April 2009
60 posts
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ONE LAST PLEA FOR OUR LAST CHANCE.
First, thanks to everyone who voted after my first post, we definitely saw a bump in our numbers for the contest (The Knot’s Prettiest Weddings in 2008). Last week I posted about a contest my wife and I have been entered into for a free vacation. As I mentioned then, these things are not normally up my isle, however a FREE vacation is about all I can afford these days and believe me my wife...
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ABC'S WIFE SWAP LOOKING FOR 405ERS.
My name is Gaby Wilson and I am a Casting Producer for ABC families hit reality show ‘Wife Swap.’ We are currently casting for our fifth season and we are looking for families who have been victims of this tough economy. If you’ve been laid off due to cut-backs, then I want to talk to you!
The premise of Wife Swap is simple: for seven days, two wives from two different families with...
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PLUG YOURSELF.
Cameras may not have captured your final exit from your old office, but the media still has opportunities for you to get your 15 minutes out of being a recession casualty. While vying for a chance to work with Diddy may not be for you, national morning shows, newspapers and magazines are constantly looking for laid off citizens to pluck from obscurity and shower with career and money saving tips...
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5 QUESTIONS TO ASK ON A JOB INTERVIEW.
Asking savvy questions is the best, and sometimes only way for an interviewee to exert some control over the process. Cloaking efforts at steering the discussion in the garb of inquiries lets you remain the supplicant as interview etiquette requires, yet still creates opportunities to make your best case. Here are five questions you should try your best to ask in any job interview:
1. How would...
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LAIDOFFCAMPNY MAY 1-2.
Nate Heasley, longtime friend of BoingBoing and occasional guest blogger for BB Gadgets, wrote to tell me about an event that he’s helping to organize called LaidOffCamp NY. It’s a two-day event this coming Friday and Saturday that is all about “hacking the job search.” On Friday the event kicks off with a panel discussion and networking reception, and Saturday there will...
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PLANT A RECESSION GARDEN.
A Bakersfield, CA church is helping members who are struggling economically by offering them a plot of land for a garden. They can then sell produce at a church farmers market. Senior Pastor Ron Vietti of Valley Bible Fellowship says 90 people have signed up for the program designed to empower the unemployed.
A member of the 10,000-strong congregation donated an acre of land and irrigation...
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I WANT TO WORK FOR DIDDY.
Actually, I really do want to work for Diddy. Maybe I’ll have to move to Dallas and work my way up this way from the ground up…
Publication or company: “Hip-hop media mogul”
Industry: Entertainment, Public Relations
Job duration: Other
Job location: Dallas, TX
Job requirements: The unemployment rate may be at an all-time high, but at least one person is hiring…DIDDY. VH1 and...
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FIGHT THE POWER.
Sometimes asking just isn’t enough and when it isn’t, don’t be afraid to confront “The Man” to save that extra buck. For instance, last weekend my wife, Marie, had a misfortune of fracturing her toe and sadly has been hobbling around since then. Being the great husband that I am (or maybe it’s just that we are still newlyweds, ha) and having inherited a car from my marriage, I...
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JOIN THE 405 CLUB FOR OUR FIRST WEB MEETING...
Come one, come all and join us for our first-ever Web Meeting tonight at 6:30pm. This evening a few of our NYC members are going to be interviewed by a reporter, Nick Lazaredes, from the award winning, international affairs program, Dateline, on SBS TV in Australia. Not to worry, this is no set-up by Chris Hansen. It seems that Australia has their own Dateline. In any case, we would like to give...
JUST A FRIENDLY REMINDER.
You know the drill by now: Get your butt out of bed, shower, have your coffee and go online to file your weekly benefits claim. Then after you’ve done that you can go out and enjoy the beautful day.
-By Yvonne Fitzner, Contributing Writer & Member
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THANK YOU NEW YORK.
Thank you citizens of New York, for paying my unemployment insurance during a six month streak of being jobless. It was a fun run, but you no longer have to hand over your cash to me, for I am once again part of the work force. I will now be helping you pay for those that are unemployed.
There were many people who think it’s ridiculous that the unemployed can receive $405 a week from the...
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HELP OUT A FELLOW 405ER.
As we all know the recession has basically driven us to looking for things that are either inexpensive or let me just come right out and say it, FREE!!! With that in mind, my wife (Marie) and I have the opportunity to win a FREE Sandals vacation but we can only win it with your help. I have to say that in my former employed-life I would not have had much of an interest in a contest for a...
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PARTY ON WAYNE. AND PARTY ON GARTH.
The New York Times recently wrote an article about the uneffected attendence levels staying strong despite the recession. My first reaction, as a music industry casualty, is great! People are still paying to see and experience live music which is of course a positive sign for the industry that’s been troubled ever since about 2002 (see also: post-pop music explosion).
My second reaction...
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WatchEARTH TO WHITE HOUSE: IT’S NOT EASY BEING GREEN.
There’s been all this talk about how going “green” will spur the economy and create green collar jobs. Will green be the new black? Sure, green is the color of renewal and growth — as well as the color of money. But how soon will these new jobs be available, and for what type of work? I don’t see myself...
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VACATION? NOW? REALLY?
It’s true. I’m taking off to San Juan today with my employed girlfriend. You only live once, right? Travel while you’re young when you don’t have kids, a dog and a house to take care of? Travel now while you don’t have to feel guilty about leaving work for a few days?
The truth is I already do and will continue to feel guilty about spending money on a trip and...
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ADDITIONAL BENEFITS.
You know times are tough when even billionaires are taking advantage of inexpensive things. While getting my namaste on at Yoga to the People, (a Yoga studio with “donation suggested” classes at locations all around Manhattan), I noticed an Olsen twin slouched on a mat by the wall. Abiding by the unspoken rule of NYC that celebrities are to be seen and not acknowledged, I placed...
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ONE OF OUR VERY OWN 405ERS.
A friend just sent me a recent New York Times article, “For New York’s Newly Jobless, $430 Doesn’t Go Far” because of its obvious relevance to our club. Much to my chagrin I realized one of our very own contributing 405ers, Cara Weissman, is featured in the article. Congratulations Cara, perhaps this is a sign of good things to come for you in the near future.
The article tells a...
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I FINALLY GOT A JOB!
Yes, it’s true. After being a 405er for over 3 months, I have to say the feeling of going back is bittersweet. I’m going to miss things like having the energy to workout 7 days a week, going to bed whenever I want, being able to make ANY happy hour and not to mention the pity beers my friends bought me - thanks guys! What I won’t miss is living off of $405 a week and the...
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D’OH! DON’T FORGET TO CLAIM YOUR MONEY.
If it were up to Homer Simpson, he’d be spending his Sunday in front of the TV with a bottle of Duff beer — “the beer that makes the days fly by”. But Homer still has his job at the Springfield nuclear power plant (although he’s been fired and rehired). We’re not as fortunate so we’d better get our duff off the couch and go online to claim our weekly...
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JOBLESS CHIC.
Our master of offline media, Jose Gonzalez, has been a busy man of late. No, he did not get a job yet. He’s got a lead or two, but he’s been working overtime for The 405 Club, handling all media requests. His latest sit down with Metro’s Amy Zimmer highlighted our “increasingly popular” site. I can’t read that enough.
Take a minute to read “Jobless...
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DID YOU KNOW.
Did You Know That We Could Receive An Additional 13 Weeks of Extended Unemployment Benefits If Law Is Rewritten In New York State? Here’s some very important news of interest and importance to all of us in New York State who are currently receiving Unemployment Benefits.
According to the National Employment Law Project (NELP), the current indicator or trigger “formula” for...
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THANKS SCLA.
The 405 Club has long been an advocate of keeping your chin-ups, both figuratively and literally. Let’s face it, when it comes to exercising, the gym is the most efficient place to be, even during these difficult times. Though some people have tried to make the case that the money could be better spent, we subscribe to the notion that few things can substitute feeling and looking healthy. We can...
THE GRAY LADY: Future 405er?
VS.
The New York Times may be the next 405er. The once mighty institution, like many other newspapers, is bleeding red ink and making cuts to stay afloat. Is traditional media on its way out? What’s the world coming to when Ashton Kutcher has more Twitter followers than CNN? Nothing against Twitter (we’re tweeters too) or Mr. Demi Moore, but if this keeps up the Gray Lady may...
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WatchTwo weeks ago I went back to my home town of Ithaca/Trumansburg in Central New York (CNY) to see how the area was holding up under the recession. I also went back to see what it would be like if things got so bad that I had to move home due to unemployment. Moving home would be my plan B. The following piece is the first in a four part series that i’ll be producing based on that trip: The CNY...
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AMERICANS FIND THE RECESSION TAXING.
Yesterday was T-Day for most of us: the day we rush our income tax information out to federal, state and city tax collectors — either with a payment or a prayer for a speedily-processed refund. But, with the continuing economic hard times, many had difficulties paying their dues. Tax preparers found more clients than ever were making their payments by credit card, asking for extensions, or...
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HOT OFF THE PRESS.
Our very own Jose Gonzalez...
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AS THE SAYING GOES.
The moment the axe fell, the newly unemployed said it. When their spared co-workers realized they would be taking on twice as many tasks for the same salary, they said it. When I spent an hour crafting the perfect cover letter and hit send, only to realize seconds later that it was for a job on the other side of the country, I said it.
F my life.
Are you one of the unemployed miserable who...
YEAH, BUT ARE THEY HIRING?
In response to the spike in membership and requests for employment related books and services, the New York Public Library has stepped its game up with a new employment center called Job Search Central. The center will include computers loaded with software and databases for career training and job searches. Specially trained librarians will be on staff to assist with your search. They will...
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VIRGIN, LIKE A HYUNDAI.
Perhaps you’ve seen the Hyundai Assurance commercials where they allow you to return the car if you lose your job. Hyundai has now upped their game, allowing you to keep your car for 3 months where they actually “pay” the lease for you. If that is not enough time to get back on your feet, you can return the car. Hyundai was first on the “car payment protection”...
PAGING SALLY STRUTHERS.
This employment crisis is hitting more than peoples’ pocketbooks. First you had to choose between paying for COBRA and using Robitussin to maintain your health. Then, eating habits went from crispy croissants at Starbucks to breakfast burritos at home.
Now, even the children have to cut back. We already told you about the Sesame Street Lite they have to put up with, but now they at risk of...
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GAME ON.
Recession Soccer, what a great idea! After all, it’s Friday and they ain’t got no job…too bad these guys are in Hoboken, or I’d be out there with them. So what’s the deal here? Well according to the New York Times it seems that Mr. Ian Sacs of Hoboken, NJ was laid off in October, but decided he wasn’t just going to sit at his computer all day staring at Monster,...
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NAME THIS BLOG AND FIGHT HUNGER.
The Food Bank for New York City, which serves the five boroughs and helps to provide 300,000 free meals a day, has launched a blog and is holding a contest to pick a name. There are 5 finalists: • Bank on It • Bite by Byte • The Digital Dish • Edible Updates • Fresh Picked Vote here for your favorite name. Tell your friends to vote as well, and help raise hunger awareness. Hopefully, none...
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JURY DUTY UPDATE.
Today was supposed to be my big day. As some may have read, I was summoned for jury duty and ready to serve my civic duty. Switching things up a bit I rose out of bed before my employed girlfriend, cleaned myself up and hit the 6 train heading downtown to the Courthouse. To see how things transpired, here are the realtime tweets below from The 405 Club’s Twitter via my TwitterBerry...
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NO EXCUSES NOW.
The gym continues to help me keep my chin up through these tough times. While some feel cutting that monthly fixed cost is the easiest way to save a buck while income challenged, the benefits of the gym far outweigh the fee.
New York Underground Fitness is now offering a gym membership F-R-E-E of charge! No more excuses! Let’s get fit physically and mentally. All westsiders and...
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STUFF UNEMPLOYED PEOPLE LIKE.
People love lists. True story. Even more so, unemployed people looove lists. Perhaps it’s the sense of a return to structure or a way of keeping tabs on ourself but lists are effective for us. To-do lists, job application lists, food shopping lists — they’re all prevelent in our day to day life. In the search for another solid list I’d like to forward you all to the...
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“I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU INSURED.”
On Friday, March 27th reporter Adam Lisberg and his recently-unemployed fiancée, Carrie Sloan, got hitched in Central Park. It wasn’t the wedding they had long planned and dreamed about, and it was all thrown together in 36 hours to make her eligible to be covered by Adam’s healthcare plan. But it was certainly an experience they and their friends and family members will never...
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MAYOR GLOOMBERG.
Despite signs that the economy may be on a slow but steady upturn, and in spite of recent stimulus funds, Mayor Bloomberg’s budget director has informed city agency heads that heads are going to roll on July 1st. Budget cuts are back on the agenda for the coming fiscal year, which may mean the elimination of 7,000 jobs. Who’s going to be on the chopping block? Police, fire,...
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COBRA SUBSIDY UPDATE.
I was hoping to have landed a job before it was time to pay for COBRA but fortunate I am not. If you remember my article about choosing health insurance, I had chosen COBRA because my former employer and Obama’s stimulus plan together made it a practical full coverage option for a good value, under $150 per month for medical and dental. Choosing the option to continue coverage on COBRA...
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GETTING LAID OFF IS PURE ENTERTAINMENT.
The Associated Press has just reported that the FOX network is making a reality series titled “Someone’s Gotta Go,” which lets employees of a small business decide which one of their colleagues will be laid off. Basically, it sounds like Office Survivor and that’s not too far off from what’s really going on these days. Each week the company will lay off another...
TRUST BUT VERIFY. →
That was one of Ronald Reagan’s favorite sayings, and its becoming increasingly relevant in the job search process. Employers have so many candidates to choose from that they are they are running top candidates through the gauntlet. If you’ve managed to politic your way through a few rounds of interviews, the employer may ask you for references to verify you are the great worker...
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WatchBACK IN BLACK: RECESSION WINNERS.
Comedy Central’s Lewis Black offers his commentary on the effects of the economic crunch. “Even through all the doom and gloom there are people who are gonna come out as winners,” he opines. And the winners are…
DOGGIE DOWNSIZING.
This recession is leaving no stone unturned. First it hit the stock market, then it took down Iceland, and now its gone to the dogs. Many people have already cut expenses including maid service and Grande Lattes, but now its come to laying off the family pet. The canine unemployment rate is starting to rise as many 405ers can’t afford to keep Fido on the payroll. Pretty soon the ASPCA...
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Don’t Be Hard-Pressed For That Interview.
You’ve been out of work for a while and finally landed an interview. But you haven’t got a cent to get your best suit cleaned and pressed. One dry cleaner on the Upper East Side has been offering jobless neighbors a hand at clinching that important first impression by cleaning their clothes for free.
Carlos Vasquez and his wife Arelis, proprietors of First Professional Cleaners, at...
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REMINDER: CLAIM YOUR WEEKLY BENEFITS.
Time to get paid. Go to the NY labor site, certify your weekly claim and keep it moving. No, 0, N/A, 0, 0, 0, No. And done. Now go outside and enjoy this beautiful day!
-By Garrett Dale, Founding Member
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