The New York Nexus Cafe 

It's been tough for me. I was laid off in November and my Industry(Fashion- Wholesale side) has cut back everywhere! I'm having a difficult time trying to get the salary that I was making. I may have to go back to Retail.......blah!

Anyone else having a hard time? What are your Unemployment experiences? Can you live off the piddley $364.50(after taxes) Unemployment check?! Did you have to go back to school or change Industries? Talk to me/us........

If anyone knows of some good job openings within your companies -post it! Help out a fellow Hobokenite & possibly get a Referral bonus(?) from your company(if they do that).

Here is my post fired experience:

After a horrible experience being fired for something I did not do nor my fault, I had a deep case of depression. I could not sleep nor concentrate. I think I took medication for one day and I felt so much better I re-wrote my resume and sent them out as much as I could. I was unemployed for about 4 months. My best suggestion is to go out more.

My unemployment check was about 800/2 weeks. I swallowed my pride and took part-time jobs being an assistant to a IT Support person or delivered packages for my brother company during Christmas time (yes I got fired on the week of Thanksgiving).

I was very close spending the money to go back to school to get re-trained. The most fortunate thing is that I had a lot of money saved up (mostly as a downpayment for a future property).

I went on interviews and tried my best to get any job. I ended up getting two favorable interviews finally and made it into a bidding war. (I was upfront and honest on my situation for both parties so no know thought I was an *ssh*l* about it).

For those who are not fired yet, I would tighten your belt a little just in case. You never know. For those who are already out of work, let us know what you do so we can keep an eye out for you gals and guys.

I was one of the "lucky" ones... My company (new media) went under the week before Xmas this past year. Got a lovely call from my boss at home on a Sunday night to tell me the news... Merry Christmas! Ha!

Fortunately, it worked out. Another company with money to burn came along and scooped up all but 4 of us. So I have a job. Same pay, but worse commute and ground zero with the benefits and a three month probationary period with no health coverage, no vacation time, no personal time. Which wouldn't normally piss me off so much except my wedding falls right in the middle of the probationary period. So no honeymoon (for now...)

But like I said... I'm the lucky one. Only went about a week and a half without a paycheck.

Best of luck to all who are still searching... I'll post the current job openings at my new company in a separate message for those who are looking.