A couple of months ago NBR assignment editor, Kira Rockell, approached me about doing a slice-of-life piece on unemployment. The idea was to look at life from a jobless person's perspective. I was a little dubious about the assignment. Being without work and struggling to make ends meet are not topics most folks like to discuss, especially on television. But, I cast out my net to contacts, hoping we would find someone.
I was overwhelmed by the response. I received calls and emails from more than a dozen people who were eager to share their stories with me. Talking to me, even over the phone and via the internet, seemed to be cathartic. Everyone's story was compelling, so it was hard to select one. That's why we decided to tell three stories in my series "Once Upon a Job." Some of the people we didn't profile will appear in a panel discussion on our Labor Day special
For many of us, this is the first time in our lives that unemployment has reached into every sector of the economy and every corner of our lives. Those of us who haven't lost our jobs probably know someone who has. They're our neighbors, our relatives, and our former co-workers. They are people who worked hard at their jobs and were incredibly successful. Unfortunately, they became victims of a sick economy.
Many of the people I spoke to said they received little in the way of outplacement. Outplacement specialist John Challenger says that seems to be the norm these days. He says in recent months severance packages, which often include outplacement, are becoming more meager.
Still, other organizations are stepping up to the plate to fill the void. Churches, synagogues, public libraries, and community colleges are offering a wide variety of services to the jobless. Jewish Vocational Services has several outstanding networking and counseling programs around the U.S. The programs are non-denominational and fees are minimal.
The American Library Association says more than three-quarters of public libraries offer computer training to patrons. Many also help with skill assessment and provide seminars on resume writing and interviewing.
All of the employment experts I talked to emphasized the importance of networking. They encouraged the jobless to reach out to friends and families for job leads. They also recommended joining internet sites like LinkedIn. College and university alumni associations are also good places to network.
Many of the people I spoke to in my series have been out of work for several months. While some admitted they do get discouraged, they remain confident they will find work again
Comments
I started early, my full-time job losses began in 1990 when I hit that "early" senior age, and it was because of the heavy duty competition in the area where I reside. I thought training in a different field would work wonders but it didn't, again heavy duty competition hit hard. I've come to the conclusion that once a person hits 35 they can no longer be a beginner at supevising (even the government won't let you train as a supervisor or manager for the government) and once they hit 50 their only way to survive is by owning their own business (because too many schools are graduating too many students and with higher degrees) so along the way it's best to make contacts who respect you and what you sell and who will buy what you sell. It's not a fantastic pay but it gets the bills paid. And yes I am a small business consultant because I've been there and done that.
I started early, my full-time job losses began in 1990 when I hit that "early" senior age, and it was because of the heavy duty competition in the area where I reside. I thought training in a different field would work wonders but it didn't, again heavy duty competition hit hard. I've come to the conclusion that once a person hits 35 they can no longer be a beginner at supevising (even the government won't let you train as a supervisor or manager for the government) and once they hit 50 their only way to survive is by owning their own business (because too many schools are graduating too many students and with higher degrees) so along the way it's best to make contacts who respect you and what you sell and who will buy what you sell. It's not a fantastic pay but it gets the bills paid. And yes I am a small business consultant because I've been there and done that.
The US economy is in a mess and I can only offer understanding and sympathy for the unemployed. It is depressing. Unfortunately, many will be required to downsize and relocate because their jobs have already be relocated; a fact that our politicians ignored for the past 20 or more years. This type of programming belongs on a lengthy industry/governments critique program where some foresight might be forthcoming.
By the way some of the areas have been less effected. NC is benefiting from their earlier educational programs and industrial development. Check out the RDU triangle.
Sincerely, Jarl Johnson
"Improved productivity" in most firms is code for "improved bottom line." How many firms have sent their technology support and/or infrastructure OFFSHORE for the sake of lower wages? All of them! That's "improved productivity" to most of them. Most major firms have a substantial stake in technology in order to run their businesses with acceptable efficiency, and they claim to be "U.S. corporations" but the major assets that are IN the U.S. are only the top execs that pocket the revenues. The old boy network is hard at work preserving the status quo on the backs of employees out of work for the sake of profit margins.
Add some non-tech-savvy management to the mix and you get firms whining to Uncle Sam about "we NEED more H-1Bs" or "we NEED tax breaks" or something else so they are able to compete on a global stage. Perhaps better-educated management is a more appropriate solution, which might actually keep more jobs in the U.S. with U.S. citizens!
Washington needs to re-take control of governing the country and recalibrate the constitutional axiom "of the people, by the people, for the people" by reinstating their role as grantor of rights for corporations to even exist and provide clear direction on what benefits (e.g. reduced taxes), if any, a "U.S. corporation" may retain if it moves substantial assets, both physical plant and people, to other countries.
In your story about Jim & Carole Feintech you alluded to an idea that the current dliemna for the Feintechs really began when Jim lost his "6-figure" salary 9 years ago. While the productivity of the workforce goes up, the standard of living for the lower 2/3 of the employees goes down. This is not sustainable over the long term.
Many 50-somethings jettisoned from their jobs may never find another sandbox to play in. There isn't enough time. I have interviewed for several jobs only to learn that a 30-year old got the nod. I didn't even get a return call.
Like Jim, my career was a steady decline over a period of 10 - 15 years until the string finally ran out. Good performance, good attitude, and a good education didn't matter.
The scary part of all this is that there are many who have given up the search. They call themselves consultants; but have no clients. We don't know how many of them exist.
Thank you for showing a REAL story about the employment picture out there! Jim & Carol's situation is very common among us folks who want to work; but can't.