14 Months of Unemployment

To date, I have been unemployed for a little over 14 months. I have sent out over 1400 resumes and filled out a little over 700 applications.

I have a couple of opportunities that have come up over the last couple of weeks and I am waiting for responses. I have talked with several friends of mine over the past months. Some are still unemployed. Most remain unemployed or under-employed.

Just last night, I received an email from a company that had passed over my resume. They now want to talk about another position. So, things are getting better for me.

I still remain optimistic and believe that 2010 is the year that will change my employment status. As I look at the stock market and see that it has slipped below the 10,000 mark, I can sense that most people are concerned that the recession is not over as predicted earlier. Americans have started to pay off much of their debt. Issuance of new credit cards have dropped significantly.

In time, things will improve, but I hope that people have learned their lessons. Don't spend more than you can afford. I have seen too many people suffer from credit. When used with no control, credit can be a very cruel master. Needless to say, we have moved away from credit as much as possible and pay cash for all of our purchases.

Several years ago, we bought two sofas for our family room using one of those "No Payment and Interest for xx Months" programs. At the time, it seemed like a great idea. However, when you are laid off about a year later and your payments are about to come due, you have a problem. I suggest that you never use one of those programs. Given most corporations' track records, you may be laid off and throw to the street.

Jobless Rate Falls Unexpectedly to 9.7 Percent in January

FOXNews.com - Jobless Rate Falls Unexpectedly to 9.7 Percent in January

Good news with a little bad. Jobless rate has fallen below 10%. However, employers will shed 20,000 jobs. It looks like a roller coaster.

I have been noticing a steady increase in the number of jobs out there. I have had more responses to my resume in the past 4 months than the entire year of 2009. Given that, things are looking up for a lot of my friends.

Today, I have an interview for a state position. I am very excited about it and continue to pray for opportunities and the one opportunity that will allow me to go back to work in an enjoyable environment.

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Jobless Claims Rose Unexpectedly Last Week

Jobless Claims Rose Unexpectedly Last Week - FOXBusiness.com

Although the jobless claims are up, there are more jobs on the market. Do not worry about the numbers. I know it can be depressing and you will get frustrated from time to time. Just stay the course. Don't give up. Keep networking. Keep sending out those resumes.

I know it is easy just to give up and stop looking. You will find something. In the mean time, look at what you WANT to do and work towards achieving that. During this portion of your life, you have a chance to change things. You can do something you want to do rather than something you have to do.

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Dell to Cut More Jobs this Week

Dell to cut more jobs this week - Austin Business Journal:

A Dell Inc. spokesman confirmed reports that the computer maker is making another round of jobs cuts at several locations this week, including its local operations.
However, Round Rock-based Dell (Nasdaq: DELL) isn’t disclosing specifics such as the number of layoffs or the exact facilities affected by the job cuts.

Sam's Club Cuts 11,200 Jobs, 10% of Workforce

Sam's Club Cuts 11,200 Jobs, 10% of Workforce - FOXBusiness.com

SAN FRANCISCO--Sam's Club, the warehouse club division of Wal-Mart Stores Inc is cutting roughly 11,200 jobs, or about 10% of its workforce, as it outsources in-store product demonstrations and eliminates positions used to recruit new business members.

As more and more people lose their jobs, the tax base drops and the government has to do 1 of 2 things. 1) Stop spending and cut back on programs. 2) Borrow more money and expand government.

Not matter which one the government choses, one thing is for certain. Keeping people employed and get people back to work is essential to the growth of the economy.

In about 2 weeks, I will be observing my 14th month of unemployment. After all this time of unemployment, I am still optimistic. We have continued to pray for more opportunities and have received help, hope and love from those around us.

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Job Creation is US Lawmakers' Top Priority in 2010

Job Creation is US Lawmakers' Top Priority in 2010 - FOXBusiness.com

With about one in 10 Americans out of work, the highest percentage in 25 years, President Barack Obama's fellow Democrats -- who control the Senate and House of Representatives -- are making job creation their top priority.

I have been unemployed for almost 14 months and have sent out almost 1400 resumes and filled out just about 700 applications. My family and I remain hopeful and continue to be optimistic. I know that God has a plan and we will follow Him wherever He leads. You have to have that sort of faith when you are looking for your next opportunity.

I know that it seems dark and that everything seems to be going in the wrong direction, but know this. You are the irresistible force. You will make it. I know you will. Just keep moving forward. Keep a positive attitude. Make it a point to do something wonderful for someone each and every day.

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Weekly Jobless Claims Hit 444,000

Weekly Jobless Claims Hit 444,000 - FOXBusiness.com

WASHINGTON--The U.S. unemployment rate, currently at 10 percent, is unlikely to drop below 8 percent before 2012, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said on Thursday.

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