I was laid off last year like many others and have been looking for work for 10 months now.

Anonymous

March 10,2021 at 11:35PM UTC

I did get a part-time job that's ending soon that doesn't even cover rent. My problem is settling. I've been looking for work at a certain pay range to make sure my family's expenses are covered. I have declined a few because the rate wasn't high enough. So many jobs have fallen through for many different reasons that now I'm unsure if I should still hold out or just take the next option that comes to me. Any advice would be great.

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Beth Robbins

03/11/21 at 11:45PM UTC

Thank you everyone for your thoughts. I am trying any and all avenues. I will keep going and I'm sure it won't be much longer.

Anonymous

03/11/21 at 3:37PM UTC

I totally understand where you are coming from! I was laid off last year as well. What really helped me was updating my profile on LinkedIn and having a professional review my resume. My new job is a direct result of my LinkedIn profile - the recruiter found me there and my information was specific enough to have her inquire for more detail. That led to interviews and a hire date right at the end of my severance. I will tell you that I would not have been able to pay my bills on unemployment alone and had to think about making some really hard decisions. After years of a specific income level you acquire a lifestyle commensurate with your income. If I did not get a job before my severance ran out, we would sell our home and decide what belongings we would keep and what would be sold. We had learned a good lesson after September 11. I got laid off and we had to file bankruptcy and our house was foreclosed on because we didn't think it would last as long as it did. It was hard on us, our marriage and our kids. But we made it work...we had to start over and make sacrifices. My advice is to keep looking - talk to your connections - don't be afraid to be honest with them about your situation and ask them to refer you to openings you may hear about. This is a a true situation where you need to be a squeaky wheel. I wish you the best!

Beth Robbins

03/11/21 at 11:41PM UTC

Thank you. Sorry to hear about your story. I too have had to start from the bottom several times. It's not fun but very doable. I have done all the above, LinkedIn profile updates, resume updates, talked to lots of people/recruiters/ex-coworkers and I do get calls. Just things haven't gone to that final step. I'm sure my next job is just around the corner.

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