Unemployment Blues! Will this economy ever pick up? I can't find a job anywhere in Chicago

Libby - posted on 10/15/2012

Michelle - consider thinking out of the box & look at working from home. A lot of women make money blogging or doing various other entrepreneurial things. Also, the best way to get a job is through your contacts. The jobs on craigslist have about 300 applicants each, so applying that way is really just a waste of your time. Get out and meet people in your field. Talk to your teachers, classmates, if you've done internships anywhere, call them. Even if you don't know anyone in the field, try to get to know someone in HR. If an employer has an opening coming up and they know you and know you're interested, they may just call you without even posting the job. In my four years of being a manager I have hired 4 people that way.

Molly - posted on 10/15/2012

l feel you, getting a job is hard everywhere but keep on looking if you are determined you will get something that suits u. And remember to Pray to God to give u more sthrengh not to give up.





goodluck



Molly

Chloe - posted on 09/11/2012

Hi Michelle,

would love to help. There are a few things you could do. A few moms , including me look at self-employment as a way of self sufficiency. I bet you have lots of great attributes that you can draw from. If you need some help in sorting things out just let me know.



Chloe

Michelle - posted on 09/10/2012

I really don't have any helpful advice or anything but gosh I'm glad I live in Australia.



Our economy wasn't hit that bad with GFC and I managed to find a job that's pretty well paid for the industry. We are busy even though a lot of other companies in our industry are saying it's dropping off. Maybe that just a sign of the company I work for but we are just getting busier and busier.



I really hope the economy picks up for you over there.

Michelle - posted on 09/09/2012

I think at this point I would take anything no matter what field of work it’s in. In this economy you can’t be picky about anything. School is a business like anything else and they want to make all the money they can Tamara. A bad economy is great time for them to make tons of money, when people can’t find jobs or when times are tough like now and they go back to school in hopes a degree will get them a job or help them earn more money. I also have an Associate’s degree and this seems to make no difference whatsoever either. Elizabeth I also live with my mother and if I didn’t I don’t know what I would do. Amy it’s difficult to get hired where you want because every job wants years and years of experience or education. No employer is willing to train new people unless you know them or know someone to get you in. If you have a secure steady job then I wouldn’t even worry about going back to school. School will only run you down, cost you money, and anger your employer unless they’re willing to pay for it or encourage you to go back. I hope these politicians really start to something about this problem. It’s very clear in the future their will only be extremely wealthy people and poor people. Forget about the middle class and small businesses.

Elizabeth - posted on 09/07/2012

Some people do know, but I still dont' really know. My boyfriend and I are living with my son and our daughter 18 months and neither one of us is working. We can't find a job and living off cash assistance and his mother owns the place we live.

Amy - posted on 09/04/2012

I honestly think people should work 4 years before deciding on a major. I don't think at the age of 18 people can decide what they want to do the rest of their lives, I can't decide what I want to do at 32 but unfortunately going back to school is not an option for me. If you want to and continue back to school than go for it, just research it this time so you can decide what you want to do, and then figure out if there are jobs in that field. I know the economy is tough right now everywhere, but you may have to consider relocating if that's a possibility.



Look on monster.com, and other career networking sites for jobs. Try contacting local security firms to see if they're hiring, major retailers often have loss prevention agencies, look at state jobs like judicial marshall, and police departments. Good luck!

Tamara - posted on 09/04/2012

I have a degree in Sociology, and I find it useless in helping me get a job in a related field...even with social work. I'm not much of a people's person, so I'm studying to go back to school in accounting.



I would try temp agencies or even substitute teaching and go back to school for a career in demand...



ps-I truly feel ripped off with my degree...now $60,000 in debt. I have met people with associate degrees with better job prospects.

Katherine - posted on 09/03/2012

I hear you! It's horrible in Michigan too. I have a BS in Psychology and there are NO jobs anywhere. I've had to go out of my field to find jobs. Craigslist usually has some good jobs. I apply there everyday. I usually apply for 10-15 jobs and I've had good prospects. I'm also a member of freecycle and they post jobs too. I've gotten 2 jobs from there.