Excelle

Verdaria says ...

I posted about 1 month ago how extremely unhappy I was with my new furniture retail job. I took this job because I have real estate sales experience so it seemed like a good fit at least until the economy got better. For this new job, I gave up a decent part time job with decent working conditions for retail sales hell in mid-May. They misrepresented the income, the hours, and then transferred me to a location that I had to drive almost 1 hour to. Being in a borough of New York City, street parking in my neighborhood is very tough, especially in the late evenings when i was returning home from standing and working on my feet 10-11 hours a day (with 30 minute lunch). You actually make 4- 5% of the retail (price ticket) cost not what was represented in the interviews and 2 week classroom training. And I certainly did ask articulately many times. My 1st week of selling furniture on the showroom floor, I looked at the numbers and saw how much work I did and how little I brought in. I had them transfer me back to an area close to home but in this recession people go to Macy's get 50% off or a mom and pop cheap furniture store. There was very little business and no need to have 18 salespeople in a small showroom. Also, the working schedule is not fixed, it has floating hours different hours every day and every week. You cannot plan your life or get away for a weekend as they did not give 2 days off back to back. You have no time to wash your dishes, do laundry - and when do you look for a better job? You are so exhausted from working on your feet all day and dealing with the pressure from the managers. I was not sleeping and eating properly and just extremely stressed. They began putting more and more pressure on me, with weekly meetings with the managers where they were putting fear into me, and intimidating with implied threats to fire me. Last Wednesday, July 29th, after one of these "special weekly progress" meetings I cleaned out my locker. They told me they "couldn't see me lasting more than 2-3 weeks" there. I was told I would be let go at that point. They needed you to sell $50,000 worth of furniture in 1 week. Perhaps this would be possible in a booming economy on Park or Madison Ave in wealthy Manhattan. I got tired of the harrassment and intimidation and horrible working conditions. I QUIT. I JUST QUIT.Now I can ACTUALLY look for a better job - I can also eat, sleep and do my laundry. No more retail ever.

I have a close friend in the same predicament here.  I can relate.  Apparently the furniture business is all the same.  She is networking while working there, and has made at least one very good contact - but he wants to put her in another furniture store.  I spoke with her today about becoming something else, like a yoga instructor.. I have many times wondered how people can afford to even live in NYC.. I know it would be beyond me.. the expense is unimaginable to anyone who doesn't live there or looked into the actual cost of living.. It has always been astronomical no matter where you are in the area.  My sympathies.

Bekah,

I can't believe that posting was only for $6.25 an hr!!  I've noticed a few positions here in NYC that were only for $20,000 annually.  That doesn't even cover my rent, forget about food, all the other bills & my children!  However, I've noticed that most of these positions are small business owners, not corporate america.  All of the corporate jobs I've applied for have been between 50 & 100k, however I haven't received a response yet.  I'm wondering if it's because there are so many applicants, or if they are bogus positions, because I know that I qualify for so many of these "positions".  It is *very* frusturating. 



I also agree with you on the credit stance.  So many of us are losing our homes, cars, etc.  This is truly sad, this economic turndown has ruined so many, it's hard to stay positive at times.  I am petrified that if I don't land a job in a few weeks that I won't see my husband & son for quite some time.  Otherwise, we'll be living in a camper, perhaps parked at Walmart?  Geez how exciting!

I'm sorry to hear about your coworker, that is insane!  I can hardly believe that's after the insurance coverage kicks in....Good luck with the job application.

Ladies, things have to turn around, positivity has to be on the way for us all!  Let's keep our heads up.  I'm so glad that I found this support group.  Although it's sad to hear that so many of us are struggling, it's also nice to know that I am not alone & so many talented women are in similar situations but working torwards sucess!

I wish I could say I'm seeing improvement in the job market, however ...............

I applied for a position, I ma more than over qualified for but the position interests me.  The resume and information had to be emailed, I called to verify that they received it now I just wait...  you know I really would like to be working before I collect social security.  I went ahead and signed up for a class, hope that will keep me occupied.

I very much agree with you. I use the career websites (monster, careerbuilder, jobing.com, ect) as a place to start. I have found it better to find the company and go to their website and apply directly. I also am a fan of sending my resume via the mail. When I was a manager in finance in a big corp office (2months ago-laid off), I liked when people went out of their way for a job. Not just applying online like everyone esle but took the extra step. It made me definitely remember them. Right now employers have a large sea of fish to choose from, so you have to be the Nemo and stick out, be an individual, you'll be happy you did.

I DO FIND IT HELPFUL TO GO TO THE WEBSITE AND APPLY OR EVEN USE MONSTER, CAREERBUILDER.COM OR AND OTHER WEBSITE. FOR ME IT TAKES TO LONG BECAUSE IT SEEMS LIKE THE JOB THAT YOU ARE SEARCHING FOR WILL NEVER GET BACK TO YOU. I HAVE CURRENTLY BEEN LOOKING FOR A JOB FOR TWO WEEKS, NOT THAT I NEED ONE REAL BAD OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT. BUT I'M GOING TO SCHOOL TO BE A DENTAL HYGENIST AND IT SEEMS LIKE TIMES ARE SO HARD EVEN LITTLE JOBS LIKE MC DONALDS AND KOHL'S OR EVEN WALMART ARE'T EVEN HIRING...SO I I WANT TO KNOW, AM I DOING SOMETHING WRONG OR WHAT SHOULD I BE DOING TO BE MORE SUCCESSFUL??

I DO FIND IT HELPFUL TO GO TO THE WEBSITE AND APPLY OR EVEN USE MONSTER, CAREERBUILDER.COM OR AND OTHER WEBSITE. FOR ME IT TAKES TO LONG BECAUSE IT SEEMS LIKE THE JOB THAT YOU ARE SEARCHING FOR WILL NEVER GET BACK TO YOU. I HAVE CURRENTLY BEEN LOOKING FOR A JOB FOR TWO WEEKS, NOT THAT I NEED ONE REAL BAD OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT. BUT I'M GOING TO SCHOOL TO BE A DENTAL HYGENIST AND IT SEEMS LIKE TIMES ARE SO HARD EVEN LITTLE JOBS LIKE MC DONALDS AND KOHL'S OR EVEN WALMART ARE'T EVEN HIRING...SO I I WANT TO KNOW, AM I DOING SOMETHING WRONG OR WHAT SHOULD I BE DOING TO BE MORE SUCCESSFUL??

I DO FIND IT HELPFUL TO GO TO THE WEBSITE AND APPLY OR EVEN USE MONSTER, CAREERBUILDER.COM OR AND OTHER WEBSITE. FOR ME IT TAKES TO LONG BECAUSE IT SEEMS LIKE THE JOB THAT YOU ARE SEARCHING FOR WILL NEVER GET BACK TO YOU. I HAVE CURRENTLY BEEN LOOKING FOR A JOB FOR TWO WEEKS, NOT THAT I NEED ONE REAL BAD OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT. BUT I'M GOING TO SCHOOL TO BE A DENTAL HYGENIST AND IT SEEMS LIKE TIMES ARE SO HARD EVEN LITTLE JOBS LIKE MC DONALDS AND KOHL'S OR EVEN WALMART ARE'T EVEN HIRING...SO I I WANT TO KNOW, AM I DOING SOMETHING WRONG OR WHAT SHOULD I BE DOING TO BE MORE SUCCESSFUL??

I DO FIND IT HELPFUL TO GO TO THE WEBSITE AND APPLY OR EVEN USE MONSTER, CAREERBUILDER.COM OR AND OTHER WEBSITE. FOR ME IT TAKES TO LONG BECAUSE IT SEEMS LIKE THE JOB THAT YOU ARE SEARCHING FOR WILL NEVER GET BACK TO YOU. I HAVE CURRENTLY BEEN LOOKING FOR A JOB FOR TWO WEEKS, NOT THAT I NEED ONE REAL BAD OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT. BUT I'M GOING TO SCHOOL TO BE A DENTAL HYGENIST AND IT SEEMS LIKE TIMES ARE SO HARD EVEN LITTLE JOBS LIKE MC DONALDS AND KOHL'S OR EVEN WALMART ARE'T EVEN HIRING...SO I I WANT TO KNOW, AM I DOING SOMETHING WRONG OR WHAT SHOULD I BE DOING TO BE MORE SUCCESSFUL??

I DO FIND IT HELPFUL TO GO TO THE WEBSITE AND APPLY OR EVEN USE MONSTER, CAREERBUILDER.COM OR AND OTHER WEBSITE. FOR ME IT TAKES TO LONG BECAUSE IT SEEMS LIKE THE JOB THAT YOU ARE SEARCHING FOR WILL NEVER GET BACK TO YOU. I HAVE CURRENTLY BEEN LOOKING FOR A JOB FOR TWO WEEKS, NOT THAT I NEED ONE REAL BAD OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT. BUT I'M GOING TO SCHOOL TO BE A DENTAL HYGENIST AND IT SEEMS LIKE TIMES ARE SO HARD EVEN LITTLE JOBS LIKE MC DONALDS AND KOHL'S OR EVEN WALMART ARE'T EVEN HIRING...SO I I WANT TO KNOW, AM I DOING SOMETHING WRONG OR WHAT SHOULD I BE DOING TO BE MORE SUCCESSFUL??

I DO FIND IT HELPFUL TO GO TO THE WEBSITE AND APPLY OR EVEN USE MONSTER, CAREERBUILDER.COM OR AND OTHER WEBSITE. FOR ME IT TAKES TO LONG BECAUSE IT SEEMS LIKE THE JOB THAT YOU ARE SEARCHING FOR WILL NEVER GET BACK TO YOU. I HAVE CURRENTLY BEEN LOOKING FOR A JOB FOR TWO WEEKS, NOT THAT I NEED ONE REAL BAD OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT. BUT I'M GOING TO SCHOOL TO BE A DENTAL HYGENIST AND IT SEEMS LIKE TIMES ARE SO HARD EVEN LITTLE JOBS LIKE MC DONALDS AND KOHL'S OR EVEN WALMART ARE'T EVEN HIRING...SO I I WANT TO KNOW, AM I DOING SOMETHING WRONG OR WHAT SHOULD I BE DOING TO BE MORE SUCCESSFUL??

I DO FIND IT HELPFUL TO GO TO THE WEBSITE AND APPLY OR EVEN USE MONSTER, CAREERBUILDER.COM OR AND OTHER WEBSITE. FOR ME IT TAKES TO LONG BECAUSE IT SEEMS LIKE THE JOB THAT YOU ARE SEARCHING FOR WILL NEVER GET BACK TO YOU. I HAVE CURRENTLY BEEN LOOKING FOR A JOB FOR TWO WEEKS, NOT THAT I NEED ONE REAL BAD OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT. BUT I'M GOING TO SCHOOL TO BE A DENTAL HYGENIST AND IT SEEMS LIKE TIMES ARE SO HARD EVEN LITTLE JOBS LIKE MC DONALDS AND KOHL'S OR EVEN WALMART ARE'T EVEN HIRING...SO I I WANT TO KNOW, AM I DOING SOMETHING WRONG OR WHAT SHOULD I BE DOING TO BE MORE SUCCESSFUL??

I DO FIND IT HELPFUL TO GO TO THE WEBSITE AND APPLY OR EVEN USE MONSTER, CAREERBUILDER.COM OR AND OTHER WEBSITE. FOR ME IT TAKES TO LONG BECAUSE IT SEEMS LIKE THE JOB THAT YOU ARE SEARCHING FOR WILL NEVER GET BACK TO YOU. I HAVE CURRENTLY BEEN LOOKING FOR A JOB FOR TWO WEEKS, NOT THAT I NEED ONE REAL BAD OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT. BUT I'M GOING TO SCHOOL TO BE A DENTAL HYGENIST AND IT SEEMS LIKE TIMES ARE SO HARD EVEN LITTLE JOBS LIKE MC DONALDS AND KOHL'S OR EVEN WALMART ARE'T EVEN HIRING...SO I I WANT TO KNOW, AM I DOING SOMETHING WRONG OR WHAT SHOULD I BE DOING TO BE MORE SUCCESSFUL??

I DO FIND IT HELPFUL TO GO TO THE WEBSITE AND APPLY OR EVEN USE MONSTER, CAREERBUILDER.COM OR AND OTHER WEBSITE. FOR ME IT TAKES TO LONG BECAUSE IT SEEMS LIKE THE JOB THAT YOU ARE SEARCHING FOR WILL NEVER GET BACK TO YOU. I HAVE CURRENTLY BEEN LOOKING FOR A JOB FOR TWO WEEKS, NOT THAT I NEED ONE REAL BAD OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT. BUT I'M GOING TO SCHOOL TO BE A DENTAL HYGENIST AND IT SEEMS LIKE TIMES ARE SO HARD EVEN LITTLE JOBS LIKE MC DONALDS AND KOHL'S OR EVEN WALMART ARE'T EVEN HIRING...SO I I WANT TO KNOW, AM I DOING SOMETHING WRONG OR WHAT SHOULD I BE DOING TO BE MORE SUCCESSFUL??

I DO FIND IT HELPFUL TO GO TO THE WEBSITE AND APPLY OR EVEN USE MONSTER, CAREERBUILDER.COM OR AND OTHER WEBSITE. FOR ME IT TAKES TO LONG BECAUSE IT SEEMS LIKE THE JOB THAT YOU ARE SEARCHING FOR WILL NEVER GET BACK TO YOU. I HAVE CURRENTLY BEEN LOOKING FOR A JOB FOR TWO WEEKS, NOT THAT I NEED ONE REAL BAD OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT. BUT I'M GOING TO SCHOOL TO BE A DENTAL HYGENIST AND IT SEEMS LIKE TIMES ARE SO HARD EVEN LITTLE JOBS LIKE MC DONALDS AND KOHL'S OR EVEN WALMART ARE'T EVEN HIRING...SO I I WANT TO KNOW, AM I DOING SOMETHING WRONG OR WHAT SHOULD I BE DOING TO BE MORE SUCCESSFUL??

I DO FIND IT HELPFUL TO GO TO THE WEBSITE AND APPLY OR EVEN USE MONSTER, CAREERBUILDER.COM OR AND OTHER WEBSITE. FOR ME IT TAKES TO LONG BECAUSE IT SEEMS LIKE THE JOB THAT YOU ARE SEARCHING FOR WILL NEVER GET BACK TO YOU. I HAVE CURRENTLY BEEN LOOKING FOR A JOB FOR TWO WEEKS, NOT THAT I NEED ONE REAL BAD OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT. BUT I'M GOING TO SCHOOL TO BE A DENTAL HYGENIST AND IT SEEMS LIKE TIMES ARE SO HARD EVEN LITTLE JOBS LIKE MC DONALDS AND KOHL'S OR EVEN WALMART ARE'T EVEN HIRING...SO I I WANT TO KNOW, AM I DOING SOMETHING WRONG OR WHAT SHOULD I BE DOING TO BE MORE SUCCESSFUL??