How are you faring as employers shed more jobs than expected?
The unemployment picture is worse than expected.
Has your situation tracked the national trend? Or have you been able to buck it?
While the U.S. unemployment rate ticked up slighlty to 9.8 percent in September, from 9.7 percent in August, employers shed a lot more jobs than economists were anticipating.
The Labor Department said today that the nation’s economy lost a net total of 263,000 jobs last month, up from a downwardly revised total of 201,000 in August.
That’s well above Wall Street economists’ expectations of 180,000 job losses, according to a survey by Thomson Reuters, the Associated Press reported.
If laid-off workers who have settled for part-time work or have given up looking for new jobs are included, the unemployment rate rose to 17 percent, the highest on records dating from 1994, AP said.
What are you experiencing in the job market?
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121 comments Add your comment
Ace Ventura
October 2nd, 2009
9:09 am
Still unable to find a job as a Cisco Network Administrator after being laid off the week following Memorial Day (in May). Job market for IT is ridiculously low in the Atlanta area, I am considering moving to a new state to find a job.
joe divola
October 2nd, 2009
9:18 am
the IT market is great for Senior level people in Alpharetta – not so much for entry or junior level. We are unable to fill senior level positions in IT at our company. these positions require 6-10+yrs experience and the resumes we’re receiving are for only 1 or 2 years experience.
gsjjs1
October 2nd, 2009
9:18 am
I’ve been working on a contract assignment for the past 18 months, no insurance or benefits. My hours are being reduced and the assignment is expected to end in 3 months. Have been diligently looking for something permanent since I lost my job 23 months ago. I’m in the tax field, degreed but not a CPA. Am now considering moving out of state but don’t know if I can sell the house for the payoff amount. About to file bankruptcy since my income has dropped by 1/3 and medical bills for the kids keep coming.
Eman
October 2nd, 2009
9:20 am
I have been laid off since March and yet to find a job. I have a MBA and BBA but only 3-5 years of professional experience. I am also black and have a clean record with with positive references from past employers and clients but there seems to me that the good o boy system in GA still exists. Being a minority, makes it extra hard to find a quality job in GA. I am sorry but if you think that you have it bad then take a look at me!!! When people turn you down because there is a more experience older white person than you; How would you feel? I will keep my faith but because of my skin color the odds are stack against me!!!!!!!!! That is my operating reality!!!!!!!
E
October 2nd, 2009
9:20 am
Tomorrow is my one year anniversary of unemployment. I was a VP in technology/general management with a company that was bought out. Am interviewing for positions at 60% or greater pay cuts but my 15+ years experience make me a risk vs someone with 3-5 years experience. Into my 2nd unemployment extension and the only health benefits I can “afford” (if you call putting them on a credit card affording them…) expire in 24 days. Would move but houses in my neighborhood are sitting on the market for 1 year and listing at less than they did 10 years ago and I cannot afford a mortgage here and rent in another city.
Rick
October 2nd, 2009
9:27 am
People, you need to lower your standards. The days of the easy six figure jobs are over. Time to be realistic.
E
October 2nd, 2009
9:28 am
Hey – Joe Divola. I am finding the opposite. Care to share your company name or pointer towards job postings? Everything I am finding wants 5-7 years experience max and with 15 people **think** I will leave once the market improves and will not give me a chance.
Renee
October 2nd, 2009
9:29 am
As of right now, I work for a large and my job is stable after 2 rounds of layoffs in the past year. Overall, sales are about 30-40% of previous years but there is some activity. My husband is in trucking and that is VERY slow. We believe his company will fold soon. We have both taken hour/pay cuts and our household income has dropped by about 1/3 or more. It is tough, but we have insurance. A quick comment to Eman – most companies need/want business experience (see the first posting). Your degrees are great – what an accomplishment, but in these times, companies need people who can hit the ground running and produce results. I know you are in a catch 22 in that you need a job to gain experience, but if you are up against seasoned veterans, whether black, white, male or female, who will offer their services at a discount, it will be a very tough market for you but I don’t think the only issue is skin color. It is skill set.
K
October 2nd, 2009
9:34 am
Employers are unrealistic in their expectations. They are asking for the world, and willing to wait for it. In the meantime, they are cutting good people in cost cutting moves, and wrecking the economy with their poor business decisions while their CEO’s and other execs are off jetsetting around the globe.
Last week, my wife’s company sent all their execs on yet another expensive weeklong golf outing for “business purposes”, but at the same time they are selling off parts of the business and laying people off because the economy is so bad. They announced that they weren’t giving raises or bonuses this year to the real employees that actually do the work, but the execs are planning a massive and costly national convention for their franchisees in Las Vegas—which of course, only the execs will be able to attend.
And you people wonder why Obama became president. I’m a lifelong Republican, but I’m beginning to believe a revolution is imminent in this country.
Rick
October 2nd, 2009
9:36 am
@Eman
Are you freaking serious?? You’re really going to bring out the race card on this? Ok fine. To quote on few things you said, “I am also black and have a clean record” you’re supposed to have a clean record!! Do you want a cookie just because you’ve never been arrested and for some reason you think you deserve a job because of it?? You also say “Being a minority, makes it extra hard to find a quality job in GA”, let me explain something to you, you are NOT a minority. Asians, Mexicans and basically if you have problems speaking fluent English then you are a minority. Also “When people turn you down because there is a more experience older white person than you” if I was hiring for a position I believe the person with the greater experience deserves the job.
Quit blaming your color when things don’t go your way.
bigboi
October 2nd, 2009
9:36 am
i agree with Renee, well said.
Broke
October 2nd, 2009
9:37 am
What is most unexpected is that everyone keeps reporting that the rise is unexpected! The media likes to speak of the housing market as a general term, but they don’t break out the fact that many architects (like myself), engineers, general contractors and sub-contractors are the ones taking the real hit. I was “furloughed” about a year ago and have sent to over a 250 firms locally and in nearby states; even with excellent credentials, no one is really hiring.
We have an Administration and Congress that are bent on their own personal success and longevity at expense of the tax payers of this country. This is found in BOTH parties. They ignore the people who they work for and instead cater to the special interest groups that keep them on easy street. If you write them on a current issue…you are lucky to receive a response from most of them even four months later.
I expect at the current rate and agenda the country will not see recover for a long time, which for me will mean selling everything after draining all my savings. Although unemployment is helpful it is not really designed to help people get out of their current situation. If you don’t know already…any money you make while on unemployment is deducted from what you receive or replaces the unemployment check altogether. Not to mention that the most you can receive could be easily 1/8 of what you were earning.
Reporters ought to be citing the real 17% number that is the reality more and not the lesser “feel-good” number that they started to dwell on.
mapyeti.com
October 2nd, 2009
9:45 am
I work for a nuclear decomissioning and waste treatment company located near the Perimeter and we’ve been hiring a lot. Since the beginning of the year, we started with 3 engineers. Now we’re at 10. Entry level and senior level both. There is a lot of money flowing from France and Japan (and the US Department of Energy) to convert nuclear waste into a safe form. I got this job in June after being laid off in March after working for only 6 months out of college. If I can convey anything to the people reading this post, I like to convey the ability of nuclear energy to create jobs. The nuclear industry was turned down for bailout money and has still been able to add jobs during this recession. There is also far less carbon released, virtually zero, compared to coal fired plants. There’s a huge misconception about the nuclear industry due to proliferation and sensationalized media. There are many ways to treat the waste and it’s a definite growth industry for jobs in the US if we gave it more backing.
K
October 2nd, 2009
9:47 am
Rick,
If you truly believe that employers higher solely based on who is the more qualified candidate, and not by other factors such as racial bias, you are deluded.
You want to try to tell me with a straight face that a black man with equal qualifications and experience will be hired over a white man with the same by a white hiring manager in Georgia? Don’t make me laugh.
I’m white, but my wife was born in a Latin American country, and is highly qualified and experienced in her field. Yet she has an accent. I have indeed witnessed racism against her firsthand, where blond white woman with lesser qualifications have been hired/promoted over her at her own company.
But just to be fair, I think it goes both ways. I once worked for a staffing company, and I have seen black and hispanic hiring managers who were just as bad as whites in their racist hiring decision making.
Indeed racism is very much alive and well in the workplace.
jobber
October 2nd, 2009
9:48 am
Rick,
Well said. For anyone to think they deserve a job strictly because of skin color when there is a more qualified person of another race really doesn’t get it. I was unemployed for over six months as a senior level manager in the construction industry. I have two degrees, multiple licenses and certifications yet was passed over several times before landing somewhere because someone else was better suited for the job. That’s just how it goes. I didn’t pay attention to the color of the person who got the job. My main focus was were they more qualified and how can I market myself better. Certain people need to realize they are not entitled to have a job.
Rick
October 2nd, 2009
9:52 am
K,
Listen, i’m not saying racism doesn’t exist, but you when you starting blaming every bad thing that happens to you just because you’re not white is just plain retarded.
But if you want to talk about racism then lets about affirmative action.
mom
October 2nd, 2009
9:58 am
Enter your comments here
I am a spirited 50 year old female, no degrees with experience in just about everything. I support 2 sons in college and have to travel 300 miles every Monday morning (I go home on Fridays) to have a job just to get by. I apply every day for a new position closer to home to enjoy my sons but no one is hiring! There are NO jobs….and what jobs there are they do not want a “Seasoned/Old” woman working for them. Someone was correct in saying if you speak English fluently you’re not considered. Everyone wants bilingual. Eman, I think it’s great that you have degrees, I wish I took the time back in the day to do so. Don’t be discouraged because you are black. Sometimes I feel the same way with the color deal due to having been turned down for 2 jobs I interviewed for with all black women. A job of which I was well qualified for. It is a depressing time. I wish the best for everyone. However, when it comes to the government one needs to look at their front doorsteps of our GA government….when a “GO FISH” project is worth more than our home exemption tax wellll somethings wrong. Good luck to us all!
ugaaccountant
October 2nd, 2009
10:04 am
Rick,
A person with an MBA needs to be entitled to a job of some sort, or else this depression will not end. If 17% of people can’t find a job that matches their skill set, then the underlying fabric of capitalism is failing. Having studied economics in college, as i’m sure most of you have, I still see capitalism as the best chance for people to achieve happiness. However Obama and his socialist policies are strongly appealing to people right now who have no job. Therefore I hope that businesses stop living and fear and look back to what made them successful for the past several decades. The constant downsizing will not work for more than a temporary bandaid that will create far more problems than it solves.
ugaaccountant
October 2nd, 2009
10:04 am
Rick,
A person with an MBA needs to be entitled to a job of some sort, or else this depression will not end. If 17% of people can’t find a job that matches their skill set, then the underlying fabric of capitalism is failing. Having studied economics in college, as i’m sure most of you have, I still see capitalism as the best chance for people to achieve happiness. However Obama and his socialist policies are strongly appealing to people right now who have no job. Therefore I hope that businesses stop living and fear and look back to what made them successful for the past several decades. The constant downsizing will not work for more than a temporary bandaid that will create far more problems than it solves.
Theresa
October 2nd, 2009
10:07 am
Enter your comments here
My position was eliminated due to the economic situation last month and I was given 2 weeks severance pay…this after my former position with my former employer was eliminated for the same exact reason. I am starting to wonder if employers are using “the economic situation” to cut costs and make the remaining employees work harder for less pay. I know companies appear to be losing money and sales are down…what is it going to take to get things back to where they were…
Lezabetha
October 2nd, 2009
10:14 am
lol.. Well, I have been looking for a job since April of 09. My problem.. well let me see, I’ve been a stay at home mother for 12 years; the people I used to work for “out of state” are no longer in business so I have no references, and I only have a HS education with a few classes that I took on my own. Of course, I can’t claim the credit hours. The fact that I was a legal secretary, administrative assistant, and office manager that did the work of 5-7 people is irrelevant. LMAO! I send out my resume’ and apply for every job I can find every day. I give myself a 1 in 2 million chance of being hired.
Rick
October 2nd, 2009
10:17 am
ugaaccountant,
Education does not guarantee anyone a job, it just improves your chances of getting an interview, that’s it.
K
October 2nd, 2009
10:21 am
Rick,
I don’t think the guy was blaming everything on race. I think he was expressing a real frustration with being black while trying to find a job in white corporate america.
However….
I would say that in Atlanta, that excuse doesn’t really wash, as there seems to be a much higher concentration of blacks in positions of corporate power than elsewhere in America, especially if you add in government employment. If you’re black and can’t get a job in Atlanta, you probably won’t get a job anywhere.
K
October 2nd, 2009
10:25 am
ugaaccountant,
Nobody is entitled to anything in this world, regardless of your education or experience.
The hard cold reality is that this is a greedy, selfish, unfair world we live in, and if you really want to succeed, you have to earn it. I have an MBA, and though I expected it to open doors for me, I always knew that I was the one who had to walk through them if I wanted to make it.
The problem is that those doors are no longer opening for most of us.
Elle
October 2nd, 2009
10:26 am
@ mapyeti.com:
Where is your plant located? My boyfriend has been looking in that field and we thought the nearest one was in Savannah. He is taking this up in school, but needs to shadow someone for 3 months to sit for the exam. I may be mixing that up a bit. Thanks!
Al
October 2nd, 2009
10:26 am
I would welcome the opportunity to speak with your company that is looking for the senior IT personnel. I am an experienced Project Manager-both degreed and certified- that has lead large teams and managed multi-million dollar budgets. Feel free to contact me at alfeliu@bellsouth.net! Thanks in advance. Al
Lezabetha
October 2nd, 2009
10:29 am
(about the racism comments) WOW is all I have to say. I cannot tell you how many times “I”, a white female, have been passed over in favor of a minority.. “just so” the employer wouldn’t be called a racist. Also, to say this is just a ‘white’ on minority racial issue really ticks me off… Racism against white people is quickly becoming a major problem. This is Atlanta, didn’t anyone pay attention to the census? Whites are the minority here now. Personally, I have never cared what nationality/race/creed/color or whatever you want to call it that another person is, I don’t even care if they are male or female. Yes, I have seen it happen, and am not going to say it doesn’t exist. But right now, in this economy, businesses need people that are going to work smart and hard. It’s all about the bottom line, about their survival. People need to get over it, those who worry and complain about racism are just as guilty of perpetuating it as those who ‘are’ racist. Besides, who wants to work for or be around people that don’t like or want them there? Life is hard enough without putting yourself in a situation that will make it harder on you and those you love. Just focus on the task at hand, if it doesn’t work out, move on to the next thing. Tell yourself, it wasn’t meant to be, and whatever is.. is on the way, and you are one step closer to getting to it.. and it will be better for you than what you didn’t get.
BH
October 2nd, 2009
10:34 am
Racism DOES exist. just not over the counter.
BH
October 2nd, 2009
10:39 am
ps. in atlanta, white and others are minority!!!
ugaaccountant
October 2nd, 2009
10:41 am
Rick, I’m assuming he’s competent as well. There is a severe problem when talented employees simply can’t find jobs. Our economy will continue to contract if we keep this 17% unemployment because there’s only so much you can do with your average company being 10% or 20% understaffed.
Further, I believe that the vast majority of companies were already critically understaffed in the 90’s and 00’s. Just think how much better work product a law firm or accounting firm could put out if their employees were working 40-50 hours each instead of 80 to 100. The surviving employees at such places are so burnt out it’s not even funny.
Illustrative story, a big 4 cpa firm was trimming it’s staff to exactly match their projected January-March busy season workload with 80 hour per week workers. They trimmed so precisely that when 1 person left on his own, they were furious and threatened him. Of course this person left because he was being overworked and asked to do the work of two people. Now because they are so understaffed, they’ll have to find some kind of replacement who will be drastically underqualified. Keep in mind that the majority of legal work is done by people with less than 7 years experience and public accounting by people with less experience than that. But such is life in the new leaner organizations.
Instead, companies should be looking into bringing in more workers since there is so much available talent on the market. Use this knowledge pool and businesses will grow. It will be fairly easy to grow again after such steep declines in the last year or two, providing companies will step up and take the opportunities.
catlady
October 2nd, 2009
10:42 am
Joe, please post your company’s name. My SIL (a decade of experience) has been jobless for 18 months and might be a good fit for your company.
My son, a surveyor (nondegreed) has been unemployed for 11 months in the building hotbed of Asheville. The work of re-surveying the Smokies (fed govt) dried up.
Ali Sharpton
October 2nd, 2009
10:43 am
“Racism against white people is quickly becoming a major problem. This is Atlanta, didn’t anyone pay attention to the census? Whites are the minority here now”.
I don’t think so – whites are certainly not in the minority in the corporate world upper management – that’s who make the hiring decisions.
Why does every AJC blog turn into a race discussion? I could start a blog on Sponge Bob Square Pants and somehow it would end up in a discussion on race. Oh well . . .
Ali Sharpton
October 2nd, 2009
10:45 am
“ps. in atlanta, white and others are minority!!!”
Just blame it on “white flight”.
K
October 2nd, 2009
10:50 am
Ali,
Upper management is not the only group making hiring decisions.
There are plenty of minorities making hiring choices throughout the Atlanta area. In fact, I have never worked for a company in Atlanta where I wasn’t evaluated by either a minority hiring manager or HR rep.
And anyway, I heard that Spongebob Squarepants is gay, so perhaps we can go off on that direction now too….
blueeyedwhitemale
October 2nd, 2009
10:51 am
In 1974 I was denied employment because I am white. I was told there was a new quota and only blacks were being hired. I changed my career choices because I had to in order to get employment back then. Times were hard.
I do not have a degree, and I work in sales, with a draw and commission. I still have a job because I am able to make my employer $$$.
Racism was alive and well back then, and it is alive and well today. From all sides. The problem is some people use it as a crutch and excuse, some as an additional driving force.
If you have a job today, good for you. Keep working hard to hold on to it. If you don’t, educate yourself as to what made times hard and help to turn it around at the voting booth.
Tom
October 2nd, 2009
10:54 am
I hear you K, “Employers are unrealistic in their expectations and ……..asking for the world and will to wait for it”.
This is my 10 month anniversary of being downgraded to part-time after 10 years of full time productive project management with an international industrial hygiene/safety consulting firm. After major job search and networking efforts, I also have seen my short-listed companies and national firms cherry pick their long laundry list of advanced certifications in multiple fields with vast experience required in each. I’ll see these same advertisements re-emerging months later.
As for Obama. You don’t have to be a Republican to realize that he is a political opportunist and nonpublic servant and being horribly inadequate, unknowlegable, and inexperienced to tackle the worst economy since the 1930s. We, the MAJORITY of Democrats knew early what he was and did NOT vote for him in the primaries. We hope the DNC is happy now. Who knows what will happen in the next election cycle.
Ali Sharpton
October 2nd, 2009
10:58 am
K,
You are correct when you say there are plenty of minorities making hiring choices throughout the Atlanta area. However, they are certainly not in the majority. In addition, that “minority hiring manager” doesn’t necessarily have the final say on who’s hired.
That said, I really don’t buy the idea that hiring decisions are based solely on race. I would hope that experience and how you present yourself would be the main factors.
Sponge Bob is gay? That explains a lot !! LOL !!
Ali Sharpton
October 2nd, 2009
11:01 am
Tom,
Do you think the McCain/Palin ticket would handle the economy any better? Didn’t the Republican president get us to where we are now? I know, blame it on Clinton. right?
HereWithaPurpose
October 2nd, 2009
11:03 am
@Tom to touch on your last statement regarding Obama’s qualifications for this economic situation. You have McCain on the other hand who felt that the foundations of the economy was strong yet admitted he knew nothing of economics. They both were selected as candidates before we had the crash in sept/october 08. Obama appeared to be the better choice of the two. Also, I don’t think any one person is qualified to handle this economic situation we face today but at least Obama and his administration is trying. If McCain was in office, do you think we would be in a better economic position today than we are with Obama?
I.M.
October 2nd, 2009
11:06 am
I have been laid off since January of this year and have yet to find a job. I have years of experience, am a Certified Paralegal, and am in college. It seems law firms will take people with degrees and no experience over someone with the training and experience. “Recent college grads ONLY” is what most of the ads say. I apply to 3-5 jobs per day and still nothing. It’s a little discouraging.
Let’s not even talk about the jobs who want you to have the degree and experience but want to pay $10-12/hr! Employers feel that all job seekers are desperate and will take anything right now. I’m sorry, but I am not one of those people.
Sometimes it is all about who you know. Having a reference who works on the inside can boost anyone’s chances of getting a job. Too bad I just moved here and don’t know anyone.
K
October 2nd, 2009
11:14 am
Herewithapurpose,
I know you addressed Tom, not me.
But I wanted to say that as a Republican, there was NO way I could justify voting for McCain. His selection of Palin alone showed he didn’t have the capacity for sound decision-making. I shudder to think where we’d be under his leadership.
But that doesn’t remotely make me an Obama supporter. I think we were pretty much d*mned either way. And 2012 doesn’t look any more promising, as a jobseeker and an American.
Ali Sharpton
October 2nd, 2009
11:14 am
Glen,
I am with you all the way !! Can’t we meet at your trailer park? I like the idea of a cross burning – that’ll show them who’s running the show.
Palin/Rush are definitely what we need to fix this country.
K
October 2nd, 2009
11:23 am
okay, everyone is off on the race tangent now as usual people do not know how to just let stupid comments slide and always want to debate with people who your point will never come across to. Back to the topic of this post, I am a recent graduate and have been waiting tables since I graduated last December. However, I have been applying to jobs both in person and over the internet (and making follow up calls) for at least an hour a day (usually more) for the past six months. I am no longer waiting tables, because working all day for $20 is unhuman. However, I am now unemployed and have still yet to find a job. Out of hundreds upon hundereds of applications submitted I have recieved maybe two interviews/ call backs. I am also currently a masters student. I have not limited myself at all to a job industry. I have even lowered my standards all the way to being a public cashier (they said they were hiriing baggers but I had to draw the line somewhere for my own sanity). I have WASTED countless hours of my time at my new unpaid job (aka looking for a job). It is very disheartening when you did everything you were suppose to (interned, good grades, degree) and I can not get a job at place I should have been working at when I was 16. I am depressed and I know many people are out there because you begin to question yourself (or some immature people may place blame on others..IMMATURE). Anyways, I just hope and pray everyday something, ANYTHING, will come up..keep the faith
Tom
October 2nd, 2009
11:26 am
Ali Sharpton.
Blame it on Clinton? Hardly. The majority of us were Clinton Democrats and voted for a Clinton in the Primaries. Millions of Americans in Michigan and Florida lost their sacred, Constitutional vote together with rigged sham caucuses to push Obama across in the primaries. Mickey Mouse could have beat McCain the GE of 2008.
Sting 'em Buzz
October 2nd, 2009
11:27 am
I’m getting laid off in the next few months after 9 years as a programmer.
K
October 2nd, 2009
11:31 am
That last post by “K” is not the K that started out in this blog.
But now that someone else has been as unimaginative as me to call themselves “K”, I’ll change my name to the much more creative KK in future posts.
That’s as far as I’m going with the K’s, thank you.
Vince
October 2nd, 2009
11:32 am
Got laid off on Election Day 2008 due to “budget cutbacks” aka “We’re failing in our attempt to break into this new line of business, so rather than try and fix it, we’ll just fire everyone”. Now I’m about to get laid off again from a different job because of a buyout from a larger company (and this will be a mass layoff you’ll see in the next 2-3 months in Atlanta). Still trying to find something before I get let go. And I’m in the IT biz. Job market is better than it was a year ago, but I’m still having trouble finding a job here in the ATL to keep me from traveling for work.
I.M.
October 2nd, 2009
11:32 am
@K- I am right there with you. Job searching is a job within itself and is quite tiresome. If your are like me, you are up even lata at night posting resumes and filling out applications.I am so discouraged and feel like giving up everyday. Honestly, it doesn’t make sense to apply for a job with a menial wage. After bills, food, gas, and other expenses, you have no money. Then if you take the job with the lower wage, you’re still searching for a higher paying job. That’s two jobs you’re working and only being paid for one. Like you, I hope something will come through and soon
KK
October 2nd, 2009
11:33 am
But that’s not to say I don’t agree with the other K.
nita
October 2nd, 2009
11:40 am
it’s a mess, the president isn’t responsible for the mess. Bush couldn’t fix it and he is a Repub, Obama can’t fix it and he is a Demo. The blame game is old and adults are so quick to spout off at the mouth. Until the executive, stop taking more from the company than they are worth this mess will continue. There isn’t a person alive worth 1 million dollars in salary. Greed is causing the demise of our once great nation. Materialism and trying to keep up with the Joneses has ruined america from the top level down. when will the America people wake up. It’s time for a revolution.
Ali Sharpton
October 2nd, 2009
11:41 am
Tom,
Actually, I was referring to the “other” Clinton – Mr. Bill . . .
josiah
October 2nd, 2009
11:42 am
750 people laid of this week from AJC this week. Guess we won’t be able to read about unemployment much longer.
Jason
October 2nd, 2009
11:42 am
When will people realize master’s degrees are a spectacular waste of money? Unless you’re an engineer or getting an MBA from a top 15 b-school, it’s unlikely you’ll ever see a return on your investment. Moreover, you run the risk of falling into the dreaded “overqualified” category when trying to land a job.
Rick
October 2nd, 2009
11:43 am
Eman,
I hear McDonald’s is hiring – quit complaining and go flip some burgers already!
ugaaccountant
October 2nd, 2009
11:47 am
Agreed with the new “k”, job market for new college graduates is insane. Your degree won’t get you enough interviews to have a realistic chance at a job. Concentrate on working your network instead(meaning people you know preferably that have insight into your work character). Your degree with 0 experience is not going to get you a job ahead of someone with the ideal 2-10 years experience that companies are now cherry picking to keep cost down but have pre-trained employees.
Sarah
October 2nd, 2009
11:49 am
Lol Rick,
Eman calm down, I read Rick’s post about you and it seems pretty accurate.
Hubba Hubba
October 2nd, 2009
11:50 am
Not sure which “K” is which, but I agree as well . . .
KK,
As long as you don’t add another “K”, you’re good to go . . .
scarlett
October 2nd, 2009
11:51 am
Enter your comments here
This is why I hate Atlanta EVERYTHING is a race issue here. I would say whites are in the minority here, look around if you are black this is the best city to be in you rule here!!!!
Hubba Hubba
October 2nd, 2009
11:55 am
scarlett,
If you hate Atlanta (assuming you live here) why not just be “Gone With the Wind” and move to another state? See ya!
Rick
October 2nd, 2009
11:59 am
Let’s break this down “Because your not black and if you were then you would understand”, There you going again blaming everything on color. Also it’s “you’re” or “you are” and not your.
“I am not playing the race card because if someone else is more qualified then okay.” So you only play the race card when it’s convenient for you, gotcha.
“Some people will NOT give u a chance because of race. Believe it bro!! Wake up bro!!!” As someone said earlier, if you can’t find a job in Atlanta, you won’t find a job anywhere.
KK
October 2nd, 2009
12:05 pm
Eman,
I fixed your response to Rick. Your previous post needed some minor adjustments to make you sound like the intelligent person I’m sure you are:
“Rick, I don’t appreciate your response. Because you’re not black you would’t understand what I am talking about because you haven’t lived my experiences, if you had then you would be able to relate to my concerns. I am not playing the race card because if someone else were more qualified then me I would be fine with that, but some people will NEVER give you a chance because of race. You should be aware of this! Open your eyes to the truth, sir!”
You’re welcome.
David
October 2nd, 2009
12:05 pm
27 year old male, been with the State 4 years and am in the final stages of coming on with the county for more money and a much closer drive from home.
Worried Sick...Literally
October 2nd, 2009
12:09 pm
My husband was laid off December of last year from AT&T. (Ho, f’in Ho as we got used to saying last Christmas.) He’s your “perfect employee”… never calls in sick, goes above and beyond to do his job, gets along with everyone, forfeits vacation time because “they need him” and even takes 50 minute lunches instead of 60 because he has to be back at his desk so he can set a good example for his direct-reports. His reward? He’s been on ONE face-to-face interview and had ONE phone interview and he applies to dozens and dozens of ads on all the job websites each and ever day.
We have medical bills piling sky high due to a chronically ill child. If it were up to me, I’d move to wherever in the world he could find a job that made him happy, but we’re stuck here in ATL because 1. housing market sucks and 2. due to it’s horrible condition inside (rugs and floors need to be replaced…they just won’t come clean anymore) we wouldn’t even get what we owe on it anyway. I’d walk away from it, but then we’d be living in a shelter or in our van since we don’t have $ for a deposit on an apt. Creditors call and want their $ and threaten bad credit ratings. I tell them 1. can’t get blood from a stone and 2. if things eventually get better and people get jobs, practially EVERYONE’S credit rating is going to suck until they get back on their feet, so BFD. We don’t qualify for food stamps because I make too much money, yet with car payment, utilities, co-pays for the multiple doctor’s visits, Rx’s and gas to get back and forth we haven’t gone grocery shopping in three weeks. The cupboard is bare. I don’t eat breakfast and lunch unless a friend takes me out because we don’t have anything for me to even bring to work. I fight the nauseau by drinking lots of water when it hits. All our food goes to feeding our daughter and giving us basic sustinance so we can survive. Lots of pasta and rice. My chest is constantly tight and I feel as though tears are always a “boo” away. Haven’t had one yet, but wouldn’t be surprised if I wound up having a full-blown panic attack at some point.
When I graduated from college in 1986, if you had told me this would be happening now, that I literally would not have any food to eat, I would’ve jumped off a bridge right then and there. This sucks.
scarlett
October 2nd, 2009
12:10 pm
Enter your comments here
Dear Hubba Hubba I moving out of here, can’t wait!
Rick
October 2nd, 2009
12:14 pm
Eman,
You’re wasting time blogging on here – go fill out that application at Mickey D’s – you’ll be glad you did – just think, free burgers and fries all day!! In a couple of years, maybe you’ll get a promotion to Senior Burger Flipper! Go get ‘em!!
KK
October 2nd, 2009
12:14 pm
Eman,
I can’t for the life of me understand why a fine person such as yourself who expresses themselves so articulately could be having trouble finding work.
A true mystery to me.
ugaaccountant
October 2nd, 2009
12:14 pm
Jason – There should be no such thing as overqualified. That is an issue that businesses need to get over. Hire talented people and your business will thrive. It really is quite simple.
Plus a masters degree is almost necessary these days due to the abhorent standards in our nations schools, even private ones aren’t good enough to prepare people for today’s world.
Rick
October 2nd, 2009
12:16 pm
So Eman,
If this is the attitude you go in for the interview then it’s no wonder you don’t have a job yet.
WERKIN FOR A LIVIN
October 2nd, 2009
12:17 pm
i knew it would happen
Southerngirl
October 2nd, 2009
12:17 pm
Employers: are you looking for X years of experience, or are you seeking skills, knowledge, and the intelligence to apply what the person knows and his intelligent (cognitive ability) dexterity to apply the knowledge and skills? Maybe the problem in our culture is NOT having an educated and “experienced” labor force, it’s the lack of education exposed in these circumstances. The human brain is designed and pre-formatted to perform beyond “experience”. Besides, if you understand the terms “formal reasoning”, you would not be struggling to find the talent and skills you seek. The lack of information is causing the limitations, not the lack of capable adult work force. Understand the difference between “experience” and adult reasoning, and you’ll understand that children “experience” learning; adults “reason” an experience, new and old. Study cognitive science and maybe these unscientific assumptions the culture assumes to be correct will open up the stagnant corridors through which the adult labor force of “educated” “experience” will enter.
Hubba Hubba
October 2nd, 2009
12:21 pm
Where are you moving to, scarlett?
Laurie
October 2nd, 2009
12:28 pm
I have been lucky during this crisis, and have managed to stay employed, working for a good company. My husband is employed as well, but has medical issues that may prevent him from continuing to work. It’s scary to think about becoming a one income family, given the current state of the economy. In 2002, I was layed off from a company and had to move away from family and friends for another job. It was one of the most humbling experiences. I hope everyone can recover from this mess.
Eman
October 2nd, 2009
12:36 pm
Its all good bro !!!!!! Have a great day !!!! LMFAO
Mult-talent
October 2nd, 2009
12:39 pm
I am certainly feeling the pain. I admire a lot of you who are highly educated and have previous longevity in your field. I have a 30 year old ABA, which even then didn’t do me much good in the job market.
The last company I worked for lost their government contract, and I was laid off in Sep 08. It has been a year now, and my Unemployment benefits will expire totally by mid – November. Just before being laid off, my wife was nearly killed by an illegal alien DUI driver with no insurance – she now cannot work and is on total disability. More recently, I developed a heart condition that required medical intervention. This alone now limits my employability, as I no longer can tolerate the heavy physical activities that I had been able to before.
I am multi-talented, due partly to the fact of having a run of “interesting luck” over the past several years. I’ve been laid off more in the last 6 years than I could ever imagine, and as such, was left with taking whatever job I could find – even though it wasn’t necessarily in my previous career field. This, of course, looks bad, as I’ve had several different employers and types of employment in a short period of time, even though before that, I had several years of experience in the same field.
The problem with that is the potential employers are looking at the work history and saying “this guy can’t hold a job”. That isn’t true – I’ve just had a strange wave of working for the wrong employers.
I’m not sure what I’ll do if something doesn’t break in the next several weeks. Maybe Congress needs to do an emergency nation-wide extension on Unemployment benefits (again) – they got us into this, and they need to help get us out.
PH
October 2nd, 2009
12:55 pm
Was laid off at the end of February. Wife’s hours were reduced to part-time in April. I found a job (less pay) the first week of June after 117 resumes sent out. The wife finally lost her’s the week after I got mine. We are operating at half of what we were bringing home back in January. We are not making it.
Alan
October 2nd, 2009
12:56 pm
I’ve had one hard year. I was a Finance Mgr with an automotive dealer. I took a “double-hit”. The banking industry was very tough and automotive sales drastically declined. I lost my job, my house, and my car was reposessed. I had to sell 50% of my possessions on websites to get my car back and pay utilities. I almost lost my marriage. My “affordable” healthcare is $235 a week. I just hope that I get a break. I did take a commission sales position that sometimes doesn’t even cover the basics…all this and I’ve really tried to make it. It’s exhaulsting. I see people eating out and buying clothes; taking vacations and I feel like a failure.
Arthur Blank
October 2nd, 2009
12:59 pm
I work for the BEST employer in Atlanta. COMCAST!
Comcast cannot find enough good employees as they don’t exist. The reason why? To work at Comcast you have to be drug free, past a criminal background check, and have a CLEAN driving record. Those 3 requirements reject 95% of the applicants who apply. It seems the overwhelming majority of people can’t stay off drugs, out of jail or drive the speed limit. Go Figure!
Arthur
Matt Smith
October 2nd, 2009
1:01 pm
I ate 23 pieces of fried chicken today!
Worried Sick...Literally
October 2nd, 2009
1:08 pm
Alan, I’m totally with you. I work with people who go out to lunch every day, go shopping all weekend, talk about their trips to the spa, brag about their upcoming vacations and I just want to scream at them to “STFU”!! I’m not normally a jealous person and I hate feeling this way.
Worried Sick...Literally
October 2nd, 2009
1:12 pm
Matt, I was just going to ignore your comment, but I can’t… I just can’t. You may think your comment is funny, but it isn’t, at least not to me. In fact, it’s probably one of the cruelest things you could’ve said. I pray to God that you NEVER have to know what it feels like to go hungry.
Carl Hungus
October 2nd, 2009
1:13 pm
Eman, where did you get your MBA? Nevermind, don’t answer that.
Richard
October 2nd, 2009
1:17 pm
Unemployment is high and growing. Racism has been, and will always be, an issue in a society as diverse as ours especially in times of economic disaster. A college degree is not worth as much as it used to be since countries like India, Russia, and China have more graduates each year than we have students in all levels of our universities. Our companies are loosing their ability to compete and the leveling of middle class will continue across the world. And after all that is said, its the workers that will continue to suffer. As the owner of a small business, I wish I saw the end in sight. As a middle class American that is nearing retirement age, I had my chance to live the American dream. I am fearful that my children will not have the same opportunity.
L
October 2nd, 2009
1:19 pm
I got laid off 2 weeks ago at almost 8 months pregnant because they eliminated my position. Of course, who is going to hire someone who will deliver next month?
Atl Resident
October 2nd, 2009
1:20 pm
If only the employed on here knew what’s like to be umemployed. It’s hell and easy said than done. But anyway, whats sad about this is that most employers want most people with “years” of experience to cut training costs and most people who unemployed dont have anything close to that. And they want many people to get additional education and training, but for what. If it’s nothing but “years” of experience it doesn’t matter how many certificates or degrees you got.
Shar
October 2nd, 2009
1:28 pm
I am 52, have a bachelor’s degree magna cum laude from an Ivy, have 15+ years experience in advertising and marketing, was laid off at the end of January (no warning, no severance) and I can’t even get a confirmation email from the hundreds and hundreds of jobs I’ve applied to. We have 3 kids, 2 in college and the youngest a senior in high school, and, since we lost the college savings in the crash, we are trying to pay for everything from my husband’s salary. The 2 in college have been attending out of state, but we’ver pulled them out and they’ll finish at a Georgia state school. The youngest, a National Merit semi-finalist, dreams of Ivy but will go to UGA.
There is no way that I will be employed again. My husband is carrying a crushing load, and I don’t know what we’ll do if his company tanks. The kids are being great about the changed circumstances, but they are looking ahead at their futures and are very worried about their prospects.
And all the City of Atlanta seems to be able to do is raise our taxes and make things even harder.
joe
October 2nd, 2009
1:30 pm
We need a 32 hour work week and then employers can hire more people to fill the gap. Employers need to quit this crap about being overqualified. Everyone needs to take a pay cut (especially the CEOs) so employers can afford to hire more people. More people working means more people spending, lifting the economy. Got a better idea?
D.A.D.
October 2nd, 2009
1:45 pm
To Worried Sick…..Literally. Just wanted to say that I am sorry for your troubles. I hope that things turn around for you. I hear that we are not handed more than we are able to handle. Maybe it doesn’t feel that way while you are in the midst of it, but the sun will rise again and you will survive this. My best to you and your daughter.
B Davis
October 2nd, 2009
1:45 pm
After my last employer cut my hours to four with one day’s notice, I I promised myself I’d NEVER ever trust one employer as my sole income source. I launched full-time into self-employment. The struggle was ugly, but I survived. Instead of seeking someone to hire you, hire YOURSELF. Get rid of the excuses, pray and trust God to help you find the lucrative opportunities disguised as ugly problems!
Shannana
October 2nd, 2009
1:50 pm
Thankfully, over the past 2 years, I have survived my company’s lay-offs. Not all of my friends have. My dept has work scheduled well into the next 2 years but that doesn’t make me safe. I think about it every day that one day, and it could be soon, I,too, may be unemployeed. I pray for those who are every day.
itsme
October 2nd, 2009
1:55 pm
My brother was laid off from his office manager/bookkeeper job (no six figure salary here) last December. He has sent out hundreds of resumes, but no luck. When is the federal government going to address this serious problem? How about some support for small businesses so they can begin hiring again?
Affirmative Action is for Losers
October 2nd, 2009
2:13 pm
Eman,
Go thump your Obama-sucking chest somewhere else, Loser.
Stop blaming the non-existent “White Devil” on your own incompetence, bad attitude, poor personal hygiene and stupidity.
ornery
October 2nd, 2009
2:20 pm
Your still employed? How’s Oscar? Are you a reporter or a janitor that has a blog post? Your drivel of ineptness makes Technobuddy look like a Pulitzer Prize winner. Go work at Wal-Mart as a greeter, your reporting well it’s just not reporting..
D.A.D.
October 2nd, 2009
2:26 pm
To Shar – I think you, like many folks of our generation, are caught in the middle. You are not required to pay for your children to attend college. While you are doing that, you and your husband are suffering currently and jeopardizing your chances for retirement. I realize that times are a bit different, but 20 years ago I paid for college and law school myself. Sure, I left school with loans to repay and it meant that I had to work during school and didn’t get to party or join clubs, but I did not bankrupt my parents.
Legal Assistant / Secretary / Administrative Assistant
October 2nd, 2009
2:46 pm
Former secretary / legal assistant / administrative assistant looking for work:
If your company is looking for a secretary / legal assistant / administrative assistant with intermediate to advanced skills, please post the name of your company ASAP.
Thanks!!
Signed, Haven’t worked in over a year, need a job ASAP!!!
TC
October 2nd, 2009
2:46 pm
To Worried Sick…Literally
My heart truly goes out to you and your family. It appears in times like this we should be trying to come together as people, regardless of political affiliation, race, economic background, education, etc…Instead all that I read on this blog is how someone deserves a job more than the other when we are ALL struggling to make ends meet. Even in the worst of times we are still separated…unbelievable.
Vick Supporter
October 2nd, 2009
3:01 pm
All you pale-faced haters on here think you are so smart. I am better educated, more intelligent, better looking, in better physical condition and make more money than all of you ignorant rednecks on this blog combined. I make over $70,000 a year as a Network Engineer for Crisco. I can make my own hours and get to call my own shots while of you pathetic people blog on here before rushing off for your shift at McDonald’s in your rusty used cars. None of you ignorant haters will disrespect me the way you have done Vick.
You all are jealous that I can buy whatever I want to whenever I want it, and it just KILLS some of you haters. Some of you cowards are even so jealous of me my success that you post on here using my name to try to make me look arrogant and stupid.
December 6th is the day…………
The Great Mike Vick Has Returned.
Glossybird
October 2nd, 2009
3:06 pm
Reading the stories on here hurts. I was unemployed for six months last year, and as the sole income earner in my three person household, with a mortgage payment, I was terrified when there were NO responses to the 300+ resumes and cover letters I individually crafted to each job opportunity that I applied to. I have a Bach degree in Bus Admin, I have five professional certifications, and I have impeccable references from 10 years of work experience. There was no reason for me to be without a job! For those in this boat now, one tip I’ll share: Go to angelfoodministries.com and search for a location near you to pick up boxes of food. The Thanksgiving box is lovely for $36. No income qualifications, no hassle, can even order online to pick up later this month. I still buy their fruit and veggie box for $22 because the job I did finally get pays $600/mo less than I made before. I already lived pretty lean, even CCC said I didn’t have any room to cut. This non profit service is one of the ways I trim my budget. Just a suggestion…
catamount
October 2nd, 2009
3:08 pm
How can you survive on 70k a year? I guess you lease a car and live in an apartment. Way to go VS.
Glossybird
October 2nd, 2009
3:14 pm
Vick Supporter – you wrote Crisco…
Didn’t you mean Cisco ?
Or is that another meaningless chicken reference?
(Please take your taunting elsewhere)
ugaaccountant
October 2nd, 2009
3:16 pm
70k a year in the ATL is plenty for 1 person. Judging from his email, I highly doubt he’s married or takes care of anyone but himself.
I also loved that he works for Crisco, which I believe is a cooking oil not the computer company he was thinking of!