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It's All In A Day's Work

By B.C. MANION, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 6, 2008

KEYSTONE - A downturn in housing, a jittery stock market, increased fuel prices and government cutbacks are causing more people to be out of work.

The loss of a paycheck is tough - but the effects of losing a job go far deeper, say members of the In Between Jobs Support Group

The group has been meeting Wednesday mornings at Idlewild Baptist Church, 18371 N. Dale Mabry Highway and will continue to do so through the end of this month.

Beginning March 11, however, it will shift to a new location, as its volunteer facilitator, Bob Saxon takes the ministry with him to Keystone Community Church.

The group will meet from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays at Keystone Recreation Center, 17928 Gunn Highway.

Getting laid off is a blow to self-esteem. It can strain family life. The loss of insurance poses health risks. The loss of income can lead to losing a home.

The list goes on and on.

The In Between Jobs Support Group helps people through the rough spots and to get back into the job force.

Saxon, who leads the group, knows how it feels. He was out of work for 18 months.

"There's embarrassment, loss of self-esteem and self-worth, shame and a whole lot of negative emotions that go along with job loss," said Saxon, who has led the group since its inception in May 2002. More than 1,100 people have been members, and at least 950 have found jobs, he said.

The group aims to provide spiritual inspiration but also provides emotional support as members share their experiences.

Members, former members and occasional guests share expertise and practical advice on such topics as brushing up resumes, searching for jobs on the Web and preparing and dressing for interviews.

Rodger Landers, a 40-year-old corporate asset manager who was laid off in October, said attending the sessions has been helpful.

He looks around the room, sees other professional men and women and realizes he's not alone, he said.

"It happens to good people, to people who do a good day's work," said Landers, acknowledging he has had to come to terms with the reality of being shown the door.

"I made decisions. I negotiated contracts with vendors. Then I was told: 'Thanks, but we don't need you,'" Landers said after the meeting.

"I would tell you that I'm not my job. Even though I say it, and I believe it, I was still ashamed when I got laid off."

Landers said he's one of the lucky ones because his wife has a good job, and she is supportive.

"She's helping me manage my shame of filing for unemployment. She's not asking every day 'Did you get a job yet?'"

Landers has a bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Florida and a master's degree in business administration from the University of South Florida. He said he has broadened his job search to consider jobs that have fewer and greater responsibilities than his old job, as well as jobs with similar requirements.

Jackie Jordan Hall, 49, said she is concerned most about finding a job with a stable company, even if she has to make salary concessions.

"This is No. 10 for me, as far as getting laid off," said Hall, who worked for several banks that changed ownership, a utility company that sold out and construction companies that changed hands or cut back.

Hall, who has held customer service and human resources jobs, refuses to be disheartened.

"Every time I got laid off, the door that opened was a better door," she said. "I trust Him. Because of that, I can't wait to see what He has in store for me."

Landers, whose last day at work was Oct. 31, said losing his job has given him new insights.

"I've learned the painful lesson that even the next job I get may be temporary, maybe less than five years," he said.

He also has learned there is such a thing as a no-fault lay off.

"I've learned not to finger-point. It could be something the company has to do to survive."

FIND OUT MORE

For information about the In Between Jobs Support Group call (813) 963-0484. New members are welcome.

TIPS FOR JOB SEEKERS

•Acknowledge your emotions, then lay out a plan. Focus on where you want to be and how your talents will get you there.

•Let your family and friends know you're looking for work.

•Go to job fairs and networking sessions.

•Get free business cards at www.vistaprint.com. The cards should communicate your skills.

•Connect with available support groups.

•Use your free time to volunteer. You can be useful and network at the same time.

•Apply for unemployment, even if you are from another state. Some states have agreements with other states to pay the benefits.

•Keep your receipts. That new suit or pair of shoes you needed for the interview may be tax-deductible.

•Be sure to have someone look over your resume. It's easy to miss a typographical error, and most potential employers have zero tolerance for such mistakes.

•Always have your resume handy.

•Get dressed for your interview and then have someone you trust tell you how you look. Everything counts: Your hair, clothing, makeup, jewelry, shoes and accessories. You only get one chance to make a good first impression.

Resources

Mysalary.com (to help negotiate a salary)

www.careerseeker.tbo.com

Also be sure to use reference materials available at local libraries.

Sources: Bob Saxon, facilitator of Idlewild Baptist Church's "In Between Jobs Support Group" and Peggy Sherman, retired career specialist and volunteer for the group.

Reporter B.C Manion can be reached at (813) 865-1507 or bmanion @tampatrib.com.

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