need to add title here

Unemployment's damaging effect

August 12, 2012 2:43 PM

Joe Carbone says he knows firsthand what it's like to be unemployed, which helps him understand the people in his Platform to Employment program in Connecticut.

A new jobs program for people trapped in unemployment
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by DJBE76 August 23, 2012 10:02 AM EDT
Mr. Carbone: What an ingenious idea. I am wondering if anyone from the state Of MD has made any inquiries or shown any interest in immulating your program. I would love the opportunity to be a part of such an important project.
D. Edwards
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by lostinflorida August 13, 2012 10:08 PM EDT
Mr. Carbone, I was totally impressed with what you are accomplishing...did you ever cosider running for PRESIDENT!!

I write to you with an ache in my heart...my wonderful husband of 33 years lost his job 3 years ago and yes, you can't imagine the toll it has taken on us and our children...he is presently working part time, as I am also, but we are just making it...he was in banking and has applied for many positions, has had interviews, but then the email arrives that the firm has chosen other candidates.

Unfortunately, we NO longer have health coverage as it's too expensive, so when we needed emergency hospital help or doctors, we could only pay what we could and you are put in collections. If companies do credit checks, then we are out of luck...it just doesn't stop. He is a smart, clean cut, hardworking man who is so deserving. We both cried tonight watching the 60 minute broadcast as we and I'm sure millions for the first time felt some kind of hope.

Please don't stop your journey and I will do what I can to donate to your company as I hope others will do the same.

If you have any ideas that we could follow, can you please email me. It would be a wonderful feeling waking up feeling normal again.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the difference you are making...
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by DeeEdwards August 13, 2012 12:12 PM EDT
Hello - I watched last nights program as well. No, we are not LAZY! And I can't believe these job interviewers asking 'what have you been doing these least 3 yrs?' - not watching soap operas & sitting around! Believe me! Just give us a job! Stop making it so darn hard! I've been on unemployment off & on for 3 yrs since my job downsized in 2009; been working temp jobs & taking college classes in the interim to literally sitting at the computer for HOURS applying DAILY, creating cover letters & applications to taking city/county tests in between (just to be told you're #78 on the list). I do get interviews, but they never hire me - the competition is so strong, including those already employed. The currently employed should just stay out of it so we unemployed can get a job - Jeez! I believe strongly - age discrimination is highly prevalent, but can't prove it! It's unfortunate that our EDD or other job agencies can't get together to provide a program like that all over the country, so we ALL can get back to work! I don't have a 'cushion' to fall back on, either; no retirement, savings, nothing left - it's all gone! If something doesn't happen soon, there will be a lot more unemployed, homeless & people on food stamps & welfare gluttoning up the so called 'system'. Welfare, by the way, wouldn't even pay my rent! So I'm at risk for losing my apartment. After 35 years of working - this is what 'MY Country' does for me? It's a shame our country (the good old US of A) can't support our unemployed people better. They're too busy worrying about how much taxes the rich Republicans have to pay (or not!).
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by 2ndChances June 28, 2012 8:13 PM EDT
I have been unemployed for three years. I had to end up living with my daughter and have experienced bullying and/or being totally invisible. She leaves to go out to dinner with my grandson and says nothing. Never greets me or talks with me with any cordiality or invites me anywhere or will come any where with me. I sleep on the floor and I'm treated like a mangy dog. I raised her and my son alone and I find myself in this awful position. I don't know what happened to them? I worked to make sure they got a good education, lived in a nice neighborhood and learned about culture. Now I'm a worthless dog. It makes me cry.
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by technoaide February 20, 2012 5:45 PM EST
What does the instructor mean when he says that the resume is becoming obsolete in the job search, and they should be able to find you on the internet? Would appreciate an elaboration on this.

Thanks
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by lillabitte February 20, 2012 1:07 PM EST
Thank you for the report last night on unemployment. I was unemployed in 2009 after being self-employed in the construction business for many years. I do understand how depressing it gets, and how useless you feel when no one will get back to you on resumes and applications you send out. I currently work for a staffing company and try to give many of the applicants hope that things will get better. I even sometimes go on different websites, etc. and look for them as well. Ihope that I make the difference for someone when they come in here and meet with me for a job.
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by DianneD1121 February 20, 2012 9:03 AM EST
Wonderful program!!!! I have been out work since I lost my executive assistant position in 2008. Although I have been able to find admninistrative contractor work at some very prestigious companies, nothing permanent is on the horizon. I have found it helpful to list these temporary positions on my resume as it shows that I am actively working, and keeping up with my skills. etc. Unfortunately, age discrimination is alive and well!!!! Any company should be happy to hire me with my great work ethic and my skills.

As for the unemployment rate being "down".....the only reason that is, is because so many of us can't collect anymore. Get a grip, USA and bring those offshore jobs back!
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by busterbone February 19, 2012 10:42 PM EST
I'm not addicted to soap operas, but complacency of being unemployed long-term does make some days seem rather gloomy and it's hard to stay on a decent schedule of getting up early to look for work. My doctor has given me pills for depression, anxiety, sleep, etc. which I'm not sure help but to numb the pain. It's better to take regular nature walks to vent some steam.
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by ElizabethAllenEof1 February 19, 2012 10:27 PM EST
Bravo to 60 Minutes for featuring coverage of this national crisis! I was moved by the courage of the 28 people interviewed who represent the stories of millions across the US caught in transition facing few options. I am pleased people like Joe Carbone are stepping up to the call for action, helping to innovate bright solutions that will have a profound impact. My book, The Economy of One: CODE for Free Agents further expands on actionable steps people can take to move forward. This is based on my efforts with a very similar group of people that were desperately needing a method to sell themsleves. I've written a blog in response to the program and hope to encourage this national call to action and awareness.
http://eof1.com/2012/02/19/60-minutes-explores-a-platform-to-employment/
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