unemployed?

demakinz

hi im just curious how many people out there are unemployed?
me and my girlfriend have been let go from our jobs 2 months ago and are on social welfare.im a carpenter and she is office admin but cant find any work anywhere doin anything.

are you umemployed and why?

big_show

Finished college in may, went to san diego for the summer, came back to "the recession" been looking for work since

Black Swan

Student on scholarship with part-time work. So not unemployed, but rather underemployed.

dazzlermac

im a chippy meself and i have no wrok to look forward to:mad:.my misus is in office admin too but she is ok,but we are both headin to perth in jan/feb for a better life for a few years and hopefully come back ina few years when things get a bit better!

Bitsie

Was let go from my job end of August. I am an architectural technician. Impossible to find anything else and I have been looking everyday, money running out now!

Highsider

In a low paying job myself but love the work i do thanks be ta god. In my circle of friends i know of 3 people who have been let go in the last 3-4 weeks and 1 more who are very worried about their future. Also my best friends girlfriend has just completed college with a degree (medical) and is considering moving to America or Australia as she cant not find work here. Things are'nt looking good for the new year and i fear things are about to get a lot worse.:(

pau8lieskins

let go/made redundent sacked
lazy/choose not to work
student

I've neither of those options I'm just unemployed and have been for around 5 and a half years I have had some jobs from around 2 weeks to 2 months but I've just had a really bad run on the jobs front

A_SN

Need a "couldn't find a job" option. I moved here to work in IT but I couldn't find a job, too little experience (by which I mean practically no experience) so now I'm self employed making commercial software to sell on the Internet.

thetyreman

pau8lieskins wrote: »

let go/made redundent sacked
lazy/choose not to work
student

I've neither of those options I'm just unemployed and have been for around 5 and a half years I have had some jobs from around 2 weeks to 2 months but I've just had a really bad run on the jobs front

Pleasev tell me its due to some kind of illness or something,the reason why you havnt worked in 5yrs.....and not that you COULDNT get a job

Joey_Joe_Joe

Just graduated with MSc in Finance, no experience and can't find any work.

A_SN

Joey_Joe_Joe wrote: »

Just graduated with MSc in Finance, no experience and can't find any work.

Interesting, so it's not just me then..

tribulus

Graduated with a 2.1 science degree, little experience and can't get a job with little chance of one either I reckon. Fun.

Edit: I do actually have a job so I can't complain that much but it's only part time in a shop and not what I had in mind!

A_SN

Damn, we should make a club of people who just got out of school and can't find a bloody job for the very thing they've been trained for. I mean that's pretty messed up. I understand why I was turned down for jobs because I actually lacked some experience on things, i.e. I wouldn't have known how to deal with some things, but it's gotta be the same for anyone who just got out of my school, so how are we supposed to get that experience that is oh so necessary to even work?

tribulus

Go to DCU?

Hindsight is a wonderful thing I suppose but I wasn't going to spend my Summer holidays stuck in a lab when I was 20 and the rest of my mates were off enjoying life. Quite possibly paying for it now but I still don't think I would have changed it tbh.

A_SN

tribulus wrote: »

Go to DCU?

Hindsight is a wonderful thing I suppose but I wasn't going to spend my Summer holidays stuck in a lab when I was 20 and the rest of my mates were off enjoying life. Quite possible paying for it now but I still don't think I would have changed it tbh.

Funny you should say that cause that's exactly what I tried to do, back in June, which unfortunately was way too late for this year.

Tomohawk

I was made redundant in June. I'm also now a mature student on a gap year from 3rd year of college and have 3 part-time jobs at the moment! I drive a van part-time, fix motorbikes occasionally and make radio documentaries on the side.

jozi

Graduate last may, architectural technology, had a job offer to be last year which they couldnt commit to due to lack of work. Been searching since june, on and of, looking at going abroad in the new year.

m5ex9oqjawdg2i

Student too, been looking for a job for ages, that includes temping...

pau8lieskins

thetyreman wrote: »

Pleasev tell me its due to some kind of illness or something,the reason why you havnt worked in 5yrs.....and not that you COULDNT get a job

I was in the hospital for a few weeks back in 05 and the Doctors had me on the certs for a year but I did a course for that year that FAS paid for, Out of the last 5 and a half years I've work 7/8 jobs in different places and environments that adds up barely a year of employment, I've had a tempory 3 month Xmas job, 2 weeks cover for someone on medical leave another 2 week job during a festival, some tiling for awhile but I wasn't experienced enough for it and was let go, taken on some jobs that I never done before and barely lasted at them, Had a FAS cE job for half an hour before they found out I wasn't old enough for it, did a few months in one job but fell sick and left that and ended up in hospital. I've have done FAS courses but they led to nowhere regularly having talks with employment services around with no joy, applied for more jobs that I care to remember changed my CV so many times to try and bluff my way into a job

So 3 years out of 5 and half years I've worked or been sick

I'm Unemployable and we have a recession I'm screwed

Kid Nothing

add me to the graduated student who can't find work... at this stage i think i'd prefer to be abroad waiting tables than sitting around here doing nothing!

A_SN

Damn! Well, reminds me that I also had a tough job finding a lowly job. Then I realised a bit late that mentioning bi-directional reflectance distribution functions on a CV when you apply for cashier at McDonald's is probably not a good idea.

Highsider

pau8lieskins wrote: »

I was in the hospital for a few weeks back in 05 and the Doctors had me on the certs for a year but I did a course for that year that FAS paid for, Out of the last 5 and a half years I've work 7/8 jobs in different places and environments that adds up barely a year of employment, I've had a tempory 3 month Xmas job, 2 weeks cover for someone on medical leave another 2 week job during a festival, some tiling for awhile but I wasn't experienced enough for it and was let go, taken on some jobs that I never done before and barely lasted at them, Had a FAS cE job for half an hour before they found out I wasn't old enough for it, did a few months in one job but fell sick and left that and ended up in hospital. I've have done FAS courses but they led to nowhere regularly having talks with employment services around with no joy, applied for more jobs that I care to remember changed my CV so many times to try and bluff my way into a job

So 3 years out of 5 and half years I've worked or been sick

I'm Unemployable and we have a recession I'm screwed

Keep the chin up man. Something will come along for you

Tom Dunne

Jeebus, this really is scary reading.

I don't think I really appreciated just how bad things are out there. Makes me appreciate my job even more now.

Hopefully things will turn around soon, I do feel for you.

mikemac

Love my job and there nearly 3 years

15% of the office are being made redundant on December 3rd so been hanging in suspense for the last few weeks. Nobody knows who is being picked. On that day, you get a phonecall at your desk and you grab your jacket and you walk.

One good point is they a fantastically generous redunancy plan
I wish they'd make an announcement and be done with it

dan_d

Been in my job 3 and half years, and we know work will start to run out in the next 4-5 months. So who goes first is the next question.
To the graduates who can't get a job because they've no experience.....it's a chicken and egg situation. When I graduated there were loads of jobs, but we still heard that experience thing too. They won't take you without experience, but you can't get experience without a job. Graduate programmes are the next step, though I don't know ow many of them are available now. Otherwise just keep applying for abslutely everything. Something has to hit a target sooner or later.Good luck.

nomadic

I graduated in 2006 and decided to do the travelling thing for a couple of years. Can't get a job now.Well a good job. Working part time in a shop at the minute.

Dave!

I'm a final year student at the moment. Will be moving to Oz for a year or two if/when I graduate, then maybe the US/Canada for a year. Hopefully I will miss all the fun times at home Will have a BA Comp Sci degree... No interest in working in that field though. I had planned on joining the Fire Services or the Gardaí. The Gardaí have reduced the numbers they're taking on, and the FS only recruit every 3 years or so... plus they'll probably take on less people next time also

Things getting a bit hairy lately though aren't they? My brother's place (IT consultancy) is having some redundancies... my sister's contract isn't being renewed... my other brother works in the HSE, which will be having some redundancies too.

I'm mainly worried about my dad tbh. Dunno what will happen if he's let go. In the short-term it should be okay (the house is just about paid off), but in terms of retirement, pension, etc., things are a bit scary.

Now's the time for creativity I guess!

stormymay

hey, just read through this post.

I have to say, fair play to those of ye who got let go and still have part time/free lance work.

It's good to hear some people are actually out there looking for work, rather than just taking the easy way out and going on the Dole.

mikemac

If you make enough contributions you're entitled to the dole! Even if you didn't you may still be entitled. Easy way out?
Maybe I'm misreading your post but it's sure coming across as harsh to me

All I can say is I don't have a skill I can work freelance and I don't have a part-time job but if I lose my full-time job, hell yeah I'll be queing to sign on the very same day

Dave!

I'm sure the post was well intentioned, but yeah I did think it was a bit harsh! No need to stigmatize those on the dole. There'll be more and more heading there in the coming years..!

camel toe

why do people think going to america will result in a job? by america i mean usa. i mean my brother just returned after 1 month in the usa, had planned on getting a job there but nothing.

maby australia or canada but the usa i dont think so. most western countries are suffering, spain, germany, britian and many others

ITS A GLOBAL CREDIT CRUNCH/RECESSION

road_high

It's always been the same for graduates though hasn't it?
In my job I got in on a temp contract initially, that ended, I was out the door as they were not recruiting at the time, but then they were recruiting less than 6 months down the road and I was straight back in the door.

So I think my advice would be to take and apply for whatever you can and remember your skills are cross transferable and your degree may lead you to an area or job you may not have even thought about.

Posy

Dave! wrote: »

I'm sure the post was well intentioned, but yeah I did think it was a bit harsh! No need to stigmatize those on the dole. There'll be more and more heading there in the coming years..!

My father's in his fifties and he got laid off a year and a half ago after 30 years in a job and he still can't find work. After almost a year he had no choice but to go on the dole. He's a proud man, always paid his taxes, always the breadwinner, never been out of work before and to see him having to go sign on was heartbreaking. It nearly killed him- he always had the attitude that the only people on the dole were those that chose not to work or couldn't be bothered looking for a job. He's had to eat humble pie since. He's still mortified going into the welfare office and always sounds surprised to see respectable people collecting welfare. "A fella in a suit, really!" The recession continues and he's not getting any younger so it's not looking that great for him and for many other older people still 10-15 years off retirement but 'too old' to be considered for a lot of jobs or go back to education etc.

Dave!

Caderyn wrote: »

My father's in his fifties and he got laid off a year and a half ago after 30 years in a job and he still can't find work. After almost a year he had no choice but to go on the dole. He's a proud man, always paid his taxes, always the breadwinner, never been out of work before and to see him having to go sign on was heartbreaking. It nearly killed him- he always had the attitude that the only people on the dole were those that chose not to work or couldn't be bothered looking for a job. He's had to eat humble pie since. He's still mortified going into the welfare office and always sounds surprised to see respectable people collecting welfare. "A fella in a suit, really!" The recession continues and he's not getting any younger so it's not looking that great for him and for many other older people still 10-15 years off retirement but 'too old' to be considered for a lot of jobs or go back to education etc.

I hear ya... That's why I'm worried about my on oul lad! I don't know who would hire a man of 58 with so many younger people (not only those who have just graduated) also looking for work

BTW those in the suits must be going straight to court afterwards or somethin :pac:

mikemac

Dave! wrote: »

BTW those in the suits must be going straight to court afterwards or somethin :pac:

easy knowing you're from Tallaght :P

But on a helpful note, yes it's very difficult for people not far from retirement but still needing to work. And to use a generalization they probably like their independance and don't want to be taking orders from some 24yo manager.

Taxi driving used to be an option, maybe not anymore.
Security or a porter? Responsible job, poor pay
Just throwing the ideas out there

toiletduck

Caderyn, my aul lad has just found himself in a similar situation. I feel so bad for him, like your Dad he's a proud man and has worked so hard for many years. It's only when your faced with something like that that the recession becomes real.

Hivemind187

I was a phone monkey (credit control) until June when I left the company I was working for due to ... "ethical differences". Poxy recruiters said there were loads of jobs but do you think I could find one?

beertons

If you can stomach it, most telesales companies are looking for sales agents. It's not the best, but it's cash at the end of the day. Give it a month or two, till you have something else, then go. No notice, as you'll be paid crap, and bullied to bits. (speaking from experience with 3 different companies)

lankydanke

I had a job in a shop since graduation, went to do further study then *bang* the banks weren't inerested when the credit dried up. I guess it was foolish of me but now i can't get a job no matter how or to whom i apply. Had a few interviews but in some cases they won't even answer the phone when you call up to follow on from an application. One crowd i was interviewed by left me waiting to hear back for weeks so i called them but no response at all.

Presently trying to get back in to the shop where i worked if the hours are there :-(

fonpokno

I'm unemployed! Dropped out of college in may and was straight into a full time job as a receptionist in a spa. Was let go from this because of the downturn in business and haven't been able to get anything since. It's crap cos I don't have enough experience. I'm praying for someone to hire me just so I can afford to go back to college in september...

Dob74

Soon to be let go. Have work til christmas after that I have nothing. There is little chance of getting anything have sent off about 100 cv's, have only got 2 pfo's. The rest haven't even responded. Am getting married in feb so I am screwed.

Hivemind187

Any one else notice that recruitment agents have become steadily more useless in the past 8 months? I'm not suggesting that these parasites were in anyway competent or useful before hand but since they are basically salesmen offering a couple of easy legal indemnities to employers we're stuck with them.

I used to get at least three calls a day, now I'm lucky to hear from them once a month. Ok ok, so the job market has dried up, fine. However, when an agent calls you and says "I'll put you forward for X job!!" you expect to actually hear back from the useless mofo at some point.

... And for that matter what the hell is up with "human resources" anyway? I've never actually worked out what the hell these people actually do all day (other than make threats and run "induction meetings") but there can't be so much work for them to do if everyone is getting let go. Surely with all that free time they could get around to emailing you with a a short note to say "Sorry, but we've decided to tell you to get stuffed!".

Then theres the sodding social welfare. "Have you paid 26 A payments each year for the past 3 years? ... no ... you have 25A payments two years ago ... I'm afraid you'll have to apply for job seekers ... yes its the same money, just jump through a few hoops for us like a good little burden on the state" - 17 weeks later (and no, I'm not exaggerating) "Ok, can you come and have a meeting with us to justify how you have managed to survive while we have been dragging our feet processing your claim? Have you been living on air? Why can't you continue borrowing from everyone you know? too good to beg are you?" - honestly, you would think that civil serpents come up with this stuff in a room somewhere entirely divorced for the system they administrate ... oh wait!

Everyday the statistics of people signing on are going up, more and more people are finding out that they no longer have a future. Yet Brian Lenihan and Mary Harney are still built like fecking Scania's!! Much more of this and we'll have little choice but to harpoon the pair of them to make affordable clothing for the bare-footed amongst us.

/rant over.

Apologies to all recruitment agents and human resources people - can I have a job now?

m5ex9oqjawdg2i

Hivemind187 wrote: »

... And for that matter what the hell is up with "human resources" anyway? I've never actually worked out what the hell these people actually do all day (other than make threats and run "induction meetings") but there can't be so much work for them to do if everyone is getting let go. Surely with all that free time they could get around to emailing you with a a short note to say "Sorry, but we've decided to tell you to get stuffed!".

Your talking complete sh!te here... In the case of applying for said job, many companies will tell you (before applying or with an automated mail) IF your application is successful you will be contacted. Use some common cop on here will ya? There are very little jobs that have a serious amount of applicants, reading through the amount of CVs and cover letters they get is a job in it's own.

I agree with the recruiting agencies alright. They need to be regulated.

As for the "people" in the social welfare offices. What a shower of horrible people. It's tough enough to get on social welfare, but to put up with the amount of crap they give you is unreal. I hate them... with a vengence.

OP you are very biased... your answers are not exactly fair. There are also the people who want to work but every job they apply for there is someone better to fill the job.

gurramok

23 ful-timers were let go along with countless contractors in my company in IT(American MNC) in Dublin. They are looking for more redundancies, i might be ok, just don't know.

Hivemind187

Emmett Wailing Dunce wrote: »

Your talking complete sh!te here... In the case of applying for said job, many companies will tell you (before applying or with an automated mail) IF your application is successful you will be contacted. Use some common cop on here will ya? There are very little jobs that have a serious amount of applicants, reading through the amount of CVs and cover letters they get is a job in it's own.

Sorry, I meant with regard to the "post interview" period. if you have made the effort (and out of pocket expenditure) to travel to them the least they could do is email you a PFO for the social.

jokjetset

I was made redundant on Tuesday. Only with the company 15 months, hence no redundancy payout or anything.

My background is manufacturing (which has been dying a slow death since 2001. The Government in its infinite wisdom decided to put
all its eggs in the Construction basket, clever or what).

I hold a Degree and Masters in Engineering and have 15 years experience but there is very little out there for me. Once you start pushing 40 companies don't really want to know.

Looks like its going to be a pretty bleak Christmas and I would not be too confident about 2009.

Welcome to Brian Cowens new Ireland !!!!

m5ex9oqjawdg2i

Hivemind187 wrote: »

Sorry, I meant with regard to the "post interview" period. if you have made the effort (and out of pocket expenditure) to travel to them the least they could do is email you a PFO for the social.

If your not contacted after you attend an interview, then that is bad form... They should say something to ya. Not fair really.

patpark121

Made redundant 2 weeks ago. Was in materials & logistics in electronics manufacturing for 8 years. I was lucky my former employers gave us a really good deal on redundancy. Picked up my first social payment yesterday - it's just as well i got a good package, no way the mortgage would be paid - still it is better than another kick in the tail end. There are jobs out there but realistically i've resigned myself to waiting the few weeks till the new year when employers will be actually taking on staff. Hasn't stopped me applying for nigh on 12 jobs this week, just means instead of my three quarter hour commute i'll be looking at around 2 hours (hopefully).

Sabre0001

Not sure what boat I'm in....Graduated in August, couldn't find a position. Started eSports.ie which hopefully will make me millions in the future but not just yet . Got a temp XMas job in Zavvi (full time) so trying to balance the website with that. There may be a full time position in January but details are very scarce. Have only had a couple of interviews and "while there was nothing wrong with my interviews", other people had more experience // came across stronger.

So, in the wise words of the Magic 8 ball, the future is uncertain...

Xiney

office admin here - let go 'cause my employers can't do math or check their bank account. (ie: couldn't afford to pay me anymore)

number of jobs in the paper is very small - I'm hoping that's just because it's december and so there's not much point in hiring someone before Christmas?


That said, I've had rotten luck with jobs. Over the past 14 months, have been employed for 9 in 3 seperate jobs: first one lasted 2 months, left because of "ethical differences" already so beautifully described by a previous poster, second one I really enjoyed but it was minimum wage and there was nothing in the town for my husband so we left after 5 months to move to Galway. Latest one lasted 2 months, but joke's on them because although I was new, I was the only one at that place doing a full day's work!


Anyway, I've got plenty of experience applying for jobs. Not so much experience hearing word back. I'd have thought it'd be just common courtesy, but I guess I was wrong.

smemon

Interesting reading through this thread... shows how bad things are and how people's circle of family/friends are also being hit.

I'm lucky enough to be a student and will be for the next 2/3 years.

I'm a firm believer that a recession is a good thing though, no matter how low we all sink.

It makes people work harder, appreciate what they have more and fight to keep what they have.

It also acts as a great motivator... threads like these motivate me on a personal level... i start thinking - "s**t, things are really getting bad, i don't want this happening to me or my family, how can i avoid this"?

Things like that spur me on to do better at college, to open my eyes more to opportunities etc...

It's a sink or swim situation for people coming out of college and looking for jobs. Running away to the promised land ain't gonna help in the long term either - things are just as bad and will only get worse.

One things for sure though - if you're the best at what you do, you'll always be in demand.