Going the next step after layoff....

[cbethre]

I've been out of college for 4 years now. I worked very hard and unhappily at other jobs before finally breaking into the Human Resource field. I was an Assistant for two and a half years and I was laid off two months ago (I know, welcome to the club). So I've been looking everyday for all this time and I'm ready to move up in my field. I was underchallenged in my last job before I was laid off, but I like the field a lot. I don't want to be an assistant anymore. I got some great skills and I get comments all the time on how much I picked up.

Why do people think I'd like entry-level positions? I know I'm not ready to be a manager yet, but entry-level work as an admin again?!

I'm getting to the point where I will do some temp work through an HR agency next month, but only if it's doing HR work, I don't want to be answering other people's phones or babysitting a copier. I'm so afraid I'll have to take something I won't like just cause of my bills..

Does anyone else out there feel like me that they are taking 4 steps backwards?

[Anonymous]

I totally sympathize with you... I had my SECOND layoff in less than a year happen in August, and I'm working part-time at the mall now, so that's a massive step back.

I don't know what your financial situation is, but while I'm living with my parents, it's giving me the opportunity to do some different things. I've been taking jewelry making classes and think I might try to start selling some of my pieces for some extra cash.

Being laid off totally sucks, from my first layoff experience, I can give you this advice: Don't take the first job that comes along. I wish I'd taken more time to look!