Looking for a job in all the wrong places....

[Magoo541]

I've been working for ATS (Automated Tooling Systems) for the last 9 years, a REALLY long time for me (I averaged a new job every 9 months for the previous 11 years) first machining parts, then building automated systems and finally as a Manufacturing Engineer.  Well they closed our division and I'm looking to put my Business degree to use doing something in Manufacturing in Oregon.  3 weeks I've been out of a job and for a month prior to that I was looking for a new job.  I could have gone back to making chips right away but there is feeling if I settle, well, I've settled. 

I know some of you have been through the same thing and I'm wondering what you have done, how long it took you to find the "right" job and what you did in between interviews  ?

I woke up at 4:00 this morning with my mind already going on the problem at hand (I'm a problem solver by nature) and going over the list of potential employers that I haven't contacted.  The first time in the last 3 weeks I haven't been able to sleep in until 7, so I think I'm beginning to get restless.

Thanks in advance, while I wait I'm going to go rearrange the lights in the garage and add the two I bought at Habitat for Humanity. 

[tombogan03884]

Knock on every door with in an acceptable commute, then call every week until they start getting pissy then cut back to once a month.
After that extend your radius and repeat.
Don't forget temp agency's and "Employment Agencies" a lot of companies only hire through them and will not even give you an app.

[fatbaldguy]

In my experience, I was always able to find a better job when I was already working.  The axiom that it is easier to find a job when you have one has rung true with me.

Re-inventing yourself is good.  I don't know your bona fides, but look outside the lines.  Don't let your past choices define your future.

[alfsauve]

Bryan,

I had the same problem.  Accounting degree, but worked as a software engineer for almost 20 years then got laid of in late middle age.  As you get older, employers don't want to take a chance on you when they can get younger workers for less money.

My biggest period of unemployment happened just before 9/11.  When that hit, I went out to get anything.   A week later I was selling plumbing supplies at Lowe's.  In a year I had the opportunity, through a friend, to get into something entirely different.  Then after two years there building experience, I got into a completely different line of work and  I've been at this job (video production) now for 12 years.

I think that's the key is to be flexible to new career opportunities.  Keep in touch with all your acquaintances and associates.  If you have to take something else in the meantime (like a big box store), keep your eye open for opportunities there, plus befriend all the people you come into contact with.

And the secret to getting a job at a big box store (HD, Lowe's, etc.)  Ask to fill out the manual application form.  Ask to speak to "the" store manager (not an assistant).  Hand him/her the application and say:  "I'm willing to work any department, any shift and I will be here on time, ready eager to work for every shift."    They are looking for sober, smiling faces and a personal touch goes a long way.

[Magoo541]

Solid advice one and all.  I've done much of what you suggested, canvased the area for potential employers, sat down with recruiters (up to 4 now), expanded my commute radius into southern Portland Metro area (an hour with no traffic each way) and networked with my industry friends.  I had an interview Friday on the edge of my commute limit and just got an offer this afternoon.  Not what I wanted money wise but doable, nor do I know what the benefit package looks like (recruiter is sending it) but it is beyond what I have done, Project Manager position.  The sticking points are the commute (it took me an hour and a half to get home with a some traffic and just over an hour to get there with little traffic) and the company itself.  They are trying to shift their business model from making parts for a major company (80% of their business) to making some unknown product. 

Decisions, decisions....

Thanks again, its going to be a long night....

[Sponsor]

[TAB]

Any exp in power generation?

[Magoo541]

Any exp in power generation?

No.  I've worked/machined on individual components of the equipment (shafts, pulleys, couplers etc).  I have a buddy that works for a group out of Eugene that does a lot of that type of work.

Crunching the numbers, wrapping my head around what the commute will be like and looking at gyms up in the area (go early and beat the traffic).  The job is simple but the future is murky from where I sit.  Could be a beginning of an awesome opportunity or just a stepping stone.

Thanks Tab 

[TAB]

Where are you in or?  I'm in bend.     I got more work.then I can shake a stick at, but can't find good help.  I have to import it from ca lol.  Every one I have had vist me has stayed lol.(all blue collar conservatives, not the liberal pos)


I kid you not, I did 10%  of my ca gross the 1st year here and made 15k more then I did in any of the last 5 years there.   While only working about 4 months.

Now, between my construction company, consulting and the non profit. I am running around like a mad man.

[Magoo541]

I'm just over the mountains in Albany. My background is Machining and Automation. 5 years in the Army cured me of working outdoors and just to be sure I worked environmental cleanup for a year and figured out I still didn't like the cold. I know those that work for themselves have the most earning potential and the most risk. Family (my wife-just between us) kept/keeps me from venturing out on my own-for now 

[Pathfinder]

I got laid off by a bank in 2009, and it was a year before I found another opportunity. Actually, it found me. Of course, I was living near Fargo, ND so jobs at my (senior) level of IT were few and far between.

The others are right in that if you have some age, employers do NOT want you - you want too much money, and as soon as you become proficient in their business (or so they think) you will retire.

I went full consultant, had down time between gigs, but working through "recruiters" and contract companies I had done well up until the time I moved to Lexington, KY, only to find jobs here as limited as in Fargo. Being newly wed, I have NO desire to travel . . . .