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"Share your story with U.S. News & World Report"
Replies
Hi, Phil, I've just joined Boomerater, hoping to expand my contacts to get back to FT work, or to start yet another career.
I am a church organist and singer, as well as a school bus driver. For the past year and a half, due to the problems in California, I have been unable to convert my NY CDL for school bus driving to a California license. I have had to travel back and forth from east to west coast twice now, to find work as a church organist, as well as work at Wolf Trap in a seasonal position.
I have been told that I will finally get my bus driver license, after having to re-train and re-test (after having experience driving in New York City!).
The only jobs as an organist I've been able to find for a year were as a sub. Finally, I've located an ongoing long-term temp job, but the money is tight.
Basically, I've lived on 3 hours employment now for a year and a half, while spending every day at a computer, filling out job applications endlessly, and receiving lovely letters of disqualification.
Both of my skills are in short supply, so I've been able to survive.
I've lived..."camping", and relying on the charity of friends and relatives. Luckily, my kids are all over 22, and doing pretty well.
Thanks for listening.
Jyorjyana
Hi Phil, Brace yourself!!!! Ive been a nurse for 18 years. Ive had no job nor income for one year and four months. Ive exhausted my retirement, social services laughs at me. There was not one gift under the Xmas tree for my daughter last year...that almost killed me...shes such a good kid. Ive lost 25 lbs making food last longer. (and i was never heavy)!!!! I have done EVERYTHING to get a job....ANY JOB!!!!! Not just nursing. But if its flipping burgers im told "you have no experience". ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! NY State gave me a license to give medications, but God for bid i cook a hamburger!!!!!! Well Phil, I'm about to be evicted....have to tell my daughter(what a roll model huh)? Thanks for your ear. Hope we meet again. slr51
Hi. I write The Best Life online column for U.S. News & World Report. I'm seeking your help for a story I'm doing for a future print edition of the magazine. The story is about how people have had to adjust their spending and lifestyle priorities during the tough economic times of the past two years.
I'd like to hear from your about steps you've taken to stretch dollars and perhaps even find new sources of income. What money-saving things and ideas might be helpful to others? How have these actions changed your life? Looking ahead, what have you learned about yourself and the way you will live when the economy recovers and things finally get better? Please share your stories with me. And, if you would be willing to be interviewed in more detail, please let me know and include contact information.
Thanks!
Phil Moeller
Contributing Editor
U.S. News & World Report