Comments on: So You’ve Been Laid Off. Now What?

By: guest

guest — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:35:58 +0000

@28 – I’ve been unemployed since May.
I saw some opportunities early in my “sabbatical”, but the job market is dead now.

By: guest

guest — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:20:23 +0000

If you missed this event and want to network, get access to valuable professional resources and forget your troubles for another evening, check out Get Canned – benefiting the Food Bank For New York City!
Who: Professionals affected by the economic downturn
When: December 16th, 7:00 – 10:00 pm
Where: element – 225 E. Houston @ Essex Streets
More info at http://www.getcanned2008.blogspot.com – complimentary canned beverages, gift bags, entertainment and raffles! You CAN make a difference!

By: guest

guest — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:19:50 +0000

By: guest

guest — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:18:10 +0000

By: guest

guest — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:17:33 +0000

By: guest

guest — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 19:13:41 +0000

There were a bunch of hotties there, but i couldn’t find Bess.

By: guest

guest — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:40:58 +0000

Where was Bess? I really hoped she would be there.

By: guest

guest — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:39:12 +0000

What a crazy time last night! It was packed with people, tv crews!

By: guest

guest — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 07:20:32 +0000

UES guest yes I am 72 and 73
Wow thanks for that COBRA advice, I definitely need to sort it all out, thank you
joblessdealbreaker@gmail.com

By: guest

guest — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 03:45:54 +0000

PS — I’m sure you saw it, but in his press conference today, Obama said that he wants to extend unemployment benefits IMMEDIATELY in addition to any stimulus package that is passed. He hopes to do this even before his inauguration if that is possible.
There are a lot of connected people on here. We need to get the ear of the Senate and/or Congress on two things:
1) unemployment benefits have not been adjusted for the CPI or inflation in at least a decade. Max weekly benefit is $405 ($1620/month) and you only have to have been making like $50K to receive that.
2) COBRA is a federal program and is only good for 18 months. There are many people (including myself) that will soon be in jeopardy of losing their health care benefits. I would love to get word about this to Pelosi, etc. The payments ARE NOT paid by the previous employer; they are paid by the unemployed person, so you would think extending this would be a no-brainer.

By: guest

guest — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 03:35:27 +0000

Hi — phew! Long day. So yes, I am going to the event on Tuesday … actually, have gotten several emails about it from other social groups.
@72 (are you also @73?) anyway, your COBRA is definitely high. But I think I can explain to you why.
Mine is only $352 but I switched from my premium plan. Same coverage, but I have a higher deductible. I figured it was worth the difference in monthly cost since if I come anywhere near the deductible, it is something catastrophic.
FYI — November is open-enrollment month and if your firm is anything like mine, they will “forget” to send you the info and you will be stuck in the same plan next year. I requested the info (took a few times) but that is how I found a way to a lower co-pay.
@73 — will email you.
~ UES Guest

By: guest

guest — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 21:39:29 +0000

oh and 70 you can email me at
joblessdealbreaker@gmail.com
Maybe we can help each other out, I could tell you what firms actually aren’t hiring and you could do the same
I’m #68

By: guest

guest — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 21:14:54 +0000

I am going to the event, we could definitely meet up. And I agree COBRA is expensive, you better believe I’m utilizing healthcare though now. How much are you paying? I’m at 500 a month

By: guest

guest — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:23:15 +0000

@#67,#68, et al…
Being laid off is not the end of the world. I’ve been there a number of times. Just try to keep a positive attitude. All is not lost. You all have talents, experience, backgrounds, education, skills, and personalities. These are all assets. Your liability right now is no job, but that is just for right now. Try headhunters for jobs in another part of the country, even in a different industry. That might not be so bad if you can find something suitable. You can always come back to NYC when things turn around.
Just remember, everyone must live somewhere, and that somewhere is home. There are people throughout this country who’ve never been to NYC and who are content where they are. Many still live in the towns where they grew up. I like Delaware; I grew up here; it is home to me and always will be.
Try not to be too discouraged. I’m just rambling now, so I’ll sign off.
The Guy from Delaware

By: guest

guest — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:52:57 +0000

@68 & @69 —
Thanks for your posts. I’d be happy to take this conversation offline. I’m heading out for some meetings, so won’t be back on DB until later (this is @67, UES Guest)
@68 … I am now up until 4:30 these days. Can’t seem to sleep. All it takes is tuning into CNBC at 1am and seeing they have a live feed (can’t help myself). Fyi, the drinking wore off after a while.
@69, I have some thoughts about that. Was an equity research person prior to my mktg/comm life. I am a strong strategic and analytical thinker but it’s a matter of a firm giving me a shot. Too be honest, it’s not even about the $$ anymore after living on such a tight budget this past year. I will take almost anything and figure it out later.
My biggest concern believe it or not, is health insurance. Cobra (outrageously expensive as it is) is only 18 months, so I will basically lose my health coverage come April …
Are either of you going to the event at the Public House next week?
~ UES Guest