Is it just me or is everyone else having a hard time looking for a job?
By marababe
@marababe (2503)
Philippines
June 3, 2009 8:37am CST
I have been "vacant" for exactly a year now and it's not like I was not applying to companies. I admit I only sent 1 application last year after I graduated, I have had 2 interviews with the Manager and since it was for a hotel abroad, I was patient enough to wait until my final interview since I was short-listed and all I have to do is wait for their call for the schedule. I was patient because I thought I would also take the time to actually relax and reward myself of some free time since I have just graduated from college and thought I deserved it.
I waited. Waited. Waited. The final interview was set on July then it was moved to October with no final date yet and then I never heard from them again. When January 1 came, I've had enough of waiting and said to myself that with new year, new life so the first thing I did after I woke up new year's day was to to go online and hunt for a job. I submitted almost 10 applications that day. No luck.
I got lucky by February and landed a contractual job but long story short, I kind of turned it down the last minute.
I never stopped applying until late April since I went for a vacation with my family and friends. I started applying again last week of May. Believe it or not, with all the applications that I've submitted I only got 1 call for interview and it was the one I turned down. 1 out of more 50 applications!!
This is getting so frustrating for me already.
My brother cut off my allowance and now my only source of income is the small amount I make online which is not even enough to pay ALL my bills in a month! So when June started, I started working double time for my online opportunities and just maybe I could make a decent amount every month until I get at least an interview!
Is it just me or is anyone else experiencing the same thing?
4 people like this
20 responses
@derlilaStern (1756)
• United States
3 Jun 09
There are tons of people in your position! I think it is especially hard for new grads. There are so many people that are looking for jobs that have good experience. They may want more money, but they will take anything they can get to support their family! So I think that companies are going for people who have the exerpience over the new grads.
I graduated 2 years ago and started on a 7 month contract. I am still at the same place. My contract was just extended for another year. So I will be here at least 3 years as a temporary employee! Even if it seems like a temporary job, you never know what it may turn into!
Have you tried getting a retail job? There seems to still be several of those around. It may not be ideal, but at least it would pay the bills!
Good luck!
1 person likes this
@hindichinese (748)
• Philippines
4 Jun 09
NO, Its not only you experiencing that here in our country.
There so many youths and young adults that have no work. Some of them were retrenched from there previous job and some just can't found one after graduation. This scenario in our country is getting worse this time. Our Government always say's that we are not experiencing much crisis than other countries. Yes that's true, but, we are more poorer than ever in our country's history.
Before, our country is in the #2 spot for the most advance (I forgot the right term,but its likely this one) country in South East Asia (or the whole asia?), that was before. And the recent #1 that time was Japan.
But now, still, we are in the #2 spot, but not second from #1. we are #2 from the buttom. Is it worth saying that our country is not in depth crisis?As for you marabebe, what can I only say is, Don't lose hope. Besides you have a degree and you have the appeal ( as what I can see on your Pic). You can have a Job someday. But you need to work hard for it.
Not like me, I haven't finished my college education and It's really hard to find a good job when your not graduate. But for me, it's more challenging. I know that someday I will be successful on the track that I have taken and proud to present it to my college classmates before that I can be more successful even if I haven't marched with a robe like them.
Just Don't lose hope..
1 person likes this
@DavidReedy (2378)
• United States
5 Jun 09
It's global hardtimes...courtesy of the global banking elite.
@calyxus (825)
• Philippines
3 Jun 09
Hi marababe! 
If you don't mind me asking, what country are you from?
Because I'm from the Philippines and the job that I can recommend you is of course the one that is constantly in-demand for now --- the call center industry. I am a fresh grad and I applied online in one of the Call Center Companies here and I got hired almost immediately after graduation. Now I am still undergoing training but of course with pay. 
And the salary is okay, I mean for a single person, it is enough...
If you don't mind me asking, what country are you from?
Because I'm from the Philippines and the job that I can recommend you is of course the one that is constantly in-demand for now --- the call center industry. I am a fresh grad and I applied online in one of the Call Center Companies here and I got hired almost immediately after graduation. Now I am still undergoing training but of course with pay. And the salary is okay, I mean for a single person, it is enough...@marababe (2503)
• Philippines
8 Jun 09
I am from the Philippines also. Working in a call center is so far down in my list. I have nothing against it, it's just that I don't think I could last in that kind of working environment. Although right now, I am thinking of re-considering but only as a part-time job. I'm still not sure.
@calyxus (825)
• Philippines
8 Jun 09
Then you'd better reconsider it "again" marababe...
Just think of it as a "job for now" while you're still waiting for your dream job.
You will never know, when you master the skills in the call center and you get used to the pay, which I tell you - you will, you're not gonna look for another job. Hehe! Just kidding...
But I assure you, working in a call center is as good as working anywhere else. I can refer you in my company if you want.
Just think of it as a "job for now" while you're still waiting for your dream job.
You will never know, when you master the skills in the call center and you get used to the pay, which I tell you - you will, you're not gonna look for another job. Hehe! Just kidding...
But I assure you, working in a call center is as good as working anywhere else. I can refer you in my company if you want.
@suzzy3 (8341)
•
4 Jun 09
You must be feeling so fed up ,but don't give up.Have you tried something else like waitressing or cleaning houses till the right job comes a long I have done all these jobs and it pays enough to keep you going.It will look better on your cv if you are willing to work anywhere.You are more likely to receive a job offer if you are doing something,Money is what pays the bills and keeps your self respect and your self confidence up to a good level.The longer it takes the more your self confidence will deteriate,good luck,I know you are a clever girl but it might takes ages to get something in your own field as there are many more looking for work than ever,you are not the only one ,If you put in for an interview don't sit and wait put in for loads and take what comes along,being fussy in todays world is a mistake,hope you find something soon.
@rakesh284 (1472)
• India
4 Jun 09
I am also looking for job but little confused also because I am also planning to do MCA and so waiting for a good job in IT or Admission in a good college to do MCA.
If I didn't got admission in a good college then I would prefer to do it in correspondence and look for a good job.
So even though I am looking for job but also I am waiting for my admission procedure to complete.
I was at home from this January and still at home so frustrated by it.
@highflyingxangel (9225)
• United States
4 Jun 09
I actually just landed one today thankfully. I have a lot of paperwork to deal with these next couple of days before everything works out but I'm just glad I finally have something. I think it really helped that I found a job in another city several hours away from where I live. Where I live right now, well there is nothing. It's hard to find anything that is not construction or farm related.
@Vivianh (331)
• China
4 Jun 09
No,of course u r not the only one.Me,I'm looking for a job now .I quited last month and I know the feeling of hunting job is not good.Everyone believe that I can get my dream job,yes ,i can.I still believe that now so i quit.So you 're not alone,be happy .Good luck.
@handsomeitaliano (1050)
• United States
4 Jun 09
Hi Marababe,
I'm sorry you are stressing. A lot of people are going through the very same thing, just as everyone else here said. I'm actually hoping to get this 2nd job I'm going for tomorrow so that I can work at my present 1 per diem, not something i plan to do for long maybe just 2 years so i get my bank account fattened up you know? But here I thought this would help ya out, its an article I wrote about job hunting in today's world:
http://www.bukisa.com/articles/98212_how-to-find-a-job-without-stressing-yourself
@kaguvkov (1318)
• Davao, Philippines
4 Jun 09
Of course I've experienced it too. I just waited for the opportunities before I take the work. I admit its very hard to stay at home with nothing to do but having some fun in the internet. It is really different to have a stable job and you can mingle other people in your work rather than virtual like here.
@Mikaela_taz25 (1842)
• Philippines
4 Jun 09
I was unemployed too but for only 2 months and thanks to my hubby's friends I was able to get into a Job at a Corporation in Makati. Yes, i had to admit there a lot of people 
who don't have jobs right now and so many lay offs than hiring.you shouldn't give and keep on looking for the internet or news paper. have a nice day. @zzyw87 (1254)
• Philippines
4 Jun 09
Yes, it is very very hard to get a job nowadays even if you graduated from a top university. The whole world is in a recession. That is why almost all companies are now cost-cutting. And when they start cost-cutting, they usually start with lessening employees. Just be patient. In the meantime, continue your online earning just so that you at least will still have money even if it is a bit small. Or you may start your own business. Explore other opportunities and not just rely on big companies for a job.
@mrsakai55 (54)
• United States
4 Jun 09
I have applying like crazy. There are so many people out there looking for a job that it makes it very hard to find a good job that I will enjoy. There are plenty of jobs that I could get but do I really want to have a job that I don't want to go to everyday. There needs to be some sacrifices and if it comes to that point, I will apply for any job.
@bady1988 (22)
• Philippines
4 Jun 09
your not alone in that case.. Lot of my friends are still finding jobs. They started after they graduated but until now, they had not find one...
If you have hard time on finding one, why don't you create your own job...
Think some businesses where you can apply your talent and interets..
@kun2349 (23381)
• Singapore
3 Jun 09
All i can say is that, u are not alone ^_^ With the current recession now, alot of companies are actually trying to cut staff by retrenching them and thus hiring chances will be very much lower..
However, there are some companies whom are still hiring just that those jobs might not be what u want.. It will be good to land yourself a job first, regardless of what, so that u are able to accumulate work experience amidst this crisis.. After which when everything had pick up, u are able to move on to the job u want, with a much better resume, to impress them ^_^
@goldeneagle (6745)
• United States
3 Jun 09
I have been looking for a second job now for a year. I work evenings in a restaurant, but I am looking for a second job that I can do during the day to make some extra money and give me something to do during the days. You are certainly not the only one having a hard time finding work right now. I know several people who have been looking for a job for months. There seems to be no end in sight, and it will likely get worse before it gets better. I hope you find work soon...
@beki710 (949)
•
3 Jun 09
I'm having a tough time as well. I'm a second year university student and I'm looking for work over the Summer because otherwise I won't have the money to pay for my rent in the last year of my studies. I have applied to so many places both online and in person and yet it all seems to have come to nothing. I do own my own website and make some income from that but unfortunately not enough to support next year. I am very worried as I don't want to drop out of university before I've finished my degree but it may have to come to that if I don't find something soon. I will take anything, waitressing, bar work, shop assistant even if it's minimum wage I just desperately need the money.
@saw2207 (1359)
• United States
3 Jun 09
marababe I don't think you are the only one having a hard time looking for a job. With unemployment at its all time high of 65 million people unemployed it is no wonder that this is happening.
With the economy the way it is everyone is cutting back and jobs are fewer and hard to find. Hopefully with the stock market showing some positive results in recent days things may start to improve in the near (keep our fingers crossed) future.
I think the whole world economy is changing and people are going to have to find creative ways to make money.
Good luck to you and keep on keeping on!
@chapstek (85)
• Philippines
3 Jun 09
Hi there marababe! Good day to you. I can feel what you feel because in this time, it is really very very hard to find a job because of the great amount of people unemployed, also great amount employed, and the few amount of employers. All of us want to find jobs but our employers wants the best from us so they choose the best for them. I think we should be our best for us to become employed by employers. Yes it is hard but I think with the right perseverance, we can find a job fitted to us. :)
@moomoo5 (1)
• Canada
4 Jun 09
Yeah it is hard getting a job. There is always a perfect job for everyone though, but so far I have had no luck in finding one but I have only been looking for only a few weeks. The worst is getting fired from the job you love or just not getting accepted to that job.
