Part Time Temp Work

Accountemps offered me a part time temp job at Badger Utility so that's something. The pay is not good but it's better than nothing. It still leaves me time to apply for work and increase my skills with Skillpath while rebuilding the EBay store.

Waiting for UC to make a decision is hard but at least I have a few bucks left after I pay the bills. Then UC will pay retro to the first week when they get this settled. I think its all just bottled up since there are so many people unemployed.

I keep telling myself I only need one job. My son would like me to move to Illinois. I haven't pursued that yet but he lives all the way around Chicago (almost to Gary Indiana).

Wardrobe Changes - not yet for me

This was pretty interesting but I haven't started this process yet. I have so many things to do that it is on the "B" list. Besides the wardrobe will change based on which city I end up working in now. Milwaukee is much more formal than Madison and it's surrounding community.

http://www.recessionwire.com/2009/02/13/at-the-end-of-your-robe-give-it-away-now/


At the End of Your Robe: Give It Away Now

By Julie Greene February 13, 2009

Each week, stylist Julie Greene offers expert advice on looking fierce in a financial crisis.
Sitting around in your bathrobe waiting for the recession to end so you can start wearing your pinstripes or your Manolos again is not going to help matters. Throwing them away, however, just might.

You have spare time—so use it to focus on renewal. Now is the time to examine everything in your closet and determine if it has a role in the next chapter of your life.
Getting rid of possessions during a recession maybe seem a bit counter-intuitive, and it may not be easy. But trust me. In a morning or afternoon you can lift your mood, feel more productive, and maybe even put a few dollars back in your wallet.
Feng shui experts believe that completely full spaces block the flow of Chi (vital energy) into your life. Creating space in your closet will allow room for new ideas, relationships and opportunities to flow your way.

Plus, you can donate these items to your favorite charity or local goodwill. Helping other people will make you feel good; so should the tax break. You may want to consider reselling nicer pieces to a consignment store, on Ebay, or other online outlets for a few extra bucks. (How? We’ll tell you in a future column.)

Before you begin, I can’t stress enough the benefits of good lighting and a “skinny mirror.” If your current mirror looks like a hand-me-down from the fun house, replace it. Then switch on those lights, put on that first piece, and ask yourself the 3 F’s:

1. Does it fit? Be honest.Pants and jeans that are always too tight should go, and shirts that gape in between buttons are never cute, so ditch those too. Look at the sleeve length, hem length and overall condition. If your weight fluctuates, have pants in two sizes: “skinny” and “not so skinny right now.”

2. Does it flatter? Does the color look good on you? Are the cut and style appropriate for your body type and age? Consider your best assets and evaluate whether the piece hides or highlights them.

3. Does it function? Does it coordinate with at least three different pieces in your wardrobe? Is it a solid staple or a regrettable sale purchase? Your goal is to have all items in your closet work together and reflect your personal style. Not sure what that is? Hang around—we’ll tackle that in a future column, too.

Go through everything—and I mean everything. Shoes, coats, bags, ties or scarves, gloves, jewelry, and even your underwear and socks.

Most decisions should be quick and relatively painless. No debating the benefits of those nasty sweatpants from college, stretched out sweaters, anything belonging to an ex, or the designer piece that hasn’t seen daylight since the Barneys Warehouse Sale. I guarantee you’ll come up with at least one garbage bag full of stuff you can give up without missing a thing.

If there are things you like but don’t work for some reason, need repairs cleaning or you can’t let go of, toss them in a bag or a box. Next week, I’ll start teaching you how to make what you’ve got live up to its potential. And we’ll do it without spending much—of course.

Julie Greene is an independent fashion stylist, wardrobe consultant and writer. She lives in New York City.

More wardrobe articles:
http://www.recessionwire.com/2009/02/03/what-not-to-wear-in-unemployment/
http://www.recessionwire.com/2009/03/13/recession-style-identity/
http://www.recessionwire.com/2009/02/27/at-the-end-of-your-robe-cashing-in-your-cast-offs/
http://www.recessionwire.com/2009/03/06/recession-dressing-personal-style-tips/
http://www.recessionwire.com/2009/02/20/at-the-end-of-your-robe-10-tips-for-making-the-most-of-your-closet-misfits/

Tax Stimulus Bill

Just in time for me I saw this in Your Money from the New York Times.

What's in the Bill for You By RON LIEBER
This was an excellent article published on February 12, 2009.

The section on Unemployment is of particular interest to me

"UNEMPLOYMENT Normally, you pay federal income taxes on federal unemployment benefits. In 2009, however, you won't have to pay taxes on the first $2,400 in benefits you receive."

The insurance question is also a part of getting things organized for me.

"HEALTH INSURANCE If you get fired, your company is required, thanks to a law known as Cobra, to allow you to pay to keep your health insurance, generally for up to 18 months. The problem is, it can cost you $1,000 a month or more to keep the coverage. Now, the federal government will subsidize 65 percent of the premium for up to nine months. To be eligible, you need to have been forced out of your job between Sept. 1, 2008, and Dec. 31, 2009. "

"Also, your income in the year you receive the subsidy cannot be more than $125,000 for individuals or $250,000 for married couples filing their taxes jointly. If you lost your job after Sept. 1, 2008, and declined Cobra coverage, you'll now get another chance. Call your former company in the next two months to find out how this will work."

"You need not keep an eye on the mail for a subsidy check from the government, according Kathryn Bakich, senior vice president in Washington of the Segal Company, a benefits consulting firm. Instead, your former employer will collect the money from the government. . . . . "

This may also be of interest to job seekers.

"HIGHER EDUCATION TAX CREDIT
This credit covers up to $2,500 of the cost of college tuition and other related expenses in 2009 and 2010. You'll need to spend at least $4,000 in a single year to get the full credit. . . ."

"TRANSIT ACCOUNTS If you commute to work via public transportation, your employer may allow you to set aside pretax money from your paycheck to pay for the bus, train or parking. Currently, you can put aside only $120 a month for mass transit while those who drive and park can save $230. This year and next, those who take mass transit will also be able to put aside $230 each month."

The article covers the full gamut of benefits to taxpayers but these are the parts most applicable to the job seeker. Look up the full article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/13/your-money/13money.html

Interviews for Temp and Permanent Jobs

Today I ran over to the other side of Madison to see the people at Robert Half and Accountemps. It was a good meeting although they were not encouraging about what work is currently available but I do have a track record as an employee from some years back so who knows?

As I was leaving I spoke with CFS to confirm my appointment. I met with a new person there and we had quite a discussion as well. I wondered if Madison had some kind of Job Networking Group like Milwaukee but if there is one I haven't found it yet.

By the time I got done with that and a bit of grocery shopping I was exhausted and promised myself I would stay home and rest for a day or two. No point in pushing so hard I get sick again; too much of that going around right now.

I joined the Mystery Book Club here in town (local networking since you never know who knows about a job).

Meetup Milwauke Area Job Hunters Group

An enthusiastic bunch warmly greeted the speakers. Deb Lein from People PowerLLC was promoting a program to enhance resumes & help you find the "hidden jobs" (many jobs never see the "open" market but are filled by friends and friends of friends). It would be interesting to obtain the self study CD's at some point. They will assist Resume Workshop on 2-26.

The speaker from Dale Carnegie offered a memory enhancement technique for interviewing with 9 steps I bet we can remember even today. We visualized pictures flowing one to the next of building blocks with C's, flowers, wanted poster, bearer bond, smiley face, nameplate, headphones, microphone, & crates with import on them. These all represent steps in an interview to allow the candidate to stand out.

The final speaker was Vic Thomas Associate Director of Entertainment & Ethnic World Festivals. While his presentation was not for the main group I was enthralled with his overview and took time to speak with him after the meeting.

I have a personal interest in Summerfest, since I am in the 9th year of publishing a blues website (which ebbs and wanes as my time allows). http://bluesbaby.8k.com I was thrilled to get the "inside scoop" that Buddy Guy is coming to Summerfest and also inquired into a favorite band that has been missing the last 2 years after appearing for 10+ years faithfully at every Summerfest.

Not only did I speak with Vic but I took the opportunity to talk with Deb Lein at some length about her program as well since I did not see many employers there either. That would be the main downfall of the evening however it was not a "job fair".

I would hope that they offer a job fair at some point. Now I do agree that the People Power thing was a sales pitch, and the room was tight but for a beginning group I thought it went fairly smoothly and did offer some good ideas. I'm looking forward to the Resume Workshop on 2-26.

Getting organized

Well let's start at the beginning: I hurt my knee (its swollen), blew the head gasket in my car, lost my job last week, and I'm having blood sugar control problems but I'm working on all of it.

Been to the docs, car at the garage, changed my meds, changed my food, and looking for a better opportunity job wise. Know anyone that has a job opening?

I'm still living in a small town in Wisconsin so I am looking east (in Milwaukee) and west (in Madison) for work. I love living here except for not much work around here that pays very well (mostly retail jobs). I had been driving 65 miles to work and staying in town sometimes during the week. Working too many hours so I haven't had too much social life.

I have applied for Unemployment Benefits (which can be done online now) https://ucclaim-wi.org/InternetInitialClaims/default.asp and joined a local Job Hunters Group on Meetups http://www.meetup.com/ which has a Meetup tomorrow. I also made appointments with two staffing agencies that do both permanent and temporary staffing: Robert Half International http://www.rhi.com/ and Creative Financial Staffing http://www.cfstaffing.com/ as well as updated my resume and applied for a few jobs online.

Out of Work

Well I lost my job at the Jewish school today and need to get my head screwed on but I think I will chronicle the search for my next opportunity.