As you all know, I lost my legal assistant job in February :(

[Sarah Ibarruri]

Here's an update. :)


I've been looking ever since with no luck. I've been on interviews where the interviewers express to me that they've received so many resumes they barely even know where to begin to even select people to interview. No one has called me back. The last interview I went on was for legal secretary. The guy had received hundreds of resumes, and 18 of those were lawyers asking to be considered for the secretarial job. :eyes:

No new job postings anywhere for anything regarding legal staff, at least in my area of law. I called around to see if I could get my foot in the door doing transcription for the court or court reporters, but oh boy, they're not doing well at all. :crazy:

I've not confined myself to legal, but have sought other work. Even waittressing! There's literally nothing. Whatever there is gets hundreds of responses. I've spent time thinking and thinking what I could do. :think:

I'm still waiting for my first unemployment check to arrive, but so far nothing, and I read that Florida is overwhelmed with unemployment applications. They can't keep up. Maybe I'll get my unemployment checks another year. I do the claims online, but people who cannot and do it by phone have to hold for HOURS. Yes, you heard me, HOURS. And that's those that get through. Most of the time there's a busy signal. :scared:

Did I mention how much I hate Republicans, and that as time goes by I hate them more and more? How much hatred can my body hold???
:grr:

Anyhow, I have family in Tallahassee, so I'm going to start looking for work there. Does anyone know Tallahassee? Any tips any of you could give me? It's the seat of government in Florida, so I was kinda hopeful. I'm really out of options right now. If any of you have any ideas, feel free to let me know. :cry:

Anyhow, I know there are so many people much worse off than I am, and I'm seeing more and more people BEGGING here in Florida. I'm a little bit scared for people. :scared:

And so, I'm wishing lots of good stuff begin to happen out there for everyone. I hope the poor are able to get food, shelter, whatever they can. I wish I could provide some of that for them. I would like to say that I LOVE having Democratic Underground. It's an awesome community of awesome people. We'll get through this horrible thing the Republicans did. Hugs to you all.
:loveya: Wish me luck plz

[OhioChick]

1. I'm so sorry that you haven't found anything yet, Sarah.

Hang in there and keep looking. I hope you find something really soon. :hug:

[Sarah Ibarruri]

2. Thank you, my friend. Just hearing from you DUers is very uplifting nt

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

4. I'm with OhioChick. Good luck, and try to keep your chin up.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

6. Thanks, SCRUB! nt

[Voltaire]

3. This will sound silly but

Hang in there. Its gonna be a bumpy ride, but you are going to make it. We all are. Every one of us. Best of luck to you and I am praying tonight and every night that you find something good soon.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

5. I will be hangin' on! :) Thank you! nt

[no_hypocrisy]

7. Keep positive, Sarah and good luck.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

8. Thanks, no_hypocrisy! nt

[Condem]

9. Lots of jobs in Iowa, Sarah

My wife's from GA. She loves it here. Really.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

15. You're kidding! How could that be? How did Iowa not get so affected?

And thank you for letting me know!!

[Condem]

23. The grads move away, Sarah.

The winters are tough. But Iowa City is one of the best places on earth. Des Moines. Dubuque, on the Mississippi. Just a great state. And, every four years, we get to decide the democratic nominee.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

24. Don't tempt me or I'll jump in my car and drive out there LOL! nt

[Condem]

28. Worth a look, Sarah.

Seriously. Best of luck to you.

[CoffeeCat]

50. Hello, from a fellow Iowan!

There are jobs here, and we didn't get as crushed by the housing crisis.

So, that is nice.

I'm in the DSM area...are you in Iowa City? I went to college there..,many fond memories.

:hi:

[maseman]

10. I know it is temporary

but the census gig might help.

Ever think about going back to school? If you ahve some family to stay with maybe that could be a short-term option to expand out of legal.

We'll get through this but it will be rough for millions. I'm so stressed that I could be blown out at any moment also. My wife is a teacher and i secure but my salary is about three times hers so it would be a big impact.

Keep the head up and spirits positive.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

18. I know what you mean, maseman! I can barely sleep, and when I do....

I wake up suddenly in a panic! Why do I do that? Why can't I at least get some sleep. I mean, waking up in a panic is certainly not going to help me find a job. You know what I mean? I wish I could stop that stress too.

[rwheeler31]

11. You will have good luck try medical or social work for

now,but keep up those legal skills.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

19. rwheeler, thank you for the tips! I've been thinking of getting retrained in medical maybe?

I could always use it later in legal work.

[ChromeFoundry]

12. Remain positive!

You will find something soon.

Thoughts and prayers, :hug:

[Sarah Ibarruri]

20. Thanks my friend! nt

[NMDemDist2]

13. start watching USAjobs.gov they have 260 jobs listed in your area

http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/jobsearch.asp?sort=rv&vw=d&brd=3876&ss=0&customapplicant=15513,15514,15515,15669,15523,15512,15516,45575&rad=100&zip=33160

here's the trick on the Gov jobs, flood em with paper. Use a page per 'KSA' but make sure the first sentence is HOW LONG YOU DID IT then go into GREAT detail on how many people/money/hours you did the job broken out by employer

ie:

I have 10 years experience as an administrative assistant.

I worked for ABC Inc. doing payroll for 18 employees for 7 years etc etc etc......


hope that helps :hi:

in fact here's a legal assistant posting

http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=79751371&AVSDM=2009-03-06+09:26:02&Logo=0&sort=rv&vw=d&brd=3876&ss=0&customapplicant=15513,15514,15515,15669,15523,15512,15516,45575&rad=100&zip=33160

[Sarah Ibarruri]

21. I'm going there right now - thanks! nt

[NMDemDist2]

26. there were several Admin Asst. type postings,

they are a pain in the ass and take HOURS to do the applications but once you're in, you're set!!

good luck!

[Sarah Ibarruri]

29. Much appreciated! (And I need all the help I can get LOL) nt

[NMDemDist2]

33. oooppppsss I posted the link that "I" would use as a current gov't drone

you'll want to change that so it only shows the "public" jobs. it the posting shows "Status Candidate" it's only open to current employees

my bad :blush:

[Sarah Ibarruri]

35. no prob! I'll start the search from the beginning how's that? nt

[ixion]

14. Wishing you all the best of luck, Sarah

I know it's rough out there now. Moving to Tallahassee would be a big change, but there would be government jobs there, I'd imagine. It's a big change culturally from Miami, though.

I was wondering how things were going. Keep us posted. We're here for you! :bounce:

[Sarah Ibarruri]

22. Thanks ixion!! nt

[mike_c]

16. good luck, Sarah....

No advice, just commiseration. My SO had the same experience in CO-- waiting on the phone for hours to file unemployment claims, getting cut off after 3 or 4 hours, having to start again. Sometimes she could file a claim online, other times it would inexplicably not work, and she'd walk around with a headset on all day, listening with one ear to the muzak or whatever interspersed with occasional reminders that "your call is important to us." It sucks.

Best of luck to you!

[Sarah Ibarruri]

30. Super aggravating! I'll be lucky if I get 1 unemp. check!

My family is going to have to start mailing me Ramen noodles soon!

[CoffeeCat]

17. Have you heard about this blog?

I'm so sorry about not finding a job! Just know that I'm thinking of you and hoping
the best for you. I know it's tough out there.

Hey, have you seen this blog? http://recentlylaidoff.com/

A woman who has been unemployed since Mid-January has been blogging about her experience. Her
writing is very soothing and light--even humorous. The writing is quite good. You can comment
on her posts, and there are many, many links to other blogs and sites that deal with the topic
of being unemployed.

I think it's good to stay connected to others who are in the same boat. It's important to know
that there are others out there who are going through the same thing. Being supported can
help you get through the rough patches.

Take care and please keep us posted! :hug:

[Sarah Ibarruri]

27. Thanks CoffeeCat! I like hearing how others are dealing with it nt

[Veritas_et_Aequitas]

25. Hang in there.

I read the other day that the average period of unemployment right now is around 20 weeks, so don't be discouraged if it takes a while.

Take care of yourself.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

32. Wow, that's a long time. However, if I get a job eventually, I'll consider myself the luckiest

person on the planet!

I even miss working. I know that sounds odd. It's not just the fact that money isn't coming in.

[liberalhistorian]

66. I know exactly what you mean. It's the feeling of

identity and camaradarie, the feeling of being useful, productive and needed, having a purpose and a meaning. I miss that as much as I do the paychecks. Wasting away in this rural shithole just because hubby likes working in rural shitholes has been really hard to take at times, and getting harder.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

67. I couldn't agree with you more. I LIKE being active too. It's hard being in a holding pattern

And yes, the camaraderie and having another identity as someone who engages in projects individually or as a group, is awesome!

[OneGrassRoot]

31. Sarah....

I wish you all the luck in the world. My SO just got a job and, as I told others here at my DU family, if HE can get a job, anyone can. (It's a long story, but trust me....it's a miracle indeed.)

I haven't shared this formally at the GD forum yet, but your compassionate post prompts me to do so this evening.

A dear friend and I have launched (softly...lol) a project we've been working on for a year, but envisioning for a decade. It's called Wishadoo, and I described it elsewhere as follows:


"In a nutshell, Wishadoo has been described as the Craigslist of Compassion. It's where you can share your heartfelt, lifelong wishes that seem out of reach, to critical daily needs of survival, for yourself and others who may not be able to post for some reason...Everyone is asked to enter with an open heart, without expectation, but with positive intention.

I think that for many people posting a wish may be easier than posting a need (though I may be wrong), at least at first. Regardless, I'm asking people to start somewhere. Put it out there...enable others to act as human angels, and for you to do the same for someone in ways you never could have imagined.

A kind word, hug, $5, and 30 minutes of your time can be a grand gesture which can change the course of someone's life. And yours.

There is no judgment, no expectation. Simply respect, for oneself and others."

So, I invite you and everyone to the Main Site at http://www.wishadoo.net , and please join the Community Forum: http://community.wishadoo.net.

We're all creating it together now, so I'd be honored if as many DU members helped create this space as possible. It's the type of thing many of us have been working toward for a long time, but the need for a space like Wishadoo to fill the void is now critical. If you can take your time and read through the site, get familiar with the list feature and the forum, look at the groups and see what you'd like to see added, I'd be delighted to take your suggestions and work with them.

I hope to do an update blog tomorrow, and then do so regularly henceforth. There's much to do, but it's a labor of love.

Again, Sarah, I wish you all the luck in the world, and everything you wish for yourself.

:hug:

[Sarah Ibarruri]

40. I just looked at it. What an AWESOME website! Thank you so much! nt

[renate]

62. what a wonderful website!

Absolutely fantastic! I can totally see this becoming huge!

Good luck with Project 10, too, and be sure to post a thread reminding people to vote on the 17th.

:applause: :hug: :applause: :hug:
:applause: :hug: :applause: :hug:
:applause: :hug: :applause: :hug:

[OneGrassRoot]

64. Wow, you're very sweet!!!!

It's MUCH appreciated!!!

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:


I'm writing an intro to post here today, to introduce Wishadoo --- you're right, I'll need to follow up about Project 10 -- thank you!!

:)

[csziggy]

34. I'm in Tallahassee and have lived here since 1972 - I love it!

And I have a friend who an attorney in the Florida Department of Unemployment. Just tonight she told me that they are doubling their workforce to handle all the claims - you may want to check for openings where you are now. You can look for state and private industry jobs through http://www.floridajobs.org/ Probably other agencies will be hiring since Crist accepted our share of the Stimulus Bill.

Tallahassee is a relatively cheap place to live but there are extremes, especially since Jeb was in office. The local paper is the Tallahassee Democrat, Tallahassee.com is their website. One of the biggest problems with Tallahassee is that so many FSU students end up staying here for life - I should know since that is how I got here.

Leon County is very blue with strong activist and liberal groups but Jeb's and Charlie's tenures have brought more Republicans to town. The local Democratic Executive Committee needs people to join and help out.

I'll PM you my telephone number but I don't know if I can help much. I'm basically retired and pretty much live in a bubble outside the town proper.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

38. Thanks cziggy! I'm going to search there - also....

If I go up there, you BET I'll get active in the DEC! My sister lives up there and she volunteered for the Obama Campaign. Meanwhile, I was canvassing down here in Miami.

[csziggy]

42. Since I was a volunteer with the campaign, maybe I met your sister!

PM me her name - or email her mine. I worked with David Teek and was in the office three afternoons a week or more. Mostly I did computer stuff.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

46. I'll PM you nt

[kywildcat]

36. Hang in there! I'm sending

positive thoughts and energy to you from Kentucky.:pals:

[Sarah Ibarruri]

43. Oooh they just got here! I needed that! Thanks! :) nt

[spindrifter]

37. We are wishing you tons of luck, and

thinking about the thousands and thousands of other hard-working people who have lost their jobs. We have to pull together and overcome the negativity the Republicans sow.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

44. Thank you! I know - so many without jobs. :(

We do have to remain tight with one another and not let Republicans ever do again what they have done to this country.

[roody]

39. My brother got a job as a librarian in a Florida State prison.

He likes it too. He can't go in early or stay late. He doesn't have to suck up to the clients.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

45. That is an amazing job! I imagine it would be rewarding, even tho some

might not think it might be. Intersesting!

[roody]

47. He was unemployed and underemployed for decades.

He is happy to have a regular paycheck and benefits.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

48. Thank goodness. And a secure job no less. nt

[nadinbrzezinski]

41. Hugs, this too will pass

you are in a very depressed economy, that's what you are seeing

You may have to leave the state... and hope that is not what you have to do

[Sarah Ibarruri]

49. Thank you, Nadin. Yes, Florida is worse than other states....

And Miami is (I think) the hardest hit economy in Florida because the boom was so big here.

[mdmc]

51. best of luck to you

:)

[Sarah Ibarruri]

57. Thank you, friend nt

[FloridaJudy]

52. I went to apply for a job as a telemarketer today.

I'm desperate. I'm an RN, but my area of expertise is very specialized, and there aren't many openings in my field right now. I've done phone sales before between real jobs: I hated it, but was good at it. They asked me to fill out a form and place it in an in-box. I'm a terrible snoop, so I glanced through the first few applications. Jesus on a pogo-stick! They all had college degrees (that's the only entry I looked at, just to see what the competition was like).

Even the place you go to sell your blood when there's not enough cash for cat food had a four hour wait.

Things are bad, bad, bad here in Florida. We had eight years of Jeb as well as enduring the reign of Boy George, so we were screwed even harder than the rest.

It's only a matter of days or hours until I lose this Internet connection. I can't afford to keep it up, and that really sucks since most nursing jobs require you apply on line these days.

Next you hear from me will probably be from the public library.

I'd say get out of Florida if you can.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

55. I'm so sorry, my friend! :(

I will pray for you!! You're right. We are MUCH worse than other states. Other states didn't have the Bush-pig's brother here. You're so right. :(

:cry:

[truedelphi]

53. You are one person and to be employed it just takes one job

Dear heart, don't give up.

My husband faced this in mid nineties - no work anywhere on account of a recession in SF Bay area in CA. Countless interviews and always told, "No not you. We have hundreds of other applicants."

Sometimes he gave up, for a few days or a few weeks.

One day he was told, "You seem like a sweet person."

The next day he received a firm job offer from that company. He was there six years.

Much luck wished. And prayers, if you want them.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

54. Thanks for the hope! And yes, please send prayers! nt

[FedUpWithIt All]

56. Best of luck to you. You'll find something.

:hug:

[Sarah Ibarruri]

58. Thank you FedUp! nt

[msedano]

59. Change tactics

Congratulations on getting interviews. That's the sign of a good cover letter and resume.

Time to adopt the hard sell. Instead of being purely reactive in your interviews, when the the interviewer confesses inability to find a clear standard to evaluate all these superb applicants, take charge of the interview. This is a version of the customer objection called "if you can answer this one you can have the order." The tactic to such an objection is turn the tables, ask the customer what they like about their status quo. In the job hunter's case, it's getting the interviewer to agree to the applicant's leading strengths in a series of "yes" questions...e.g.

Affirm the interviewer's problem, "Jill, that's a great problem to have, isn't it, a ton of applicants for one position. I understand. Let me offer a solution. Me."

Jill, you're looking for a teammate who will report every day on time, aren't you? My time management skills are superb. I'll be here every day on time and stay 'til the work's ready to be put away for the evening. You're looking for a teammate who will fit in, right? I know I'm the new kid on the block and I'll do what it takes to fit in and be one of the team. Finally, you're really looking for someone who'll learn your company's way of doing things. Right, the first time. Jill, everything else being equal between me and all those dozens of resumes, your decision will boil down to those three qualities: on time every day, become a member of the team, learn to do the job.

Jill, please say, "you're hired".

I used to be on the hiring end. If someone pulled that crap on me, they'd be out on their ear, if they handled it poorly. If they slickied their way through the above strategy they'd for sure get a favorable second consideration and maybe even hired.

suerte on the career development campaign.

mvs

[Sarah Ibarruri]

78. Wow, msedano, you're AMAZING! How does one make that part of one's....

.. how do you say? Way of being? Repertoire? Is one born with it? Does one learn it through practice in front of the mirror?

I'd love to learn it.

:loveya:

[Mind_your_head]

60. Get OUT OF THAT PUTRID STATE........

I read well into your post until I saw "FLORIDA". And then I stopped.

[ddeclue]

77. Hey thanks a lot buddy... I live in Florida and happen to like it here...

what perfect place are you from?

:eyes:

[Sarah Ibarruri]

79. Okay, I kinda think I know what you mean - that things are worse here than in other states...

Is that what you meant? If it was, I agree with you!

:scared:

[Laelth]

61. I wish you well.

I'd like to be able to say things are better here in Georgia, but they're not. At this point, it looks like only the insurance companies are hiring (and I'd hate for you to have to work for an insurance company--soulless misery).

:dem:

-Laelth

[CatholicEdHead]

63. Have you searched positions at Indeed.com?

Gone on LinkedIn to network with other legal people you know?

[Sarah Ibarruri]

75. I'm there now. Thanks! nt

[liberalhistorian]

65. Honey, I've been trying for over a year, since my marriage

and moving with hubby for his job, to get another legal job, to no avail. And my state, SD, even has a better employment situation than a lot of other states. He was recently laid off from that job and got a temporary attorney position a couple hours away, so he's gone during the week now while I still don't have anything. I had worked with hubby in his solo law office for over a year before he got a job, shut the office down, we got married and moved. I really enjoyed that and would love to start another office, but realistically, it just isn't a good idea right now or for a long time to come. Thousands of dollars in start-up costs (that we don't have), thousands more to cover living expenses the first year or more (which we don't have), and a very unsteady, insecure, unreliable income, not to mention far too expensive health insurance options (although we're currently not covered).

The legal field has never been the gold mine it's made out to be. For some people in some areas, yes, but not generally speaking. When I first got my paralegal degree I was told that I shouldn't have any problems because I already had a B.A. WRONG! Not only did I have more problems finding jobs (I was TOO qualified and they didn't want to pay extra for a B.A.), but the pay has never been anywhere near what we were led to believe it would be when starting the program. I wish desperately now that I'd gone into something else after college. But I was a single mother of a young son and I thought I was doing the right thing for both of us in getting a career that was supposed to provide a decent living for us. HA! What a fucking joke. I've been told by many a lawyer that the projected salaries for paralegals are a joke, and no kidding.

And it's very rare to find a purely paralegal position, where you're not doing mostly secretarial work. There was no secretarial training during my paralegal education, it was just the law, legal research and writing and law office management. That's a major flaw in most paralegal programs, because, as I discovered to my great dismay (secretarial work has never ever been my strong suit, I'm much better at legal research, drafting legal documents, assisting with trial preparations, etc.), the vast majority of paralegal positions involve mostly secretarial work. It's a pipe dream to think otherwise. Only in large firms that can afford both paralegals AND legal secretaries (two entirely different jobs) is that true, and the competition for those jobs has always been extremely fierce. In my case, I had plenty of legal research and writing samples and good recommendations but it just was never enough. And that's been the case for most paralegals that I know and that have gone through the programs. I've just about had it with this field.

And now we have to deal with outsourcing of legal work as well. That's becoming more and more common. Truly disgusting, but it's reality.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

74. I completely agree with everything you've described about the paralegal profession ...

As far as outsourcing, unless Obama does something to make outsourcing not worth business' while, outsourcing will continue until there is not one job left here. :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

[closeupready]

68. Good luck, Sarah!

Sending positive thoughts to you on your job search! :) I know you'll find something very soon.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

73. Caught those positive thoughts! Thanks! nt

[roguevalley]

69. Sarah, I can only wish you luck, honey. Look around for other

clerical stuff as stop gap until you can get your career back. Hugs, honey.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

72. Thanks rogue - no clerical stuff anywhere, but I keep trying! nt

[Blue_Tires]

70. good luck....there are a lot of us un- and underemployed out there...

trying to improve our situations...you are not alone

[Sarah Ibarruri]

71. Thank you and bless you! May you get a wonderful job! nt

[ddeclue]

76. Sent your story to some of my Democratic connections in Tally and at the Fed level..

I can't promise anything but it's worth a shot...

I'm also unemployed (well very much underemployed) since December 15th but it looks like I'm about to go from rags to riches if my new venture works out in the environmental field doing emissions work.


Best of Luck and I hope it helps...
Doug D.
Orlando, FL

[Sarah Ibarruri]

80. Thanks Doug! And hey, if you go from rags to riches, plz hire me!

I'm a very hard worker.

[Blue_Tires]

81. ttt

[Maine-ah]

82. picking up a waitress job to get you by is not a bad thing.

I waitress, and I work less than 30 hours a week. The last 3 nights, I have made a total of 300 bucks and worked about a total of 15 hours. I still have 2 more shifts to go for this week, and both of those will be on the bar. Tips plus min. wage for those shifts. I usually pull 100-150 in tips on my bar shifts. I'm figuring I'm going to make over 500 for this week.

I know that it's not for everyone, and I had to go back to waitressing after our daughter was born. It is the only way to keep her out of day care and have some instant cash in our pockets which is what we needed.

Anyway, good luck with the job hunt. Remember though, that what it all comes down to, is paying the bills and putting food on the table, you've got to do, what you've got to do. If you apply for a job (such as waitressing) I recommend not mentioning that you have a degree in anything. They won't hire you because they'll expect you to leave as soon as something better comes along. Back in the 90's, my father and I applied at Wal-Mart when they came into town. Way below his level of education. They hired me and not my father.

:hug: :hi:

[GoCubsGo]

83. You just described the last two years of my life...

Well, almost two years. I got laid off at the end of June 2007, under circumstances that will make you cringe. (Let's just say they involve the Bush administration. 'Nuff said.) I am single and would actually like to get the hell out of South Carolina, so I have been applying everywhere there's an opening even remotely related to what I do. I have had plenty of interviews, including one where I flew cross-country, ON MY OWN DIME, for an interview that lasted 12 MINUTES! I won't go into that one, because I'm still seething over it many months later. I was on the verge of a good position in December, but they instituted a hiring freeze before I could be hired on. But, enough of my horror stories.

Outside of wishing you much better luck than I'm having, I don't have much to offer. If you can find a temp job, go for it! I had one last summer, will be back at it again this summer, thanks to a wonderful supervisor. The one good thing that came out all of this was that I lucked on to her. (She is even a Cubs fan!) Mine was a federal position, and sometimes temp jobs can get your foot in the door. At the very least, you'll get some new networking connections. Be aware that the Feds take forever to process and hire, as do many state and local agencies. So, don't get discouraged about those federal jobs just yet. And, unlike the past eight years, there is probably less of a worry that you will get an e-mail from the hiring agency stating that they had their funding yanked and wouldn't be hiring anyone. I cannot tell you how many times that happened to me.

Another bit of advice: Sometimes it helps to hand-deliver a resume and cover letter, even if they require electronic applications. There's an office for big national consulting firm in my town that takes all of its applications on-line. A former co-worker of mine didn't realize that, and walked in to the local office and gave them her resume. They told her that the electronically-filed ones tend to get lost in a black hole at the main office. She has a job there now.

A couple more things: I have noticed that all the job openings seem to come in spurts. You might go for weeks without nothing, and then have two or three pop up. Don't get discouraged about the lack of jobs, because others WILL show up in time. Also, if you have not discovered Indeed.com, I highly recommend you check it out. It's like Career Builders and Monster.com, only they are far more inclusive in their employer sources. Like the others, you can search by keyword or location.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you and the rest of us who are in this situation right now. Don't be ashamed to ask your family for help if you have to. They're what has gotten me through much of this. They know you'd do the same for them if things were the other way around. Big hug to you!

[acmavm]

84. I UNDERSTAND. I got my degree as a paralegal (with honors),

did my internship with the ACLU. I investigated (for the ACLU) the actions of the Omaha police department and the 'riot' that put quite a few people in jail here in the run up to Shock and Awe (they used my work for their final report on police over-reaction and heavy handed tactics and their fake justifcations for spraying people with pepper spray or whacking them with their batons from horseback, not to mention rounding them up and throwing them in jail). I did investigations for a government funded organization that prevents discrimination. I did more 'hands on' shit during my six months with the ACLU than a lot of these people have done in their entire careers. I also do a lot of my own legal work when practical (I would never represent myself in a criminal case, I'm not that crazy.)

None of that means shit. They want people with 5 years experience to start. OR like where you are, lawfirms are finding it easy to pick up recent law school graduates to do the grunt work for little pay, so why would they hire someone with only a paralegal degree?

I did work for a firm that practiced FELA law but I got real sick and tired of seeing deadbeats and rip-off artist ginning up lawsuits so they wouldn't have to work for the rest of their lives that I would never go back into that area again. (Not all cases were like that but I was surprised at how many are. And disgusted by the fact that there are so many attorney's willing to take on even the most obviously phoney liars and file suit.)

I got laid off because they partnered up with a bigger firm out of Minneapolis and they didn't need me or the legal assistant they had since the other firm was overloaded with employees. I looked around in the legal field for a while, but like you said, they are snapping up recent law school grads for all the work including, as you point out, even the secretarial jobs.