Lack of employment in the treasure valley (Boise, Nampa: real estate, credit)

[stingraynm]

Originally Posted by boi2socal

Yes, these bad times are not isolated to Idaho. So one can't really say Idaho caused their life to fall apart. Sadly, people's lives are falling apart everywhere.

That's true. My friends who insist on living in Boise have always managed, though when I talk to them now, they're living very humbly. Here in Albuquerque, I wouldn't want to be looking for work right now, but my employer is getting by, albeit on much less than usual. Just last week, we were encouraged to take leave w/o pay, which in the Christmas season isn't so bad. Also, it's good to be allowed to conserve paid leave, which we'd usually have to use up in order to take leave w/o pay. I save pretty regularly, so I should come out better than friends who are living paycheck to paycheck.

[ramenfan]

How have people's experiences with temp agencies been here, especially in out current economic state? I had one prior experience with one almost 15 years ago (not in Boise) and found it utterly useless. Of course things would be more competitive than a year ago at them, but I'm wondering if it's almost going to be a case of "Why am I wasting my time here?" if I apply at one now. It sure doesn't help that my career skills have nothing to do with anything that any temp agencies could help out with. When you've been out of work as long as I have here (and I don't want to scare the OP by mentioning how long), it becomes sooooo deflating to go through yet another lengthy process like that (or another tedious online job application) where you figure your chances are near nil. I know, you gotta persevere. But you can't help but turn numb to things like this after awhile.

[SacTown11]

Originally Posted by ramenfan

How have people's experiences with temp agencies been here, especially in out current economic state? I had one prior experience with one almost 15 years ago (not in Boise) and found it utterly useless. Of course things would be more competitive than a year ago at them, but I'm wondering if it's almost going to be a case of "Why am I wasting my time here?" if I apply at one now. It sure doesn't help that my career skills have nothing to do with anything that any temp agencies could help out with. When you've been out of work as long as I have here (and I don't want to scare the OP by mentioning how long), it becomes sooooo deflating to go through yet another lengthy process like that (or another tedious online job application) where you figure your chances are near nil. I know, you gotta persevere. But you can't help but turn numb to things like this after awhile.

I found my current job almost four years ago through a temp agency. It was the first job the temp agency sent me on too. There were two of us temps at the time competing for the same job...she was on the job a month before I got there, but she was lazy and I was not.

[Greensleeves]

Originally Posted by boi2socal

Yes, these bad times are not isolated to Idaho. So one can't really say Idaho caused their life to fall apart. Sadly, people's lives are falling apart everywhere.

Well, yes I can, technically. If I had stayed where I was, I'd still have a job, a house, a retirement account...

[boi2socal]

I'm not giving you a hard time and I sympathize with your situation.

I haven't owned a home but I know what it is like wondering if you can keep your car or if you can afford groceries. As much as I'd like to blame California that really isn't rational and I know if I had stayed in Idaho things would probably be much better for me.

[stingraynm]

The real misfortune I see in all testimonies is that our recent and up-coming economic events made the last couple years a bad time to step out on a limb. Even the apparent opportunities to move up in the world turned out to be illusions to many who can't afford good advice in buying a home or investing on the market.

Wherever you moved to and from, that risk in itself has probably not been rewarded.

For me, LIFO layoffs happen a lot in govt. contracting, which is good for learning the ropes in a diverse industry, but bad for entry level workers who are looking to settle down early. (I'm so thankful I don't have a family with the way the last five years played out!) I mention this because my most recent layoff set my sights on returning to Boise now that I had four years of experience on my resume. A company from Seattle is the only bite I got, but the Northwest in general was my more realistic goal, so I was strongly pursuing that. Eventually, I got a more sure bite in Albuquerque from a fellow who'd seen me in action up in Los Alamos (my ability on the job is still a lot better than my experience summary on paper since layoffs also tend to prevent promotions and continued learning benefits), and by then my finances were dwindled to the point that a substantial move would've put me in further debt. I would've liked to return to the Northwest, but am glad at this juncture that circumstances buffered my enthusiasm at that time.

A lot of living (at least as far as renting) in Albuquerque is cheaper than Boise, while pay is higher. So while I must put off my much anticipated return to the Great Northwest, I have to be grateful that issues beyond my control kept me in New Mexico for this stint (and having to move to a cheaper community; Los Alamos and Santa Fe are dangerously expensive... and a LOT more boring). The economy took a toll on my young investments (which were high risk by any prudent advice of the last 30 years), but beyond that most of the pain is vicarious empathy and storms brewing on the horizon with my current employer.

Of course, in spite of my envy, I wish a substantial recovery to all who actualized their hopes/dreams and got burned. Life's going to beat and suck you to your death no matter what you do, so might as well choose the paths that help you enjoy it in spite of all those inevitabilities, including the BIG ONE. Don't hinder the enjoyment of others, and only an ego-centric pr**k (or you) can say you made any mistakes.

[boiseguy]

after reading everyone's thoughts and opinions, I'd just like to say happy holidays and best of luck in whatever you choose to do, or wherever you choose to go. I don't think anything in idaho is out of the ordinary from anything that's happening elsewhere in the country. I am a teacher here in boise, and I have a few kids who's parents are really struggling. There are jobs out there, but like it's been said, there's 100 applicants for every position... and for people who need a paycheck, dealing with any company's ridiculous HR department is anything but pleasant. We are doing food drives and coat drives for needy kids and their families at the school, it's totally anonymous.. If anyone is in need of anything let me know and perhaps we can help or direct you to where you can get some. One thing about boise is that people are ready and willing to help.. and its not always pleasant to ask for it. I realize many families need money to pay rents/mortgages/car payments/power bills but if you're finding yourself having to choose between those or food and clothing.. there are people here that can help.
Again, Happy holidays everyone...

[kimbercutes824]

Originally Posted by ramenfan

How have people's experiences with temp agencies been here, especially in out current economic state? I had one prior experience with one almost 15 years ago (not in Boise) and found it utterly useless. Of course things would be more competitive than a year ago at them, but I'm wondering if it's almost going to be a case of "Why am I wasting my time here?" if I apply at one now. It sure doesn't help that my career skills have nothing to do with anything that any temp agencies could help out with. When you've been out of work as long as I have here (and I don't want to scare the OP by mentioning how long), it becomes sooooo deflating to go through yet another lengthy process like that (or another tedious online job application) where you figure your chances are near nil. I know, you gotta persevere. But you can't help but turn numb to things like this after awhile.

I have gone through 2 different temp agencies and my husband has gone through 2. I went through Personnel Plus and Volt and my husband went through Volt and Adecco (Adecco a long time ago). We both have had good experiences with all of the agencies.
For Volt and Personnel Plus, they were for call center jobs. If you really need a job, I would recommend going through those.

[Mtnbkrdr98]

I want to get out of S. California (again). Did get an offer recently up there and turned it down (I regret doing this), and it was with a good company. I thought I "could not handle" being "isolated" from family/etc down here, but the reality is that i much prefer lifestyle to be had in the Treasure Valley, and I think any lifestyle down here is more a pipe dream for me than reality, since the cost of lving to have any lifestyle down here is totally ridiculous!!! That's fine, I am coming back.

Anyhooo.........

If you are persistent you can find work - I believe I will again.

Also, if you like customer service, you can apply to several CS Centers in the area when they are hiring - nothing at all wrong with that type of work and pays pretty decent with benefits and probably advancement.

Some of these companies have national, or even international presence.


Keep Trying!

[Mtnbkrdr98]

Originally Posted by boi2socal

I'm not giving you a hard time and I sympathize with your situation.

I know if I had stayed in Idaho things would probably be much better for me.

I thought it would be easy to find a GREAT job here in S. Cal, and it turns out that Idaho has treated me much better than S. CAl EVER has. Part of this is just the overall higher quality of life in Idaho (for me), for example less commute, less stress.

I came back here just recently and now am looking to go back to Boise because I am not happy in S. California

I wish you the best and hope more options open up for you