Becoming Unemployed

Hello!  Since I was 13 years old, I have had gainful employment.  Over 30 years later, I have no job for the first time in my life.  One day I was a top performer, a week later I was asked to compromise my principles or leave my company of 10+ years.  I left.  How hard can it be to find a job. Oh my gosh - most people have no idea of the trials and tribulations of those who are unemployed.  I'm writing this blog to share my journey and maybe help someone along the way.

My last day with my company was March 9, 2012.

Day 1 - post-employment.  Absolute self pity party.  Woe is me - how could this have happened?  Spent the day running financials to see how we make things work and for how long.  No idea where to begin.  I'm an HR Professional for heaven's sake - shouldn't I know exactly what to do?

Try to reach outplacement company to no avail.  I don't even have my own PC at home - I have used my company computer for the last 11 years.

About five days into my unemployment I have some thoughts:

• Should I check into unemployment wages?
• How do I get life insurance coverage since the company's will end?
• Shouldn't I put a resume together?
• Should I just cruise job boards to find the job of my dreams?
• Shouldn't there be a checklist for people in my situation - I have yet to find a good checklist.

Which way is up?  People have asked how they can help.  What should I tell them?