What to do...

...when the company folds...

[AWildman]

So, last Wednesday was a day I long dreaded. The company for which I was working wasn't doing so hot. I knew that. I knew it for a while. I had obtained a job with the company's parent company but hadn't started working for them yet. Unfortunately, they replaced me in that new job with a person who had more seniority who also happens to be a good friend. No, I'm not mad at her or jealous or anything, its just the way it is.

Anywho, I'm back to being jobless. I HATE this! Been using Monster.com to find jobs, but I feel somehow like its cheating, as if sending resumes and coverletters electronically is worthless. I feel like I should be sending a hard copy to these people. On the other hand, all the people DID ask for resumes to be sent to their generic "jobs@" type email addresses.

I dunno. I just used to LOVE what I was doing. Now, I'm back to square one. Too scared to start my own business cause both my hubby and I are unemployed (he worked at the same place!) and too scared to move to where there are some jobs. I've lived in Erie for most of my years and I hate to leave but there is absolutely nothing here. *sigh*

[tbear]

Sorry to hear of your bad luck, AWildman, I've been there many times. Now I am self employed (last 20 years or so).
Why not just start your own business while you are looking, keep it up while you work for a new employer and maybe use it as a sole source of income later, when it has grown.
I'm sure you'll find something when the time is right.
Good luck!

[donovanh]

The idea of starting your own business worked for me.. I was unemployed after returning to college / uni and taught myself some skills by making a web design company web site. It became a good thing to show in interviews and proved I had kept myself busy. I was able to go on to work several decent jobs, before going self employed.

If anything it can be a great chance to learn new skills.

[snowman]

"Remember it's not about how much stock you own. It's how much copper wire you can pull out of the walls." - The Simpsons.

Good luck in finding new, good and stable work!

[Broadway]

You wouldn't be posting here on WW unless you had webmastering skills. A lot of people make good money with AdSense sites. Develop/improve the site while you are unemployed and job searching. If it really takes off maybe make that your job or else find a new job and use the Adsense site as a second income.

If you don't already have a site the Google sandbox might be a problem on getting a site up and profitable but possibly you could find a site to buy on a topic you love.

If you haven't, you should spend time reading the Adsense forum.

[webnerd]

If all else fails you could always make up a hand written sign
with the words "Will work for food" and stand on some street corner.
I hear that some of those people make much more then we pathetic web masters do.

Or you could resort to living by cliques such as:
"there is a silver lining in every dark cloud"
"go through wearing rose tinted glasses"
"walk on the sunny side of the street"
"the darkest time of the night is just before the dawn".

[AWildman]

Thanks all for the kind words and advice. I am going to start a website. I already have a good idea. Not a real money maker or anything, but hopefully a helpful site to my intended audience.

When I was employed, I often thought of starting a site, but after working 8+ hours a day, I really didn't feel like coming home and doing more work. Don't get me wrong, I loved what I did but I hardly wanted to do it ALL day long. Unfortunately, I'm finding that some places, not all, but enough to notice, want to see a portfolio. I can't blame those companies. It makes good sense. I just wish I'd have had more ambition earlier so that I'd have a decent portfolio online right now.

I'll let you know how it goes!

Thanks again!

[webnerd]

Here are a few more Cliches to help you cope while you look for a job. Good luck and happy hunting.

the early bird gets the worm
good things come to those who wait
don't put all your eggs in one basket
don't burn your bridges
when life gives you lemons make lemonade
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
don't count your chickens before they're hatched
nothing ventured nothing gained
you have to break a few eggs to make an omelet
keep your nose to the grindstone
the squeaky wheel gets the grease
mind your p's and q's
keep your shoulder to the wheel
go the extra mile
pay attention to details
take your fate into your own hands
keep a stiff upper lip
you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar
a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step
necessity is the mother of invention
whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger
shoot the breeze
see the world through rose colored glasses
put a little elbow grease into it
haste makes waste
keep your eyes peeled
a good beginning makes a good ending
never put off until tomorrow what you can do today

[Essex_boy]

My fav, the light at the end of the tunnel is an oncoming train.