Got Laid Off Today...

[J.D.]

My company (Liberty Travel), decided to close 60 stores across the company today... one of them being mine. I know this is happening to a lot of people, and I'm grateful to have meals and a roof over my head... but I loved this job. I loved working for this company. I adored and respected the people that I worked with. I looked forward to going into work each and every single day. And now that's gone. And what's worse... no one's hiring for travel agents right now. It's a tough market, and between companies not hiring and, with the 5 stores that were closed, 30 agents looking for work... I don't know that I'm going to be able to continue in my field at this point.

So yeah, if anyone knows a company that's hiring right now, I'd really love to hear some options. Because I don't know where to turn right now.

[Old#5fan]

Originally Posted by J.D.

My company (Liberty Travel), decided to close 60 stores across the company today... one of them being mine. I know this is happening to a lot of people, and I'm grateful to have meals and a roof over my head... but I loved this job. I loved working for this company. I adored and respected the people that I worked with. I looked forward to going into work each and every single day. And now that's gone. And what's worse... no one's hiring for travel agents right now. It's a tough market, and between companies not hiring and, with the 5 stores that were closed, 30 agents looking for work... I don't know that I'm going to be able to continue in my field at this point.

So yeah, if anyone knows a company that's hiring right now, I'd really love to hear some options. Because I don't know where to turn right now.

Did you ever think of working for the Federal Government? There are jobs there that only require a College Degree. I would go on their website. The great thing about a Government Job is there are rarely any kind of layoffs.

[J.D.]

Originally Posted by Old#5fan

Did you ever think of working for the Federal Government? There are jobs there that only require a College Degree. I would go on their website. The great thing about a Government Job is there are rarely any kind of layoffs.

Unfortunately, I don't have a college degree. Tons of sales experience. Travel agent experience. Hell, I even worked for 4 years as a meteorologist. But I don't have that magical degree.

[Old#5fan]

Originally Posted by J.D.

Unfortunately, I don't have a college degree. Tons of sales experience. Travel agent experience. Hell, I even worked for 4 years as a meteorologist. But I don't have that magical degree.

Dang. My youngest daughter has the same problem. Lost her job and is still working on her two year degree. My other two kids both have degrees and excellent jobs and careers. I cannot over stress the importance.

[The Wedge]

If the Fed Gov't is anything like the State, they're in a hiring freeze.

That sucks JD. If you had a college degree, I could probably have gotten you PT work with me in the meantime.

[J.D.]

Originally Posted by Old#5fan

Dang. My youngest daughter has the same problem. Lost her job and is still working on her two year degree. My other two kids both have degrees and excellent jobs and careers. I cannot over stress the importance.

I know. Unfortunately, I'm not in the position to just go back and start getting it.

And Wedge, I appreciate it. I know with the way the job market is, people without degrees are pretty well screwed. Hopefully I'll find something.

[ChaosLex]

Sorry to hear about this, buddy.

Good luck.

[Old#5fan]

Originally Posted by The Wedge

If the Fed Gov't is anything like the State, they're in a hiring freeze.

That sucks JD. If you had a college degree, I could probably have gotten you PT work with me in the meantime.

There is a continuing resolution to keep the Federal Government going now as usual during the end of the year but there are certain jobs that they are always trying to fill and all you need is a degree in essentially anything to qualify.

[The Wedge]

Originally Posted by Old#5fan

There is a continuing resolution to keep the Federal Government going now as usual during the end of the year but there are certain jobs that they are always trying to fill and all you need is a degree in essentially anything to qualify.

Yeah, well, there's always exceptions during a hiring freeze. Like the state police right now is exempt. The thing is though, they have to prove that they're "essential" personnel and usually essential personnel are somewhat specialized.

God I hate hiring freezes...

[ChaosLex]

Originally Posted by The Wedge

Yeah, well, there's always exceptions during a hiring freeze. Like the state police right now is exempt. The thing is though, they have to prove that they're "essential" personnel and usually essential personnel are somewhat specialized.

God I hate hiring freezes...

I work for the SSA, and I believe we're still hiring. Might want to look into a CTE or BTE position J.D.

Unfortunately, I'm not sure if either one requires a degree, but I could still look into it for you.

[J.D.]

Originally Posted by ChaosLex

I work for the SSA, and I believe we're still hiring. Might want to look into a CTE or BTE position J.D.

Unfortunately, I'm not sure if either one requires a degree, but I could still look into it for you.

I have no idea what a CTE or a BTE position is, but sounds intriguing.

[Spoonless]

I actually got laid off at the beginning of October from my job. It was a small business, and we were floundering. My boss, the owner, ended up laying everyone off and working the store herself. I put in applications for all sorts of jobs, and the only one I managed to even get an interview for was a seasonal job at Circuit City. They were doing large group interviews (8 groups of 20 applicants) to fill 20 positions. I took the offer, since $8.65/hr beats $0/hr. It's really tough out there right now, at least in RI. Last I saw, we have the highest unemployment rate in the country at 8.8%.

In any case, best of luck, and may you find employment doing something you like.

[ChaosLex]

Originally Posted by J.D.

I have no idea what a CTE or a BTE position is, but sounds intriguing.

Sorry, I deal with acronyms all day. Haha.

I'm off tomorrow, but I'll check into it for you on Friday.

[Tank]

Sorry to hear that man. Good luck with the job search.

[Mpkdaman]

Sorry to hear about getting laid off. It sucks.

I work for BGE, which is owned by Constellation Energy (for now at least). I have heard that there may be a hiring freeze due to our pending merger, but it still shows positions available on the website. Click on positions available. Type in "BGE" where it says Search By Keyword and hit the search button.