Most of the day-to-day stuff I’ve shared with you on my Corey Dylan Facebook: I’ve communicated via email with a couple of Programmers in town but they’re busy and in no hurry to hire anyone but they‘ve been helpful. I’ve sent emails to people I’ve dealt with on a professional level before and some of them must be really busy - or at least too busy to even humor me with a reply? The good news is that mostly what I’ve encountered are SO many pros who are willing to help me, someone whom some of them have never met personally! Losing my job has ironically meant gaining lots of friends! My resume is in the hands of TV station managers, Shopping Network peeps, Radio Markets near and far, and even local sports heroes. I’m encouraged by the support I’m getting, not only inside the industry, but by the cheerleaders along the way to my next job.
Searching for a job when you’re on a timeline is at times terrifying and other times exhilarating! I’ve also heard from those of you who are in the same boat and frustrated with the process of looking for a job after months of unemployment. My advice? Make some noise! Reach out to everyone you can on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIN. Create a Blog. Stand on street corners! Only because I was posting on FB about my job loss did I learn an old classmate works at Sirius XM! If you ask for help you’ll be amazed how many people offer their help. Employers are expecting you to simply send in your resume and go away quietly if you don’t hear from them. You have to find a way to get noticed. It’s very difficult to stand out on paper but there are some Do’s and Don’ts to make note of:
http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-1217-Cover-Letters-Resumes-13-Most-Overused-Résumé-Phrases/?SiteId=cbmsnhp41217&sc_extcmp=JS_1217_home>1=23000
http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2648-Cover-Letters-Resumes-10-useless-résumé-words-and-10-eye-catching-ones/?SiteId=cbmsnhp42648&sc_extcmp=JS_2648_home1>1=23000
Now, if you’re really tired of sitting on the sidelines and really want the job you’re going to have to do something creative. I read about a woman who put her marketing resume on a T-SHIRT that got her noticed, and got her the marketing job. Smart! Play to your strengths and make sure EVERBODY you know knows that you’re looking for work! Try new things and meet new people. Here are some things other people are trying:
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/JobClub/story?id=7357631&page=2
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-01-23/jobs/sc-cons-0120-marksjarvis-20110120_1_job-seekers-competitive-job-markets-job-search
http://careeralley.com/careers/creative-ways-to-get-noticed-online/
http://www.resumebucketblog.com/resumebucket/5-creative-ways-to-find-a-job/
Losing my job has made me laser-focused and doors ARE opening! I’m maintaining a schedule, riding my bike to the gym to get in better shape, getting my rest and taking care of business! OK, I might be sleeping a little later and having some wild nights out too but you’re your own best agent so make it happen! Networking is going to have you working again soon!
And don't forget, all the links mentioned can be found under "Favorite Links" on the right!
Keep the faith!
Corey Dylan
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Busy Body
This is a Blog about losing your job, finding a new one, and everything that happens in between.
Being unemployed gives you plenty of time, but of course, little money. Since I lost my job July 1st my time has been spent replying to hundreds of emails, writing some of my own to prospective employers and numerous contacts all over the country, and luckily, with family who flew into town for a week. I suppose I’m in denial about the fact that I’m unemployed because I’ve been so busy. But I realized that time spent with the people you love most and those who are the most supportive give you the boost you need tackle each new day with gusto. The people who are supportive in your life are really all that matter and they’re going to help you land your next job.
With little money expected to come in after you lose a job, finding your next job is priority #1. The last time I lost a job was right before 9/11 and my unemployment lasted 10 months. During that time I was busy with a couple part-time jobs and sending my resume to over one hundred prospective employers. This go-round I’ve found Facebook to be invaluable for putting me in touch with literally hundreds of contacts. Like any business, it’s not what you know but WHO you know that will help you land that next job. Reach out to as many people as you can and tell them you’re eager to work. Put yourself out there! Tell the world you’re looking for work! Chances are, that’s your best bet to land a great new job.
I’m open to new opportunities and I have a good feeling about the next chapter of my life. Everyone I know who’s ever been “fired” from a job lands a better one eventually. I’m energized by the people who are sending emails of support but also actively helping me find my next job! It’s been an amazing experience so far and I can‘t wait to try new things.
When you’re unemployed your new job is finding a job. While searching for opportunity and sending out resumes is important, you can only spend so much time each day on what seems like a limited exercise. It’s also a good idea to use the extra time you have while you’re unemployed to make your self a better candidate for the next big thing! Is there something you’re curious about or have always wanted to try? Broaden your horizons! MIT, the well-respected Massachusetts Institute of Technology, offers FREE lectures and course material on everything from Photography to Technology:
http://ocw.mit.edu/index.htm
And who says you’re not on vacation until the next opportunity comes along? Before I lost my job I had already paid for a cruise in August to celebrate my birthday. I’m not going to let a job loss stop me from going! Maybe you too can look at your unemployed status as an opportunity to TRAVEL! Putting yourself in a new environment combined with your skills may actually help you land a free trip or use the time you now have to do something you’ve always wanted to do. Here’s an inspiring article I found from Travel & Leisure about vacations that are a good use of your time and won’t cost you a bundle when you‘re unemployed:
http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/top-vacations-for-the-newly-unemployed
If you’re single and want to meet new people you can even find dates for FREE:
http://www.plentyoffish.com/
And one of the best freebies in Tampa Bay is a stroll through the Tampa Bay Museum of Art which offers FREE admission every Friday, from 4pm until 8pm, for “Art On The House!” They have pieces from some of my favorites on display: Chuck Close and Dale Chihuly.
http://www.tampamuseum.org/
Times are tough in the job market, no doubt about it. But I KNOW that there is opportunity out there for all of us. We’ll either find a great job or create our own because we have something of value to offer the next employer. I consider this chapter of my life another adventure and I NEVER turn down an adventure!
Keep the faith,
Corey Dylan
Being unemployed gives you plenty of time, but of course, little money. Since I lost my job July 1st my time has been spent replying to hundreds of emails, writing some of my own to prospective employers and numerous contacts all over the country, and luckily, with family who flew into town for a week. I suppose I’m in denial about the fact that I’m unemployed because I’ve been so busy. But I realized that time spent with the people you love most and those who are the most supportive give you the boost you need tackle each new day with gusto. The people who are supportive in your life are really all that matter and they’re going to help you land your next job.
With little money expected to come in after you lose a job, finding your next job is priority #1. The last time I lost a job was right before 9/11 and my unemployment lasted 10 months. During that time I was busy with a couple part-time jobs and sending my resume to over one hundred prospective employers. This go-round I’ve found Facebook to be invaluable for putting me in touch with literally hundreds of contacts. Like any business, it’s not what you know but WHO you know that will help you land that next job. Reach out to as many people as you can and tell them you’re eager to work. Put yourself out there! Tell the world you’re looking for work! Chances are, that’s your best bet to land a great new job.
I’m open to new opportunities and I have a good feeling about the next chapter of my life. Everyone I know who’s ever been “fired” from a job lands a better one eventually. I’m energized by the people who are sending emails of support but also actively helping me find my next job! It’s been an amazing experience so far and I can‘t wait to try new things.
When you’re unemployed your new job is finding a job. While searching for opportunity and sending out resumes is important, you can only spend so much time each day on what seems like a limited exercise. It’s also a good idea to use the extra time you have while you’re unemployed to make your self a better candidate for the next big thing! Is there something you’re curious about or have always wanted to try? Broaden your horizons! MIT, the well-respected Massachusetts Institute of Technology, offers FREE lectures and course material on everything from Photography to Technology:
http://ocw.mit.edu/index.htm
And who says you’re not on vacation until the next opportunity comes along? Before I lost my job I had already paid for a cruise in August to celebrate my birthday. I’m not going to let a job loss stop me from going! Maybe you too can look at your unemployed status as an opportunity to TRAVEL! Putting yourself in a new environment combined with your skills may actually help you land a free trip or use the time you now have to do something you’ve always wanted to do. Here’s an inspiring article I found from Travel & Leisure about vacations that are a good use of your time and won’t cost you a bundle when you‘re unemployed:
http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/top-vacations-for-the-newly-unemployed
If you’re single and want to meet new people you can even find dates for FREE:
http://www.plentyoffish.com/
And one of the best freebies in Tampa Bay is a stroll through the Tampa Bay Museum of Art which offers FREE admission every Friday, from 4pm until 8pm, for “Art On The House!” They have pieces from some of my favorites on display: Chuck Close and Dale Chihuly.
http://www.tampamuseum.org/
Times are tough in the job market, no doubt about it. But I KNOW that there is opportunity out there for all of us. We’ll either find a great job or create our own because we have something of value to offer the next employer. I consider this chapter of my life another adventure and I NEVER turn down an adventure!
Keep the faith,
Corey Dylan
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Cheap is CHIC!
This is a Blog about losing your job, finding a new one, and everything that happens in between.
It’s been about a week since I became an unemployed statistic. Unfortunately, 1,300 state employees joined me this week as they were put out of work by the new Florida State Budget. Getting that news is never easy. Uncertainty makes us uncomfortable. But I made a promise to myself that the most important thing I could do is to maintain a positive attitude and make the most of this time. I can also say from experience, and because I heard it in a Bob Marley song, 3 Little Birds - "Every little thing gonna be alright!”
Your first concern after you lose your job is providing for yourself and your family when you won‘t be getting a paycheck in the near future. You need a plan, as do I, so I’ve been crunchin’ the numbers.
After researching what money you may have coming to you in the form of unemployment wages, severance, unclaimed money, loose change in the couch, etc that I detailed in Blog #1, it’s time to figure out ways to cut down on the money you’re spending on the necessities. Some experts will tell you to stop eating out or freeze your credit cards. Obviously! But it’s the big bills that you need to figure out how to cut back on and I promise you the following will save you about $300 per month!
The most painless way I’ve ever found to save money was inspired by watching “Oprah.” Sorry about that guys, but this REALLY works as I tested it out myself. When you’re not using an appliance like the alarm clocks, hair dryer, and especially the cable box, UNPLUG IT! Appliances that are plugged in drain about 40% of the energy even when they’re not “on” and those cable boxes and anything with a clock display are the worst offenders. Maybe your dad yelled at you to shut off the lights when you were a kid so this is obvious to you but I did this for one month about a year ago and saved almost $100 on my electric bill! I live in a small house and figured I would save some money but I was floored that I saved so much. I now make a point to unplug those suckers when not in use. My dad would be so proud! Savings = $100 per month.
You can’t live without food so that’s the next thing to tackle as it’s usually a big expense but this one takes a little bit more forethought. First you need to take your friends up on those offers for free drinks and dinner! Work them for sympathy! In the last week my friends have been very generous and supportive and I love them all! Otherwise, you can forget about eating out, fast food and processed foods. They’re bad for you anyway and you wanted to lose 10 pounds, right? The average family of 4 spends $727 a month on food! I found the article below from Money.CNN.com that details a smarter way to shop for food and save about $200 per month:
http://money.msn.com/saving-money/how-to-eat-when-you-are-really-broke-weston.aspx?ocid=msnfacebook
I also recommend this article from Cooking Light for budget recipes - Feed 4 for $10: http://www.cookinglight.com/food/everyday-menus/healthy-budget-recipes-00400000056656/
Savings = $200 per month.
Many loan companies and credit unions are working with you if you have a loan you can’t pay at this time. A friend of mine called her credit union, explained that she was unemployed and worked out a deal to pay only the interest on the loan until she finds a job and can pick up the full payment. Now is the perfect time to call up your lien holders! You have nothing to lose and money to save!
This Blog is a collective effort so if your pink slip experience has taught you a valuable lesson please share it with us! You still fill your days so next Thursday’s Blog is all about FREE stuff - everything from online classes to freebies in Tampa Bay! You can’t stop living, right?
Keep the faith!
Corey Dylan
All links mentioned are listed under Favorite Links but here are a couple more you may find useful:
What you need to know about unemployment benefits: http://kiplinger.com/columns/ask/archive/2009/q0211.htm?topic_id=27
If you’re shopping online this site will save you money:
www.retailmenot.com
It’s been about a week since I became an unemployed statistic. Unfortunately, 1,300 state employees joined me this week as they were put out of work by the new Florida State Budget. Getting that news is never easy. Uncertainty makes us uncomfortable. But I made a promise to myself that the most important thing I could do is to maintain a positive attitude and make the most of this time. I can also say from experience, and because I heard it in a Bob Marley song, 3 Little Birds - "Every little thing gonna be alright!”
Your first concern after you lose your job is providing for yourself and your family when you won‘t be getting a paycheck in the near future. You need a plan, as do I, so I’ve been crunchin’ the numbers.
After researching what money you may have coming to you in the form of unemployment wages, severance, unclaimed money, loose change in the couch, etc that I detailed in Blog #1, it’s time to figure out ways to cut down on the money you’re spending on the necessities. Some experts will tell you to stop eating out or freeze your credit cards. Obviously! But it’s the big bills that you need to figure out how to cut back on and I promise you the following will save you about $300 per month!
The most painless way I’ve ever found to save money was inspired by watching “Oprah.” Sorry about that guys, but this REALLY works as I tested it out myself. When you’re not using an appliance like the alarm clocks, hair dryer, and especially the cable box, UNPLUG IT! Appliances that are plugged in drain about 40% of the energy even when they’re not “on” and those cable boxes and anything with a clock display are the worst offenders. Maybe your dad yelled at you to shut off the lights when you were a kid so this is obvious to you but I did this for one month about a year ago and saved almost $100 on my electric bill! I live in a small house and figured I would save some money but I was floored that I saved so much. I now make a point to unplug those suckers when not in use. My dad would be so proud! Savings = $100 per month.
You can’t live without food so that’s the next thing to tackle as it’s usually a big expense but this one takes a little bit more forethought. First you need to take your friends up on those offers for free drinks and dinner! Work them for sympathy! In the last week my friends have been very generous and supportive and I love them all! Otherwise, you can forget about eating out, fast food and processed foods. They’re bad for you anyway and you wanted to lose 10 pounds, right? The average family of 4 spends $727 a month on food! I found the article below from Money.CNN.com that details a smarter way to shop for food and save about $200 per month:
http://money.msn.com/saving-money/how-to-eat-when-you-are-really-broke-weston.aspx?ocid=msnfacebook
I also recommend this article from Cooking Light for budget recipes - Feed 4 for $10: http://www.cookinglight.com/food/everyday-menus/healthy-budget-recipes-00400000056656/
Savings = $200 per month.
Many loan companies and credit unions are working with you if you have a loan you can’t pay at this time. A friend of mine called her credit union, explained that she was unemployed and worked out a deal to pay only the interest on the loan until she finds a job and can pick up the full payment. Now is the perfect time to call up your lien holders! You have nothing to lose and money to save!
This Blog is a collective effort so if your pink slip experience has taught you a valuable lesson please share it with us! You still fill your days so next Thursday’s Blog is all about FREE stuff - everything from online classes to freebies in Tampa Bay! You can’t stop living, right?
Keep the faith!
Corey Dylan
All links mentioned are listed under Favorite Links but here are a couple more you may find useful:
What you need to know about unemployment benefits: http://kiplinger.com/columns/ask/archive/2009/q0211.htm?topic_id=27
If you’re shopping online this site will save you money:
www.retailmenot.com
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Now serving customer #13,900,001
This is a Blog about losing your job, finding a new one, and everything that happens in between.
On Friday, July 1st, 2011 I lost a job I love. Word got out. The phone rang off the hook. I was flooded with text messages and emails of support. I’m not bitter, I’m motivated and energized to land the next great gig and start my next adventure!
My brother once said “The only thing worse than NOT having a job is having one!” All jokes aside, the purpose of this Blog isn’t to make light of the fact that we are living in hard times with record unemployment in our lifetime. My intention is to build a community and support network that looks for the silver lining in a tough situation and highlights ways to make your life easier during a difficult time. I’m also going to share the details of my job search since so many friends have asked me to keep them up to date!
You are not alone. I’m right there with you. I love broadcasting and it’s what I’ve done professionally since I was 18 years old. In that time I’ve made more friends than one could hope for in all walks of life. I’ve created this Blog because communicating with interesting people with individual interests and unique qualities is what I do. It’s in my blood and having this outlet serves a cathartic purpose for me. I also want to share the details of my search and resources I find with you!
As of May 2011, the unemployment rate in Florida is 10.8%. This number does not take into account people who want to work full-time but have only found part-time work. It also does not include the unemployed that have given up hope and stopped looking for work all together. The actual unemployment number is really closer to 17% in the Sunshine State. If you’re not unemployed, you know someone that is.
First thing’s first. You may have some money coming to you. Your eligibility for collecting unemployment benefits depends primarily upon the type of employment you’ve held and the reason for separation from your most recent job. You may collect unemployment benefits if you are either unemployed or partially employed. You may be able to file online.
http://www.floridajobs.org/unemployment/
You may also have money that belongs to you in a forgotten bank account or inheritance!
http://www.unclaimed.org/
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/unclaimed-money-lying-tips-finding/story?id=13207837
In my next Blog, this Frugalita with Champagne tastes on a beer budget will share some of the best ways to cut costs and save money in Tampa Bay and online!
Keep the faith!
Corey Dylan
On Friday, July 1st, 2011 I lost a job I love. Word got out. The phone rang off the hook. I was flooded with text messages and emails of support. I’m not bitter, I’m motivated and energized to land the next great gig and start my next adventure!
My brother once said “The only thing worse than NOT having a job is having one!” All jokes aside, the purpose of this Blog isn’t to make light of the fact that we are living in hard times with record unemployment in our lifetime. My intention is to build a community and support network that looks for the silver lining in a tough situation and highlights ways to make your life easier during a difficult time. I’m also going to share the details of my job search since so many friends have asked me to keep them up to date!
You are not alone. I’m right there with you. I love broadcasting and it’s what I’ve done professionally since I was 18 years old. In that time I’ve made more friends than one could hope for in all walks of life. I’ve created this Blog because communicating with interesting people with individual interests and unique qualities is what I do. It’s in my blood and having this outlet serves a cathartic purpose for me. I also want to share the details of my search and resources I find with you!
As of May 2011, the unemployment rate in Florida is 10.8%. This number does not take into account people who want to work full-time but have only found part-time work. It also does not include the unemployed that have given up hope and stopped looking for work all together. The actual unemployment number is really closer to 17% in the Sunshine State. If you’re not unemployed, you know someone that is.
First thing’s first. You may have some money coming to you. Your eligibility for collecting unemployment benefits depends primarily upon the type of employment you’ve held and the reason for separation from your most recent job. You may collect unemployment benefits if you are either unemployed or partially employed. You may be able to file online.
http://www.floridajobs.org/unemployment/
You may also have money that belongs to you in a forgotten bank account or inheritance!
http://www.unclaimed.org/
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/unclaimed-money-lying-tips-finding/story?id=13207837
In my next Blog, this Frugalita with Champagne tastes on a beer budget will share some of the best ways to cut costs and save money in Tampa Bay and online!
Keep the faith!
Corey Dylan
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