Question:
Having difficult time finding employment after wls

I was laid of in may of 02 and since i couldnot find work i chose to have surgery now that i am able to work again i still can not find employment it seems that there is 40 to 60 applicants for every job i am so discuraged and running out of money and luck any suggestions would be great im having a bit of deppresion over this as i have been let down so many times by employers who say im a great candiate but they decided on someone else beggining to wonder if it is a weight related issue i know its eligle to do that but as we all know prove it    — Ray S. (posted on January 23, 2003)

January 23, 2003
Ray, although I think there is a TON of weight discrimination out there, I don't necessarily think that you not getting a jon in the worst job markey in 40-60 years has anything to do with your weight. Employers have the pick of the litter, so to speak. There are soooo many qualified people out of work, that the competition is FEIRCE! In NYC alone, we have lost 120,000 wall street jobs since 9/11. I hate my job and I don't even dare look b/c I know there is nothing out there. Just my 2cents. Stay postive, put yourself out there and Good Luck!
   — heathercross

January 23, 2003
Check out monster.com on the web for a job. I know many people who have had very good luck getting a position. When you walk into a job hold your head up and let them know that they are looking at the best applicant for the job. When I got my job, working for a doctor, I was quite overweight. I looked him in the eye and told him to look past the girth and realize that sitting before him was a hard worker that would do whatever was needed to get the job done on time and correctly. He hired me. It's called the power of positive thinking. Good luck!
   — Sue A.

January 23, 2003
I was laid-off in December. I am going thru the same thing you are. It most certainly could be discrimination. However, in this economy, I'd venture to say the previous poster is right. There is so much competition out there right now. I am hearing the same things you are over-and-over again. Good luck in your search.
   — Sandra C.

January 23, 2003
Try the Government. Now that the Federal Government is reorganizing into Department of Homeland Security there will be many job openings. Getting a job with the Gov't takes a while but is worth it in many circumstance. If you enjoy traveling try and get a job as a Deportation Officer or an Asylum Officer with the INS (soon to be "BCIS" Bureau of Citizenship and Imigration Services). As a deportation officer you get to escort people back to their country and do a sleep over or a weekend in that country. As an Asylum officers there are opportunities to do a work detail in a foreign country for a few months at a time. Depending on your job qualifications, whether you are/aren't a veteran, and lack of connections, you might have to do an entry position and go up from there. Best wishes for you. <p>Take Care, Be Well, and Be Happy!
   — John T.

January 23, 2003
Roll with it! I am in the same shoes with 2 kids to support on my own. It isn't us - it's the economy. Good luck
   — Shannon H.

January 23, 2003
thanks guys for the input i will try monster and the gov i appreciate you guys allowing me to vent this has been the toughest i have ever had to look for employment at this point i will do anything for employment Ray
   — Ray S.

January 23, 2003
I know exactly how you feel i have been unemployed since March of 01. I got turned down left and right and felt that it was weight discrimination. I had my surgery in Sept of 01 so i am hoping things will change. I also agree with the other posters that in this economy there is so much competition. Can be depressing but keep positive and something will come along for you.
   — Tammy N.

January 24, 2003
If I were you, I would try the temp agencies, I have gotten many jobs thru them and alot of them resutled in permanent positions. Be sure and tell them that you want temp to perm. Also, check your local church and see if any of the locals who own businesses need help. that is a great resource if you can find a fairly large church. I attend Victory Christian Center in OKC and we have 7000 in attendance and this is one of the lowest economical states. I never have a problem getting something. Are you being particular to any positions? Maybe you can update or broaden your knowledge thru a local community college or technical school, usuallly the state can help with costs of attending, just ask for the counselor when you call and they can guide you. Just some suggestions, please dont be offended by anything I said, I know how you are feeling, I have been denied surgery and I am out of work, although my husband has a job that can keep us afloat for awhile.
   — Jane C.