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The Unemployed/Underemployed Prayer, Praise n' Support Thread
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The Unemployed/Underemployed Prayer, Praise n' Support ... - 7/20/2009 9:11:03 PM
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rgod
Posts: 1927
Joined: 4/25/2005
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Fact: A lot of us are unemployed or underemployed. So ... I thought maybe we could support one another, as family members in Christ. This is a thread where you can come to share the frustrations and difficulties of being unemployed or underemployed. It is a place where we can support one another - help one another - and most of all know and understand that we are not alone. And - this thread is also about praise! Sometimes there are aspects to being unemployed or underemployed that can be a blessing. It might be a time to redirect, regroup, and reconnect.
< Message edited by rgod -- 7/20/2009 11:28:28 PM >
_____________________________
We are His portion and He is our prize, drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes! If grace is an ocean, we're all sinking ... - Kim Walker "How He Loves Us"
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RE: The Unemployed/Underemployed Prayer, Praise n' Supp... - 7/22/2009 8:08:50 PM
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rgod
Posts: 1927
Joined: 4/25/2005
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I've been underemployed for about two years now. The first year was by choice, because I was in graduate school. They pulled the rug from under me - so to speak - and completely changed my program - due to budget cuts. So now I've got to find good paying work, but it is hard to find jobs, especially when you've stepped off of the career path. I have a part-time job, which I'm thankful for, but I'm having a hard time finding something else. Part of the issue for me is that all of my career experience is in technical writing, which is not in demand here. Now, where I was from ... well, lets just say that technical writers are really not hurting much, even in this economy. So, I'm trying to work on some things now. I am a writer and I'd also like to do some work in psychological field at some point in the future. I've been trying to find what kinds of writers get hired here. It is going to require a lot of changes on my part - and that part is hard. One of the things that I worry about is that I'll be looking at 40 soon. I want to settle into a career that I can do for the next 20 years or so. I could see myself writing for 20 years, I could also see myself counseling people too. Actually, I can see myself doing both. But things are tough ... no doubt about it. The praise for me is that I'm being forced in the direction of change, which is a very good thing. I'm learning how to be more resilient, which is very, very good as well. I fight depression some days and some days I am simply thankful. This is a strange place for me to be in. I'd love to hear from others who are in the same boat - so that we can talk with each other and uplift one another.
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We are His portion and He is our prize, drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes! If grace is an ocean, we're all sinking ... - Kim Walker "How He Loves Us"
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RE: The Unemployed/Underemployed Prayer, Praise n' Supp... - 8/4/2009 6:58:15 PM
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Concerto
Posts: 129
Joined: 10/20/2006
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Great thread! I hope is lasts until we all find that place where we feel the right "fit." I currently am underemployed. My job is a dead-end job, typing and staring at a computer monitor each day. I will never realize my financial goals with this job. The job does have good health benefits and offers me a flexible schedule (off twice a month), and offers a 401k, but, with all that, it simply does not cover all my bills. I am grateful that I am not unemployed, but, I have dreams just like everyone else--decent house, planning for retirement, child's college, and giving better to church. I have a BS Finance and MA Biblical Studies, yet, there are people doing the same job as me, with just a h/s diploma, making the same amount of income as I. Discouraging to say the least. I have cried out to God, seeking wisdom, guidance as to where I should look for a job that pays more. But, so far, no answer. Time continues to march on as my health declines, my IQ is reduced, and my hopes dim. I do no want to relocate, but, if it means a better life for me and my family, I will. I am underweight due to not enough money to pay for food. Things are real bad. I don't blame God. I made some bad choices (wrong major, etc.). But, I can't seem to find the open door, the small "shift" that will somehow lead me to a better life. I thought after the MA, I would get some teaching job at a Christian school, but, I learned that salaries are not good. So, I am in a pit, languishing, wondering what to do. C
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RE: The Unemployed/Underemployed Prayer, Praise n' Supp... - 8/5/2009 6:41:44 AM
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walkin2e
Posts: 164
Joined: 7/4/2005
From: Blackshear, Georgia
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During my work career, I've had peroids of unemployment, and underemployed. I realized that was what the Lord wanted at those times, and He always made a way. I remember once I had a job picking up pecans. Usually, this job paid 12 cents for every pound picked up, but that particular time, the "bossman" paid me 20 cents a pound. One of his other workers asked, "Why did he pay you 20 cents and the others 12 cents a pound?" I replied, "Daniel, I got a college degree, I'm an educated pecan picker upper!" Later, I got to witness and pray for this man...which is my ultimate job. Once, I was unemployed, and I had been praying about a job. A few days went by, the phone rang, and the man offered me a job (one I had applied for two years earlier)...You see, that is where the Lord wanted me. I was there for a season, and ended up witnessing to and praying for many there...even the man who had hired me. My son is currently unemployed. He wants to work, has tremendous skills, and work ethnics..yet door after door is closed. He applied for a "underemployed" position, was turned down. But last week, the man who turned him down called him, said he was impressed with my son's resume, and wanted his permission to send it to the committe who was hiring for the much better position that would utilize his assets and skills. If this is where the Lord would have him be, then he will get the position. My advice gleaned from years of experience, is to pray, and trust the Lord. walkin2e
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"And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him." Gen 5.24 http://www.youtube.com/user/walkin2e
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RE: The Unemployed/Underemployed Prayer, Praise n' Supp... - 8/8/2009 5:55:46 PM
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rgod
Posts: 1927
Joined: 4/25/2005
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This is great! I wasn't sure if this thread would fly - but I kept feeling in my heart that there needed to be a place where we could come together, pray and support one another as we all go through this. So, if even one or two people are encouraged ... mission accomplished :) Concerto - I understand how you are feeling and am sorry to hear that currently you are in a field where you are barely making ends meet. Lots of people are in this boat and we are just hanging on. Yet, I do know that the Lord will use even this dead-end job to get you to where you need to be ultimately. Is your dream job to teach or just to work at a Christian school, in whatever capacity? The reason that I ask is, I wonder if your finance degree would be of help to you there? Is it possible for you to do some adjunct teaching, on the side, to make a bit of extra cash? Or maybe if you could use your finance degree on the side to make some extra cash? I don't want to suggest things that would take you away from your family - but I keep wondering what you can do that will help you to fulfill the call on your life and make ends meet WHILE you are working in this job. I'll pray for you, that the right doors will open. Also, have you thought about using your degree in an organization that isn't a school - like a missions organization or some other christian based organization - that might allow you to do some teaching? I'm just throwing out thoughts here. ofa23 - I'm sorry to hear that you were fired in April. Things are very tough out there; you would think that teachers wouldn't have that much of a problem, but in my neck of the woods they are cutting education funding left and right. However, I did hear of someone who got a job last week - and she'd been looking for a little while too. Do you want to stay in the school system, or are you thinking about teaching in other areas? Teaching skill is invaluable. I'll be praying for you as well. Walkin2e - I'm glad that you wrote. I was so encouraged to hear your story, since they helped me to put perspective on things. I think you are right - when all is said and done, this all boils down to prayer and the Lord's will. And yes he has a purpose in every season of our lives. I think it is hard to focus on that when you are in a season that you don't want to be in though. I'm trying hard not to miss it! As for me, it seems that I might end up going the contracting route. I have a business already but I haven't really been working on it the way that I should. And interestingly enough, it seems like contract work is what is open to me at this time. I prayed and this is what I felt I was supposed to do originally, but I didn't follow through. Each day that I go to my job, I'm thankful, but at the same time, I just want to get out of there and do what I really love. I really miss writing. At work, they asked me to write a report the other day - and I had a wonderful time the couple of hours that it took to research and write it. But now I'm back to answering phones and stuffing packets. On the up side, I did get lots of calls though this week - from 5 recruiters. However, they kept presenting me with the exact same two jobs :) (Well, there was actually, there was a third job located in a neighboring state, but that is another story). I revised my resume and am starting to apply for jobs again. I did find a professional organization in my area - and the meeting is in a couple of weeks. I went to a professional meeting in a neighboring city last week - and it was good. I'm going to join, since most of the people are in the same boat as me (freelance professionals). In my heart, I'm ready to write, write, write, and I will probably do it - even if it is just 10 or 15 dollars an article for the general purpose stuff, just to be able to write again and bring in some revenue. After all, if I write 10 or 20 short articles a month, that would be somewhere between 200 and 300 dollars a month, which would help a lot. Not a bad supplement for something that I really enjoy doing anyway. Plus it will keep my writing skills sharp.
_____________________________
We are His portion and He is our prize, drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes! If grace is an ocean, we're all sinking ... - Kim Walker "How He Loves Us"
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RE: The Unemployed/Underemployed Prayer, Praise n' Supp... - 8/9/2009 5:56:29 PM
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ofa23
Posts: 364
Joined: 4/19/2005
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quote:
ORIGINAL: rgod quote:
ofa23 - I'm sorry to hear that you were fired in April. Things are very tough out there; you would think that teachers wouldn't have that much of a problem, but in my neck of the woods they are cutting education funding left and right. However, I did hear of someone who got a job last week - and she'd been looking for a little while too. Do you want to stay in the school system, or are you thinking about teaching in other areas? Teaching skill is invaluable. I'll be praying for you as well. I have switched from elementary teaching to middle school/high school math because I wanted to stay in the field of education and they are more openings for math teaching than elementary. Where I live they are cutting education budgets and they are four colleges that are cranking out elementary teachers left and right. The supply waaay surpasses the demand. Math is still in demand so I think I will get rehired or hired somewhere else. We shall see. Thanks for the prayers.
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In essentials; Unity (The Nicene Creed) In Non-Essentials; Liberty (Everything Else) In all things; Charity
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RE: The Unemployed/Underemployed Prayer, Praise n' Supp... - 8/15/2009 12:07:34 PM
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19ramman85
Posts: 360
Joined: 4/10/2008
From: Sandusky, MI
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Except for a couple of seasonal jobs, that only last like 2 mos each/per yr ........................... I have been gainfully unemployed now for 2 1/2 yrs. And it doesn't look promising, either. My State (Michigan) is dead last in job growth/creation - it's at -12.5% -charles
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RE: The Unemployed/Underemployed Prayer, Praise n' Supp... - 8/26/2009 5:44:00 PM
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rgod
Posts: 1927
Joined: 4/25/2005
Status: online
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How's everybody doing? I've been able to find a little work - something to bring in a few extra hundred a month in addition to my part-time job. I'm thankful for it. I've been going to a few groups and doing some networking ... I'm trying to be consistent. I wasn't called for a really high paying job that I was contacted about a few weeks ago, so I'm back to the drawing board. It was in my old field, but I do feel God calling me into a new field ... I'm praying for open doors there. I'll be making a lot less, but the work that I do will be connected to helping non-profits, and I'm excited about that. Let's keep praying for one another. Prayer is powerful because God is powerful.
_____________________________
We are His portion and He is our prize, drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes! If grace is an ocean, we're all sinking ... - Kim Walker "How He Loves Us"
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RE: The Unemployed/Underemployed Prayer, Praise n' Supp... - 9/4/2009 10:29:44 AM
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dutson
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I junderstand that God is micro-managing the universe right down to the number of hairs on our heads and the sparrows that fall. He cares about his creation right down to most intimate details. How can we worry, when he that created the ear can hear and can heal the ear, he that created the eye, can see and can heal the eye, he that created the body with all of its parts which we were created in his image can also heal anything or any part of our bodies. However when the Lord created Adam and Eve he created them from the dust of the Earth. During the fall, he cursed the Earth. Now he said to the man, "You shall earn your living by the sweat of your brow" loosely translated, I think that God wants man to work, he provides the opportunity and he blesses the efforts sincerely put forth and he wants his people to be thankful for his blessings. That is hard to do when you are un-employed and your wife is sick and your bills are piling up unpaid as this is my current experience, however I can point out that God is totally aware of the situation and that he will provide as he did with the ravens feeding Elijah. I think that he has a better plan and that maybe he is calling his people out of the world due to its evil world system (mammon) and that he is preparing them for the marriage supper. I think that we do not understand a lot of what is going on, but thankfully we are in the potters hands and that he will make a way where there is no way. God's will be done on Earth as in Heaven. I hope this will encourage someone, as I am struggling with un-employment and my wife has cancer and I am deep in debt. I hope that this will open your eyes to the truth that God is still in control. May God Bless and Keep each of his children safe from the evil one and his evil plans. Your brother in Christ. Dutson
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RE: The Unemployed/Underemployed Prayer, Praise n' Supp... - 9/10/2009 10:57:40 AM
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MeganRenee
Posts: 177
Joined: 9/18/2006
From: Missouri
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I have been underemployed since graduating college in December of 2006. My degree is in middle school education and my certification is in social studies and language arts. When I didn't get a job (or many interviews for that matter) I started substiute teaching. Then last year, I took a position as a teacher's aide, making much less that a certified teaching position would pay. I am still in this position. I know that God has me here for a reason. I work with the at-risk students in our school and I know that I am learning so much from them. I'm also very blessed to be getting experience in my field. However, I have to say that a lot of times I struggle with feeling like a failure, like I'm not good enough to teach my own classroom. I have really let it affect my confidence. However, even through all of this, I praise God for what I do have and I am learning to be satisfied with what I have and where I am at.
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RE: The Unemployed/Underemployed Prayer, Praise n' Supp... - 9/10/2009 4:19:24 PM
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Redjasper
Posts: 344
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quote:
I am struggling with un-employment and my wife has cancer and I am deep in debt. Dutson, my heart goes out to you and your family. May the Lord restore the medical and financial health of your family. Praying.
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RE: The Unemployed/Underemployed Prayer, Praise n' Supp... - 9/11/2009 7:55:45 AM
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RJR_fan
Posts: 1168
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From: RTP, in sunny NC USA
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Technical writers are, a former boss said, strange people. We certainly lead interesting lives. When the company hits a stretch of bumpy road, we're the ones who are usually sitting too close to the tailgate. On the plus side, it's an occupation where my kind of track record (dozens of jobs and projects on the resume!) is normal. We are contributing to Samaritan Ministries now, since insurance in unaffordable. Applying to jobs. Working on a dissertation -- at 58, I'm thinking about an academic career as a missions opportunity. Studying Turkish with my 11 and 13 year old daughters. And enjoying the support of an incredible wife.
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Blogging my way through the Turkish New Testament Meet my beloved mentor, RJR
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RE: The Unemployed/Underemployed Prayer, Praise n' Supp... - 9/11/2009 11:16:42 PM
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GroupW
Posts: 2526
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From: Up in the hills of Colorado (very BIG hills...)
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Whoa! Dutson, that's a lot for one guy to deal with. Hope you are hanging in there ok.
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“For every problem, there is a solution that is simple, elegant and wrong.” -H.L. Mencken "Most people would rather die than think; in fact, they do so." -Bertrand Russell
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RE: The Unemployed/Underemployed Prayer, Praise n' Supp... - 9/12/2009 3:35:20 PM
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eaglelady11
Posts: 269
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Dutson, I am sorry about your situation and am praying for you and your wife. Well, I am still unemployed and i did send out resumes this week. I got my unemployment check, but over half of it went to car repairs this weekend. that was a big ouch! but I could be grateful I had the money for the car repair. so I am praying to find good work and still be able to go to school and practice, but earn my own money. so keep the faith.
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RE: The Unemployed/Underemployed Prayer, Praise n' Supp... - 9/13/2009 8:48:43 PM
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rgod
Posts: 1927
Joined: 4/25/2005
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Dutson - I'm so sorry to hear about the cancer situation with your wife. I've prayed for her healing and also that she would be surrounded by support as she goes through this. Thank you for the encouraging word. RJR - I'm also a technical writer. I thought that it was a stable field ... and it still is, where I lived before. But now that I've moved ... let's just say it is a whole different story. But God is still good and faithful. I'm praying about getting into the grant writing field. I feel that this is where the Lord is leading me, but I don't yet see the way in which to go. MeganRenee and Eaglelady - keeping you both in prayer.
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We are His portion and He is our prize, drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes! If grace is an ocean, we're all sinking ... - Kim Walker "How He Loves Us"
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RE: The Unemployed/Underemployed Prayer, Praise n' Supp... - 9/27/2009 3:13:36 AM
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Shnoopie
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I graduated this summer with a MFA in creative writing. I had hoped to land a teaching position in private schools and community colleges. But Right now I'm having trouble finding even a private tutoring job. I've applied to 50-60 jobs already, and maybe only about 5-10% replied. Sometime I have to drive almost 40 min to an interview, and by the end I can sense that I'm their second option at best. It's frustrating for sure. I know I can help students with English related subjects, I've taught and tutored non native speakers. What's more, the public education here in California isn't that great. Some kids I tutor told me the teacher just passes out worksheets and sits on his butt all day. I'm praying that I find employment before Christmas. That's present buying time.
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Koreans don't die. They just Kimchee Away!
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RE: The Unemployed/Underemployed Prayer, Praise n' Supp... - 9/27/2009 3:15:07 PM
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Miss Giggles
Posts: 5202
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From: MI
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I am praying I am not laid off. I'm in IT though and there are some positions available, because they already had their bust after y2k. I also have a little experience... some of the recent college graduates aren't that employable.. so that is a benefit. The problem is that I may have to take a pay cut.
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RE: The Unemployed/Underemployed Prayer, Praise n' Supp... - 9/29/2009 10:48:48 PM
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rgod
Posts: 1927
Joined: 4/25/2005
Status: online
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I'll be praying Ms. Giggles that you aren't laid off. IT seems to be weathering the recession a little better than some other career fields - probably because after Y2K and the dot.com bust, lots of people lost jobs. Praying that things work out for you. Shnoopie - have you thought about writing online while you wait? There are some legit outlets out there (Demand Studios, EHow, etc.) that you can write for and that will keep money coming in the door as you search. If you can write quickly enough, you can make a nice chunk of change as you look for jobs. Check out the Absolute Write website and particularly their forums section. You'll find plenty of writers there and they'll have lots of info on what types of assignments are legit.
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We are His portion and He is our prize, drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes! If grace is an ocean, we're all sinking ... - Kim Walker "How He Loves Us"
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RE: The Unemployed/Underemployed Prayer, Praise n' Supp... - 9/29/2009 10:51:49 PM
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rgod
Posts: 1927
Joined: 4/25/2005
Status: online
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A recruiter has contacted me about a job. It would pay double what I make now (I'd still be making less than I've made in years, but at least it would be a decent wage for this part of the country). Please pray - I need a better job. The job where I am now wants to hire me full-time. I'll take it if they offer it (they've done this to me in the past, so I'll believe it when I see it). But there will probably be no increase in pay and an exponential increase in responsibility. I don't mind the additional responsibility, but as I'm living close to the bone as is - I really need more money. I'm praying that doors will open.
_____________________________
We are His portion and He is our prize, drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes! If grace is an ocean, we're all sinking ... - Kim Walker "How He Loves Us"
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RE: The Unemployed/Underemployed Prayer, Praise n' Supp... - 9/30/2009 3:49:23 AM
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timzagain
Posts: 34
Joined: 5/6/2006
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I have been underemployed or unemployed for a long time. Right now I am unemployed. It's been quite discouraging to go for interview after interview, be shortlisted down to the last 2 candidates and not get the job. I've had doors closed in my face so often now, that I am beginning to think that God doesn't want me working in my field of training. We need more money, as DH's business (our sole income) is suffering badly as a result of the economic downturn but praise God, we have a roof over our head and some food in the pantry. I thank God for the many ways he has blessed our family during this period of financial strain Being unemployed does have an upside - less time at work has meant more time for family, exercise. leisure. More importantly, I have more time and an even more compelling motive for seeking God in prayer. And that's always a good thing.
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RE: The Unemployed/Underemployed Prayer, Praise n' Supp... - 10/7/2009 4:53:47 AM
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rgod
Posts: 1927
Joined: 4/25/2005
Status: online
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Welcome timzagain. I'll be praying for you. I understand the feeling of being demoralized and discouraged. I'm praying that you'll be able to find something soon. Are you looking at temp agencies as well? Do you think that you could do some substitute teaching to get a little income coming in while you are looking for a job - or maybe some sort of tutoring (don't know what subject you provide training for). But, I am glad that you've had more time with your family - truly a silver lining. How is everyone else doing? Anyone found a job yet? We'd love to celebrate with you! I'm still waiting for a call, but don't know if I'll get one as it has been about a week now. I did find a position advertised in my old company - I wrote a really warm cover letter - hopefully they'll consider me since I was there for 10 years (in another branch, in another state). I also just put in for another job this morning and there are two or three more that I'm going to apply for today. I felt so discouraged that for a while, I didn't do much but just go to work. But now finances are pressing, so I've got to get back to this and in a big way. I'm also going to have to step up my online work to offset my budget shortfall or I'll be in big trouble. I'm thankful that I have some of that to fall back on. Praying for everyone today ...
_____________________________
We are His portion and He is our prize, drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes! If grace is an ocean, we're all sinking ... - Kim Walker "How He Loves Us"
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RE: The Unemployed/Underemployed Prayer, Praise n' Supp... - 10/8/2009 8:10:10 PM
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solo_soprano23
Posts: 2081
Joined: 4/27/2005
From: I'm a Southern girl
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quote:
ORIGINAL: timzagain I have been underemployed or unemployed for a long time. Right now I am unemployed. It's been quite discouraging to go for interview after interview, be shortlisted down to the last 2 candidates and not get the job. I've had doors closed in my face so often now, that I am beginning to think that God doesn't want me working in my field of training. We need more money, as DH's business (our sole income) is suffering badly as a result of the economic downturn but praise God, we have a roof over our head and some food in the pantry. Yeah, that's the way it is for me. I was telling my mom just today that I'm up against at least about 150 other applicants for the jobs I apply for... so many people are telling me that they get a ton of applications for one position. It just doesn't look that optimistic. I know God cares, but it's like you still need income-- and I suppose that's the only thing people know to say. I can't pay for gas/food/bills/necessities with that though, and I'm having a hard time.
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For God, For Learning, Forever.
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RE: The Unemployed/Underemployed Prayer, Praise n' Supp... - 10/9/2009 10:46:05 AM
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Miss Giggles
Posts: 5202
Joined: 4/18/2005
From: MI
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It's been like that in Michigan for a while... about since I graduated college. Most of the apps they get aren't people that are qualified for the position.. with the exception of teaching. Public schools were getting almost 2000 resumes for one position. If you get an interview you have already been weeded out. Actually if you get a phone call you have probably been weeded out.
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