Not sure where I fit in!

[jdiam46]

Hi All,
I am writing because I'm not sure where I fit in to the scheme of things anymore. I have been unemployed for almost 4 months now from a company where I had given close to 27 years of my life. As with many companies they packed up and moved to Mexico. I have many applications and resumes turned in, but I certainly don't have employers busting my doors down. I know that I am far from alone in this situation, but it has gotten to the point where I don't feel like I am a valuable asset to anyone anymore. I have friends and former co-workers still without employment, but they are all married and have other finances coming in and also have someone there to talk to about their feelings. I am on my own with only my income and I have about 2 months of unemployment left. Am I alone in these feelings? Any words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Singer]

Hi jdiam46,

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your job. What type of work are you looking for? Unemployment can really get you stuck in a cycle of negativity. You've lost your place and with it your sense of self-worth. Would it be possible for you to seek temporary employment just to get back into the loop while you try to regain your balance?

Good luck to you and welcome,
Singer

[seeker]

Hello,

Welcome to the board.  I live near Silicon Valley and loads of people were laid off when the bubble finally burst a few years ago.  Some people I know are still looking.

I think the key to survival is to keep in contact with people, keep working even at temp jobs so people see you are serious about wanting to work, and also to stay in the loop just for the human contact.  Don't isolate yourself.  Be visible.

You may have to retool (learn new skills) or apply old skills to new situations.  Think outside the box to find new opportunities.  Network with employed friends as well as your ex coworkers.  Ask them for ideas (don't ask for jobs per se, they may feel awkward).  Ask, what else could you see me doing for a career?  Just brainstorm away with people who know you well.

Good luck to you.  Keep going.  Keep showing up.  

Hope this helps a bit, Seeker

[BlueTopaz]

Hi jdiam46,

This is not in direct relation to job finding, but just general spirits/mood.

It can be difficult to go through these kinds of things alone... but you are not really alone.  Sooooooooo many people are sharing the exact same experience with you, thoughts and all, right this moment, and so many have been there at one time also.  

You have been working for 27 years which is a very long time as well, so this is bound to be a real adjustment time, too.  

You are a valuable person.  The only dif. is that you are now a valuable person who has fallen on hard times....    The person, worthiness, and value in contribution in your field hasn’t changed…. only the circumstances.  

I hope they will change soon too...

BT