Dealing with unemployment - anyone else?

[NbyNW]

A friend of mine told me about this website:

www.teachstreet.com

It looks like a great way to advertise some skills that other people might pay you to teach them. For starters, you could teach people how to hem/alter their own clothes. I realize this isn't necessarily rocket science, but with your training you probably know some tricks of the trade that make the task easier/faster/more polished.

Good luck!

[Tuckervill]

Trading your valuable time for something equally as valuable is not "selling out". It's participating in a system in our society which allows people to get the things they want for the things they have. We don't have to talk about whether capitalism is good or bad, because no one's mind will be changed. However, it is the way of the world here. Participate or not as you see fit, but don't let yourself sink to desperation and then expect sympathy or consideration for your self expression.

In the hierarchy of needs, pink hair does not rank.

eta: Okay, that came out more harsh than I intended. It's not personally directed, but directed at a general group of mainly young people, who have yet to learn these cold hard realities. Fortunately, we have recessions that help with this problem!

Karen

[papaver]

You don't have to LOOK creative to BE creative. Just tone it down a little and you'll be just fine. I often work with fashion designers and whenever they come to an important meeting they are very dressed down. They know that if they don't do that, they will not be taken seriously.

It took me a long time before I could realize my dream. I worked in factories, I did secretary work,... and I waited for my moment. And when it came, I was ready for it.

[IvonaDestroi]

Trading your valuable time for something equally as valuable is not "selling out". It's participating in a system in our society which allows people to get the things they want for the things they have. We don't have to talk about whether capitalism is good or bad, because no one's mind will be changed. However, it is the way of the world here. Participate or not as you see fit, but don't let yourself sink to desperation and then expect sympathy or consideration for your self expression.

In the hierarchy of needs, pink hair does not rank.

eta: Okay, that came out more harsh than I intended. It's not personally directed, but directed at a general group of mainly young people, who have yet to learn these cold hard realities. Fortunately, we have recessions that help with this problem!

Karen

You're fun to debate with - I like these types of discussions with people whos ideas are exactly opposite of my own. Call it an exercise in objectivity...

well, you know, your generation probably had much more conservative attitudes then my own. For you, this type of thing is probably considered an extremity of some sort, a youthful and unrealistic phase in life that one will eventually "snap out of".

You have to understand that as time goes on, things that were previously considered exotic quickly become socially acceptable. You remind me so much of my mother, with the idea that that it's just a childish rebellious attitude to grow out of. 10 years later it's still 'just a phase'...

Just like you are entitled to your religion, every one else is also entitled to theirs. Well, then, think of this as my religion. Not everyone looks at the world through the same lens. Imagine even having this discussion in the 50's... It would have been impercievable. I see a little bit of that leftover in your ideas. (BTW the 50's was the best decade ever in my opinion and I wish I lived back then...except for the whole civil rights issue, but the rest was great-ironic, right?) I am in no way saying you were around back then, but many of those ideas stuck into the following generations.

Anyways I don't think that's really the issue here, why are we still talking about hair color? As I previously stated, it's pretty acceptable in this part of California and really that's not a serious issue at interviews thus far at all. Everyone's said their fine with it. I went to that interview that I was worried might have issues with it this morning, and it turns out the guy had no problem with it whatsoever.

it's funny you call it a "problem". I call it a solution!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

well, you know, your generation probably had much more conservative attitudes then my own. For you, this type of thing is probably considered an extremity of some sort, a youthful and unrealistic phase in life that one will eventually "snap out of".

I just have to respond to these things you wrote. Call it, to paraphrase your words, another exercise in objectivity.

First, there is more than one generation responding to your posts here, so let's keep that in mind- we are of all ages here.
Then, please don't assume that any of these other generations had 'more conservative attitudes' than you when they were your age. Speaking for myself at least, we took risks, we paved the way in terms of rebellious extremes and revolution against the Establishment. I feel fairly safe in saying that many of us were just as wild, creative, and free thinking as you. Many of the women here still are! Without going into detail, I consider myself lucky to even be alive after somehow making it through my first 25 years.

You have to understand that as time goes on, things that were previously considered exotic quickly become socially acceptable.

Um, we already learned this a long time ago. We invented 'the exotic' too, you know. So did our mothers and grandmothers. We were all 'socially unacceptable' and radical in turn. As will your children likely be if you have any.

You remind me so much of my mother, with the idea that that it's just a childish rebellious attitude to grow out of. 10 years later it's still 'just a phase'...

Now that's funny! It is more than probable that in 15 years or so, you will suddenly realize with a shock that you remind yourself of your mother. Most of us have already experienced that little treat. Later still, we start to realize that maybe our mothers were not quite as clueless and conservative as we thought they were.

Yet many of our radical/rebellious thoughts and our fierce individualism we still carry with us as adults, just in an evolved form. Sometimes you won't see it so obviously on the outside....but believe me, it's in there! Oooh...the stories we could tell. Most of us former young rebels have slowly evolved methods of using the passion and individualism in our lives in creative or productive ways to build a life for ourselves. This is a very useful skill, this harnessing of the Wild Forces of Nature within us all, and it comes only with experience and from a lifetime of learning from our mistakes. Do not confuse this experience with 'conservativism'.

Not everyone looks at the world through the same lens. Imagine even having this discussion in the 50's... It would have been impercievable. I see a little bit of that leftover in your ideas. (BTW the 50's was the best decade ever in my opinion and I wish I lived back then...except for the whole civil rights issue, but the rest was great-ironic, right?) I am in no way saying you were around back then, but many of those ideas stuck into the following generations.

You mean 'unimaginable'?
Every generation carries influences and is a product to some extent of the several generations before it, even yours.
Actually, despite the hype, the '50's was a decade of repression- McCarthyism spreading its ugly icy fingers of fear across the country, hateful segregation and brutal race riots, monumental social disdain for anything rebellious or non-conforming...the decade of cookie cutter suburbia, vulgar materialism, environmental destruction, gluttony, and waste, blind corporate loyalty, and the promotion of sameness as being somehow patriotic. Women were still expected to get married, have children, and stay home vacuuming and cooking. And let's not forget the really bad food. For most people, Happy Days it wasn't. Yet, despite all that, you'd be surprised to learn that yes indeed, there were discussions just like this one back then too!

Anyways I don't think that's really the issue here, why are we still talking about hair color? As I previously stated, it's pretty acceptable in this part of California and really that's not a serious issue at interviews thus far at all. Everyone's said their fine with it. I went to that interview that I was worried might have issues with it this morning, and it turns out the guy had no problem with it whatsoever.
it's funny you call it a "problem". I call it a solution!

I think she was referring to the 'problem' you brought up in this thread- that of not having a job and being in your current difficult situation.

I think it's natural for someone young to feel that older people don't understand them, their values, or the issues. In reality, most of us women have not forgotten our beginnings, or the difficult lessons we had to learn along the way. We are on your side. We've been there.

I agree with you, we've all discussed your hair long enough. It's about far more than hair, and the problem you face is a serious one effecting far too many people in our country today. But because the problem is so widespread, any little thing can either work against you or give you an edge on the competition.
Many women have now given you their valuable input based on their own experiences. Put together, that's a lot of experience. Lots of good, varied, and/or interesting suggestions to think about! Consider it all carefully before dismissing it, keep your mind receptive. The rest is up to you.

[Biciclista]

You want to keep your mind strong? I'm not sure what you mean like that? Does it mean being stubborn? you sound kind of stubborn.

You come in here and say; I have tattoos funny hair and I can't get a job. what should I do?

So you DON'T expect us to say; clean up your act, keep the fun stuff for after hours?

Ivona, I thank my lucky stars that I am not where you are. When people need strength, they go to their families. They forget about their pride and take advice from their elders. I was younger than you when I did that. it really burned me and I thought the advice was stupid, but since I did trust (my grandparents) them, I did what they said. And it helped me a lot down the road of life.

Read BlueTree's post about 3 times. She chose an even harder career path than you have, and she's made it.

Good luck

[shootingstar]

Someone mentioned offering to do some initial work for free..

Don't forget the charity fundraisers where your creation if you know your audience in advance, could be auctioned off. And people with money attend some of these fundraisers..great for business networking.

After having only $13.00 in my bank acount, I moved out to big city upon graduation. After nearly 3 wks., out of desperation I volunteered my services. The manager looked at my resume, we chatted..and offered me my first paid job in my profession. Granted, it was part-time, small role...while I held down part-time jobs at...3 different bookstore locations (yea, I was blitzed on some days)...but it was the first step.

And this mentor (20 years older than I), remains a good friend to me to this day, offering me advice at different times of my career. We still are in touch and chat up. I credit the start of my paid career ..to her.

_________________________________
Off topic: I dragged out my sewing machine tonight to mend some tiny rips in a pair of dress black pants..for yet another interview in a few days. Pretty pathetic that I cannot think of any place in any shopping mall in downtown Vancouver to get a fat spool of black thread..sewing suppliers have become scarce these last few decades. So bright blue thread it was-- thankfully on the pants inside and also for a pair of cycling shorts. Must have done the serging tension wrong on the weakened lycra material..it looks bubbly. But who cares for 1 more season, if I'm just riding for fitness.

Was watching a reality fashion design competition. It was the finale. That is a HUGE amount of time and energy for each young designer to create each piece for just a collection modelled down that runway. I can appreciate your 80 hr. wk. long homework design assignment and class time. Just cutting and sewing 1 bottom or top tailored piece with some fine French finishes, would take me at least 2-3 days and its evenings solid. Your time would also have to include fabric selection, design, pattern drafting, etc.

[Running Mommy]

Reading through all these replies and something came to mind...
There is nothing we can do or say to help Ivona.
This whole thread gave me a headache. So much good advice, but giving it to someone that is not "open" to it. Because of course we are all "old" and from a "different generation".... As if!!!
I'm walking away from this thread shaking my head.

[crazycanuck]

IvonaDestroi-I used to walk past a park near a previous work where many pink, blue, etc haired young folks used to hang out. Emos, punks etc. I often wondered how they'd find work & what work they would do if they had to conform.

ANyways, I want to chime in & say if you can't get a job in your area right now after uni, data entry, etc will always be around. Take what you can, pay off your bills then travel. Yep, do networking!!!

(I'm back at uni & am making as many contacts in the Planning sector as possible. If you are willing to buy the contact a coffee, they might have suggestions to get into the field. I don't know how the market works in the US)

Jocelynlf post regarding moving to Aust & working-what about getting a one year work visa(is that avail to americans? I know it is for commonwealth citizens), doing backpacker type jobs(east coast might be better) & at the same time scoping the market for work in your desired area. Get some work experience first though!!!

Lastly, good luck in your job search!

PS-TE ladies will be blunt with you & as a member of the younger generation(i'm youngish too..36), don't think of it as an insult. Think about what they're saying, they've been there.

[Tuckervill]

Someone may have already said this, but we're just saying that hair color is "emblematic" of the whole appearance issue. It's just shorthand for the self-expression that Flybye described so eloquently.

You have the advantage of choice in this situation. If freedom of expression is that important to you that you would not consider changing your hair color - then be happy with that but know that there are consequences to the choice. One of those might be unemployment. Is that unemployment worth leaving the country and your family? Consider too, whether leaving will be to your advantage or to your disadvantage. I would think, and this is just an assumption, that you would be at an even greater disadvantage to finding work in another country.

And I just want to say one more thing.

"YOU KIDS GET OFF MY LAWN!"

Karen