October 24, 2010 - wheels are in motion!
Good evening everyone,
Well, the wheels are in motion. Today was the day I did my 1st preparation day. I went to the Buffalo Employment Technical Center. I arrived there around 9:50am and wrote out my application to the center. There was 2 other people there when I arrived, a guy and a girl. I was #3. I was just about finished with the app when they asked us to move to another room so they can explain about the BETC and what they were all about. I did have my resume on hand (in a red folder). They told us that they are a place where people can look for jobs, talk to a employment counselor, get your resume done. They have many computers so people can look. Faxes, copiers, resume paper is all free of charge. They also have programs where people can get trained for other jobs (which I am exploring....). They took us on a quick tour of the place. It was very spacious and large. Not allowed to eat or drink near the computers - makes sense. So they told us that we would have to go to their breakroom to eat, drink, use the cell phone. It was relatively quiet there. People talking very softly. They gave us a calandar of classes we can take (employment classes, computer classes, resume classes, Job interview classes, learning linkedin, writing a coverletter, basics of starting a buisiness (not interested). There will be a lot to check out in the coming weeks (A lot to journal and tell you all about it!). After the quick tour and talk, The girl went to check on some training opportunities and the guy went to check on some work training opportunities (I think he was already employed and the company must have sent him). The girl (Theresa) came and sat down across from me at the table. We talked a lot, I told her my story and she told me hers. She was out of work since July, worked as a manager at a dollar general store in the city of buffalo and wanted to come for additional training. This is her first time actually getting herself over and now working on getting a job. Apparently, she has 5 kids, lives on unemployment, has no electricity, internet, phone or cable. She has gas but still she says that she is still healthy and not starving. Things are rough for her but its not the end of the world. I'll see her again on monday when I finally meet up with a councelor so she/he can help me get started. I have to admit, I am extremely nervous about being out of work right now. I never thought in a million years that I would be terminated from my job at the hospital (although they say I am up for rehire - I am not sure if I want to go back to the hospital system). I was there until about 11:30am. I had enough $ in the parking meter to be there until at least 1pm.
After I left there, I decided to head south to my alma mater, Bryant and Stratton College. I knew they had a job placement service here. I was really nervous to even talk to them because I was one of their "success" stories as a graduate. I got there around 11:45am. Went over to my nephrologist office and got another copy of my lab paperwork because I had my previous one thrown away when I packed up my desk. I did inform them that I had lost my position at Kaleida but they didn't say too much. They aren't the warmest reception people (not like my other doctor offices). I went to speak to Jen, the placement advisor (seems like everyone is named "JEN" Jeesh!). I was suppose to have an appt with her but I never called but she said she would squeeze me in. I remember talking to her on the phone about a student who wanted to come to Kaleida for her internship. This was around the time things started to change - at first Jen was all for it, then went on my trip, came back and all of the sudden her whole demeanor changed about the whole situation. I remember that I called her back up and told this student that she was to look for another placement. I introduced myself, she remembered me. Told her about the termination and felt really bad this happened to me. she talked briefly about linkedin and their placement services. Asked for my resume (I had one). I told her that the resume is a very rough draft (it looked really good except for a few minor formatting bold/underlining issues). Its all one page. I did forget to put my coding cert class on there but I am non certified. I told her what I was looking for. My immediate job request is an office manager job, perhaps that I can do alittle coding or have an opportunity for the employer to pay for my certification fees or books. We talked about pay amount, told me even though 16.79 an hr is good - I would have to be realistic and lower this alittle bit. I told her the lowest I can go is $14.00/hr, but it would have to had excellent health benefits (such as a good prescription, dental plans - better than Kaleida Health's). I really hated to give that amount, it gave me a little stress in my stomach when mentioning this. 16.79 as an adm assist isn't a lot of $$! Especially since I have 19 years exp as a administrative assistant/secretary and an associates degree. I was asking for 17/hr. Jeesh. We'll see what they come up with. I see the BETC employment councelor on monday, she'll go over my resume. In the meantime, Bryant and Stratton wants a better copy of a resume. I will clean up what I have and send it on to Jen (in the meantime, she will contact her co-hort Diane from the Amherst campus) and will see what they have to offer. Jen said she gets a lot of Medical Admin Assist job postings often. I better clean out my personal email so I can start making room for BETC and Bryant and Stratton emails as well as other websites that have stuff come my way. I have over 15 websites to explore in the coming days (enough to look through and sift through for the rest of the week by job searching for 2-3 hr days). I may even go over to the BETC on thursday to check out their computers and do some searching there (for maybe an hour) - just to get out for a change of scenery (other than here and staying home with the cat!).
Ok, this is it for now. I will be back on in a few days to give you guys some other updates. Let you know what kinds of jobs I see on the websites I received.
Well, the wheels are in motion. Today was the day I did my 1st preparation day. I went to the Buffalo Employment Technical Center. I arrived there around 9:50am and wrote out my application to the center. There was 2 other people there when I arrived, a guy and a girl. I was #3. I was just about finished with the app when they asked us to move to another room so they can explain about the BETC and what they were all about. I did have my resume on hand (in a red folder). They told us that they are a place where people can look for jobs, talk to a employment counselor, get your resume done. They have many computers so people can look. Faxes, copiers, resume paper is all free of charge. They also have programs where people can get trained for other jobs (which I am exploring....). They took us on a quick tour of the place. It was very spacious and large. Not allowed to eat or drink near the computers - makes sense. So they told us that we would have to go to their breakroom to eat, drink, use the cell phone. It was relatively quiet there. People talking very softly. They gave us a calandar of classes we can take (employment classes, computer classes, resume classes, Job interview classes, learning linkedin, writing a coverletter, basics of starting a buisiness (not interested). There will be a lot to check out in the coming weeks (A lot to journal and tell you all about it!). After the quick tour and talk, The girl went to check on some training opportunities and the guy went to check on some work training opportunities (I think he was already employed and the company must have sent him). The girl (Theresa) came and sat down across from me at the table. We talked a lot, I told her my story and she told me hers. She was out of work since July, worked as a manager at a dollar general store in the city of buffalo and wanted to come for additional training. This is her first time actually getting herself over and now working on getting a job. Apparently, she has 5 kids, lives on unemployment, has no electricity, internet, phone or cable. She has gas but still she says that she is still healthy and not starving. Things are rough for her but its not the end of the world. I'll see her again on monday when I finally meet up with a councelor so she/he can help me get started. I have to admit, I am extremely nervous about being out of work right now. I never thought in a million years that I would be terminated from my job at the hospital (although they say I am up for rehire - I am not sure if I want to go back to the hospital system). I was there until about 11:30am. I had enough $ in the parking meter to be there until at least 1pm.
After I left there, I decided to head south to my alma mater, Bryant and Stratton College. I knew they had a job placement service here. I was really nervous to even talk to them because I was one of their "success" stories as a graduate. I got there around 11:45am. Went over to my nephrologist office and got another copy of my lab paperwork because I had my previous one thrown away when I packed up my desk. I did inform them that I had lost my position at Kaleida but they didn't say too much. They aren't the warmest reception people (not like my other doctor offices). I went to speak to Jen, the placement advisor (seems like everyone is named "JEN" Jeesh!). I was suppose to have an appt with her but I never called but she said she would squeeze me in. I remember talking to her on the phone about a student who wanted to come to Kaleida for her internship. This was around the time things started to change - at first Jen was all for it, then went on my trip, came back and all of the sudden her whole demeanor changed about the whole situation. I remember that I called her back up and told this student that she was to look for another placement. I introduced myself, she remembered me. Told her about the termination and felt really bad this happened to me. she talked briefly about linkedin and their placement services. Asked for my resume (I had one). I told her that the resume is a very rough draft (it looked really good except for a few minor formatting bold/underlining issues). Its all one page. I did forget to put my coding cert class on there but I am non certified. I told her what I was looking for. My immediate job request is an office manager job, perhaps that I can do alittle coding or have an opportunity for the employer to pay for my certification fees or books. We talked about pay amount, told me even though 16.79 an hr is good - I would have to be realistic and lower this alittle bit. I told her the lowest I can go is $14.00/hr, but it would have to had excellent health benefits (such as a good prescription, dental plans - better than Kaleida Health's). I really hated to give that amount, it gave me a little stress in my stomach when mentioning this. 16.79 as an adm assist isn't a lot of $$! Especially since I have 19 years exp as a administrative assistant/secretary and an associates degree. I was asking for 17/hr. Jeesh. We'll see what they come up with. I see the BETC employment councelor on monday, she'll go over my resume. In the meantime, Bryant and Stratton wants a better copy of a resume. I will clean up what I have and send it on to Jen (in the meantime, she will contact her co-hort Diane from the Amherst campus) and will see what they have to offer. Jen said she gets a lot of Medical Admin Assist job postings often. I better clean out my personal email so I can start making room for BETC and Bryant and Stratton emails as well as other websites that have stuff come my way. I have over 15 websites to explore in the coming days (enough to look through and sift through for the rest of the week by job searching for 2-3 hr days). I may even go over to the BETC on thursday to check out their computers and do some searching there (for maybe an hour) - just to get out for a change of scenery (other than here and staying home with the cat!).
Ok, this is it for now. I will be back on in a few days to give you guys some other updates. Let you know what kinds of jobs I see on the websites I received.
Replies
One suggestion I would give: Go through the motions of getting re-hired at Kaleida, even tho you may not want to. Right now, any job is a blessing and if you can get back on there, you can still continue to look for something better. At least you would have a paycheck and some insurance.
Jen, I so agree with wdspirit. In todays world with unemployment so high and no signs of it coming down anytime soon, Do anything you have to do get some money coming into your house. Love you sweetie...
I know that this is stressful, but think of it as catalyst for change in your work life. You know where I am at with my work situation and sometimes it just isn\'t worth being in a negative work environment. I say, find something else. I see the whole \"you\'re lucky to have a crappy job with crappy 1980\'s pay and crappy benefits compared to those of the 80\'s\" as part of the problem. Mentalities like that keep the job market in a downward spiral to the bottom. Do not settle and aim high. Bryant and Stratton have a vested interest in making you a success story once again.
Any employer would be lucky to have you. Don\'t become discouraged and hold your head high. You have a lot to offer. Spruce up your resume and for goodness sakes, check out the VA jobs on usajobs.gov.
I am here for you my friend.
I HOPE THE PERFECT JOB COMES UP FOR YOU QUICKLY.
HUGS
Sounds like you\'re putting loads of effort in so success must be imminent. Just try to keep up the momentum and don\'t lose heart- Remember you are the best at what you do and you need to ensure that your resume makes this clear- Blow your own trumpet!!!!!
good evening everyone, Norma/Vic - even though the thought of going back to Kaleida is a good one, it all depends on whats available out there. With immenent layoffs and cuts, its hard to see what will be available in the coming months. By then, I could be at a new job. I will take your advise, look at the hospital system website along with other job avenues. ok! Bri! Thanks for the website for VA. My friend works for VA and she said there isn\'t anything available, at least here in Buffalo. I know what you mean about crappy job with crappy pay. Its all coming back to that. Pretty soon, we will all be making $14.00 an hr and not be able to afford anything - home, auto, life. horrible! Raging, thanks for your positive thoughts. Rogerjd - thanks for the feedback, I will keep going. blow my own trumpet...LOL! Thats funny... :)