish rag. But, after much thinking, I knew I would not have wanted to stay there anyway.

I have many factors working against me in finding a new job. That traumatic experience sticks in my mind so much. And, I have suffered from depression and anxiety for years. And, my social anxiety gets worse as I get older. My self esteem is very low. I have checked with the staffing agencies several times, but have not heard back. It is so difficult to feel unwanted. Also, I get frustrated with myself very easily, and I oftentimes find myself being overwhelmed. I live in a small town, so there is another obstacle. I will not relocated because my parents are in bad health, and I do not have anyone else to help. Also, I do not have retail or customer service experience. When I do job searches, about 95% of the jobs (the very few that are posted) have something to do with customer service. I still apply for jobs, but I really wonder what I'm able to do now. I think this is my biggest issue with being unemployed. Right now, I don't have a dream job. I just want to feel useful again. My last interview was last month. The gap in employment looks bad on the resume, coupled with the lack of experience.

Money is tight, I worry about things tearing up around the house. I worry what am I going to do if I get sick, what am I going to do if my dogs get sick, and the list goes on and on. I'm trying very hard to get this anxiety under control. I started therapy again last week, and I'm hoping it will help.

Many days, I wake up in a panic attack. The start of a new week, or the start of a new month is always difficult. As soon as a I wake up, my heart is pounding, and the number pops up in my head. Today, it was it's been 8 months now, oh God, what am I gonna do, what am I gonna do, what am I gonna do???? I have to start deep breathing, and tell myself nothing bad is going to happen. I've made it this far, I'll keep making it.

I have joined several support groups on this site, and it has given me some comfort. I keep praying everyday that this nightmare will end soon.

(1) January 2007.
(2) IT. (but I didn't have enough work experience in IT to get a job)
(3) Just stable employment.
(4) Recovery, Gratitude Lists, my local community.
(5) Lack of experience.
(6) None. :(
(7) With Bluebox Broadband in Derry. It was probably no experience in Cisco Systems that beat me.
(8) Just to share with others on the same journey.
(9) Coping with the cost of living, social opportunities and a lack of a savings plan. I am in Underearners Anonymous to try and rectify that.

(1) The last time I had stable employment, was 2011. Since then, I do freelance things - translation, language classes, some consulting, but it is very unstable.
(2) BA Spanish, MA International Relations.
(3) Id be happy with something stable where I can feel appreciated, hopefully related to my previous work/studies.
(4) Motiviation is hard to come by these days. Sending out job applications/CVs gets me nowhere, because hiring for decent jobs is mainly based on who you know.
(5) What is your number one biggest issue with being unemployed? Definitely the financial aspect, worrying about being a burden on my husband who is stressed at work, not saving enough for retirement or other things.
(6) Not exactly dream job, but I worked for almost 4 years in a position I really enjoyed.
(7) Last year, through a personal contact from a previous job, I was in the last 3. I think the last guy that interviewed people chose a man instead of me. Sexism does exist here, and I got a weird vibe from the interviewer. Another interviewee was waiting in the lobby when I left, and he was male. I would not be surprised if he were hired.
(8) I see it as a place where people can share experiences and ask for advice.
(9) Socially - Since my income is limited, I feel like I shouldn't be using that money to do things with friends and instead should be spending it on the household. My husband and I have had to postpone plans to buy a house, and worry what will happen if the landlord wants us out or raises the rent. Self esteem - I feel like how can some of the incompetent people my husband works with have jobs but I can't find anything?

Hello everyone:

Wow! Thank you for your great replies. It definitely helps to understand that everyone is suffering a little bit from the "unemployment" depression because of limitations from what we are meant to do, which is be productive and work in a career that we love.

I always feel inspired by people's experiences on what has helped them achieve success after a hurdle. I have some suggestions from what I hear and am happy to receive the same. By-the-way, if anyone gets hired, please share. It is great to congratulate and hear how one got back on the market!!!!

Reckmen: Thank you. What a great degree and dream career. 4 years of experience is major opportunity for doors opening.

Thoughts/Suggestions: For question 4, that is so important. It is tough to get through anything without a crutch to pull up through the tough times. Do you run or listen to any particular music that lifts your mood? What is the one thing in your life that has really made you feel alive?

Bill collectors calling an unfortunate part of life. I found that by calling the sources of my bills about financial assistance programs or writing the bill off that it took me a step closer to resolving the problem. Even helping me get past deadlines that could really ruin my credit.

Congrats on an interview 4 weeks ago. That is amazing. I recently received advice from top assistants in their field to never hesitate to follow up after the interview and ask what you could do next time to be considered a top candidate. Any advice given will help accelerate you to improve and nail the job.

For getting a job, what part of the US are you in? Linkedin is an incredible source for networking and reaching out to people in your field about jobs. Also, researching free networking clubs in your area on Google in your field can make a world of difference. In finances, everyone aims for monetary success and landing that job is the first step. Then, setting up a savings account and paying down debt.

Dachshund: Thank you so much for sharing your very personal story. That is a very difficult situation to experience and disheartening at that.

Thoughts/Suggestions:

What part of the US is your job market? Sometimes the better paying jobs and opportunities are a city away. If there is less luck in your area, have you thought about going to the next town?

With temporary agencies, I would not take this experience to heart. Even the best people fail miserably at something that everyone else is good at. We just have to dust it off and do better next time. It sounds like communication with that company might have lessened efficiency. It sounds like anxiety might be effecting your productivity. Have you tried methods for focusing just on work when at work and dealing with personal fears off the clock. Susan Jeffer's book "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyways" is a great source for changing your life over. I highly recommend this and you can grab it used for $3.99 on Amazon. It is difficult to be highly productive when underlying fears or anxieties interfere with our need to be presentable with clients and co-workers.

Counseling sounds great. I know 8 months seems like such a long time. I feel you as bills keep mounting and your life feels confined to job applications. You never know, however. You just have to make a goal everyday to get 25 resumes out and do your best to meet that goal. Applying everywhere is even better, may even in jobs that are customer service even if you don't have the experience.

Desigol1979: Thank you for sharing. January 2007 is a tremendously long amount of time. What are of the US is your market? What you tried other towns or cities? Have you tried volunteering or internships as well in your field to gain the skill set? Sometimes that can make a huge difference.

Suggestions/Thoughts:

For the last interview, did you follow up and ask the interviewer what you could have done better? It is amazing how this can make a difference. I just did this with my interview I had a month ago. I received a call out of the blue three days ago and actually found out they just put the position on hold because they might not need the position from an organization restructuring. I thought I did bad, but they said my interview was great and I need more confident especially with the competitiveness of the field.

Unemplexpat: Thank you for sharing. That is a long time. Have you tried different avenues for your major to keep your skill set while endeavoring for your dreams. Maybe teaching Spanish, working for a company where bilingual skills in Spanish are required (pays a lot more), etc. Where is your market in the US?

Suggestions/Thoughts: I definitely feel you with motivation as I have bad days and good days. Have you cultivated an hour a day to devote to something you love no matter how bad you feel - gourmet cooking, running, or going to a dance class?

For finances, reviewing all expenses and eliminating or finding ways to narrow costs can make a huge difference on your current situation. Simple things like not buying coffee or walking instead of driving to the local store. The more expenses are cut, the easier the stress and better focus for the job search.

Have you tried an account on Linkedin? If you are on the WestCoast, I might be able to help you with ideas for your fields.

My current situation:

I'm on unemployment so I am so stressed about finding a job before benefits run out in a couple months. I have a couple interviews next week and have to move out by July 31st. So far I have only heard from two people for rooms and don't know where I'm moving, but in the area. I'm hopeful all will be well.

BrokenWing, Thank you for the suggestions. I live in northeastern TN. I have also applied in neighboring cities, but do not wish to venture out any further due to low wages and a long commute. I'm trying very hard to stay motivated, but it gets a little more difficult everyday.

General anxiety and social anxiety were contributing factors in the position ending in March. I have more appointments with a therapist to improve my coping skills.

There is a program here that assists those with mental illnesses find employment. I have a meeting someone on Thursday, and I'm hoping and praying something good happens.

Thanks again, and I wish you the best of luck.

I'm from Northern Ireland (UK) rather than America.

BrokenWing10 - I don't live in the US either, I am in Latin America. Supposedly there is a demand for English-speaking professionals, but I have applied to tons of jobs like that and nothing. The level of English here is terrible, but that hasn't helped me find a job. When I was replaced at my last job, it was by people that wrote in Spanish and put it through Google translate, you could tell, it was awful. But, since the managers didn't have the greatest English either no one noticed and they could pay the new people less.

English classes are, of course, more in demand than Spanish. I have tried advertising to teach Spanish to expats, but haven't gotten any clients.

Temp agencies are pretty bad and salaries here are so low it's not worth it. Same with most low-skilled jobs, I make more freelancing and doing classes than I would working 45 hours a week at some crap job.

Also, I am on Linked In, but it always shows me job listings that are not at all in line with my qualifications. It is kind of amusing that there are always ads for salespeople for my former employer. I guess they can't retain people because the product has gone downhill.

And, to give you an idea of why I won't just take any job, I saw an ad for a bilingual (English-Spanish) person to run the front desk of an expensive hotel. They pay was US$35 for a 9 hour shift!?! So, they are demanding the person be bilingual, but pay less than US$4 an hour. The cost of living here is not THAT cheap.

The shift started at 11 pm, but there was no bonus for the late hours like some places pay. Also, the area where it is has a lot of bars and can get sort of sketchy at about that time. As a woman alone, I wouldn't feel safe walking from the subway to the job. Buses from my house to the subway are scarce at that time. I'd end up taking a cab at least part of the way, which would eat into the meager salary.

It was a joke! I make more with 2 hours of private English classes than 9 hours at a job like that. I have seen the job listed several times, so I guess people are wising up and there are no takers. They don't increase the salary though, ever.

Hello:

Thank you so much for the response. I definitely feel your irritation with the job search in your locations and low wages. I am wondering if either of you have done research on quality companies and called there HR to ask if they are hiring for your skillset.

I have about 2 months left of unemployment and then I'm screwed. However, I have had interviews, I am just not selected. I have to make a decision in the next month as to what to do and regardless am going to graduate school in a year.

Please let me know how you are doing.

Hello All:

This will be more of a narrative than an itemized response.

My last full-time employment ended in January/February 2012. I was self-employed and finally could not keep the business limping along and had to close the doors. I still have obligations from that business and need to find a way to meet them. Since then I was able to find a part-time job (July 2012 through October 2013) that at least allowed me to pay the bills. My former boss has an abusive personality and my best description of the work place is completely toxic. I did make some good friends from co-workers so that is a positive.

I have a bachelor's degree in Business and Administrative Studies from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon. I also have ten years' experience as an Office Manager and Paralegal. Unfortunately that was working for my ex so any background check would not be positive -- never divorce a divorce lawyer; you will not win.

Right now I am struggling to find much that is positive, motivating or energizing. For almost eight years I was a caregiver for my mother. Sadly, she passed away at the end of July 2014 and I am struggling to keep putting one foot in front of the next

My most significant issue with unemployment is foreclosure. IF I can find a job (that pays a qualifying wage) I am eligible for a state program that essentially short-sells my home back to me at current market value with a 6%, 30-year fixed rate mortgage -- zero out of pocket at closing. I have skills, I am qualified but I am also over 50 and have experienced significant age discrimination with my job search.

For employment, I would like to find a position in marketing and customer relations. That was the most important part of my business and I did that for about 4 1/2 years. Plus, I worked as a residential loan officer for 5 years, which required marketing and customer relations. Additionally, I have about 8 years experience as a Chamber Ambassador -- helping Chamber members meet Chamber members and facilitating connections.

My dream is to become a best-selling mystery writer, but I know that I have to find a job before I can actively pursue my dream. To help achieve my dream, I hope to return to school for my Master's in Creative Writing.

I am truly struggling just to get an interview. For probably 80% of my applications, I do not even get to the point of being offered the opportunity for an interview. My last interview felt pretty good, but the committee chose another candidate. This was a part-time position for which I was 100% qualified. I don't know what I could h have done differently.

I'm not sure what support will help -- I'm open to all support offered.

I know that I have been fighting depression for a long time and that has had an impact on my interviewing. My mom had Alzheimer's and it was unbelievably difficult to be there for her when she did not know I was her daughter. Now, I am trying to work through the grief of losing her and struggling every day to try to find something positive.

The financial restrictions from unemployment are significant. I live in Central Oregon and we have an amazing number of community events and activities. But, at this point I don't have anyone to attend with and even if I did, I can't afford an entry fee or the cost of an adult beverage during the event. Looking back I realize that a huge part of my social life revolved on my membership in the Chamber, my financial situation means that I don't have the ability to pay for my membership and therefore cannot attend events. I would absolutely love to get away for a weekend; but that is not an option with my financial circumstances.

In my prior job I had to try and make contacts within companies to set up meetings to discuss their industry. That was extremely difficult. Cold-calling HR departments and expecting them to give me any usefull information is only going to be more of a waste of time.

That crappy hotel reception job is still listed, still with that terrible salary. Out of curiosity, I Iooked up their prices since they say they are a botique hotel. The absolute cheapest room in low season runs US$200 a night and the most expensive room in high season is US$500, yet they pay their (must be bilingual) employeees peanuts. It's interesting that STILL no one seems to have taken the job, especially since the employment situation here is deteriorating.

I've been doing some more consulting work and English classes. It's something, at least.

1) Last time I was full time was January 2011. Since than I have been working contract positions with no benefits. I was off last year from June to October and just finished a 6 month contact in May this year. Was devastated when they didnt renew my contract but the role was finished with no opportunity for an extension.
(2) Associates Degree in Finance
(3) I would like to be a Senior Compliance Officer and eventually a Manager of Compliance.
(4) 1-Learning new skills and facing new challenges.
2- Being around friends hanging out or playing sports together.
3- p90x work outs get my fired up.
(5) income!!! Can barely live off unemployment insurance after all my bills. Not having financial resources to do what I used to do such as major expenses or vacations.
(6) 4.5 years in Compliance, over 12 years in finance.
(7) I interviewed for a Compliance position in late August and was told over the weekend I did not get the role. I actually did a similar role for 4 years at a competitor and it is perfect fit based on my skill set.

I was actually #2 for role internally within another Compliance department I interviewed for in early July. The VP told me I had a great future in Compliance and wanted to find a role within the firm for me and forwarded my application to the last VP who I interviewed with n late August. Why didn't I get the role? For the one in July, they told me they had someone more experience who could step in and make a quicker impact. For the one in late August I was told there was someone more suitable.

I also interviewed for a different role in early August twice and they even asked for my references. Their issue for me for that role was the 80km commute and whether I could handle it.

Ive had two other interviews. Once in mid July who told me I didnt have enough Compliance experience within that environment, which was true. I had one last week who told me, I dont have enough overall Compliance experience and my excel skills were not advanced enough.

Im just depressed and frustrated as I thought I had an offer by and was excited to have a full time job with benefits. I get all this positive feedback yet no offer!! #2 is the same as #22, no offer.


(8) I want support form this group. From ppl who have been there and faced adversity. I want HOPE and success stories. Ive been months at time for 3 years in a role and it gets depressing during this time. We can give hope to each and other to get through this. Unless you have been unemployed you do not understand the mentality.
(9)
1-Income!!!
2-Lack of day to day structure. I have been studying for an industry course but I'm having hard time focusing.
3-My life is on hold until I get a full time job. I can't travel with my girlfriend or even propose to her. Our relationship cannot advance to next step until I get her a ring. i cannot get a ring until I get my next role.

Thank you for listening everyone.

Hi BrokenWing10 (HealingWingtoflyagain),

I like to share something that kept me sane in my down- and depression phases. That is your #5.

"(5) No money. I can hardly get away from my unhealthy roommates or do anything fun without money."

I invented something I call "Bike and Read". Libraries are free for unemployed where I live. I have kept riding my bike all over the city I live to all libraries to get DVDs, CDs, books and magazines to keep me sane.

That gave me: time outside, sports, something worthwhile to move for, important knowledge about application processes. I used to tell the lib-staff that they are my saviors sort of.

I am 51. Have been looking for a job for more than two years with tons of really depressing experiences and many of you above bullet points checked.

Signed a contract last month and will start in October.

What helped me was losing weight parallely - by now 8 kg - and listening to an autosuggestion CD every night. I still do that. It helps me a lot. My activities were about letting go of saved energies that were not mine (fat, wrong belief systems and so on).

Maybe this is helpful for you and other readers of this thread.

One book I worked with was by Talane Miedaner "Coach yourself to a new career". I can recommend it. It's got "Look inside" on amazon so you can get an impression.

I am wishing you all the best from my heart.

N