6 months layed off-Now What?

[cymk]

Gordo,
Would you work for me for two weeks without pay? I need some web store fronts designed and my designer is in the KEYS.
CYMK

[gordo]

Gordo,
Would you work for me for two weeks without pay? I need some web store fronts designed and my designer is in the KEYS.

If I was in Jecclr2003's position - and had the ability to design web store fronts, and I thought you were realistically a potential employer - then YES.
If nothing else it would add to the work history in my resumé - much better than saying that for the past 6 months I had done nothing other than handing out resumés. Instead I'd be able to say that I had done some contract work for cymk to set up their web storefront, etc. Only my unemployment councillor and the IRS need know that I wasn't paid in money. It would also give me the opportunity to see where I could provide value to your business and give you a chance to see how I'd fit in your organization. Not unlike an internship.

best, gordon p
My print blog here: Quality In Print Current topic: Believing is seeing

[ondemandbindery]

There are a couple of interesting angles to this. The 1st. is if you are looking to land a job at a specific employer and proving yourself with free labor is your angle then I see no problem with it. I can think of atleast 2 jobs where I wish I would have never been put on payroll and could have just walked away with no harm no foul. I h ave also used this to show an employer my skillset and this has actually turned into bargaining power for wages and benefits. A 2 way street. As an employer I can generally figure them out by just talking to them as well as if they are local and talented I will most like know someone who knows them that can get alot of the BS out of the way. But the reality is a whole bunch of talent in the market right now are unemployed and even if you are exceptional with the change in printing even the solid employee can have problems landing a job. Now farming yourself out as a contractor is a good angle. Just remember every shop has their own culture and do things differently. And you need to have some contacts in your area in different shops. Past that if you can "do what you say" then absolutely you can probably make a pretty good living at this. I get so frustrated with lazy help that I often get machine operators in from other shops to help do even simple handwork projects because it helps eliminate drama and I know what to expect. It takes away from the bottom line but it adds to my sanity and that my friend is worth its weight in gold. But to take on doing contract type services you have to enjoy changes and have a flexible schedule. This is how I am going to supplement my income when I move my business next year. If you are regimented don't even try this. Goo luck.

[oxburger]

Well, the Mrs. is finally done with her book and with the current economy, it seems fitting. It's called: "Career Boot Camp: A Self-Directed Guide Through Career Transition" Where can I buy this amazing book that teaches you how to figure out what you want to do with your life, how to write a resume, how to network and use social media in your job search, as well as interviewing skills and negotiation skills? I'm so glad you asked. Otherwise I might feel bad about the shameless promotion that follows.....



You can find it at Career Boot Camp. A self-directed guide through career transition.

Normally priced at $459, it's available at an introductory price of $299. $299-459 you say? Isn't that a bit steep? IT all depends. You get guidance in all the steps necessary to find a new career plus all the bonus materials listed on the website. When you look at the cost, it's still cheaper than a professional managerial level resume. In addition, you've spent thousands on college so $459 is a small price to pay to land your dream job.

[Digital Prepress Girl]

I guess it all depends on what type of clients you print for as to if the Print Industry is dead. The company I work for does printing for Insurance Companies. And since they offer free stuff to the agents, the agents eat it up. But my husband is in the offset world and he has seen the slow down. But since he is the only prepress artist. He doesn't worry. I am the only Digital Prepress artist where I work so I don't worry to much. But some days I would like a better work environment. And it does seem to be a little bit more difficult getting a job in the Print world being a women. And yes I read all of this tread.

[Grnofslt]

OXburger,

Thanks for the links.

Bill

[BigJohn]

I agree print is dying very fast. Look at what is happening to the newspapers. I use to run Komori's. When the shop I worked in, closed after more than forty years in business, I should have gotten out of printing. That was back in 2001, but being blind to reality, I took a job as a feeder on a five color Komori.When I was laid off in September, 2008, I finally threw in the towel. I went back to college, and have started to study accounting. The sooner you can go back to college, and transition to a new career the better. With the world going in a green direction, paper products are going to be reduced big time.Best of luck to you, the time to transition to a new career is now.

[nhprinter]

The sooner you can go back to college, and transition to a new career the better

Hard to do at 52. :-(

[BigJohn]

It is, I agree; I just turned 52 in May . I went back to a community college, where there are older students like myself. I just couldn't figure out an alternative. I know it will be hard to find a job in any field, but what do you when most people will have to work into their mid sixties. Good luck, John

[jnfish]

Hello, Hang in there man! I am also laid off and looking for a job. Printing sure is going through a major change. Take your skill set and apply it to a new career. Good luck to you!
Jnfish