# I lost my job on Friday **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [February 20, 2008, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-lost-my-job-on-friday/438343 "2008-02-20T02:05:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Rascal\_s\_Mom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a698b9/32.png) [@Rascal\_s\_Mom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rascal_s_Mom)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2008, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-lost-my-job-on-friday/438343/1 "2008-02-20T02:05:36Z")
This has never happened to me. I have been working in the public sector for 30 years. I have had a paying job since I was 10. Friday I was handed my walking papers. “It’s not working out,” despite being a productive member as a paralegal at this law firm for two years. I am an obscenely hard worker and know my work. Anyway, any encouraging words or advice? I have sent out eight resumes so far. I get e-mail postings from Monster every day. I check craigslist several times a day and have an interview scheduled as a result of an ad I found there, though it pays $3.50 an hour less than I make right now. I have put the word out with all friends and brothers. I am already getting depressed and spending far too much time on here, though that does help my mood a little. Any Madison dopers know of any legal support positions? Any other dopers have any “I’ve been there” stories? I need the pay and insurance, and I am a self-supporting mom, and I am scared to death. ---
**Author:** ![Harmonious\_Discord](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/74df32/32.png) [@Harmonious\_Discord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harmonious_Discord)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2008, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-lost-my-job-on-friday/438343/2 "2008-02-20T02:13:45Z")
I hope you find a job quickly. Getting the lesser paying job will definitely help while you look for a higher paying one. You never know what will open up from taking a job either. Definitely don’t spend all day on message boards. ---
**Author:** ![Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Otto)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2008, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-lost-my-job-on-friday/438343/3 "2008-02-20T02:27:41Z")
If I knew of any leagal support positions I’d be applying for them myslf. i went through MATC’s paralegal program several years ago, only to be told in my last semester that paralegals don’t get hired in Madison because firms hire the law school grads because they can pay them paralegal wages while they do lawyer work. Sorry I can’t be more encouraging. Joblessness sucks. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2008, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-lost-my-job-on-friday/438343/4 "2008-02-20T02:43:01Z")
Networking is paramount. Don’t be embarrassed, and don’t be afraid to spam everyone you know about your current position. Finding jobs the “old fashioned way” probably ain’t gonna happen. I’ve been laid off twice in the last 3 years, and found employment through networking. Again, Spam everyone you know!!! ---
**Author:** ![Rascal\_s\_Mom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a698b9/32.png) [@Rascal\_s\_Mom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rascal_s_Mom)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2008, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-lost-my-job-on-friday/438343/5 "2008-02-20T02:44:23Z")
Thanks guys. I think I actually have a good chance with the low low paying job. She likes my work ethic. Unfortunately the insurance also sucks. But I know it is much better to be employed when looking for employment. Otto, thanks for the input. I have to say, the boss that didn’t like me at my current (oh, I mean last) job was an attorney in Rhinelander for 30 years. He said attorneys in Rhinelander don’t make as much as I make. That would be $31K a year. Methinks attorneys that work in Rhinelander that make that are fairly dumbass. Hijack my own OP: Otto, have you checked your post about the popcorn? ---
**Author:** ![Rascal\_s\_Mom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a698b9/32.png) [@Rascal\_s\_Mom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rascal_s_Mom)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2008, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-lost-my-job-on-friday/438343/6 "2008-02-20T02:49:51Z")
Leaffan, nudge my now-dead brain about who all I can network with (and please provide your definition of “spam”). I have e-mailed: my brothers and their spouses (who are all well connected with area employers), former co-workers, co-workers of former co-workers, friends, loved ones… boggles the mind. Oh, parents too. So, maybe I am covering my bases. So anyone know how to cheer me up in the meantime? ---
**Author:** ![Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Otto)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2008, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-lost-my-job-on-friday/438343/7 "2008-02-20T02:57:25Z")
[My new favorite song](http://youtube.com/watch?v=bL-iWz2VhTw). Not safe for work, but hey, that’s hardly a consideration, is it? ---
**Author:** ![Autolycus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/22d042/32.png) [@Autolycus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Autolycus)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2008, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-lost-my-job-on-friday/438343/8 "2008-02-20T03:09:32Z")
Cheer-up material? Try this: [Peanut Butter Jelly Time](http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/banana) ^^ [[hugs]] ---
**Author:** ![Rascal\_s\_Mom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a698b9/32.png) [@Rascal\_s\_Mom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rascal_s_Mom)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2008, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-lost-my-job-on-friday/438343/9 "2008-02-20T03:19:44Z")
Where do you guys find this stuff? Sheesh! ---
**Author:** ![Rascal\_s\_Mom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a698b9/32.png) [@Rascal\_s\_Mom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rascal_s_Mom)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2008, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-lost-my-job-on-friday/438343/10 "2008-02-20T03:21:34Z")
Oh, thanks for the hugs Autolycus. I am seriously in need of them. I hate being where I am right now. Grrrr ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2008, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-lost-my-job-on-friday/438343/11 "2008-02-20T03:26:48Z")
[QUOTE=Rascal’s Mom] Leaffan, nudge my now-dead brain about who all I can network with (and please provide your definition of “spam”). I have e-mailed: my brothers and their spouses (who are all well connected with area employers), former co-workers, co-workers of former co-workers, friends, loved ones… boggles the mind. Oh, parents too. So, maybe I am covering my bases. So anyone know how to cheer me up in the meantime? [/QUOTE] That’s what I was talking about: email and contact whomever without reservation. Bon chance ---
**Author:** ![Tenar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/35a633/32.png) [@Tenar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tenar)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2008, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-lost-my-job-on-friday/438343/12 "2008-02-20T03:33:02Z")
Maybe a law firm job isn’t the answer. I don’t know how things work over in Wisconsin, but have you checked into civil service opportunities as a state or county worker in the court system? Is there a court clerk or judge’s secretary who you’ve become phone-friendly with over the years who you can ask about upcoming opportunites or upcoming civil service tests, or who can at least put you in touch with human resources? Is there a court system website you can check? In our court system, jobs come in two basic flavors: “competitive” jobs, which require you to pass a test and get on a list of eligible candidates, and “non-competitive” jobs, which do not require a test and which are generally given to somebody who knows somebody, so if you happen to be fortunate enough to know/be related to somebody who has any political pull whatsoever, don’t be shy. (I realize that you probably don’t have a party boss uncle stashed somewhere, but I had to cover all the possibilities.) Have you checked to see if your local D.A. or County Attorney’s office uses paralegals? Around here, the Probation Department (oddly enough) has people who prepare petitions at no cost for people who want to file pro-se in Family Court; you might want to find out if your county does something similar. I hope my suggestions aren’t completely useless; I am not a paralegal myself, I am a civil service court employee in my state (which is not Wisconsin). Civil service isn’t glamorous, but it tends to be steady work with decent benefits, at least around here. ---
**Author:** ![Rascal\_s\_Mom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a698b9/32.png) [@Rascal\_s\_Mom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rascal_s_Mom)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2008, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-lost-my-job-on-friday/438343/13 "2008-02-20T04:49:03Z")
Thank you Tenar. My first boss gave me a link to a DOJ job. That’s federal, and while not always interesting, is steady and well paying. I have so many people on my side and I am thankful. Thanks, and more info, more hugs, and more humor are appreciated. I know I will wake up early, and worried. ---
**Author:** ![Missy2U](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/3bc359/32.png) [@Missy2U](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Missy2U)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2008, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-lost-my-job-on-friday/438343/14 "2008-02-20T16:00:47Z")
My thoughts are with you - I’ve been in your shoes before and dayum, does it suck. So hugs - I’m sure things will work out - keep your chin up! ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2008, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-lost-my-job-on-friday/438343/15 "2008-02-20T16:15:42Z")
Consider joining [www.linkedin.com](http://www.linkedin.com) and linking yourself with whoever you know - especially other lawyers or paralegals you have worked with. That’s one way “networking” is done these days (by adults). ---
**Author:** ![Khadaji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2008, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-lost-my-job-on-friday/438343/16 "2008-02-20T17:05:38Z")
Sending lucky thoughts your way. I know it must sting - but don’t let it bother you. Sometimes it just isn’t a fit. That may say more about them than you. I left a company in 2001. I just didn’t fit. I dunno why, I have fit everywhere else I ever worked. Not there. No one ever wanted to do lunch, no one ever even said good morning when I came in. My next job was head and shoulders up. I came in people called to me as I passed. Your next job will be better. ---
**Author:** ![RadioWave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/91b2a8/32.png) [@RadioWave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RadioWave)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2008, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-lost-my-job-on-friday/438343/17 "2008-02-20T17:27:14Z")
Have you applied for unemployment benefits? You’re been paying into them for years, so why not take advantage of them now? It might ease your mind to know you have an emergency source of income. ---
**Author:** ![jali](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ecae2f/32.png) [@jali](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jali)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2008, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-lost-my-job-on-friday/438343/18 "2008-02-20T19:10:14Z")
A friend of mine just left a horrible attorney to work for [Tremont](https://www.tremont.com/careers.aspx) . She loves it. Good luck! ---
**Author:** ![Omegaman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e480ec/32.png) [@Omegaman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omegaman)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2008, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-lost-my-job-on-friday/438343/19 "2008-02-20T19:31:01Z")
Do what you need to get a job as soon as possible. It’s always easier to find a job when you have one than when you don’t. Keep your head up. ---
**Author:** ![pbbth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f9ae1b/32.png) [@pbbth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pbbth)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2008, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-lost-my-job-on-friday/438343/20 "2008-02-20T19:37:05Z")
Don’t worry too much about it. If need be you can apply for unemployment and this way your days are free for networking and interviewing. I am sure you will be gainfully employed again very soon! [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-lost-my-job-on-friday/438343.md?page=2)