[Beholden]

Hi everyone
I've been without a job since June6 08 when I clocked out for lunch and never returned. My hi anxiety and relapse into depression got me. Now with the ecom. so bad, there isn't a lot out there to apply to.

I've always worked. now I am beginning to think I won't find work. I'm taking responsibility for my own actions/behaviors, but dang it, I can't take it back now. I don't know it my former employer is giving me a bad reference or not. I know for a fact that they are saying I didn't ask for help and (therefore denying that my problem was depression/anxiety) and that I can't collect unemployment. Long story, but how much do you tell someone at a job interview about why you left your last position? I'ved read many job seeking sites that you never say because of medical reasons. I'm 61 so I know ge is also an issue finding work. I need an income. The bills are getting behind. I've had only one interview in 6 months.

I'm not sure how to take responsibility for my behavior/due to the depression/ or is that thinking an excuse? Any one please comment. Be real, I am a realist in most areas of my life.

[lifelesstraveled]

Originally Posted by Pexeva13

Hi everyone
I've been without a job since June6 08 when I clocked out for lunch and never returned. My hi anxiety and relapse into depression got me. Now with the ecom. so bad, there isn't a lot out there to apply to.

I've always worked. now I am beginning to think I won't find work. I'm taking responsibility for my own actions/behaviors, but dang it, I can't take it back now. I don't know it my former employer is giving me a bad reference or not. I know for a fact that they are saying I didn't ask for help and (therefore denying that my problem was depression/anxiety) and that I can't collect unemployment. Long story, but how much do you tell someone at a job interview about why you left your last position? I'ved read many job seeking sites that you never say because of medical reasons. I'm 61 so I know ge is also an issue finding work. I need an income. The bills are getting behind. I've had only one interview in 6 months.

I'm not sure how to take responsibility for my behavior/due to the depression/ or is that thinking an excuse? Any one please comment. Be real, I am a realist in most areas of my life.

Hi! First, I am so sorry that you are struggling with anxiety and depression right now. Anxiety is a BLEEP! and Depression doesn't help the cause either.I actually lost my job because of it, but they fired me, which allowed me to collect unemployment.

I lost my job in February of 07 and didnt get a new one until Feb 08...yes it took me a year. I am going to tell you this: in case you don't know it, it takes a good 9 months to a year to find a job. This is based on my experience and the advice of my T, who is urging me to start looking for a new gig now before I relocate to another state in about 10 months.

I would advise that you apply to anything and everything. I am not sure what your background is in, but there are places that hire customer service reps to work from home (i have to find the site and i will get back to you). Make looking for a new job your JOB...meaning make it a 9 to 5 thing you do during the week. Look in newspapers, go to the job search site...etc....it's going to be tough. Interviews were far and few for me as well, but I kept at it and trust me the depression and social anxiety was kicking my *** i was suicidal for almost a year. But I wouldnt let it get the better of me. Don't let it get the better of you either!

As far as what to tell the interviewer...thats a tough one. I told all of my interviewers that i was let go due to medical reasons, which was true...i was in the hospital quite frequently--weird infections with unknown causes and to this day i have not a clue what it was but i am grateful they never came back. I told them I was unable to keep up with my responsibilities at the time and they had to let me go. But i made it clear that i was 100% better...even if it was a partial fib. I needed a job ASAP.

I am going to be real with you. It's a tough tough road, no lie and with the economy the way it is now, it's even harder. Are you seeing a therapist? A T might be able to help you work through some of your issues.

Have you tried temp/employment agencies??

Also to cut down your your bills, I would advise you to close anything that you dont need (cable, netflix etc).

I wish you luck. Feel free to PM anytime if you need help with your job hunt or if you have any questions or need advice etc. I have been thru it I know!

[Beholden]

Thanks Livelesstraveled

Don't you just love those icons? After I did my little rant today, I wrote a follow up letter to the online application/resume I wrote. Funny it is for a Customer Service Job at a call center for the local Light (electric) company! I've done several office/clerical/medical jobs as well as a little retail and several other things.

Thanks for the tips and reality of few jobs out there. I've never been suicidal thank God, just stop functioning very well. I'll PM you later, thanks for that. I feel I've done something today. Before I applied for that job last week online after I read the job details, my first thought was, I can't deal with people who might be having their power shut off, that is depressing, I don't want to deal with that. While telling my dh about the job, outloud I said what I'd thought and then out of my mouth fell "OMG, it might be me having my power shut off if I don't apply for this job"

[madisgram]

well first of all, in the legal world, no previous employer can really give out much info at all, just that you were employed there from...to ... of course, i'm a realist and i'm sure any dumb employer might take a chance and imply something negative.
don't know all the specifics but your leaving and not going back to your job in '08 enabled them to not pay you unemployment. that is for someone who has been fired or laid off.
there are job sites like monster.com, etc. i have had friends successfully obtain employment through this venue even recently. you have some skills that certainly are needed. at these sites you can post your resume so the employer can "screen you" for your skills and see your work history. this may open more doors for you.
temp agencies are great places to get that "foot in the door". if they like your work, they very well may ask to hire you on a full time basis.
as for why you left your last position. it wouldn't be a fib to say there was a family medical situation that was totally unexpected and your family asked you to step in and help. that's really not a fib cause you were the family member. get it? they may ask you if this may happen again and you can assure them," no. the situation is taken care of." your work history i hope reflects you have had a stable history with employers except for the last one. score 1 for you!
ask some friends if their employer is looking for someone to hire, even if it's a temporary position at first. word of mouth gets around. "sell" yourself.
follow up is important, especially in this economy. once you submit an application or resume, give it a few days and follow up by phone. the early bird gets the worm.
keep a positive attitude; for every "no, we don't need anyone", that just makes the odds better for the "yes, you're hired!" (oh, happy day)
i hope that perhaps my suggestions may help you. i wish you the very best on your job search. keep us posted will you?

[lifelesstraveled]

Originally Posted by Pexeva13

Thanks Livelesstraveled

Don't you just love those icons? After I did my little rant today, I wrote a follow up letter to the online application/resume I wrote. Funny it is for a Customer Service Job at a call center for the local Light (electric) company! I've done several office/clerical/medical jobs as well as a little retail and several other things.

Thanks for the tips and reality of few jobs out there. I've never been suicidal thank God, just stop functioning very well. I'll PM you later, thanks for that. I feel I've done something today. Before I applied for that job last week online after I read the job details, my first thought was, I can't deal with people who might be having their power shut off, that is depressing, I don't want to deal with that. While telling my dh about the job, outloud I said what I'd thought and then out of my mouth fell "OMG, it might be me having my power shut off if I don't apply for this job"