Nov 6, 2009 5:24 pm US/Eastern
Unemployed Workers Create 'Laid Off Camp'
NORFOLK (WBZ) ―
While the nation's jobless rate has topped 10% for the first time in a quarter century, and the number of Americans out of work 6 months or more has risen to a record 5.6 million, some in the Bay State are combining strategies to find jobs but are also finding it's a tough task.
One is Marilyn Johnson of Norfolk.
Last March, she was laid-off from International Paper where she'd worked 29 years.
A week after she lost her job, her husband learned he was losing his.
He recently went back to work, but, like 15.7 million Americans, Marilyn is still looking.
"I wake up the same time I always did when I was working. I work out. It clears my head and then I get to the job search like it's a job," said Marilyn.
Like millions of job seekers, Marilyn met a group of unemployed people though networking who organized "Laid Off Camp" to help people improve job interviews, resume writing, social media skills and other job hunting techniques.
They found 9 presenters, scheduled their first meeting and began to register guests to pay for their space at a church.
"But, unfortunately, when it came down to it, we're at half the goal," said Marilyn.
The session was cancelled but Marilyn's group is not giving up.
"It's kind of a marathon. It's not a short 5K race, so to speak," said Marilyn.
Marilyn says her family is supportive and getting along with less, but her daughter Kayla is getting ready for college next year and her son Ethan will be ready in a couple of years.
"It's sobering. But at the same time, the world has changed and they have to realize this is reality and when they get out into the working world too, they may be up against it," said Marilyn adding her children can see what she's going through and use her as a role model.
Marilyn Johnson says she celebrates landings for people she knows who are finding jobs and looks forward to finding her own soon.
Staying upbeat is the most important part of her strategy. She also says she's increased her networking tremendously since she was laid off and every time she gets an idea, she writes it down.
The group may change its "Laid Off Camp" name out of concern that some unemployed people prefer to think of themselves in "transition."
Marilyn says the group may schedule another session after the first of the year.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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