I recently asked a contact of mine (I will call him Steve) about how his job search was going. I thought I would get a quick reply like, “it’s going ok” or “I have some good leads.” I got more than I anticipated. Being out of work can affect a person on so many levels and this was an example of how hard it can be and how it can get even tougher the longer we are without it. From turning down offers because they don’t pay more than unemployment insurance to getting your family to help you pay rent. Can you relate?

I thought that this would be a great letter to share with people. Maybe some of you have some advice that might help somebody like Steve - even words of encouragement.

“Greg,

Job hunt is going ok, slow but sure. I did interview with 4 companies since 1/1/09 all through different recruiters efforts, but at least I’m getting in front of people. I’ve been out of work since early September, so going on nearly 5 months now.

I’ve concentrated on mid-level positions but have looked at some lower level help desk positions as well, with those paying about 12-13 an hour, a position for a security analyst at ‘Big Bank’ was about 18 an hour, which is more in line with what I was previously making, that position was really an analyst position with just a basic understanding of IT needed, and would be something to carry me through, it was at least a 3 month contract position. If I were to attain a full time position on my own I’d be looking at wanting to earn 45K+ but short term contract work that comes close to 38K+ will do for now.

I had been contacted by ‘a local University’ back in December for a Help Desk position, and one of their first questions after asking about my availability was ‘what kind of salary range are you looking for?” I turned it around and asked them “what do you typically pay this position?” and when they said 21K a year, while it was work, I had to pass, I think I’m actually getting more in unemployment short term per ‘hour’ based on a 40 hour work week than I would at 10.10 an hour after taxes/benefits and such are deducted, and it is by no means close enough to cover rent/utilities/car loan/insurance, and everything else I have.

My credit is in the crapper, I checked my scores after I got letters from two of my creditors about reducing my credit line and increasing my interest rates, and it had taken a serious nose dive, nothing I can do to change that now though, I can only work with so much money, and family members have been kind enough to help pay a portion of my rent the last two months.

Coming from a background in the financial industry I felt it was a pretty good short term fit for a job. The recruiter told me the other day that he hasn’t heard back but that they were still actively interviewing for the position so he said until he hears back that I’m still in consideration.

I’m not really looking to relocate as I just moved here to ‘my current city’ a year ago, and being laid off for almost 5 months now has been a strain on finances.

Hope your week went well and that your weekend will be even better.

- Steve”

You can comment here, but also, post to my twitter account if you have some great advice - twitter.com/jiibe