Laid Off...

[Pilgrim]

Hang in there and search like mad! Also, use your personal networks. This is tough news at this time of year, but a sharp lady like you should connect soon.

 

[RedPop4]

I'm sorry to hear this news, Lizzie. What IS it with these employers doing this at this time of the year?

Have you heard of Linked In?
www.linkedin.com

It's worth a shot. It's not a job site, however, you put in your information, then invite your friends to put in theirs, and it builds a network. Although it's mostly professional and tech jobs, I'm certain there's a niche for you.

 

[Cacklewack]

You're a splendid writer and seemingly splendid person. Surely someone will snatch you up. Best wishes, ma'am!

Matt

 

[Spitfire]

Dear Lizzie. So sorry to hear that. Many of us has had that experience once or twice in our lives. Just remember: "Life is what happens to you, while you are bussy making other plans."
I have allways experienced that when that sort of thing happened to me, my life took a turn to the better. All the best!

 

[GOK]

Aww Lizzie, what a horrible thing to happen. I'm so sorry to hear this and I wish I had something constructive to say other than to repeat what other people have said, especially about networking. Actually, a magic wand would be a better wish

I do sincerely hope you find something soon - was it Micawber that always said "Something will turn up"? I hope it does for you, Sweetie. Do keep us posted when you can and try to keep your chin up.

 

[Paisley]

Lizzie, maybe your friends and relatives will give you money for Christmas instead of regifts.

 

[Mr. Lucky]

Lizzie -

I know you don't know me from Adam's off aunt, but I also am a writer. The path of the Written Word is a rocky, dark, rough road to trudge. It always has been for the oh so many, yet surprisingly few, that have taken it. You are beseiged at every shadowy twist and dissapointed at every forced step back. It is a path not for the faint of heart - from Oscar Wilde to Hunter Thompson, Hemingway to Bukowski, Kerouac to Bradbury - the art, the craft, we have chosen has done in some of the finer souls and minds the world has ever put forth.

Now, look at those that have come before us in the pursuit of TRUTH and art, look at where we stand, and allow a bit of perspective. That's what I do. No one is throwing us in prison for what we write or how we live. The bounty of outlets for our craft is greater than the Bard - a man who served and worked at the pleasure of court - could ever imagine! When a job evaporates due to the whim of some button-down exec. somewhere or falls prey to the God of Money or is simply put to rest due to the fact that it's bad, I remind myself that the opportunities that present themselves today are so vast, so wide open, that they would have Oscar and Ernest drooling for the paychecks that would be forthcoming.

You lost a job. You will lose jobs again. It's the nature of the beast. But what a wild and beautiful beast it is! Have a drink. Or not. But allow some perspective into the situation - it is not the end of the world. Sure, it feels like that! But that is just the drama inherent to the storyteller's nature!

The bottom line is this - as long as you write, you'll be fine. And, even if you don't, you'll still be fine. But I reccomend the former - at least it kills the time!

Yrs.

 

[Tommy Fedora]

Don't worry...

Sorry to read the bad news, Liz.
I was laid off from a 20 year job a few years ago so I know how you feel. But I also learned that its just part of life and you will rebound better than ever.
Opportunities change from day to day on the job websites so don't lose hope.
Tomorrows listing's could change your life in a positive way.

 

[Miss Neecerie]

ack!

Will keep my fingers crossed...

 

[deanglen]

You're in my prayers for a new job, Lizzie. He's watching out for you. Always.

dean

 

[Simon82]

Have faith, Lizzie

Something will turn up. I'm an ad copywriter myself who endured a company folding nine months after I joined it -- followed by a 1,000-mile move with my family to another job, only to have *that* agency bought out and most of the staff let go shortly after. All of this within a year.

I freelanced for a year, and found that old contacts were invaluable in keeping afloat. In fact, one of those old friend/co-workers eventually offered me the job I have now.

So don't be afraid to call on old friends, or new friends on the Lounge! I don't have many contacts in the NE, but if I hear of anything I'll pass it along.

Hang in there, Lizzie, and know you're not alone.

 

[fortworthgal]

I'm sorry to hear this, Lizzie. My thoughts are with you, and I know something will turn up quickly!

 

[Miss Dottie]

Oh Lizzie, I'm so sorry to hear the news. But I'm sure it will be just moments before you find yourself in the green with a better writing gig.

BTW, have you tried Craig's List? They have a Maine page. And also I'm sure looking at close cities, there might be some good jobs there too for sassy freelancers like yourself.

Hey, I just saw this one in the Maine Craig's List:

Entertainment Magazine seeks Freelance Writers!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reply to: admin@fromtheflames.com
Date: 2006-11-11, 8:49AM EST


Do you love Movies? Do you love writing? Why not combine the two!

Independent Rising Magazine is an online magazine covering the independent film industry through interviews and articles with the filmmakers. Every month we feature several different series of articles that span the entire film industry, from directors to composers, make-up artists, special effects teams, and more.

We are currently seeking 10-15 writers with various levels of experience to join our team. Anyone looking to build their resume with solid writing experience is encouraged to apply.

For more information, e-mail us now or check out our website!

Independent Rising Magazine
www.prmagazine.net

Editors:
admin@fromtheflames.com

--------------------

Well, good luck and we're all rooting for you!

 

[LizzieMaine]

Hey now -- this is a swell tip! Thanx, Dottie -- I'll check it right out!

 

[Miss Dottie]

Hey now -- this is a swell tip! Thanx, Dottie -- I'll check it right out!

Anything for a FL pal! Good luck!

I'm crossing my fingers for you!

 

[max the cat]

laid -off

Lizzie-best of luck finding writing assignments-you are a hell of a writer,your posts always fun reading

max

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

I forgot to mention.

I have extraordinarily good luck in stumbling upon opportunities for others. Just a weird talent of mine I guess. [huh]
The sales person where I work, a good friend of mine, was fired last year. He was going through some tough personal problems and the boss is a *@^!%$# so he got 86ed.
After about 6 months or so, I was in the cafeteria at the aforementioned place just glancing at some want ads. I see this ad for a pump salesman and I remembered that he used to work for a place that sold pumps. So I emailed the link to him, he calls, and it turned out that it was a company that was started by some friends of his at the place he used to work! Now he is much more relaxed and happy in his work place. Just goes to show that every cloud really does have a silver lining.
If I happen to stumble upon anything in your line,(or maybe someone else will) you will be the first to know.

 

[CharlieH.]

Good luck with finding a new job, Lizzie! You'll no doubt pick yourself up in no time.

 

[binkmeisterRick]

Lizzie, I just saw this. Trust me, I feel your pain. I got laid off from a graphic design job over a month ago along with another designer. (Yeah, Merry Christmas, eh?) Apart from Craigslist, Monster, et al, here is what I would suggest, since it's what I've been doing. There are staffing agencies specifically for creatives (writers, designers, etc.) who may be abe to find you work as a temp, temp to hire, contract, full time, whatever. I've been "working" with two, and though my field of work is slow over the holiday, I've finally got a good possibility which may be coming my way, right in time for me to be able to make rent. If you get work through them, obviously you can still keep up a job search for something else, or have the agencies look for something more up your alley, but the point is work is work. It might not always pay what you were making, but it'll allow you to make ends meets. Again, I know this from experience.

Check to see if any of these staffing agencies are in your area:

http://aquent.com/

http://thebossgroup.com/

I know both of these places have branches in major parts of the country (Aquent is even international) but even if they're not in your direct area, it's worth contacting them to see if there's any telecommuting opportunities.

Good luck!

 

[Merrill Wayne B]

Sorry Liz. It seems the world doesn't cater to real talent anymore. I have read everything you have written and have really enjoyed it. I went through the same thing a few years ago and everything turned out for the better. During my darkest days I listened to early episodes of "The Romance of Helen Trent" and felt on top of the world compared to her and now things are getting better all the time. At least I have time to read my radio magazines and gloat over my radio collection. I wish the best to you and God bless..