As I was spending my hours and hours and hours on the computer today searching and applying for jobs, I came across a question on a job-help site that was written by a fellow who is as terrified as I am about what he is going to do to take care of his family. This is a horrible, shitty time we are in, folks, and those of us who’ve been tossed overboard are seriously reaching the point of going down for the 3rd time.
One of his questions about unemployment benefits running out sent a freezing cold chill all through me as I haven’t really thought about that reality, and I didn’t know how long I had left with mine. Granted, it is such a small amount but it has saved us time and again these last few months. The check for my 2nd disbursement of 401-k was deposited today, and I can only do that one more time before it is all gone — and it doesn’t last very long. When I’ve said here, more than once, that I don’t know what we are going to do if I can’t find a job soon, I honestly, truly mean it. I don’t know what we are going to do.
So I keep searching and applying and revving up my hope and optimism as I fill out the applications and seek opportunities to beg “PICK ME!” in any blank that allows that many characters. It hasn’t been working — I don’t know why — I don’t know what else to do. There are many websites where for a chunky membership fee or for a super-chunky product payment you can get that Competitive Edge that makes You THE ONE Whom Everyone Wants To Hire (plus the small print that says they can’t guarantee a job for you). They all are making money — off us drowning folks who are desperate enough to grab at the pretend life-rings.
No wonder I want to cry. But today’s chill had me doing the following calculations:
February 5, 2009 – the day the lie came true and I was laid off.
March 30, 2009 – the day my benefits ran out. 
May 30, 2009 – the day my bit of severance ended. 
August 6, 2009 – the day my unemployment runs out. 
August 31, 2009 – the last day we can live in the house, with nowhere to go after. 
November 5, 2009 – IF (and you can’t find out if you qualify until after the state unemployment runs out and someone gives it a look) I qualified for extended
benefits, the day the extended benefits run out; although there are lots of message board messages urging that we push Congress to extend the extension.
I am trying so hard; I’ve always been a good, hard worker bringing value to my jobs, and I don’t know why no one wants me anymore. I don’t know what to do where to go. Which way is the wind going to blow us?
Sorry — this has been ‘another one of those posts’. I just had an unavoidable reality check today and I’m freezing from it.
Guess you have tried every law office. How about State DOT’s which all have real estate departments, city real estate departments, etc. Major anchors? I know you must have access to a list of those or even “stand alones” who like outparcel type locations.
P.S. Or how about managing a large property, condo or apartment or recreational community? With your expertise, it would be a piece of cake. I once managed a 940+ condo/apartment community and my background was commercial. Did not know much about it, but said I did and learned once I got the position. Of course the commercial experience was helpful. The most important thing is getting your foot in the door and I did not have anything to lose. Was there over two years. Then I moved on to something else I didn’t know much about. Ha! (Some times the property owners will throw in a living unit for the manager.)