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I'll try to answer all of your questions. Again thank you all for your advice and well wishes. Since I wasn't able to find work for a while when I first arrived in Raleigh, and since it's even gotten harder according to the news, I'm still going to give it my best effort, but time is running out for me. I can make it a little longer thanks to my uncle leaving me a very small amount of money, but that's going to go fast. I'm not good with computers. I've always used in-house software and I'm terrible with Excel. I did call Social Services, but I would have to move to a place with people who are on Section 8, give up my car since they will not put gas in it, pay for the insurance, or pay for the registration when it comes due again. If I want a job I need wheels to get to interviews and to hopefully land a job. I'm willing to give up a lot, but I will NOT sacrafice my car under circumstances. I also understand that public transportation here in Raleigh is not the best and with the problems I've had with my feet (need cortizon injections periodically.) I'm not up to any long walks. If I could stand or walk for long periods of time I'd be willing to apply at WalMart or similiar. Don't have health coverage so I can't afford to do more harm to my feet.
I did start attending a church not too long ago and plan to talk with the minister although I don't want to have to do this. I will also try The Salvation Army. When I left CA I gave them all of my furniture since I was not able to sell it. And it was nice furniture. I've always given to The Salvation Army. I will also try the North Raleigh Ministries that Saturnfan mentioned. I can't rent a room without a job. Who the heck would take me in knowing that I can't pay the rent, at least not until I find another job, it that's even possible. I also stink at house cleaner, baby sitter or care giver, that's just not something I can do. Guess living isn't as important to me as it may be to others, although I will admit starving to death scares me even more than doing this type of work!
When I took this job just over a month ago I adopted a kitten for company. By doing this my rent increased and I had to pay a pet deposit. For years I wanted a cat, had I known this was going to happen I would have not adopted her. She has turned out to be quite a little love bug so maybe it is good for me to have her during this trying time. I'm going to pray, keep my chin up and try to remain confident that something good will happen.
I think you may have posted this already, but what kind of job are you looking for? What are you good at? What skills do you want to put to good use? I'll keep my ear to the ground for you.
Have you tried applying for any state jobs? I know there are supposed freezes at some state agencies, but most of the local universities are still typically hiring (NC State, NC Central, UNC) and you usually have a bit more stability at those.
I was working in different areas of the insurance industry, but they have not been hiring. Insurance is one of the last things people are looking for especially since they are not buying houses, or cars for that matter. And for most people life and health insurance it out of the question right now. I have even called and emailed many insurance agents. I'd rather stay away from this type of work, but right now almost any kind of job will do. Although I do have limitations as we all have, I cannot afford to be too fussy. It's hard for me because I can not stand for long periods of time ,and because I was in the insurance industry my skills are limited. Unfortunately, I'm not good at administrave type jobs since I do not have that skill set. Took Excel classes but did not do well since my math is and was always on the poor side. I'm sure I could handle other types of office jobs just I was doing until today. I was working as an office assistant in the furniture industry. Didn't have to worry about Excel or Power Point, etc. Please keep your ear to the ground. I would very much appreciate it.
I did apply to as many state jobs that I felt I was qualified for when I first arrived in Raleigh; never heard back from them. You have to state your age on the application and I think they are probably looking for younger people. I was approximately 25 years older than most of the gals in the office where I just lost my job. They were shocked at my age when I told them. It made me feel very good. Middle aged folks have plenty of assets to bring to the table, we just have to convince employers of that.
Sorry to hear about your job loss. Never give up on HOPE - Having Opportunity Perpetuate Eternally! That won't pay the bills but it will help you get through a tough time. I'm sure there is something good that will come from this bad. Keep trying and it will work, never give up and never ever give up on HOPE!
Try not to underestimate yourself! Apply at positions that you have some experience in. You'll be surprised so companies would rather train you. Would you be willing to do phone work? Maybe a receptionist or inbound telemarketing? It may not be the optimal job, but it will get you through these times. Keep looking and we'll keep an eye open for you. Something will come through as it did last time. I'm glad you have your little kitty to get you through these times! They always cheer us up!
Receptionist or inbound/outbound telemarketing would be fine with me. My resume would show that I'm over qualified for some of these jobs, but I'm willing if they are.
I'm also investigating other states to see if their job market is any better than it is in Raleigh. If I have to move I must do it fairly soon B/4 what little money I have runs out. I've never had credit card dept and have ALWAYS paid my bills on time so to not be able to do this would kill me. I even pay my rent before it's due and management loves me for this. They told me I'm so dependable. I do NOT want to disappoint them.
A lot of retail stores are hiring for the holidays and even though this is something you may not want to do long term, it is something to get you through the next 2 or 3 months, until you find something else.
Sorry to hear about your job loss. Never give up on HOPE - Having Opportunity Perpetuate Eternally! That won't pay the bills but it will help you get through a tough time. I'm sure there is something good that will come from this bad. Keep trying and it will work, never give up and never ever give up on HOPE!
My prayers will be with you in your Journey!
You're a good man, Dan.
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