Daily Kitten Chat Forum » Purrs

I'm worthless

(67 posts)
  • Started 2 years ago by Bellantara
  • Latest reply from Jetta and Boo Boo's Mom
  1. Bella, try to think of your work experience in terms of the skills involved, not the legal field those skills were used in up until now.

    For example, you have research skills in digging out lots of information from many sources, cross checking the information, pulling it together and presenting it in a concise, accurate manner that tells the important facts with full documentation. You do lots of writing. You create and maintain details accurate accounts. And so on and so on.

    Then start thinking of how and where those skills are applicable somewhere else. Prime example, even if you don't have experience in medical billing and insurance, you have the exact sort of skills needed for that. Try looking for insurance companies, hospitals, and doctor's offices that need quality "paper pushers" for their operations.

    That's what TDK family means when we say to think outside the box. Take all those wonderful skills and experience you have, lift them outside the legal box they've been living in and let them get a non-legal airing for part of your job search. They can always still take up residence in a legal box again if that is the box that is offered you with pay.

    Posted 2 years ago by Marnet #

  2. Oh and call back the company that turned you down and ask the interviewer what you can do to make yourself more marketable. He or she may have some good ideas for you. Do send them a note of thanks just in case candidate #1 doesn't work out for them. I owe my job to the first person they hired not working out. Hubby too.

    Posted 2 years ago by KYKAT 12 23 #

  3. The babies are so cute, too. One is gray and white and the other is a tan color. They are so cute when they peek at me. I am trying to make friends with them they are too little to leave Mama but once they can I'll get them. I don't know what the girls will say

    Posted 2 years ago by Cat talk rules #

  4. One bright note: this job was through a staffing agency, and they've said they'll continue to look for positions that match my qualifications.I'm going to call them, but I just can't right now. I know I'll break down, and that won't help anything.

    Posted 2 years ago by Bellantara #

  5. You guys are giving me some good ideas, too. I don't want to leave my present job (good benefits, retirement almost here, etc.) but I've been trying to think of some ways to make extra income. I've been a little overwhelmed with it all and think I'm just going in circles part of the time.

    Posted 2 years ago by Cat talk rules #

  6. Bella, Kycat and others posted great suggestions while I was typing.

    Hang in there girl.

    Posted 2 years ago by Marnet #

  7. BT Scarver is having a problem that perhaps you could help with--you are priceless!

    Posted 2 years ago by SoxsMom #

  8. In this economy it is bound to take longer than in the past--YOU ARE NOT WORTHLESS! DO NOT go to any interviews with that frame of mind--the interviewer will pick up on that. I know it is difficult but you must keep your smile on. {{{PRAYS FOR A GOOD JOB SOON FOR YOU}}}

    Posted 2 years ago by Sheba's Mom in Phoenix, AZ 10/8 #

  9. You are NOT worthless, Bellantara! You have really good skills and experiences. I applied for a job with a large company and got a phone interview. During the phone interview, I informed the HR rep that I noticed that they took down their posting. She informed me that in two days they got 500 resumes! In only two days! I also heard that a job fair held on the East Coast (Boston or New York) that normally only has 2500 people. Well, they had over 10,000 people!

    So Bella, I know you feel worthless because job after job is turning you down, but keep applying for jobs and sign up with a bunch of temp agencies and hopefully something will turn up. I will think positive for you. I have been where you are now and understand the pain. Hug Lady and keep on trucking. Hugs to you.

    Posted 2 years ago by SylMiaFelixsMomma #

  10. Only semi off topic. SMM your post made me think about a conversation I had this weekend with a friend. She is an assistant district manager for a retail clothing chain. She did a Jobfair on Saturday and said that 95 percent of the people who came through looked like they had just come in from the pool or working on the lawn. She was shocked that in this economy people would not think to put their best effort into looking decent in front of a potential employer. So of the 2,000 or so people who came through she had fewer than 100 that she would consider serious applicants. Said it was a challenge even of those 100 to find applications that were legible enough to call these people in for interviews. Amazing!

    Posted 2 years ago by KYKAT 12 23 #

  11. {{{{{Bella}}}}} I have no wise words of wisdom here, just that you worth a lot to all of us! Hang in there, easier said than done, but I know something will open up for you. Are you willing to relocate for a new job? On NBC Today show last week, they had someone on talking about resumes and how to spiff them up and talking about thinking outside the box. Try to find it on their website and maybe there will be some suggestions that will help you.
    Peace to you.

    Posted 2 years ago by tinafishfrombirthplaceofElvis #

  12. {{{{{Bella}}}}} It's pretty natural to feel down. And it's hard to remember how good you are when employers don't seem to realize it. But, try to keep your chin up - you are an articulate, well educated and desirable employee and someone will figure that out soon.

    Even if your 'inside' person knows what kind of written reference you are getting from your last job, you should still try to find out what kind of verbal references the twit is giving you. He's a lawyer - he probably knows better than putting anything that might get him in trouble into writing. But that doesn't mean he isn't using the "old boys network" to trash you when he thinks he's talking to another lawyer.

    In addition to the other suggestions, if you haven't signed up with ALL the temp agencies in town (not just the ones that specialize in legal work) then do so. It's perfectly acceptable to sign up with multiple agencies and I've found some of my best jobs that way. More and more companies are doing Temp to Permanent now. It gives them a chance to test drive employees so if they don't work out, the employer isn't stuck paying through the nose to get rid of someone.

    Posted 2 years ago by CheetahBoysmommy #

  13. And so many of those temp to perm positions are for older workers (40+) who have the high work ethic, good character, experience, wisdom, and are not likely to have pedicures at their desks.

    Posted 2 years ago by Emma #

  14. Thanks again, everyone. I feel better, tomorrow's a new day, and we'll start fresh.

    Spy is in a position to hear jerkboss' telephone conversations; she knows he's not saying anything bad. In fact, I think 90% of the time, she's actually the one giving the reference, and I know she'll praise me to the skies.

    I am more than open to relocating; I want the heck out of Atlanta. I'm burned out on the commute, and the traffic, and I want somewhere slower. (Although, the phrases "be careful what you ask for" and "beggars can't be choosers" are coming to mind more and more.)

    Posted 2 years ago by Bellantara #

  15. What kind of location are you looking for? Maybe you can find a smaller town with a group of attorneys who can't afford their own paralegal/secretary but could all chip in and share your skills. If you can figure out where you want to live, you could place ads in the smaller local papers.

    Posted 2 years ago by CheetahBoysmommy #

  16. No,no,no sweetie you're not in any way shape or form worthless,it's just such a difficult time right now,something will show up,it may not be what you had in mind but it will work.
    As for me I'm thinking about learning how to farm sustainably,I think it's going to be around for a while.
    [[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[Hugs]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]

    Posted 2 years ago by Buttercup #

  17. You absolutely are not worthless. The right job just hasn't come up yet. It will, and you will like it, and you will shine in it. Don't lose faith in yourself over this, you are worth a lot and a lot more than any job.

    Posted 2 years ago by metsa #

  18. Bellantara, you are NOT worthless. Keep your head up, we are all with you. You could start your own business and be your own terrific boss.

    Posted 2 years ago by Mittens #

  19. You are not worthless..All on TDK are special!

    Posted 2 years ago by caroline #

  20. Mollycat and Nawlins took all of us into the OR with them, and both of them are making marvelous recoveries. Why don't you take all of us into your next job interview with you? The sheer positive force of having all of us behind you will make you radiate with self confidence. No boss worth his/her weight will be able to turn you down.

    At least let us know when you are going in for a face-to-face so we can all send strong white light to you.

    Posted 2 years ago by CheetahBoysmommy #

  21. Instead of thinking you are worthless, inflate yourself to do the best you can at what you love and then market yourself!!! You HAVE to be incredible--you belong to TDK!!!!!!

    Posted 2 years ago by Shelley #

  22. Bella...sometimes we have to sit back & not try so hard & then...like magic...something good falls right into your lap. I know it's hard,but,try & find a way to calm yourself & your lap will be full before you know it.

    Lots of {{{HUGS}}} & Prayers for you.

    Posted 2 years ago by feral #

  23. You determine your own worth. Not anyone else. *hugs*

    Posted 2 years ago by Arcalian #

  24. Bella, you are SO not worthless, you totally rock. As everyone else keeps saying, it's not you, it's the economy...

    I have no idea what it's like in the US but here in NZ, the major law publishers are ALWAYS looking for legal editors. The job turnover is high, because their employees keep getting snapped up by other legal and govt organisations. My brother has a good geology degree, was on the dole for many years after graduation (science got gutted here in the 80s), volunteered on a community newspaper, got hired by a legal publisher and now works for a major governmental legal body here, in a fascinating area. Don't give up. And consider volunteering ... good things can come of it. Many, many {{{HUGS}}}

    Posted 2 years ago by jcat #

  25. Hey, how are you doing girl? Been praying for you.

    Posted 2 years ago by Emma #

  26. Bella, check the colleges. They need tutors badly. My hubbs works at the local college and is a learning specialist, not a full blown Professor although he has a masters in something. He worked for Xerox for years and when we came down here he wasn't ready to retire and so did some tutoring and wormed his way through an agency into the college and then went into this full time job. It took a year to come to fruition so don't give up. Every time he hires a good tutor, they get scooped up by someone else and they are out looking again. I am sure you have many skills, after all you are a TDKer!!!!

    Posted 2 years ago by SammyandOliversmama #

  27. My husband has been applying for jobs for over a year now. He's had about 7 interviews and still hasn't found a new job. Don't give up. We pray about it and know that God will provide us with something great when he is ready.

    Posted 2 years ago by linksboomerang #

  28. I was just about to suggest teaching/tutoring when I saw SOM's post. You could teach law, I'm sure they must teach law or something similar in some of the good schools. Or you could advertise private tuition in whatever field you feel comfortable.

    Posted 2 years ago by Pollys_Mum_in_UK_2605 #

  29. (((Bella)))....Wow..We've got alot of wise and wonderful people here with all the right answers. You my friend could never be worthless...These are such incredibly tough times and I'm sending prayers that the job that's just right for you is out there for you and any time now you're going to find it. Please try not to be too discouraged. Hugs 'n' Prayers....oh...and headbonks for little Lady! =)

    Posted 2 years ago by Karenopa #

  30. Hi guys,

    I'm hanging in there. I've got an interview with a staffing agency here in Atlanta on Thursday; we'll see how that goes.

    One thing I've learned is that I need to go back to school and finish my bachelors'. I've seen so many wonderful jobs I would be perfect for, that I meet all the qualifications for. . . except I don't have that one piece of paper hanging on my wall. So, when I go back to work and get back on my feet, that'll be the next project. It should take less than two years.

    Posted 2 years ago by Bellantara #


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