I was laid off in July 2010 from my phone agent position. I have been attending school since 2009 with my major being business administration. I moved to South Carolina from Michigan in October 2010 in the hope of finding work. It’s been 4 months and still nothing. My work history is solid and I have many office and people skills.
It’s frustrating that every time I submit an application or resume, I am overlooked because there is someone younger who has the same education and is willing to work for less money. They may have the same education but they don’t have the life experience. I hope the market begins to turn around soon. I am one of the lucky ones and have unemployment for a very long time yet but I would prefer to spend my days working for a living.

I have worked in textiles for 33 years. The yarn mill where I worked at for the last 30 years, was sold to another textile plant in N.C. The rumors started flying about it running 5 years and closing down. It didn’t run but for 3 years and March of 2009, the doors was closed. I have been on unemployment since. I went back to school and got my CNA’S1 and 2, Phlebotomy licenses, and soon my EKG. I have been putting in applications, but to no response. I am a widowed woman and I cannot get any food stamps. America needs to take care of its own instead of taking care of the rest of the world!!!

I am 45 yrs old. I have been unable to find a permanent job for the last six years. This in spite of the fact that every employer I’ve had has raved about my job performance and expressed horrified disbelief when they found out that I didn’t get a job immediately after they laid me off.
My first job required me as a Medical Lab Technician (MLT) required me to work all shifts and all departments and take call. I did this. Additionally I created the procedures for disposing of hazard chemicals in the lab and modified the emergency call out list to where it could actually work in the case of emergency. In addition I reduced the turn around time for the Emergency Room Lab Results from 30 minutes to 15. When the hospital was bought by a health care corporation or chain I was laid off.
I have contributed to the Process Validation Plan at GlaxoWellcome in Greenville NC. I wrote the Chemical Hygiene Plan for the Bayer Test Lab in Raleigh NC. At Bayer I took care of any thing that came and out of the building, including all the hazardous chemicals.
For the state of North Carolina I was technical write for Phases 2 and 3 of the HIPAA Security Project and managed all phases of the office, included meetings supplies, interviews, publications and the website. When the project ended I was laid off.
I was hired again by the state of North Carolina, this time by the State Lab of Public Health this time to work in Virology. I managed to do all they asked but soon I was also asked to enter data for another department. In spite of them being months behind, myself and a team caught them up. After that I was assigned to help with Quality Assurance with the information system for another department. I did that and received praise for my work.
But once again the money ran out and I was asked to make my exit.
All I want is a chance to contribute, a decent salary and benefits.
Can someone help me do that?

I have been unemployed for well over a year because of a wrongful termination from Tallahatchie County Correctional Facility, a private institution owned and operated by Corrections Corporation of America. Living in a job strapped area like the Mississippi is already tough enough but then you have a company like CCA, despite having all my paperwork in place to prove that I was being picked on and discriminated against, fire people at will and without much anyone can do about it because the state of Mississippi turns a blind eye to the situation (CCA operates 4 facilities in the state) as well as the local and state level elected officials who know about the facility operating short staffed for YEARS as well as being under-equipped and underpaid. Well over 20 people have been wrongfully terminated from TCCF in a short amount of time for reasons that in many cases are against the law (individuals serving in the military and then come back to find that they were terminated, individuals with breast cancer who were terminated for getting chemo treatments and needing time off, individuals who were fired after being ATTACKED by INMATES in a cafeteria of 250 inmates (but only 3 staff members) and needed time off to recover from their wounds but were terminated because they were not medically cleared after over a year) and no national media has picked up on this story

I have been filling out applications for over a year and no luck at finding a job

I was a corporate recruiter for HNTB, an engineering company. I got laid off in February, 2009. I was helping people with their resumes as a recruiter and still do. As frustrated as I am, I opted to keep my sanity by running ProNet Career Resources and continually updating my linkedin file at www.linkedin.com/in/howieappel. I also help my wife sell Avon.

I was reading a book today about unemployment. There was a chapter entitled “It’s All Their (the company’s) Fault”, or something similar, followed by a chapter taking the opposite approach, “It’s All My Fault.” Well, in my case, it is. There were opportunities I missed, some educational ones I was aware of, who knows how many career ones I wasn’t. I’ve made some poor decisions, some at really bad times – partly due to a mental illness that wasn’t being treated properly, partly due to being human and fallible. I left the highest paying job I ever had in 2007 and haven’t found a permanent job to replace it yet. All I want is another chance, but I have to face facts. I may never get one if the economy doesn’t change. The future looks bleak at times, but I’m still hoping for a miracle. I’m praying everyone else gets their miracle, too.

I currently reside in Ft. Lauderdale, I relocated here from NYC in 1992 pre hurricane Andrew. I Have been steadily employed since 1967. I was laid off 10/2009 due to my company being bought out by another company who then decided to out source my position. I am a licensed Work Comp adjuster with varied experience in the Insurance and health care industry. I have excellent qualifications, excellent communication skills both written and oral. Excellent customer service skills, negotiating skills, training, am experienced in Medical and dental claim processing, coding and terminology. Interpreting and administering Long and Short Term disability benefits, telephonic case management, medical only Adjusting for Workers Compensation claims. I am bilingual. I have experience in being deposed and have attended meditations. Can communicate effectively with all levels of management, attorneys, employers. I have always taken the initiative take any courses that would enhance my knowledge and skills, and have always provided my employer with 110% of my attention. Currently I have had numerous interviews and no offers. I am trying very hard not to get discouraged but admit it is getting more difficult as time passes it is getting harder. I have been told by others that employers discriminate based upon age and other factors however, I choose not to believe this as I like to believe in the integrity of the hiring process documented in the postings.
What is discouraging is the remarks I hear stating that people collecting unemployment are lazy and not motivated. I need to correct this as I devote my time attending seminars and workshops for employment at the workforce, I network, I look very aggressively for employment. I am not only looking in my field, but any other field that is currently hiring where any of my skills can transition. No one knows how horrible I feel collecting unemployment, knowing that I am qualified to be employed yet cannot find a job.
R fortis in Ft. Lauderdale FL

I am from Staten Island, NY; been out of work since December 08; lost my benefits, October 2010. I support myself and rely on those extensions. I have been denied food stamps, medicaid during my time on unemployment, I have no medical insurance for the past 2 years, they said I made too much money; my rent is $1200 plus gas, electric, cable, car insurance etc…. Unemployment paid me $1600 per month. I was finally able to receive food stamps only because I jumped through hoops and raised my voice. I have been sending up to 100 resumes per week and I have been on 2 interview in 2 years. Both interviews were return call backs, but got no where. There are NO jobs for us anymore. I have worked for the past 23 years with a very decent salary, I lived comfortably until now, I have been reduced to poverty. My brother has moved in to help with the bills. I am one step from living on the streets. I can longer survive like this. This is very discouraging when no one is willing to look at you when they know you have been out of work for over 2 years. My last interview I was told that I have been out of the workforce for too long and that I would not be a fit for the company. I wanted to cry. Very disappointing for me. I am a 99er and try and find support, I don’t understand how this has happened to me. I am very upset with this because I have nothing. Cant pay rent, no money etc. But I keep being positive with my family and my friends. Being positive helps, it can not possibly get any worse then it is now, SO it has to get better!!!! I try my best to move forward, but without any unemployment for a 99er, its rough for us. I have attached my photo with my childhood friend. I am Sheriann Porrata from Staten Island, New York and I am a 99er and I am someone….

I was fired from Bp Convenient Stores here in Orlando, Fl. We had just for the 4th time changed hands in management, we were under new management, so you have to learn a whole set of new rules and what you are or aren’t suppose to do. I was the asst mgr, and they had decided to change mgt around, so the mgr we had was out i was acting mgr paychecks had just came in on a monday afternoon, the mgr came back tuesday afternoon, i handed paychecks out a whole evening prior to tuesday and came weds morning i was let go, over something so minor in a lot of peoples eyes, a lot of my girls are single mamas, needed to make sure they could pay bills put food on there tables, which i am in the same boat. I went to get unemployment and i had to wait almost 13 weeks to get any help, i almost lost my apartment, car, and heaven knows in florida its hard to get any assistance from the state. I fought my case with them and won it with the state 2 times, once i applied and once they applied. I am still unemployed to this day, i have very little college I had to stop going due to divorce and work full time just to make any money to survive. I’ m having the worse time finding a job you have to have a degree for almost everything in this state, next they will want a degree to rent an apartment. I have job skills in many different fields isn’t that good enough for corporate America? The jobs u do find expect u to work for below minimum wage u cant survive or they chose a young kid or migrant person before they even take time to call you or even think of all you have to bring to there company… They should try living on unemployment, paying bills, just to survive…..

I was terminated from my position, as an Electro Mechanic, after 5+ years of problem free, hard working service. Over the 5 years of employment I developed a problem with my back which was eventually diagnosed as a ruptured disc. I was also diagnosed with degenerative disc disease and mild scoliosis. I was “furloughed”, due to “Housing Market Downturn”, on April 2, 2009. I had already submitted the necessary short term disability paperwork to my employer (a MAJOR manufacturer of fiberglass insulation) to ensure I would at least have a 60% base pay income during my recovery after the much needed Disc Fusion Surgery my doctor had strongly suggested I undergo (to avoid possible further nerve damage). Because my employer notified and “furloughed” the affected employees in advance of my short term disability request approval, and 6 days before my scheduled surgery, I would only be eligible for unemployment benefits. I was placed in the awkward position of forgoing the surgery until I could possibly gain employment again with another company in which case my condition would be considered pre-existing by any new medical insurance and as such not be covered, not to mention even if it were I would need to take a very significant amount of time off from my new position in order to have the surgery and recover, which would of course not be well received by the new company. Or I could have the surgery during my LAYOFF and hope for a recall soon after the recovery period. I chose that option and after a little less than three months I was recalled. I debated the decision to return so soon but due to the financial situation I returned. I could tell I wasn’t anywhere near a 100% in my recovery process but I made do, for a while anyway. After a few months of intense pain, and no telling how much the adverse affects on my healing process, I went out on short tern disability. I was out for quite a while though far less than I could have been out and after a significant improvement in my condition (though still a far cry from normal) I finally informed my company disability case worker I was ready to return to work. At first he said he didn’t believe I would be able to because my doctor had reported me as totally disabled and I would be seen as a liability by the company. When I referred him to my doctors last medical certification form for my continuation of short term benefits I pointed out I was not totally disabled and was listed as out indefinitely due to my condition. My doctor was then required to submit additional paperwork (which basically questioned his credibility) certifying my ability to return to work which he did (he’s a great doctor). When I returned I could tell from the reception I received from management I was not welcome. My job had already (prematurely) been posted and filled, but I did return to the same shop I had been in. I was harassed by management on 2 separate occasions and then embarrassed and humiliated in a discriminate manner when I was forced to change my shirt after I was quoted a company policy I had never heard of involving the company dress code. The shirt I was provided by management was 3 sizes to big. I worked for 2 weeks and then had to call in due to serious illness with my wife and my oldest son sick and then eventually with myself as well. I kept my employer updated periodically during my absence and followed the company requirements in doing so. Upon returning to work I found I could not access the front gate with my company ID. After being let through, by a fellow worker, I then discovered I could not clock in. Soon after a short daily shop meeting I was informed by my supervisor I needed to get my shop union steward because I had a meeting with our HR Dept. I found my steward and then we were told to get the union President because he needed to attend also. When my steward asked what was going on? We were told I was being suspended pending termination. We found the union vice President and explained the situation. He said the President was already aware of what was going on and had been aware for over a week. When we finally located the President and explained about everything he acted stunned. When the steward told him he had been told by the union vice president that he already knew about the situation and had known for over a week, the President absolutely denied any knowledge at all. I was charged with failure to report for 3 consecutive days during my absence and suspended pending the results of a fact finding meeting scheduled for 2 days later. I asked which days I was charged with and after learning the dates I cited each day I had called the company (call in number) to update my situation and what I had said. I was told there were nonetheless 3 days not accounted for. I disagreed and explained every pertinent fact involving my absence. The union President instructed me to bring all supporting documentation to the fact finding meeting. When I got to the meeting I was told the union reps needed to speak with me before the meeting. We went to the plant union office and there were 3 other union reps there, as soon as the door was closed I was verbally interrogated, smirked at, chuckled at, and finally yelled at. When I had finally had enough I informed them I had come to the conclusion the “fact finding” meeting was obviously a waste of time and that they all were acting in concert with management to ensure my termination. I left that office and walked to another where I asked someone I knew to call my supervisor and let him know I needed to pick up my toolbox. When he arrived we both were told by the maintenance manager I could not go to the shop and my box would have to be brought out to the front parking lot. I let him know it didn’t matter how I got my toolbox I just wanted my box. After I walked out I stood next to my vehicle with pen and paper and wrote down all that was said during the “union” meeting I had just had. Five minutes later a local police cruiser arrived with 2 officers. I spoke with one and told him I couldn’t believe the company had called the police. That I wasn’t angry or causing trouble or anything I just wanted to get my toolbox. When it was brought out an expensive vise had been removed from one of the boxes. When I asked the supervisor about it he played dumb. As I stood there the HR manager walked up and handed me my separation notice stating I was terminated due to failure to report to work. I left and after I got home I tried to access my People Soft account so I could print out a copy of my latest paystub in case we were eligible to receive food assistance. I was already removed from the PeopleSoft system. Several days later I received a call from a doctors office where I had already scheduled an appointment. They said my medical insurance had been cancelled. After investigating further I found out it had been cancelled by my employer on the last day they claimed I did not report to work and that was 17 days before I was actually terminated. One bright point-I applied for unemployment benefits explaining my side of the situation and providing the very documents I intended to provide at the “fact finding meeting” which support my case and after their investigation and having spoken with my employer they DETERMINED I used proper procedures in reporting my absence and updating my employer and that I should not have been terminated, which allowed me to receive my unemployment benefits. Now I find that the union could have very easily assisted me in saving my job. There were at least 3 different avenues that could have saved my job and all were blatant obvious violations of union contract and my rights as a union member. Though I did lose my job I found that I still have time to file charges against the union via the NLRB, which I am in the process of doing. I am also exploring my options in filing an EEOC complaint against my employer based on the conditions not only of my dismissal but the circumstances prior to that involving my return to work from short term DISABILITY. I have also spoken with several attorneys about my situation and each have expressed sincere interest in pursuing a lawsuit against my ex employer and they are especially surprised I was terminated BUT I was awarded unemployment benefits WITHOUT an appeal hearing and the DOL’s reason for allowing benefits. I think it’s disgrace that those of us who have served our country, worked hard all our lives, and as such our bodies begin to fail us, are treated as disposable, liabilities, and disposed of at the first available opportunity regardless of whether it falls within the realm of common decency and fairness or that it’s even legal for that matter. Though I know they have their problems also I have really been eyeballing Australia as an alternative to this fiasco we still call America.