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Comment by Angela Kau-Forsberg on August 29, 2010 at 9:37pm

Stephanie, thank you for the advice. My hubby actually has an interview at our alma mater this Thursday over in Stevens Point, WI. If that falls through though, I think we're going to start to put some apps out in Texas. We have a few friends there. :)

Comment by Stefanie O. on August 29, 2010 at 3:15pm

Hi Angela. I live in San Antonio. I don't know if you are open to relocating when your lease is up but it's beautiful here and the cost of living is pretty low. Maybe your husband would like to check out the link for Southwest Research Institute. I hear that it's a pretty great place to work for. Plug in Environmental Chemistry into the search box. 3 positions popped up for me just now. http://www.swri.org/HR/Search.htm?Type=Exempt

Comment by LaRissa L. Head on June 30, 2010 at 3:57pm

Not sure if you are willing to move to Michigan, but i know delta college in bay city is looking for an adjunct pottery prof. and bay city is only 30 mins from midland which is home of Dow chemical/corning.

You both might want to look into the area. Very very cheap housing in the tri cities.

Comment by Beth on June 28, 2010 at 8:50pm

"He is potentially marketable, I however, am not."

Not necessarily true! You are an artist, get creative, think outside the box. It's summer. Many colleges and counties have summer programs for school kids, and the arts are often a big part of this. Start calling colleges and see if they know of any art programs that are hiring. Testing has become so hugely important in school, people pay good money for private tutors for their kids. Pick your best subject, brush up, and offer your services. See if your state allows non-accredited teachers to sub or teach; schools can have trouble finding art teachers, especially if you are near a larger city. Do you have art skills you can market on the side? Freelance at a design studio, help out a camera crew in the busy summer wedding season.

My husband lost two jobs in the past 3 years but fortunately my job has been steady and we've always gotten by. Sam has some very good tips about getting out there. Don't assume your skills aren't marketable just because they are not traditional. I'm assuming since you're on My Corgi that you are dog savvy, so you can offer pet-walking or pet-sitting services. Can you do decorating, gardening, anything? I know it's not the same as a steady income, but if you are looking to earn some money to pay some bills til he finds work, there are lots of things you can do. I would pay good money for a responsible adult who would be able to watch my dogs when we go on a day-trip, for example, and that can be very hard to find. If he can collect unemployment, you only need to replace the difference between what he was earning and what is unemployment claim check brings in. If he can't collect, then the situation is a little more urgent.

I'm very sorry for your troubles. Try to keep positive; things may be looking dark now, but it'll turn around.

Comment by Sam Tsang on June 28, 2010 at 7:41pm

Hi Angela, so sorry to hear what's happening. Laid off is a part of life. Here are some thoughts:

1. It is nothing personal, there is nothing wrong with you. I've had to let my staff go because of budget cuts, they were very talented people and were very good at what they do, so keep your chin up, they let it get in your head.

2. Brush up your resume, you've gained valuable experience since graduation, time to translate your portfolio / accomplishment into bragging rights.

3. Tailor each resume and cover letter, explain why and how you fit the position posted.

4. Make a list of classmate, co-workers, boss, friends and connect them on linkedin, ask them to vouch for your cred, validate your accomplishments. Join the groups relevant to your field. Connect with other people in your field, be helpful.

5. Take out any questionable like pages, movies, hobbies, photo on your facebook, it is the first place I look when I see a resume I like, Google yourself and see what comes up, tie up all your loose ends.

6. Get your finance together, cut expense like cables, step down to a slower internet plan, check your cell phone usage and pick a better plan, do you really need mobile internet? how about texting? every dime counts. Cancel magazine subscription, stop going to starbucks, switch to store brands products, never go shopping when you're hungry, stop eating out. Move in with family, friends, split the cost, there is no shame in it, real family and friends stick together.

7. ebay, amazon, craigslist, yard sell, do you really need it? remember this is only temporary, you are not losing things, it's just darkness before sunrise.

8. Remember your wedding vow, for better or worst, everyone can live through the easy times, but one must work on the hard times in order to stay alive, you two will come back stronger than ever from this, now digest this: 5 years from now, you'll look back at this from a much better place.

9. Apply 5 jobs per day, after that, get out of the house. Read a book from barnes and noble, exercise, breathe fresh air, go window shopping, look at pretty things, see what inspires you, give you new ideas.

10. Take this time to regroup, do the things that you've put off in the past, be thankful of the things and people in your life, when things are back on track in the near future, volunteer and pay it forward.

Comment by Bev Levy on June 28, 2010 at 7:27pm

That is a shame! Unfortunately many people are in similar situations. First look over your lease really good to see if there is a way out or if you can sub let.Also,see if your area has a free landlord advice group. If there are no other options try talking to the Leasing company about your situation. They maybe able or willing to help. Good luck and I hope your husband finds a job soon.