Unemployment prayers & possibilities

[Laurel-in-CA]

DH has been unemployed since the end of February. Coincidentally I was able to start doing some work from home, but it certainly hasn't replaced his salary. And our oldest moved back in with us....she found a job a month later and is helping with expenses. BUT....

This Thursday dh has what will be his 3rd interview (talked to HR and talked to hiring manager) for a work from home position serving our state and some of the pacific northwest. It's the best opportunity that's come up. And the video interview will be up to 4 hours long with up to 6 managerial types on Zoom. I would appreciate any prayers and kind thoughts you have to offer for us. It's been a really long haul with so much job and financial uncertainty on top of the virus stuff. We'd really LOVE this opportunity to turn into a job offer!!!!

[mommyoffive]

Sending all my good thoughts his way.  I am so sorry for all the stress that you guys have been going through. 

[desertflower]

Praying for your family!  I know how expensive living in CA is.  I hope he gets the job and likes what he will be doing. 

[Selkie]

Best of luck to him! 

[mumto2]

Praying

[Zoo Keeper]

praying for your family...

[Innisfree]

Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

[Jean in Newcastle]

Praying

[Frances]

Sending positive job vibes your way. I hope he nails it and gets the job!

[klmama]

Praying he gets the job!

[TravelingChris]

Prayi nh

[sgo95]

Praying. 

[Ausmumof3]

Hoping your dh has success 

[QueenCat]

Best wishes going your way. 

[Scarlett]

14 hours ago, Laurel-in-CA said:

DH has been unemployed since the end of February. Coincidentally I was able to start doing some work from home, but it certainly hasn't replaced his salary. And our oldest moved back in with us....she found a job a month later and is helping with expenses. BUT....

This Thursday dh has what will be his 3rd interview (talked to HR and talked to hiring manager) for a work from home position serving our state and some of the pacific northwest. It's the best opportunity that's come up. And the video interview will be up to 4 hours long with up to 6 managerial types on Zoom. I would appreciate any prayers and kind thoughts you have to offer for us. It's been a really long haul with so much job and financial uncertainty on top of the virus stuff. We'd really LOVE this opportunity to turn into a job offer!!!!

Hopefully you are not in a high cost of living part of CA. Working from home would be so perfect right now because of the high numbers in CA.  Keep us posted.....I think of these threads in the middle of the night. 🙂

[Carol in Cal.]

Praying.  

We are in Silicon Valley.  If he needs help networking, LMK.

[Home'scool]

Sending good vibes that he aces the interview!

[Laurel-in-CA]

3 hours ago, Carol in Cal. said:

Praying.  

We are in Silicon Valley.  If he needs help networking, LMK.

Thank you, Carol! We are in the north Bay Area, so not a cheap place. He's interviewed for jobs in San Jose, but none have panned out so far. He is more of a h/w guy. We have this interview scheduled, now, for Thursday, with another connector company and are so hoping it is the One!!

[Carol in Cal.]

3 minutes ago, Laurel-in-CA said:

Thank you, Carol! We are in the north Bay Area, so not a cheap place. He's interviewed for jobs in San Jose, but none have panned out so far. He is more of a h/w guy. We have this interview scheduled, now, for Thursday, with another connector company and are so hoping it is the One!!

Well, the offer is open!  I can nose around some if this one doesn’t work out, but I hope that it does.

I think Tesla is hiring hardware people but they are nutsy to work for.  Still, any port in a storm.

BTW, I was born in Marin General Hospital and lived in San Anselmo until I was 5.  I love that area, it’s so much more beautiful than the South Bay.

[Laurel-in-CA]

UPDATE: DH had a good video interview this morning -- talked to 5 management people over the course of 3 hours and felt generally positive. Has one more person to talk to (at his request, a person doing the job he's applying for in a different region) tomorrow. Talked to the hiring manager again and he said he'd already heard "good things" from two of the interviewers. So we are feeling pretty excited and hopeful. Praying that an offer comes soon because this is now the only open possibility....all the others have turned into closed doors.

[mommyoffive]

Glad the interview went well!  Sending lots of good thoughts. 

[Laurel-in-CA]

Well, unfortunately dh did NOT get the job and we are back to square 1. He'll start over this week sending resumes and talking to recruiters and friends. Sigh. The kitty is getting low. However, we're on fire watch (like much of CA), so everything else lessens in importance next to that. The solution to both is the same: Wait and pray...and have your bags packed.

[East Coast Sue]

I’m so sorry to read the update on the job prospect. I’ll keep your family in my prayers. Unemployment is very stressful and starting back at square 1 is difficult, I remember when it happened to my dh.

[mommyoffive]

I am so sorry.   Sending some good thoughts your way.  

[Carol in Cal.]

4 hours ago, Laurel-in-CA said:

Well, unfortunately dh did NOT get the job and we are back to square 1. He'll start over this week sending resumes and talking to recruiters and friends. Sigh. The kitty is getting low. However, we're on fire watch (like much of CA), so everything else lessens in importance next to that. The solution to both is the same: Wait and pray...and have your bags packed.

I’m so sorry.  Is there anything I can do?

[Laura Corin]

I'm sorry to hear that.  These knock backs are hard.

[Soror]

I am so sorry 😞

[Scarlett]

Hang in there.  We have been through this several times in the 10 years we have been married.  It is so incredibly stressful to me......I think more to me than dh.  When he had been out of work (although he always did side work while 'out of work') for 6 months he got what at first seemed to be a great job.  It was horrible.  I was BEGGING him to quit it and he stuck it out for 3 weeks I think.  A few weeks later he got the job he still has which has turned out to be a real blessing. That was 3 1/2 years ago.  

All to to say things will work out.  But I know it is tough while going through it (((hugs)))

[Laurel-in-CA]

At least the fire situation has calmed down. Nothing new on the job search, but now that the heat and smoke are better he can at least put in his 4 hours/day for the census. That's been sad. He got assigned a lot of addresses that are still empty lots from the fires in 2017 in our area.

Meanwhile, I am starting the process of filing an LLC: Tandem Technical Writing, We Work With You! And I have my 2nd client. I am both excited and yet (having reviewed the relative cost of LLC filing by state) grumpy about the cost of it in CA and the fact that our anti-gig-worker law in CA is forcing me into it. Once dd and I figure out the logo for the FB page, I will be beating the bushes for more clients and making my first estimated tax payment. It is not even close to paying the bills without unemployment (which has now run out), so more work is definitely needed!

[Ausmumof3]

I’m glad the fire situation is dying down for now and that you are getting moving on your business.  Really hope you all find something sustainable soon!

[Scarlett]

CA has an anti gig law?

[sassenach]

1 hour ago, Scarlett said:

CA has an anti gig law?

CA has an anti anything and everything law. We’re not big business friendly, we’re not small business friendly, we seem to be hell bent on crippling our farmers... It’s a wonder our economy runs at all. 

[mommyoffive]

Could he look into contact tracing?  Or what about getting into another field?  Not sure what he was in

 

[gstharr]

He can try Amazon Jobs. There are 4-5 hour shifts around the clock. Might be able to work a couple of shifts or fulltime depending on location.  Online application is simple-- no resume or interview.  A job in the warehouse/SORT CENTER is  low  pressure, but dusty.  A job in a Fullfilment Center or a Shopper is very high pressure, but slightly better pay.  Also the site list independent contract delivery companys. The delivery jobs are 12 hour shifts.  During the on-line application process there is simple test: sorting items by requirements. A perfect or high score results in an immediate job offer-like at the end of the application immediate. No interview, but will need to provide proof of citizenship/greencard. 

[Pawz4me]

8 minutes ago, gstharr said:

He can try Amazon Jobs. There are 4-5 hour shifts around the clock. Might be able to work a couple of shifts or fulltime depending on location.  Online application is simple-- no resume or interview.  A job in the warehouse/SORT CENTER is  low  pressure, but dusty.  A job in a Fullfilment Center or a Shopper is very high pressure, but slightly better pay.  Also the site list independent contract delivery companys. The delivery jobs are 12 hour shifts.  During the on-line application process there is simple test: sorting items by requirements. A perfect or high score results in an immediate job offer-like at the end of the application immediate. No interview, but will need to provide proof of citizenship/greencard. 

FWIW--All the Amazon DSPs in our area do require virtual interviews. DS21 has been "invited" (via email) to interview four times. Each time he's scheduled the interview and then received a notification that the day before the interview he would receive another email with an access code for their virtual portal. But he's never once actually received a code. Needless to say, that's been a frustrating experience and he's given up on it (plus he got a job elsewhere).

[gstharr]

13 minutes ago, Pawz4me said:

FWIW--All the Amazon DSPs in our area do require virtual interviews. DS21 has been "invited" (via email) to interview four times. Each time he's scheduled the interview and then received a notification that the day before the interview he would receive another email with an access code for their virtual portal. But he's never once actually received a code. Needless to say, that's been a frustrating experience and he's given up on it (plus he got a job elsewhere).

My comments   re Amazon  jobs regers to jobs with amazon fullfilment centers/ warhouses.  https://www.amazon.jobs/en/.  Not to independent delivery companies

Edited August 27, 2020 by gstharr

[Laurel-in-CA]

Census work ended this week, which is a good thing because next week will be triple digits. Setting new records here.

Meanwhile, no interest on the job applications front. I continue to work 10-15 hours/week, but that may be more soon (looking at a new customer being added). And I'm trying to figure out how to become an LLC to get around AB5 (the dang gig worker law that has a 3-point test AND a 12-point test that seem to somehow cover every. single. independent. contractor. in the state). Sorry, whining a bit, praying a lot. I think dh may look into the contact tracing and possibly other temporary work. Ironically, the company that let him go 7 mo. ago is now advertising for a field applications engineer with exactly his qualifications. He's going to apply just for the heck of it. Our nearest fire is over 80% contained, hurrah, and the smoke has mostly backed off, but big winds are also predicted for next week, which means more serious fire danger.

Oh, and this week kid #3, 20-something and living with us, lost her job because the corporation running their elder care home went broke, hasn't been paid in a month, and had to evacuate the clients not due to fire but because the embezzling head of the company was making threats at the various homes they run. This does mean that (if she can get thru the EDD forest of failures) she can get unemployment and use the time to get a CNA which should help with a better paying job. What a week!

Anyway, frustrating circumstances and no guidance yet.

[katilac]

1 hour ago, Laurel-in-CA said:

 she can get unemployment and use the time to get a CNA which should help with a better paying job.  

Be careful with this - our unemployment asks specifically every week if you're in school or a training program, because that means you're not available for work (and thus can't get unemployment). Night classes are okay. 

[Laurel-in-CA]

On 8/12/2020 at 5:45 AM, Scarlett said:

Hopefully you are not in a high cost of living part of CA. Working from home would be so perfect right now because of the high numbers in CA.  Keep us posted.....I think of these threads in the middle of the night. 🙂

We definitely are, just north of SF. I love working from home and really enjoy the "BK" work colleagues I have reconnected with! I can work from anywhere, so we are willing to move (if a bit overwhelmed at the thought) but all our family is CA or pacific northwest. But, wherever God leads, really.

[Laurel-in-CA]

7 minutes ago, katilac said:

Be careful with this - our unemployment asks specifically every week if you're in school or a training program, because that means you're not available for work (and thus can't get unemployment). Night classes are okay. 

 

This is only a 1-month training program for the CNA, but full time. She's got some options, and she could apply for p/t or weekend shifts. Hmmmm, I will have to discuss with her. Thanks!

[Carol in Cal.]

On 8/26/2020 at 7:21 PM, sassenach said:

CA has an anti anything and everything law. We’re not big business friendly, we’re not small business friendly, we seem to be hell bent on crippling our farmers... It’s a wonder our economy runs at all. 

I love my state but not my state government.  They are so dysfunctional, and better at making laws that amount to eating our seed corn than any other place I know.

[mommyoffive]

14 hours ago, Laurel-in-CA said:

Census work ended this week, which is a good thing because next week will be triple digits. Setting new records here.

Meanwhile, no interest on the job applications front. I continue to work 10-15 hours/week, but that may be more soon (looking at a new customer being added). And I'm trying to figure out how to become an LLC to get around AB5 (the dang gig worker law that has a 3-point test AND a 12-point test that seem to somehow cover every. single. independent. contractor. in the state). Sorry, whining a bit, praying a lot. I think dh may look into the contact tracing and possibly other temporary work. Ironically, the company that let him go 7 mo. ago is now advertising for a field applications engineer with exactly his qualifications. He's going to apply just for the heck of it. Our nearest fire is over 80% contained, hurrah, and the smoke has mostly backed off, but big winds are also predicted for next week, which means more serious fire danger.

Oh, and this week kid #3, 20-something and living with us, lost her job because the corporation running their elder care home went broke, hasn't been paid in a month, and had to evacuate the clients not due to fire but because the embezzling head of the company was making threats at the various homes they run. This does mean that (if she can get thru the EDD forest of failures) she can get unemployment and use the time to get a CNA which should help with a better paying job. What a week!

Anyway, frustrating circumstances and no guidance yet.

Sending good thoughts.   How frustrating about his old job posting that job.  Was it exactly what he was doing there?  Not sure what his path or training was in, but could he add some education or training certificates that would be helpful?  Can he do contractor work?  Ir is that not allowed in CA? 

In California you can't be a gig worker at all?  No independent contractors?  

There are no instacart shoppers?

Online teachers for VIP kids or all the other ones that teach English?

Teach on outschool 

 

Edited September 7, 2020 by mommyoffive

[Laurel-in-CA]

14 hours ago, Carol in Cal. said:

I love my state but not my state government.  They are so dysfunctional, and better at making laws that amount to eating our seed corn than any other place I know.

So absolutely true! I am currently HATING AB5 in all its many labyrinthine confusions!!

[Laurel-in-CA]

2 hours ago, mommyoffive said:

Sending good thoughts.   How frustrating about his old job posting that job.  Was it exactly what he was doing there?  Not sure what his path or training was in, but could he add some education or training certificates that would be helpful?  Can he do contractor work?  Ir is that not allowed in CA? 

In California you can't be a gig worker at all?  No independent contractors?  

There are no instacart shoppers?

Online teachers for VIP kids or all the other ones that teach English?

Teach on outschool 

 

 

Thanks for the suggestions. He has a BSEE from the -80s and has done hardware-oriented applications engineering for various products, most lately custom connectors and cables. I don't think he's looked into contracting in that area. Connectors & cables are a bit of a niche. Applications skills can transfer to other industries but more of a learning curve and the interviews he's had haven't gone very far.

Door dash and instacart are possibilities.

I tried applying for online teaching and....well, I appear not to be fun enough or young enough or just don't come across on video. That has gone nowhere. I wish! Technical writing pays well enough, but I am in the "go find clients" phase, so it does take time...and fees for the LLC which is *supposed* to provide some protection from AB5 but nobody can guarantee that and they keep "amending" stuff. If a law generates universal hatred and has to be changed that many times and drives major employers out of state, is it a law you should keep??? There is another amendment on the November ballot, but pretty squarely aimed at exempting big employers rather than little independents like me. Sorry, whining again.

[Carol in Cal.]

37 minutes ago, Laurel-in-CA said:

 

 

I tried applying for online teaching and....well, I appear not to be fun enough or young enough or just don't come across on video. That has gone nowhere. I wish! Technical writing pays well enough, but I am in the "go find clients" phase, so it does take time...and fees for the LLC which is *supposed* to provide some protection from AB5 but nobody can guarantee that and they keep "amending" stuff. If a law generates universal hatred and has to be changed that many times and drives major employers out of state, is it a law you should keep??? There is another amendment on the November ballot, but pretty squarely aimed at exempting big employers rather than little independents like me. Sorry, whining again.

Have you talked with a CPA about what business structure would work the best?  I don't know much about their comparative merits, but I am hearing S-Corp more often than LLC these days, just anecdotally.  I do know and trust a CPA who advises about this kind of thing, if you need a referral.

[BlsdMama]

5 hours ago, Laurel-in-CA said:

 

Thanks for the suggestions. He has a BSEE from the -80s and has done hardware-oriented applications engineering for various products, most lately custom connectors and cables. I don't think he's looked into contracting in that area. Connectors & cables are a bit of a niche. Applications skills can transfer to other industries but more of a learning curve and the interviews he's had haven't gone very far.

Door dash and instacart are possibilities.

I tried applying for online teaching and....well, I appear not to be fun enough or young enough or just don't come across on video. That has gone nowhere. I wish! Technical writing pays well enough, but I am in the "go find clients" phase, so it does take time...and fees for the LLC which is *supposed* to provide some protection from AB5 but nobody can guarantee that and they keep "amending" stuff. If a law generates universal hatred and has to be changed that many times and drives major employers out of state, is it a law you should keep??? There is another amendment on the November ballot, but pretty squarely aimed at exempting big employers rather than little independents like me. Sorry, whining again.

This is *not* whining.  It's real life and it's hard and this is a good place to let off some steam.  Sent you a PM.

[Laurel-in-CA]

22 hours ago, Carol in Cal. said:

Have you talked with a CPA about what business structure would work the best?  I don't know much about their comparative merits, but I am hearing S-Corp more often than LLC these days, just anecdotally.  I do know and trust a CPA who advises about this kind of thing, if you need a referral.

I've had such conflicting advice! The guy I'm working with recommends LLC, which amounts to about $800/year,  my CPA-from-home friend says don't bother, my friend who trains accounting professionals in seminars & such says just a sole proprietorship. AB5 has a 3-point test....and I can't see how I would get around that, and if that doesn't hit you then there's a 12-point test to consider. Ack!!

I already started filing for the LLC, so I think I am going to go with that for this tax year. I set up the bank account this week so I can send in my first estimated tax payment. 

But, can I have your friend's contact info for possible future needs? Do you know the rate charged for consultation?

Thanks so much!! You can private message me, I think.

[Laurel-in-CA]

17 hours ago, BlsdMama said:

This is *not* whining.  It's real life and it's hard and this is a good place to let off some steam.  Sent you a PM.

Thanks for the recommendations; dh is looking into them. Cedar Rapids....was home to my dad's family until they migrated to CA back when he was 15. Odd coincidence.

[Laurel-in-CA]

DH has an interview today and another next week, both with companies in the same industry he's worked in for the past 10 years. Praying he is impressive and presents himself as THE GUY to hire!

The company I freelance for has put in a quote that may lead to a *lot* of work....once we get vetted and approved, which is another month down the road (sigh). When it comes through I may well be quite busy, but it's still "wait" for now.

DD whose company went bankrupt has registered for her CNA course, which starts the end of the month and which is through the community college, so she should be able to pay for it with college savings $.

[mommyoffive]

Sending good thoughts your husband's way.  I hope you are very busy soon.   That is great your dd is doing the cna training.