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Victims of the Crash - Chewers who have lost employment in the past year

post #1 of 204
8/15/09 at 3:11pm
Thread Starter 
Did anyone here get fired or lose hours because of the economy? I'll start it off: I've lost 3 hours a week at my job. It sucks. Save me, Obama!

Is anyone else here being adversely effected when it comes to employment due to the current economic climate? I'm curious to see how many on here are dealing with this situation too.
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post #2 of 204
8/15/09 at 10:09pm
I've haven't been affected but some of my friends have. including one who sold packages of subprime mortgages to mortgage brokers. He went through 4 jobs after that one. in quick succession. Now he's selling copiers
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post #3 of 204
8/15/09 at 10:49pm
Many people nationwide at the company I work for were cut back in March. District Managers, store managers and supervisors... a lot were cut to streamline things a bit more. Out of it all I got a full time position so I wasn't complaining. Plus of the ones they cut at our store all four were bad apples anyways. So it wasn't a big loss.
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post #4 of 204
8/16/09 at 12:11am
I worked for a trucking company that moved parts to the auto industry, so yes I was affected.

I now how a I much less stressful job.
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post #5 of 204
8/16/09 at 12:18am
I left a company for a job paying more money, only to get laid off after two months. I have another job already, but, yeah, you could say I'm stressed. Also: I'm so broke I can't even afford to pay attention.
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post #6 of 204
8/16/09 at 12:43am
I still have my job, but my hours have been cut. Working only 4, sometimes 3 days a week. It's only temporary for me since I have alot of seniority*, but to keep my job, someone else will eventually lose there's. I knew once the plant brought in temp workers, something was up.

*So I've been told, and it damn well better be.
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post #7 of 204
8/16/09 at 12:48am
I work for a non-profit that is heavily dependent on individual donations that it's my job to solicit. So I have a job that gets increasingly hard to do as people grow less inclined to part with their money. And I kind of live every day knowing that if I don't do it well, my company goes belly up. So there's a little stress.
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post #8 of 204
8/16/09 at 2:41am
My hours got cut thirty minutes a night, not too bad, could be a lot worse.
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post #9 of 204
8/16/09 at 8:48am
I used to have a steady freelance gig doing ads and artwork for a coupon clipper magazine. Meant a few hundred dollars extra a month, which with my regular job paycheck, would let me pay off all my bills and get ahead on my credit card stuff. That freelance job, and the magazine, died an ugly death just as the problems started, and I'm struggling to keep my head afloat.

Also, I'm not seeing any new freelance stuff in the near future. Might have to go back to dancing on tables again...
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post #10 of 204
8/16/09 at 10:43am
I used to have 4 hours of mandatory OT per week but that has been cut.
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post #11 of 204
8/16/09 at 11:20am
I'm a law student, so the economy has personally devastated my chances to get some sort of paying summer job. The ABA bans any law student from working during school, so the only way law students can really make money is either through summer work or more loans.

Many law firms pay up to 2000 - 2500 dollars a week for 1L and 2L students. They end up working 90-100 hours a week, but the money is usually phenomenal. It's a shame firms can't hire students at the moment. All it does is put us in more student loan debt and forces us to pick up non paying internships.
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post #12 of 204
8/16/09 at 12:47pm
I got laid off a month ago. I've got a couple of leads, but nothing solid yet. Hopefully someone will bite. Aerospace industry, if anyone's curious.
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post #13 of 204
8/16/09 at 12:56pm
I'll probably not make it past this autumn. Not directly because of the crash but indirectly. Demand from big companies for IT stuff is way the fuck down. So I'm saving like crazy because if I lose the job and am still in debt I'm fucked.
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post #14 of 204
8/17/09 at 7:01pm
I lost my job in January, and haven't been able to get any work since. I'm applying for absolutely everything going but I'm getting nothing back. Had a couple of interviews and a whole lot of rejections. It sucks :/
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post #15 of 204
8/17/09 at 7:17pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cleo View Post
I'm applying for absolutely everything going but I'm getting nothing back. Had a couple of interviews and a whole lot of rejections. It sucks :/
Same here. Hopefully my commiseration makes you feel better. Good luck.
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post #16 of 204
8/17/09 at 7:21pm
I got essentially laid off back in June/late May. I'm still doing freelance for the paper I worked for, but no longer full time. STILL looking for full time work.

Been to three interviews and submitted countless resumes, applications, etc. It's a fucking ROUGH time to be looking for work.

The employers can be as picky as they want to be, which leaves me, a semi-recent college graduate down at the bottom of the "experience pile."
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post #17 of 204
8/17/09 at 7:21pm
Not to hurt anyone's sense of hope but I've been applying to jobs I'm more than qualified for for almost a year now without a single bite. Not a one.
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post #18 of 204
8/17/09 at 7:27pm
Well, I'm from Canada but the film industry is really hurting here in Vancouver because of the recession. I've been laid off since February and so are most of the film/TV people around here I'm in contact with.

It's actually gotten to the point where I'm not enjoying my free time anymore!!! Terrible, at least I get EI cheques.
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post #19 of 204
8/17/09 at 7:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Werewolf Girl View Post
It's actually gotten to the point where I'm not enjoying my free time anymore!!! Terrible, at least I get EI cheques.
Yeah, I got sick at the same time, and paid out for enough insurance that I'm still pretty well paid through October, but it's amazing how bored I've been. I thought this is what I always wanted, but it's surprisingly hard to carry on a social life without a 9 to 5.
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post #20 of 204
8/17/09 at 7:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gabe Powers View Post
Yeah, I got sick at the same time, and paid out for enough insurance that I'm still pretty well paid through October, but it's amazing how bored I've been. I thought this is what I always wanted, but it's surprisingly hard to carry on a social life without a 9 to 5.
Yeah, I'm trying to use the time productively by writing more, working on my own projects, getting my drivers license, exercising more, yada yada yada; but it's been pretty half assed so far. It's a lot harder to motivate yourself when you know you don't HAVE to do anything. I sort of miss the pressure of a deadline.
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post #21 of 204
8/17/09 at 7:38pm
I think I've written something like 200 reviews since I lost my job, and I've painted, written music, worked on my computer skills, but you're right, it's hard when you don't have a deadline. I end up telling my friends to bitch me out when they see me, which is kind of working.
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post #22 of 204
8/17/09 at 8:22pm
IBM gave me the axe at the end of April.

Still looking for work.
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post #23 of 204
8/17/09 at 10:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Werewolf Girl View Post
Well, I'm from Canada but the film industry is really hurting here in Vancouver because of the recession. I've been laid off since February and so are most of the film/TV people around here I'm in contact with.

It's actually gotten to the point where I'm not enjoying my free time anymore!!! Terrible, at least I get EI cheques.
Wow, that's amazing. I figured you guys would be booming, with Hollywood outsourcing production up there for 2-3 Ron Moore projects alone.
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post #24 of 204
8/18/09 at 12:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Werewolf Girl View Post
Yeah, I'm trying to use the time productively by writing more, working on my own projects, getting my drivers license, exercising more, yada yada yada; but it's been pretty half assed so far. It's a lot harder to motivate yourself when you know you don't HAVE to do anything. I sort of miss the pressure of a deadline.
I have been to the gym every weekday since laid off. That, combined with not eating fast food anymore, and I'm in the best shape of my life. I've also gotten a lot of odd jobs around the house done, so it hasn't been too bad for me. I'm just hoping I find something before my unemployment runs out.
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post #25 of 204
8/18/09 at 1:09pm
I wish nothing but the best to all of you that are in search of new employment opportunities. I have several friends who are in the same boat as you and they're having a hard time getting by, both financially and emotionally.
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post #26 of 204
8/18/09 at 5:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pompoussory Estoppel View Post
The ABA bans any law student from working during school, so the only way law students can really make money is either through summer work or more loans.
What are you talking about? I've had a full time job at a firm while going to law school for three years now. You can't work as an attorney for a firm because as a student you're obviously not a licensed attorney, but where does it say you can't work at all during school? The ABA mandates that a full-time student can't work more than 20 hours a week, but if you find a firm that's willing to work with you, you can make decent money on the side in any number of ways. Plus, it gets your foot in the door for summer associate (and later junior associate) positions.
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post #27 of 204
8/18/09 at 11:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gabe Powers View Post
Not to hurt anyone's sense of hope but I've been applying to jobs I'm more than qualified for for almost a year now without a single bite. Not a one.
Kind of same here when I got my current job. I applied to around 150 jobs before I finally got one, and I almost never got any responses. Maybe a handful.
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post #28 of 204
8/20/09 at 1:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by stunt poop View Post
Kind of same here when I got my current job. I applied to around 150 jobs before I finally got one, and I almost never got any responses. Maybe a handful.
I've had a few phone interviews here and there, but nothing past that. It's frustrating to say the least, because I've been in IT for 8 years and I know I've got the skills.
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post #29 of 204
8/20/09 at 1:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by billylove View Post
I've had a few phone interviews here and there, but nothing past that. It's frustrating to say the least, because I've been in IT for 8 years and I know I've got the skills.
It really is a matter of WHO YOU KNOW, not WHAT YOU KNOW in this current climate. Lean on your buddies/old coworkers to try and get a gig; I've seen it be successful where I work, that's for sure.
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post #30 of 204
8/20/09 at 1:29pm
Yeah, thanks for the advice.

Believe me, I'm working all the angles. As much as I like sitting at home, I enjoyed my work and want to get back doing what I do.
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post #31 of 204
8/20/09 at 1:34pm
I wish I could hire you all at my comic shop, and then everyone would have jobs. And comics.
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post #32 of 204
8/20/09 at 5:33pm
I graduated college last summer with a Bachelors of Applied Science in digital art and a lot of useful skills in several different mediums and haven't been able to land a gig. I've sent out dozens of resume's and cover letters and haven't got so much as an interview. It's a battle of WHO you know over WHAT you know to the Nth degree in the video game industry.

Worse yet, it got hit hard by the recession just a few months after I graduated. All of a sudden studios were closing left and right and the ones that survive don't want to hire anyone without three years of experience and one or two shipped games. Right now I'm scrounging around for anything I can get while fending off depression. I haven't been able to model anything in months.
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post #33 of 204
8/23/09 at 7:33pm
I was let go from my job back in august of last year, and have been completely unsuccessful in finding new employment until now. I have an interview on tuesday for a position in sales at Best Buy, where I previously worked in high school.
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post #34 of 204
8/23/09 at 7:51pm
Ugh. Sucks, but good luck regardless. Anything's better than nothing at this point.
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post #35 of 204
8/23/09 at 8:23pm
I'm actually quite happy about the possibility of working at Best Buy. I really loved working there last time. They pay pretty well for a sales job. And I shop there so often that the discount will be quite helpful.
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post #36 of 204
8/23/09 at 8:41pm
My sob story? I'm a self-employed/freelance type working in the construction industry (design side) in South California. Do that math and it equals a lot of no pay.

I technically have a little job, and some scratch now and then, but it equals about 1/3 of my current pay with 3/3 of my same bills. It will be one year next month and I've drained everything I have. Shit is not looking good.

I'm looking at going back to driving a truck, which I was doing 18 years ago. Also researching a few other work-at-home business type things. This industry is not looking good in the near future.
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post #37 of 204
8/23/09 at 10:02pm
^ but on the bright side you have an awesome avatar!

So I open my mail yesterday (always a mistake) and learn that my next to last credit card just decided to change my interest rate from the "lifetime Guaranteed" rate of 7.79% to Fucking 29.99%! That leaves me with very few viable options for credit if I run into an emergency, or have to pay off the speeding ticket I just got....
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post #38 of 204
8/24/09 at 12:03am
Yeah, that avatar always gives me a rise.
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post #39 of 204
8/24/09 at 12:11am
We're hiring ... a lot of people, most in Atlanta (a few in FL). So if you are a technical/engineer type, feel free to send me a PM.
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post #40 of 204
9/2/09 at 6:03pm
I learned my fate at work today. I currently work Mon-Fri, 12am-8:30am.
Starting Oct 4th, I will go back to my old hours of 12am-12pm Mon-Wed. Working every other Sun. All the temp workers will be handed their walking papers very soon. 12 hour shifts wear you out, but it's nice working those three day weeks. Especially during the winter. Glad to still be employed.

I don't feel too bad for the temps because half are young, and can easily find other jobs. The other half are people that only came where I work because their unemployment ran out. Now they can go back on it and be happy.
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post #41 of 204
9/2/09 at 6:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cylon Baby View Post
^o I open my mail yesterday (always a mistake) and learn that my next to last credit card just decided to change my interest rate from the "lifetime Guaranteed" rate of 7.79% to Fucking 29.99%! That leaves me with very few viable options for credit if I run into an emergency, or have to pay off the speeding ticket I just got....
Call up customer service and find out WHY they changed your rate. If you have a 'lifetime guaranteed' rate, find out what piece of small print they are exercising to raise your rate. Did you miss or were you late on a payment? If so, you're probably hosed.
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post #42 of 204
9/2/09 at 6:15pm
Thread Starter 
Hoping to get my 3 hrs a week back this fall, but so far not looking good.
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post #43 of 204
9/2/09 at 7:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zweit View Post
Right now I'm scrounging around for anything I can get while fending off depression. I haven't been able to model anything in months.
Mate, if it were possible, the drinks would be on me. With minimal alterations, your post is my life.
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post #44 of 204
9/2/09 at 7:33pm
I don't know if this'll give some of you hope, or make you want to kick me, but I got a job today! It's only 20 hours a week and the pay isn't great, but it's a start and I'm super happy Took me nearly 8 months, but I'm working again.
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post #45 of 204
9/2/09 at 7:36pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cleo View Post
I don't know if this'll give some of you hope, or make you want to kick me, but I got a job today! It's only 20 hours a week and the pay isn't great, but it's a start and I'm super happy Took me nearly 8 months, but I'm working again.
Good for you!, hope you get even more hours and pay in the weeks ahead.

I am working 19.5 hrs a week at about 9$ an hour.
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post #46 of 204
9/2/09 at 7:40pm
Well, today I got called in to personnel thinking I was going to be fired. Not only was that not the case, but I ended up getting a forty cent raise!
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post #47 of 204
9/2/09 at 8:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cleo View Post
I don't know if this'll give some of you hope, or make you want to kick me, but I got a job today! It's only 20 hours a week and the pay isn't great, but it's a start and I'm super happy Took me nearly 8 months, but I'm working again.
Congratulations, Cleo! All the best. You too, Whirlybird.
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post #48 of 204
9/3/09 at 12:57am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Judas Booth View Post
Call up customer service and find out WHY they changed your rate. If you have a 'lifetime guaranteed' rate, find out what piece of small print they are exercising to raise your rate. Did you miss or were you late on a payment? If so, you're probably hosed.
Oh I got a nice letter stating that the credit card (From RBS) was changing how they calculate interest. Going forward the interest is calculated on the Libor rate...a rate on international currency exchange between the UK and the US.

What makes this a farce is that RBS, while based in Scotland, sold their credit card operations in the US to a USE company months ago!

So my check to pay off the balance , the ripped up card and a nasty letter from me are all on their way..

I still have my USAA card which has been a Godsend these last couple of years...
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post #49 of 204
9/3/09 at 5:38pm
I had a couple of really good interviews this week. Here's hoping I land a job soon.
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post #50 of 204
9/6/09 at 1:40am
Used to work for a major UK financial publisher, who was hit hard by the crunch. My mag covered the capital markets, so was hit especially bad. Was made redundant in April. A few bites, but nothing major.

My first child was born in June, so it's awesome to see him a lot, but it's starting to get really really desperate.Just went for a job interview as mortgage advisor!! I'm thinking of doing some sort of challenge early next year to help keep my spirits up during the horrible UK winter.
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