Comment by tallpapab | Hacker News Reader

Comment by tallpapab | Hacker News Reader

Phil suggest that I should have bettered myself whilst unemployed. I have a masters degree in Mathematics, professional programming experience in 13 languages including Java, JavaScript, and Python, more if I include things like SQL, HTML, etc. in which I also have professional experience. I speak four human languages (and bits of three others). Perhaps a vocational school will make me more marketable.

So how did I waste my time during my 83 weeks of unemployment? Mostly looked for work. I read and did a few exploratory things. I went on quite a few interviews as my resume is pretty good, but one look at me told the tale of my age. I coached a high school basketball team (and wrote a Java GUI for game stats and management). I did work around the house, repairs etc. I paid bills and figured out ways to stay afloat. Sorry, I don't have a gaming console. I exercised to try to stave off depression. I visited my failing parents weekly and took over their financial chores. I took up singing. (No one would pay me for that either.)

To be fair, Phil was probably not talking about me, but about younger workers like my son. He hasn't been in the work force and is not eligible for unemployment benefits. His generation is having a harder time than mine. Maybe he should study SQL at U of Poenix. He doesn't have a gaming console either.

I don't understand how someone like you wouldn't find work. Where do you live? Did you have extremely high expectations? I don't mean to be rude, I ask because the qualifications you have are outstanding, and I am curious.

After 83 weeks I did find work. The reason it was difficult was my age plus few openings. The age thing is interesting. Some places where I applied I got past phone screens that gave fairly little programming quizzes. When I got to the in person interviews there were no questions about me experience, education, or publications. It seemed the whole process was geared to finding folks fresh out of college. Things are picking up here. The recruiters are calling and there seem to be more openings. The unemployment insurance was helpful. Keep in mind though that I have paid more into it over the years than I have gotten out of it. That's fine and fits with the general pattern of insurance. That's why insurance companies make money. I guess I have two point. One is that it is insurance, as opposed to a direct handout from the government. The other is that age discrimination is a big factor that Phil's agenda does not address. OK, there's a third point in that market conditions also make Phil's agenda impractical although I agree that folks should try to "retool" during hard times. It's just not ass easy and effective as Phil suggests.

About the high expectations, perhaps I do. I don't think that's so bad though. I hope you do too. A difficulty though is that so do prospective employers. They are often reluctant to offer lower pay to people that they feel might flee when times improve and they can find a better job.

Thanks for the answer, it makes a lot of sense.

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