Being unemployed/your ex colleagues/

friends in your respective industries.

Are any of you experiencing extreme shadyness from some of your ex colleagues and so called friends whom you used to work with since you have been unemployed.

I am not saying that everyone should reach out and help me, but I have noticed a definite lack of support and what seems to be indifference.

I know everyone is trying to hold on to their own jobs and that people are putting themselves first, but is truly shocking to me.

It is too much to think that one would pass on information of potential opportunities, offer up a contact name, check in and offer some encouraging words? What I am getting are un returned emails and phonecalls and evasive answers when asked questions.

It is hard being unemployed and not being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but you would at least hope you could count on people.

Anyone else experiencing this?

Message edited 11/30/2009 5:29:24 PM.

Re: Being unemployed/your ex colleagues/

i've only been on the other side, and while i offered suggestions of where to apply for a new job, i personally had no leads or connections to anywhere, so i wasn't much help in that regard.

however, i always offered a kind word & suggested they could always use me as a reference or if they needed a letter of ref, i could provide one.

i think most people are so wrapped up in themselves, and it's nothing personal, it's just they aren't the ones in your shoes, you know? ..but it still is annoying

perhaps start a page on linkedin.com, if you don't already have one, and you can network from there, etc.

good luck!

Re: Being unemployed/your ex colleagues/

these are top 100 companies that are hiring

and maybe try indeed.com, i have heard good things.

Re: Being unemployed/your ex colleagues/

Thanks so much Missy

I am on linked in. I just tweaked my profile a bit.

I am also on Indeed.

I appreciate your response.

Re: Being unemployed/your ex colleagues/

hope things get better soon for you!

Re: Being unemployed/your ex colleagues/

Posted by rileysmama

however, i always offered a kind word & suggested they could always use me as a reference or if they needed a letter of ref, i could provide one.

Message edited 11/30/2009 8:36:00 PM.

Re: Being unemployed/your ex colleagues/

it really is ridiculous.

i almost feel that the workers who are still employed by whatever company almost feel that if by associating with someone who was laid off (not fired) fear being associated with someone who lost their job due to the economy.

which, of course, is ridiculous.

that being said, what these people forget is that they are doing a disservice to themselves.

it's hard for anyone to say that they are completely "safe" in their position, and anyone can be laid off @ anytime..@ certain companies, people always get a little anxious right before the quarter's reports are to be released, because that is when lay offs occur often.

however, i feel it would benefit everyone if people remained in contact, offered support, job openings, reccomendations, etc. you know, kind of banned together, because the reality is, in most job markets, no one is safe! not even the execs, or mid-levels.

I find that sometimes they rather keep the low-levels, and just give them more work, and they know they won't complain, because the mentality is "well, at least i still have my job" but there is an underlying threat that anyone can be let go, especially if a VP is cut. It sets a precedent.

it takes time, and searching for a job is a job in itself; I remember those days...and i know if I were in that position, I'd like support.

I was telling a friend to "think outside the box." She is in marketing but was only searching for jobs at marketing companies (which does make sense) but i told her not to discount other venues, such as an upscale bakery in NYC who is looking for a marketing coordinator, or a children's clothing line looking for a marketing assistant.

so anytime a former colleague shys away, just remember that they may be in the same position one day, and you might have an even better job and she will have wished she kept YOU as a contact.

its tough out there, but something will eventually crop up. i wish you all luck!

Re: Being unemployed/your ex colleagues/

I know how you feel. I am somewhat hurt by one person's reaction (or lack there of) to my lay off. After my layoff, I got emails or FB messages from other co-workers saying how sorry they were or offering to forward my info to people they knew in the industry. But she NEVER said anything or even asked how my search was going when I met a bunch of people (including her) for lunch a few weeks ago.

I don't expect people to go above and beyond, but since we had somewhat of a personal relationship I'm just a little shocked.

Re: Being unemployed/your ex colleagues/

I'm in HR and have noticed more Recruiter jobs being posted. That is a good sign - you only need recruiters when there are jobs that need recruiting for!!

Re: Being unemployed/your ex colleagues/

I know exactly what you mean.

I suspected layoffs and felt safe regardless thinking some of the guys would look out for me and offer me something.

I was wrong.

It seems like people are worried about themselves which honestly, I do not blame them. When desperate times call for desperate measures, you have to think of yourself.

I still keep in touch with my co-workers and former boss. I know if that something comes up, they will let me know as they have told me thing numerous times.

Re: Being unemployed/your ex colleagues/

I absolutely know what you are talking about. And I am not even talking about my former co-workers helping with the job search in any way, shape or form. Just not pretending that I died might be nice. I speak to one regularly and another on FB from time to time.

This is why I probably will never get close to co-workers again. They all have my email, number and know I am pregnant, and besides the two I mentioned, I've heard nothing.

Re: Being unemployed/your ex colleagues/

Posted by munchkinfacemama

.

This is why I probably will never get close to co-workers again. QUOTE]


I was thinking the same thing. Not only
because of the lack of support, but because it seems as though they have no interest in sustaining the friendship.

In times like this you really learn who you can count on.

Message edited 12/21/2009 2:31:20 PM.