19
And the hits keep coming
I have been in the job hunt process for a couple months. A few weeks ago, I felt like a caught a break and made a top notch impression only to be put on hold because of the pandemic. I was keeping my head up and a smile on my face knowing that once this all settles, I will be back in the thick of it. I have to be picky and not able to work at a grocery store because we have immunocompromised family members.
This week, they called school for the rest of the year, which is a small blow because we need to figure out distance learning, etc. However, got good news on this; our daycare is holding our daughter's spot for if/when I get a job.
Well today, my family took a new blow with my husband losing his job as well. :(
This has been really tough already with me not having a job and now I'm scared of what is about to happen to us since we are both searching.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Paula MasiulewiczMarketing, Communications & Branding Pro.
18
03/31/20 at 2:53AM UTC
You are not alone! I'm right there with you. I have been searching since December and my active leads were put on hold by the recruiters / hiring companies pending a virus resolution. I'm just rolling with it, knowing that this is just temporary. Hang in there!
Lynne CoganCareer Coach for Realizing Professional Dreams
871
03/30/20 at 5:23PM UTC
I know you're experiencing a challenge right now. And with the passing of the stimulus package, you and your husband most likely are both eligible for $600 a week or nearly $5,000 a month total. That is on top of unemployment. That is a wonderful safety net.
Keep your job search very focused. Determine what you want to do and where you want to do it. Definitely consider contracting, temping, and freelancing work, as long as you focus on where you want and can provide the most service in today's world.
Taking online courses is great. Do it for enjoyment, yes. But take courses that are going to provide skills that will make you better at your work.
And find a secondary stream of income that can be done online--preferably passive/leveraged income that will enable you "to make money in your sleep." Something you enjoy, that provides a service to others at a price point(s) that works in today's market.
I realize that this is entrepreneurial. And one of the lessons that many people will learn from this experience is that it is extremely unwise to depend on a single source of income. Thinking that having a job means financial security is an illusion passed down from generation to generation. It is a myth.
Anonymous
03/30/20 at 3:20PM UTC
Keep your head up. There are so many of us in the same boat. I have been taking a lot of online classes to keep busy.
Jackie GhedineCoach Gen X Women|Host Modern GenX Woman podcast
6.03k
03/28/20 at 11:12AM UTC
Kyla, my heart goes out to you and your family because these times are like riding the worst roller coaster in the world (and having motion sickness).
Unfortunately, you cannot change the output (what happens) but what you can do is change your input.
There are companies still hiring, some of which need more help than ever. What I would suggest is for both of you to double down on the job search so you feel like you are doing all you can right now.
Take time to develop your personal brand and personal career story.
Take time to practice behavioral interview questions.
Make sure your LInkedIn is up to date.
Productivity actually increases self-worth and confidence.
And in between ALL of that, enjoy the extra time with your family. Do things as a unit that you couldn't normally do as often. Movies, board games, bike riding, catch, soccer, etc.
Good luck! Sending you all the good vibes in the world.
Anonymous
03/28/20 at 10:46AM UTC
Thank you for sharing, Kyla. I know it might feel like everything is closing in but I really believe it'll get better! Would love if you kept us posted!
