i feel for those unemployed.  i've been there, several times.  no fun, but keep up the good spirits and network!  get out of the house, out from behind the computer and meet colleagues for brainstorming, networking, ideas, etc.  sometimes, it's too easy to get comfortable doing nothing around the house.  setting up meets gives you something to look forward to and keeps you in the "work" frame of mind.  my experience with job boards is that they are pretty much useless except for the unqualified, desperate or industry changers.  in my industry, i've done well with networking and recruiters that specialize in my industry.

i have found that everytime except once, my new job was either more money, was a better fit with people, had increased exposure and job duties, or provided a better work/life balance.  i'm fortunate and hope for the best for those still looking.

Quote from: cyrus buelton on August 24, 2010, 05:53:19 AM
COBRA is ungodly expensive. I haven't quite figured out why.

COBRA is expensive b/c insurance companies have to take the sickos and the healthy ones, lump them together in the same risk pool and charge the same rate regardless.  cheaper for the sickos and more expensive for the healthy.  healthy people are better off finding individual insurance on their own.

Ciao.

Quote from: r_ciao on August 24, 2010, 10:18:51 AM
i feel for those unemployed.  i've been there, several times.  no fun, but keep up the good spirits and network!  get out of the house, out from behind the computer and meet colleagues for brainstorming, networking, ideas, etc.  sometimes, it's too easy to get comfortable doing nothing around the house.  setting up meets gives you something to look forward to and keeps you in the "work" frame of mind.  my experience with job boards is that they are pretty much useless except for the unqualified, desperate or industry changers.  in my industry, i've done well with networking and recruiters that specialize in my industry.

i have found that everytime except once, my new job was either more money, was a better fit with people, had increased exposure and job duties, or provided a better work/life balance.  i'm fortunate and hope for the best for those still looking.

COBRA is expensive b/c insurance companies have to take the sickos and the healthy ones, lump them together in the same risk pool and charge the same rate regardless.  cheaper for the sickos and more expensive for the healthy.  healthy people are better off finding individual insurance on their own.

Ciao.

huh, didn't mean to quote you there R, meant to quote carl...strange

Quote from: SacDuc on August 24, 2010, 09:45:12 AM
If anyone wants to talk about what it is like to actually make furniture for a living send me a PM. My short answer is that its almost impossible no matter how good you are, the overhead is ungodly, the up front investment is worse, the hours are long. Oh yeah, then you actually have to run the business, do accounting, advertise, bid, design, draft, sell sell sell, go to trade shows, install, deliver, glad hand, etc. When would you be in the shop actually making product? You can sleep next week, right? Did I mention that all of your materials are commodities and subject to wild price fluctuations?

I'm not trying to piss on anybody's parade, but your business plan should be written up very very carefully before you invest dollar one.

sac

http://www.e-myth.com/

For what it's worth, and each industry and situation is different, I have always had the best result when I called the supervisor/boss/manager by their first name from the get go. 

Saying Mr. already puts you at a lower level, establishing a first name basis right off the bat puts you at an even level in a way.  I also never go through secretaries unless I can't find a direct number anywhere.  Call their direct number and use their first name, they'll think you've already met.

Worked for my brother too with all of his accounts, he just started at Deloitte in NY.

Quote from: SacDuc on August 24, 2010, 09:45:12 AM
If anyone wants to talk about what it is like to actually make furniture for a living send me a PM. My short answer is that its almost impossible no matter how good you are, the overhead is ungodly, the up front investment is worse, the hours are long. Oh yeah, then you actually have to run the business, do accounting, advertise, bid, design, draft, sell sell sell, go to trade shows, install, deliver, glad hand, etc. When would you be in the shop actually making product? You can sleep next week, right? Did I mention that all of your materials are commodities and subject to wild price fluctuations?

I'm not trying to piss on anybody's parade, but your business plan should be written up very very carefully before you invest dollar one.

sac

No worries.
That's pretty much what I've been reading on a couple of different woodworking forums.
We'll see.

I start my unpaid internship this morning.  I am still looking for paid work.  The internship will be Wednesday and Thursday.  Plus I have 3 classes that last a week each. One in Sept, Oct, and Dec. One more too if I can come up with the tuition.

i just applied to the local VFD for a per diem (on call) position.

A little inspiration for all you job seekers.  I will be joining your ranks in a little over a week.    



Video here...   Joshua Wortman: USA Finalist to "Make it at Bushmills"



Story here...   http://www.cnbc.com/id/38850605/

Grappa!  Do tell do tell!  Are you coming state side or staying on the island? 

Thanks for sharing the video!

I have a job, but can speak a little about what I see and what I hear is going on in fortune 500 companies from the front lines.  Most of the jobs that have been shed - that work is still needed, so the employees left are doing 120 to 150% of what they did 3 years ago.  It is of course better than no job, but it does suck more than ever and people are getting worn thin.  Also having less people and a recession creates more work if you are in any form of product quality/engineering since cost reductions, supplier closings, and other economic driven surprises happen daily.

I am not sure when things will turn around, since the longer this mode goes on, and the companies stay afloat, even if barely, then the sparse model is validated and will continue.  I am not sure what will break it at this point.

Iowa is still very low on the scale (6%), but some of my neighbors have been without stable employment for several years now.

mitt

Stella, I will be in the greater Las Vegas area starting in October.  I put in my notice because I am BURNT.  I could go on and on and pregnant dog about the job and the management, but I can't wait to leave it all behind me.  What will I do next?  I don't know.  And that is both scary and exciting at the same time.  For a few months I would like to just chill, unwind, read a bit.  I haven't been home (PA) for Christmas in about 17 years, so I would like to do that.  Feeling as if the last 10 years flew by, and I am left wondering how it all happened.  Feeling that I need to be more proactive about making decisions in my life, and less reactive. 

Sounds like a proactive plan to me! 

During your downtime, you can visit CO and go mtn biking with Mr. Fresh (wedding) Pants and I (and Randimus too if he's not traveling). 

Good luck with your plan!  I'm guessing you feel a big sense of relief!

Quote from: Mother on August 25, 2010, 09:22:04 PM
huh, didn't mean to quote you there R, meant to quote carl...strange

hey mother, it's cool.  when i first saw that, i was thinking "huh?"

Today is the last day of our health insurance coverage.   

But my broker recommended this short term plan  http://www.shieldsbrokerage.com/

It might be helpful for some and it is very affordable but it is SHORT TERM with a lot of fine print. 

Quote from: The Architect on August 31, 2010, 04:06:27 AM
Today is the last day of our health insurance coverage.   

But my broker recommended this short term plan  http://www.shieldsbrokerage.com/

It might be helpful for some and it is very affordable but it is SHORT TERM with a lot of fine print. 

Ugh. I feel for you man.

Managed to pick up a job at the local Fastenal (sells all kinds of industrial products) about 5 minutes from my house. I'll let you know how it works out.

Hope the rest of you find something you enjoy.