This is exactly why I started my own business. I was laid off about the same time you was. And that pissed me off, I vowed that day that I and my family would never be in that position again. And we haven't.

A short bit of hope I hope.

A friend of mine was employed by American Airlines until just one year ago. He took it pretty hard.

After a few months he found a job at a wrecking yard near his home. Counter sales, sometimes pulling parts and now and then attending a city auction for inventory.

He loves it. No more flying for almost free and no more big time office, but he is having a blast everyday he is at work. He has always been into old cars and helping others so this job combines both of those qualities.

Think of what you would really like to do and go for it.

And he got the job through networking in a way. He was pulling parts for one of his cars one day and the owner asked him how he came to be off during the middle of the week. He told him of his situation and the owner made a few calls to other yards and one of them hired him.

You never know where a job might turn up, so let everyone know you are in the market.

Working for others is always a gamble. Worst yet, most often YOU have no control over your future regardless of the quality/quantity of your output.

Lot of money to be made selling MB parts on our favorite web site.

And yet...you didn't post the link to it. :(

Gator,

Did you have the interview this afternoon and if so, how did it go?

Hang tough!

I did and it went very well. I have the follow up after New Year's Day. I also had a second call from another company I applied with to set up another interview in January. I'm honestly very happy about the situation.

Most companies slow down hiring during the holiday season and end of year, so don't get discouraged if you do not hear from any one during the next few weeks, but keep pushing. This is a good time to interview though as for the most part people are in a good mood. On a side note I have said before i was hired where I am that I was going to try to get a few interviews for exercise just in case I may need to be looking again. I thought I was to nervous the last time but it worked out OK. You may want to get a few interviews in even if it is for a position that you are not interested in just for a tuneup.

Very good to hear. I hope you can put it all aside and just enjoy the holidays.

Timing may be good with the quantitive easing tapering off starting in January. The economy may have a little steam behind it now is what employers may think.

Actually it very well might in reality. Some of my suppliers claimed a reasonably good year to me in the last month or so. Up noticeably from the previous one anyways.

Then again, unemployment claims just popped to 370,000. The Fed is cutting their program of asset inflation for political reasons (and also because it's actually poor at creating jobs), not economic ones.

Don't get me wrong: I'm glad they are (major asset inflation isn't in my interest in the next year or two), but don't have illusions that anything that the banksters at the Fed do is grounded in reality or serves anyone other than their corrupt cronies. Bet that the September non-taper was telegraphed to their buddies well in advance. "Look at all those clowns going long the dollar... sssssh, don't tell, but buy Euros and hold them till Sept 19 ... you won't regret it. Make sure to do us a favor sometime in return."

EXCELLENT!

More often than not these situations end up working out for the better.

Do your best to enjoy the holidays.

Merry Christmas

Starting my new job on Monday. Better pay and better hours. Life is good :D

Sweet. Glad to hear it!

Congratulations! After almost 9 months of unemployment, I know the feeling well! :D Best of luck in the new position!

Do they allow multiple old cars parked in the lot which may or may not be running at one time?