What are the options for those of us facing long term unemployment

I don't think we are going to get 11 million jobs anytime soon (we actually need more than that because of population growth and lower retirement rates among the boomers. Plus the equivalent of about 3-4 million jobs were lost by cutting people from full time down to part time. Plus there was no job growth in the decade before the recession. All in all we are arguably about 30-40 million jobs short right now). So what are the options for those of us left behind?


Starting your own business sounds risky. With credit collapsed, slumping demand, etc. it seems like a risky idea. Besides I have no ideas or marketable skills I'd know how to parlay into this.

Go to graduate school. I suppose I could do a PhD in my field, that'd kill 6 years. But at the end I'd still be unemployed. In fact it is harder to find a job with a doctorate in my field than just a BS degree. Besides, I don't think I have the work ethic for a doctorate, 80 hours weeks don't appeal to me.

Find a paid internship. My brother recommended this, but I don't know where to start to look

Move overseas and do something like teach english. This is becoming my most likely avenue. There are no options domestically. However I want to work in my field. I studied biochemistry and wanted to get a job working in a research area like the Research triangle in NC, or the bay area, or San Diego, or Seattle (all are good areas for science and biotech jobs). The best places in the US for my field seem like places that have communities of intellectual liberals, so I would fit in more than I fit in in my hometown. However I fear if I get out of my field for a few years, I won't get back in.

What other options are there? What are we supposed to do?

people" statement by Obama on his proposed immigration reform and amnesty.

Really I am not kidding. Things were terrible in the early 70's. Stagflation and Nixon's wage freeze was a real stinker for jobs...but there was a thing called the cold war, and another thing called Viet Nam.

The NSA, State Dept, and Defense Dept are always looking for good minds as civilian analysts, linguists, etc.
THe military is still trying to hit a bullet with a bullet so if math, physics, simulation is your thing...
If you're a cybernaut there is an entirely new cold war battlefield there...

Then there is HUGE need for lobbyists for the defense/logistics community, there are even lobbying jobs for peaceful things, though I hear they don't pay well at the entry level.

If you really don't want to be part of the winning side of the economy (the military, industrial, lobbying complex) the NGO's doing refugee work are always looking for feet on the ground. THey can use almost every field of expertise and, if it works for your career goal, time there is well spent sometimes it can be a career.

lobbying for the MIC..
:scared:

PhD in Biochem sounds pretty marketable to me. Also, you should be able to get graduate assistantship that will help with costs during your degree program.

Teaching English overseas may sound interesting but I have heard some horror stories.. Be sure to research the options thoroughly before taking a position. Plus it will be difficult to apply/interview for jobs in the US from thousands of miles away.

Just my thoughts.. good luck!

If you're looking to mark time until the job market improves, you can look for any "casual" labor. That could include Americorp or Teach for America as well.

If you're looking to start to "build experience" then you'll need to look for opportunities to work in/around your field. The internship isn't a bad idea. You could try tutoring. See if there are research grants being offered and try to get one. Maybe the government has some you could apply for.

Also, you might as well start networking. Is there some professional organization to join? Maybe get involved in a local chapter. Keep an eye out for things like conferences, fund raisers, or school related activities for which there might be volunteer opportunities. The closer to your field the better, but don't be too choosy. Heck, if a potential employer is a "sponsor" at professional golf tournament, volunteer for the tournament and get assigned to their venue as a volunteer.

Anyone can do it!!

:sarcasm:

(sorry, I just read that on another thread and am still shaking my head in disbelief at the inability of some people to...uh... connect the micro with the macro, I guess)

workers. From medical supplies, to nurses and doctors to administration to insurance. I'm not unemployed thank who ever but I was a controller for a medical clinic a few years ago. The medical field openings are known by medical field people mostly. If there is some kind of temp service for your skill sign up and call them every day.

Your 8hr a day job today is to look for a job. Get in on the inside by networking. Just call people, makes no difference if they say no but when they do ask them for other names you could call. Tell them that the last person gave you their name.

Don't give up. There are 89% employed if there is 11% unemployment. See yourself part of the 88% not the 11%. Get into an employment club and meet with them daily.

I have done these things.

Start a business helping people look for work and get a grant to do it!

I forgot about putting in job applications when I concluded that was a waste of time and gas. I just started going around talking to people who might know where I could get some work. I usually had no problem finding some kind of shit job to get me through. Washing semi-trucks with acid, etc. My eyes are still fucked up from doing that. But I had to pay the rent so I did it anyway.

Thats what some may have to do?

Don

and a new certification to enter another career. I'm looking at possibly three more years of full-time education, but if I can get it paid for without me having to do the paying, and have enough money to live on aside from that--which might be a possibility--I am willing to make the investment. I figure by the end of it all, I'll then have 18 years in which to pursue a second career. The prospects in my current one are looking bleak.

internship there. They were great. They encouraged me, gave me the experience I was looking for and I found work in that field after the fact.

What is your dream job? Write them and offer to work for free for a few months. Then you'll have new references and relevant life experience.

http://www.hr.emory.edu/research_fair2010/

Are you willing to relocate?

Editorial: on Jobless Americans. Good read - GREAT cartoon!!! http://prlog.org/10595073
Our newest video:Ode to Washington 2 minutes of truth.
Here is the link:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4oUWBIid50
Link to the words: http://tinyurl.com/yeaj62j


I am a very active and strong advocate for the US jobless and I go by the name of Paladinette in the blogosphere.
I now have my own call in Radio Show called JOBLESS TALK which premiered April 7th 2010. I need callers to vent (politely) their disgust with Washington over ignoring the millions of long term unemployed.
Here is the link to my next call in radio show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/paladinette/2010/04/13/job ... Upcoming Show: 4/13/2010 12:00 PM
Call-in Number: (347) 857-2884
This press release has all the info on the show and how to call in: http://www.free-press-release.com/news-paladinette-now -...
Show on April 16th link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/paladinette/2010/04/16/job ... congressional candidate Bill Lussenheide CA 45th district running against Mary Bono

...that make it less profitable to move jobs to China.. and protect the Americian Worker?

Oh.. no.. forget that.


I forgot, Congress works for the Big Corps.. not the voters.

However, an aptitude for lying through your teeth is required.