I'm a victim of the Bush economic recovery

[dflprincess]

My job - along with about 250 others - was "eliminated" September 1. As of midnight last night I also joined the uninsured (can't afford the COBRA). I've been putting off posting this until the shock wore off. But they told us at the unemployment office to contact everyone we know who might have leads, so that's why I'm making this announcement.

I've got lots of resumes floating around but only a few nibbles so far. If anyone knows of any openings for an IS Business Analyst (or data analyst or reporting analyst) who is a wiz at SQL, PM me.

[will work 4 food]

1. Welcome to the club

I am enduring my second layoff in two years. I am into the credit cards now to pay for cobra. I do have an interview tomorrow, though. Look to retail, if you have any management experience. They are hiring and the pay can be good. The hours suck as you will work alot of eves and weekends. Good luck

[question everything]

13. You may want to reconsider COBRA

When we pay COBRA we essentially buy the same insurance that our former employer did, and often it has a lot of bells and whistles that you may not need.

Some years back I was on my spouse's insurance and then realize how expensive the COBRA was going to be for both of us. Purchasing my own "Blue" ended up cheaper and I have been having my own since. Both of us have changed several employers and their programs and, as long as I can, I am sticking with paying my own.


Good luck

[liberalmuse]

2. I'm sorry to hear that.

I was laid off in mid-July for the first time. My entire company 'disappeared'. We were government contracters who made maps, but because of outsourcing overseas and Bush cronyism that gave Jeb's state most of our work, a thriving business went under.

Now I'm working a temp job that pays less. They've extended the contract, but my job could end by November. No insurance and COBRA is out of the question.

I wish you the best in your job search!

[catchthefever]

3. I was one too

Shortly after 9/11/01. Fortunately, I was only temporarily retired for 2 months. I am getting uncomfortable, again, because my current employer is not getting contracts because of, well, the idiot. My dad was unemployed for a year courtesy of Reagan. Just hang in there.

[Krupskaya]

4. Sorry to hear that.

I hope you have better luck than I: My job was eliminated in November 2001. I'm still unemployed.

[Aunt Anti-bush]

5. I'm so sorry to hear that.

It's becoming harder and harder on all of us. Not to sound cheesy or anything, but just remember, "Hope is on the way."

[Lydia Leftcoast]

6. Sorry to hear that!

:hug:

[loveable liberal]

7. look in the county and state job listings.

I chose to leave my company a couple years ago because they suck. re-orgs every 6 months, having to listen to money grubbing morons. Went to work for a sheriffs office as 911 dispatcher. Got in at least and now going back to school for masters. State and County doesnt pay much, but is stable and has medical benefits for family....remember, we only have to make it another 2 months....good luck to you and yours...

[no name no slogan]

8. I can relate. I was one of those, too.

I was out of work for most of this year. I found out my job was going away the first day back to work in 2004 after the new year.

The IT sector is not in the greatest shape, but there are still jobs available. I finally got a new job in late July working for the state. You may want to consider that, as I know there are always openings coming up.

Believe it or not, I didn't "know" anybody and had zero connections, yet I got hired. I simply put my best resume into the state db, and got called a few months later. I had one interview (which I aced), and got the job. And I'm no better than anyone else out there.

Even with Pawlenty's "Drive to Excellence", there's still going to be some serious opportunities for anybody with IT experience. Check out the state employment page at http://www.doer.state.mn.us/stf-bltn/jobs2/index.htm, and get your resume posted.

Also, if you can't carry your COBRA, you may qualify for MinnesotaCare, which is the state insurance program for people who don't qualify for any other coverage. Visit the State's Department of Human Services web site at http://www.state.mn.us for more information.

Also, I found the people and resources at the Employment Center (corner of Lake & Chicago in Mpls) to be a great help, too. I took a couple of classes (FOR FREE) and got some very good advice. It was also a good confidence booster for those times when I was feeling down.

It may take awhile, but I bet you'll have a job within the next six months. If you've got in-demand skills (like SQL and analyst skills), you'll get a job.

My thoughts and prayers are with you :hug:

[dflprincess]

9. Thanks to everyone for their support

and to NNNS for the tips on the state employment site. I posted my resume out there and, of course, it's out on Monster and Careerbuilder as well. My friend's husband tipped me off to going out to it every week or so and just changing a word or two so it moves to the top of the list like it's a new resume. I also have a list of companies whose websites I check every week for new listings. That list is growing daily as different companies pop into my mind. Several contract houses have contacted me as a well as a couple outfits for permanent jobs.

Fortunately, there's just me as far as the COBRA goes but I will check out MinnesotaCare. I imagine the 401K account (not that it's that large) might hurt me there but I'll see.

I have classes this week at the outplacement service my former employer picked for those of us it laid off. One of my friends went through their program a year or so ago and said it is good. I'm also scheduled for the Unemployment departments displaced workers program the week after next. I'm looking for classes I can hit the state up for though I guess whether or not you get any depends on how much money is left in the budget. Lucky me, I only live a few blocks from the unemployment office in Bloomington, unfortunately the intersection between me and the office is so torn up by construction I still have to drive over as it's impossible to walk across the intersection (I've tried).

[indigo32]

10. Sorry to hear about this

I would really like to switch jobs right now (You and I apparently do mostly the same thing) and am finding nothing. I may wind up joining you in the next few weeks anyway, Lawson will be laying off 50 people in St Paul I believe.
Anyway I wish you best of luck with everything.

[hermetic]

11. Just heard and wanted to add

best wishes. When I've been unemployed in the past I always go to a Temp agency. It's a good way to meet new people, learn about new places and keep your job skills honed, plus pick up some extra $. Where I currently work we've been just waiting for the axe to fall thanks to this "recovering" economy. And Indigo32, Lawson? Bummer. I work just across the street from you.

[northernsoul]

12. You're on my radar, princess!

I'm very sorry to hear about this, but I'll keep my eyes and ears open for you.
Hang in there, baby!

[indigo32]

14. Well I was right

I was layed off today, I hope we both have some luck soon.
Take Care.

[GAspnes]

15. very sorry to hear that

I'm thinking we should form a network/support group. It's been a poor year for us IT folks.

[Lindacooks]

16. I'm so sorry to hear this

I know what it feels like - my sympathies to you and your family.