Five frustrating things about job hunting
1 - Explaining to my mother that her suggestion of the position of Barnes and Noble salesperson doesn't pay quite as much as the job I've been doing the past fifteen years. (She suggests this around once a week.) Even though, yes, I do love books, I can't afford to work there. In fact, I ended up with negative earnings at my last bookstore job
( Read more... )
I've worked in Mass most of the years I've been up here and Chelmsford used to take over an hour to get to in the mornings, so I can't imagine the trip to Boston in rush hour. It's probably better now that they've widened 3 though.
I'm a system administrator, Linux and Windows. I make sure stuff like email works and that computers and people are happy. But heck, I'd take help desk or anything close at this point if it's nearby. Phone support? No problem! Customer support for tech stuff? I could do that too.
One interview I had, the woman asked me if I had children and then asked who would take care of my son on a workday if he was sick. I was a little shocked at the question, but I told her my husband worked from home. I didn't get the job though.
I know what you mean about age. I'm 36 and the network of people I've been working with for years has dried up at a bad time.
I think everyone is tired of failed startups. I've worked for three bosses at several different startups in the past fifteen years (two bosses for over thirteen of those), but because the startups either got acquired or failed,on my resume it looks like I job hop (or so I've been told). One ex-boss retired early and the other is currently working for himself at home or I could have followed them somewhere again. My engineer friends all went to companies that already have fully staffed IT departments.
People don't seem to want to consider me for lower salaried jobs because they can get a fresh college grad who has no family obligations to work for pennies. I saw some of the applicants I was up against waiting in the lobby. Heck, I'd hire one of them too.
And...I'm so very sorry this is all pouring out at you. LOL. Honest, I'm usually a cheerful person! Glass half full! Really! I just wish I could find a good company that won't go away.
Let me know if your company needs a friendly person to call for computer assistance or has anything remotely related that I might fit. I commuted to Deka for a bit up in Manchester. That ride wasn't bad at all. None of the Mass traffic craziness.
On the good side of things, it's been almost a year since my company closed, so my one-year minimum search is almost up! I should find something any day now...
Reply
When I was laid off back in 2001, it was from a software/consulting firm that was in 4 markets. They sold off all their markets except their cash cow. Laid off quite a few folks. Then, sold out to another company. IT is a hard business to be in. The smaller companies are being devoured or overpowered by the big guys, and a lot of the help desk jobs are being outsourced to India.
My company's IT dept is in PA. I think that commute's a bit much for you. I'll ask around. You probably could use a big company for stability.
Reply
Yes, outsourcing is an issue for IT. Not usually for my level, but... Thanks for letting me vent to you though!
Yes, stability is number one. That's why I'm looking at the defense contractors in the area. Sadly, they'll probably be in demand for a while yet.
Reply
Good luck with the hunt. Feel free to vent whenever you need.
Reply
Leave a comment