Any Unemployed people out there?

I was laid off in January and was super busy through the summer, so I just took time off (frankly, I was kind of burnt out). This month I started looking for work and have sent ten resumes out in two weeks and haven't heard a thing from anyone. Two recruiters and eight online apps.

Trying not to be frustrated b/c I know it's likely that I'll have a long haul ahead of me.

Anyway, for those who are/were unemployed, how did you cope being isolated during the day, and then not really have much $$ to go out for dinner to socialize at night when everyone's home? I'm getting a little stir crazy.

I should also add that most of my friends live in other states (and countries) so I don't have a lot of friends nearby to just do coffee and drop-ins.

Re: Any Unemployed people out there?

I'm not unemployed, however, in the past when I was looking, and would send out 25 or 30 resumes via email in a weeks time, I was lucky if I heard back from ONE place that was well below my qualifications within a couple weeks time.

I don't mean to discourage you, but personally, if I was looking for a new job, I would try to avoid counting solely on an online search and get out there and pound the pavement the old fashioned way. That also will help you break up some of the monotony of your days.


A lot of places (well, in my field at least) will accept walk-in applicants. I also often see job fairs listed which are good to go to as well IMO.

Maybe you can also get involved in some networking groups to meet people and gain contacts. I know that they exist. Try Meetup.org or do searches online. Good luck!

Re: Any Unemployed people out there?

P.S. I only tried a recruiter once several years back and they were a waste of time IMO. I don't think they bothered to even read my cover letter or resume to see what I was looking for and my qualifications for the job.

Re: Any Unemployed people out there?

the meetup group is a great suggestion, thanks! unfortunately my field does not accept walk-ins. i have found most of my jobs through recruiters, so maybe it's different based on field? I don't know. But you are definitely right about getting out there somehow and not relying solely online. I just don't know what to do other than online since my field is anti-walk ins. *sigh* for now I think i'll do networking, join groups (as you suggested) and maybe even take a class or something to meet new people and keep my skills up to date, if not advance them.

Thanks for your reply!!!

Re: Any Unemployed people out there?

You have FM!

Re: Any Unemployed people out there?

i have been out of work since May. over the summer i was busy (moving, going to the beach, etc) and really enjoyed the break too.

i know exactly what you mean about being about watching money and socializing. i have some friends that understand the situation & some that just dont get it at all (one friend constantly wants to go out to dinner - ugh). i've had to force myself to learn how to be choosy. can't afford to go out all the time, so many times i stay in instead of going out.

another trick i've learned is when a group is going out to dinner, i'll meet up with them after for a drink. i still get to see friends and enjoy the social aspect but conserve a lot of $$ by eating at home.