The Good and Bad News About Job Openings

I have been looking for full time employment for at least a year now, I feel defeated by the fact that am 60 yrs old and every job has at least 100 to 500 applications, looking for work because I am raising my grandchildren. Part time is all I can find and that does not pay the bills. I m on the edge of losing my home of 18 years and just about to give it all away, I keep asking myself is this worth the stress and pain. But I will continue everyday to look and with God's help a job will come.

Sharon of CA 11:45AM September 28, 2009

I've been out for 10 months now. I'm still trying to pay my bills & agree with others,you have to choose which get paid,which get put off. I don't see my cc companies dropping late payment charges at all. I thought the Federal Gov't. changed that,so what happened? I've missed 1 1/2 semesters because w/no job I can't continue my education/training. I go to job fairs,fill out applications in person/online = no job yet. Never in whole life been out this long from work.Seems like jobs are being posted but not really available. I'd rather get a PT job than collect unemployment(which for me is less than $200 p/week)but what can I do? I don't qualify for anything since I own my home/vehicle. I keep busy by volunteering in/out of my community,reading material connected w/my college classes,so I won't be too far behind, and doing yardwork/gardening.Not everyone on unemployment is here by choice, and most folks I see at Job Fairs & Career Ctrs. are in the 40-60 age range,very disheartening.I've already taken all available course trainings at my Career Ctr.and continue to network w/folks I've met there.

Michele Del Gaizo of MA 2:43PM September 25, 2009

I have found that there are several people fighting for one job opening. Employers do not even know what they are looking for. This makes the job market very difficult and competitive for the job seeker. They become frustrated and give up. I can see how this effects their positive attitude. How can you have a positive attitude when you lost your job and its difficult finding one, especially when you have been out of work for so long? Everything starts to trickle down. You can not pay your mortgage/rent. You have to decide, with little money you have to eat or put gas in your car. You also have to juggle the bills, what to pay and what not to pay. Bill collectors asking you to call a family member for money or take out a loan. How can you take out a loan when your credit score has dropped and you have no job? This is ridiculous and ignorant of the credit card companies and collection agencies. Makes no sense.

MJ of CA 9:24PM September 24, 2009

Any ideas for those of us in our 50's (51) seeking work. It seems as though my experience never outweighs my age...

kim of OR 7:48PM September 24, 2009