Can you cut back on your volunteer hours a bit and step up your job search? You need time for networking (online and in person) and also for simply looking for places and people to contact. You might also look for part-time or temp work that could get you a foot in the door.

In tough markets, the more creative the better. Some people are even telling interviewers to try them and see how it works! And don’t forget to make sure your resume is working for you. Small changes can make a huge difference.

I hope something comes along soon for you. In the meantime, please drop by once in a while and let us know you’re ok. I’ve been through times like this myself, and something good always comes along eventually. Fingers crossed for you, Ms. Tere! Good luck.

Ronnie Ann

Thank you for responding! I happened to stop by and I stumbled upon this post. Unfortunately, I don’t have any great news to report. I still have not heard a response from that interview, and I had another one elsewhere back in April from which I received a “I’ll let you know about that second interview as soon as I know something!” (And nothing else, I might add, as I sent one more follow-up e-mail to the same person about 3 weeks later and received no response.) My volunteering is still eating up much of my time, and I’m finding myself having to demand my off days (to keep them as off days – that’s when I’m doing the majority of my searching). When I get home from volunteering, I try to spend a few hours searching and applying as that’s time I won’t have to spend the following day. So I’m at a little over 7 months of being unemployed and searching now. I AM broadening my horizons and my search, but at least two of those new pathways involve a system known for proceeding at a pace slower than molasses. As such, I remain in limbo with nothing in sight but more limbo ahead, and try to not get too down about it. It gets more difficult with each passing day.

There absolutely is hope for you! While I understand your boyfriend’s desire to end your misery , there is never any need to give up on a job until they actually say “no” – and even then, you can keep in touch if you really like the company and had some good connections during the interviews.

I hope by now you’ve heard some good news, but if not, please don’t get discouraged, the next one can be THE job. I’ve had long stretches in my career where everything felt cold, and then suddenly 2 or 3 job offers came up all at once. Meanwhile, remember to spiff up your resume and network, network, network! Also, to keep sane, try taking some part-time or temp work or doing a volunteer stint. It not only helps the spirits, but may lead you to that next job.

In the meantime, this might help:

12 Ways to Stay Sane After a Job Interview

Good luck!

Ronnie Ann

Good luck in your new job! And thanks for taking the time to share your experience with all of us.

Ronnie Ann

BTW…Joe and I have been in touch and I’m planning on turning his comment and some of his other first-hand experience into a post – or two or three!

I’m not suggesting that those who find themselves unemployed kick back and work on their tan but I would handle things differently in hindsight. I cringe when I think of all the time I wasted worrying and scouring the same old want ads repeatedly. For example, I’ve been trying to lose a little weight for a couple of years. Why didn’t I hit the gym twice a day? It might seem excessive but did I have something better to do? Hell, I would probably be looking back fondly on my time off now and reflect on my accomplishment.

For what it’s worth, here’s my unsolicited advice (from experience):
1. Get your finances under control ASAP. Assume the worst. Are you really prepared to be out of work for 3-6 months? Cancel the cable, plan ridiculously cheap meals, end all unnecessary spending, change your habits to reduce your utilities, have a yard sale, etc Be careful not to cut back on things you will need like Internet service. I would also keep the gym membership but maybe switch to one of those low cost places like Planet Fitness ($10 a month!). Review your budget after the first month to make sure your estimates were realistic.
2. Apply for unemployment immediately. I waited until my funds were low because I was embarrassed (not sure why) but I won’t make that mistake again. I paid into that system for almost 20 years.
3. Put in 6-8 hours a day job hunting. People aren’t joking when they say looking for a job is your new job. Be honest with yourself about how hard you’re actually working.
4. In reference to #3, take the weekends off! New jobs aren’t typically posted on weekends. Also, when I spent all weekend on job boards, my Monday sucked because there were so few listings that were new to me.
5. Stay positive. You will get another job if you have realistic expectations. I finally hit a streak and had 3 good offers on the table and now make more money at a more challenging job. Oddly enough, this didn’t happen until I “lowered” my standards and applied for a wider range of positions. 7 months later, I can honestly say the whole ordeal was worth it to be where I am now.