I need a hug.

NOHOME said:

I keep hearing that the US labor market is low on inventory. Is this not a reality? 

It's a reality, but there seems to be a lot of companies that either (a) don't want to train and want a direct fit to hit the ground running, (b) have an unrealistic expectation of what they can pay people, (c) don't actually know what they want, or some combo of the above. Oh, or the employees and employers are geographically separated  

Extremely thankful that my unemployment stint is coming to an end Monday after 1.5 months, with a company and job that doesn't have any of the above negative qualities. 

https://wattswater.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/Export-PA/Regional-Sales-Manager---Foodservice---East_10004415

This doesn't sound like a perfect fit, but my company is looking at filling this position.  Maybe get your foot in the door?  

If you want to come to Milwaukee and head up our cast products QA department, I can have you working on Monday (well, actually, Tuesday since i am out on Monday)

Its a hands-on position sometimes requiring repetitive lifting, responsibilities include leading cast product inspection and working with our two existing QA folks, managing workflows through the cell, and adjusting workflows based on upstream and downstream requests.  The desire to hustle has to be there.  

Rudimentary manufacturing and casting experience is helpful but I can train on castings, can't train on work ethic.

Might know someone looking to fill an Admin-support position in DC if you have any interest.

Things will be ok.  You have a 100% success rate at surviving thus far.  No reason to start thinking differently now.

Sending you hugs!

A study took people who were laid off and had half of them keep a daily journal and the other half did nothing different than they normally would. After 6 weeks, a far higher number of the journal keepers were re-employed than the non journal keepers. The theory was that the journal keepers were able to write down all their worries and frustrations on paper and once they had done that, they didn't carry this negative energy into interviews and were more likely to get hired. I am a long time journal keeper and I employ 15 people and I agree completely with the findings of the study.  Once I write down everything that bothers me, it somehow feels better mentally because I'm not carrying it around. If potential employees present a negative vibe, they don't get hired, doesn't matter what their experience is. You may think you're presenting a positive image in interviews but maybe they are picking up on something they don't like? Also, before starting my own business, I had great success going to places I wanted to work and just ask if they are hiring. Most places have positions open but don't advertise anywhere.

I just gave a presentation on managing your career as a Project Manager this week.  Some of it is PM-specific, but the majority applies to everyone.  Shoot me a PM and I'll send you a copy. I'd be happy to get on the phone with you and bounce some ideas around if you think that would be helpful.  Just let me know...