Down But Not Out

‘Never had a problem with finding work in the past, so I though this time would not be a problem either’

I am an unemployed father of three boys. I live in Findlay, Ohio. In Feb. of 2009 I voluntarily left a job at Menards Inc. in Toledo, Ohio. The reason for leaving was an emergency had risen in my family and it was necessary to move to Port Clinton, Ohio to help out. I have a technical degree in HVAV and had never had a problem with finding work in the past, so I though this time would not be a problem either.

It took me several months to find a job in Port Clinton as this is a seasonal vacation area. When I did find a job, it was part time and for much lower wages than I was used too. When the five month vacation season ended I was laid off. When this happened I filed for unemployment benefits. I decided to go back to school and pursue an associate’s degree in business administration. I began school and with the family crisis in check we decided to move to Findlay, Ohio where the employment rate was much higher. I finished my degree in fifteen months, it has been six months now and I’m still looking for work.

My unemployment benefits will be exhausted in a month with no solid prospects in sight. I look for a work every day and am running out of places to apply. I run ads and do remodeling work to make ends meet. It has gotten to the point I am applying for jobs anywhere and would relocate to Iraq if I had too. All the web based employment sites are just a front for higher education and only there to make money off of the person who is looking for work. You can pay to join and you can pay to get help with resume writing. So yes it is really tough out there.

I wish I could get an interview just to be able to try and sell myself, but I’m not getting any chances to do so. Well that’s my story. If you know anyone who is hiring please let me know so I can send a resume.

Nick M., via email