Five frustrating things about job hunting

[jnharrow]

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

Comments

[bluzkat]

I'm assuming you live in NH. I grew up in Boston and lived in Nashua for a year after college. Going into Boston or even MA also means either I93 or I95 depending on where you are and that way lies madness. I learned to drive on 128. Took me years in PA to drive like a "normal" person.

I sympathize with the job search angst. I was laid off in 2001. Talk about fun. I experienced all the same things. Overqualified. Too expensive. If you're over 40yo, you have an added joy. They estimate a one-year minimum search.

Lots of people commute to Boston from NH. My niece commuted from Derry for 5 years. The question is: with today's gas prices is that even feasible?

What's your field? My company has an office in Manchester and will be moving to Concord (I think in 2009).

[jnharrow]

Yes, I live west of Nashua. I wish they'd put in the commuter rail they've talked about for ages, but it never seems to go beyond talking. At least then the commute could be productive...I could read or learn things. But if I'm far away, I won't get home before my son goes to bed and probably won't see him very long in the morning before I leave. I'm trying to avoid that. Also, as you mentioned, gas is crazy right now

[bluzkat]

It's tough to remain upbeat when you're looking for a job. The market isn't great either, but you seem to be keeping positive. B!t@%ing is a good thing to let off steam.

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.

[jnharrow]

Better today! I'll get some more certifications and that'll lead to interviews and things will be fine. That's the plan, LOL.

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.

[cordykitten]

Good luck :)
The number 4, that's exactly what my cousin told me he got told with the exact meaning - too expensive to pay, too old. In Germany. It's kind of universal.
*hugs*

[jnharrow]

Thanks, Cordy. :) I'm sure I'll find something. I think it's definitely a universal thing. It was so much easier when I was younger.

[jnharrow]

I love your icon!

I'm less grumpy today. Something always comes along...

You know, I might prefer the black hole too. I thought it was funny that Career Builder was sending me fast food opportunities though.

[redlamps]

Hey Jane,
Bluz told me your lj page rocked and she wasn't kidding! Totally amazing lay-out.
As for job hunting well that sucks...it's hard to find a job that fits in with all of the different areas of your life. I hope you find something you love soon.
Deb:)

[jnharrow]

Thanks, Deb! Yeah, I'm pretty much just looking for something I don't hate that pays us enough to live. :) Thanks for the good wishes.