Thanks for all the support, brothers!
I went a bit under because this situation wouldn't have happened if it weren't for this stupid virus and the effects it's having on our lives... I know it won't be easy but, i've been doing all i can to find a job so, hopefully something will come up soon.
Do you live anywhere near a package delivery company? Amazon keeps advertising for workers here in the US. Just wondering if it’s anything like that in Portugal?
Don’t feel bad about model building after hours or weekends. Just treat it as if you got home from work.
Ken, unfortunately, no. Most of the companies around here have been letting people go instead.
Regarding modelling, it's something i can only do when i'm relaxed cause i can't seem to focus on what i'm doing if there's something in the back of my head constantly reminding me of the situation...
Still, lately i've been allowing myself to relax a bit more and be patient so, it's easier to get distracted while modelling.
Damn, dude!!! That sucks to lose a gig you love. You'll find some new ish soon, I'm sure of it!
It's been my second home for the past 8 years and i really like most of the staff, a couple of them i consider good friends so, it does hurt a bit to leave that place but the situation was getting worse and my motivation to drive 120km a day and spend 2 hours on the road just faded away in these past 6/7 months. It's a long and complicated story but it all came down to the fact that my boss's wife never really liked me because i didn't let her teach me how to do my job when she doesn't have a clue of what she's talking about when it comes to my work and responsibilities at the estate.
I've always been respectful and professional but i've always objected to ideas that i knew were wrong from the beginning. That's why they had me, a person with 20 years of experience on job... She'd been trying to make my life miserable from day one but i never gave her the chance and my boss saw my work and didn't let her get in the way but lately, it became obvious that she finally won the battle and my boss gave in to her will, making it impossible for me to sacrifice myself for the company any longer.
I gave them so many hours of my life, of which i've never asked for a cent, i've risked my life more than i should've just to save the company the expense of having to hire cranes or pay other companies with a team of 5/6 people to do what i could do only taking a few days longer to do it... like the tree felling jobs, for example. So, i spoke to my boss and we reached an agreement, he gave me a fair compensation and we went our separate ways. That's enough, it's in the past now, forward is the way.
Well, this year's bad vibes finally caught up with me as i've been forced to leave my job of 8 years at the wine estate...
These are truly sad news, but I hope you'll find a new way forward. After all - it's us humans that drive the demand and since we're still here, some demand should as well. Chin up, and good luck!
You're 100% correct, gotta stay strong and positive, can't do it any other way.
Bugger.
But, view it as an opportunity (not easy I know, but it helps). Don't limit yourself to what you know, go for anything you think interesting. Even if you think it's beyond you, if you can get them to interview you then even if it's a no it's still good experience at being interviewed which is invaluable (I suck at interviews and need all the practice I can get).
And if you get someone to see you and they say no, get back in touch with them and ask them exactly why so you can address those reasons and improve.
Hit up everyone you know to see if they have work or know of any.
Don't be too proud to take government handouts - you paid taxes in, you deserve to get it back if its going.
And think about training/qualifications. Anything you could do to improve your hireability? After I lost my job I got the qualifications for the job I had been doing. They were paid for through a government loan scheme which doesn't require payback until I earn over a set annual salary and most of the coursework was covered by "recognition of prior learning" meaning that rather than write everything out I just had to chat with a tutor on the phone and demonstrate to him I knew the subject of the unit and had practical experience of it through work.
And finally, we are here if you need to talk.
You're totally right, mate. It is a new chapter in my life so i might as well take the chance to try to improve it. It's a bad time to be looking for a job but i have to do it. The situation isn't very promising, most of the businesses here in Portugal are reduced to essential personnel and a lot aren't even being able to remain open for trade... Unfortunately, i don't know many people around where i live, i've only been living here for one year and haven't had the chance to make connections in the area. It's also a rural area so, there aren't half as many jobs as there are in my hometown further south.
Still, getting some new qualifications is something that's been on my mind because of the type of jobs being offered here in my area and some of them i didn't apply to because i lacked a certificate for something which i know is totally within my capabilities so, i will have to seriously consider it. As you say, i can look at this as an opportunity and take on new challenges, cause at 41, i'm still a pup so, the world's my oyster...
And i really appreciate the fact that i've found you guys and can always come here to get a good shot of positive energy. Can't thank you enough!
That doesn't sound too good DZ, and I'm with the other guys on here in suggesting that almost anything is better than sliding into the slough of despond.
Assuming you can get their attention, almost any interview can be a learning process, and to your advantage. I once had an interview with the HR Dept. of a company that I already knew wouldn't take me as I'd failed their rather stringent medical (I'm asthmatic....) but the interview itself was good.
Keep at it, and we're pushing you of course.
I can only reiterate what's been said above about interviews, it is a technique and like all techniques it can be learnt and then honed.
Hopefully things will improve for you quickly and as Zenrat has already said "we are here if you need to talk".
Chris
Indeed, interviews can be stressful moments but i've never been very scared of them. Maybe when i was younger but nowadays, i know my worth and capabilities. I see it much like speaking to a boss of a big company like i had for the past eight years, some people fear the man, i see him as a guy i'm working for and with. He paid me to look after his stuff and i did my part. We're all humans so, why fear talking to someone, specially when you have nothing to hide or be ashamed of?
Looking back, most of the interviews i had were very casual but at the wine estate, i was one of 29 candidates, had to do a "hands-on" test to show my skills and then had a few words with the field engineer who was in charge of the selection.
I can say that one went well as i've spent the last eight years there.
I've been made redundant (twice) and although it's very disheartening when it happens, you have the entire Whiffworld community supporting you. If you don't object, Madame R will add you to the list of people on her prayer list at the Cathedral tomorrow evening. It won't do any harm and might possibly help. The very best of luck in your searches.
I'm not a man of religions but i won't object, i thank you and Madame R. Stay safe and sound, my friends.
Again, i thank you all for your words, brothers! They mean a lot and i feel very lucky to have you guys. I'll keep my head above water and stay strong for my missus and family... and that includes you guys!
Now i gotta go walk Bob and the get the Huey masked for paint.
