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It's A Day's Work For Church Group

By B.C. MANION, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 9, 2008

LUTZ - A downturn in housing, a jittery stock market, increased fuel prices and government cutbacks are causing more people to be out of work.

The loss of a paycheck is tough - but effects of losing a job go deeper, say members of the In Between Jobs Support Group that meets Wednesday mornings at Idlewild Baptist Church, 18371 N. Dale Mabry Highway.

Getting laid off is a blow to self-esteem. It can strain family life. Loss of insurance poses health risks. Loss of income can lead to losing a home. The list goes on and on.

But the ministry at Idlewild tries to help people get through the rough spots and get back into the job force.

Bob Saxon, volunteer facilitator for the support group, knows how it feels. He was out of work for 18 months.

"There's embarrassment, loss of self-esteem and self-worth, shame and a whole lot of negative emotions that go along with job loss," said Saxon, who has led the group since its inception in May 2002. More than 1,100 people have been members. At least 950 have found jobs, he said.

The group aims to provide spiritual inspiration and emotional support as members share their experiences.

Members, former members and occasional guests share expertise and practical advice on such topics as brushing up resumes, searching for jobs on the Web, and preparing and dressing for interviews.

You're Not Alone

Rodger Landers, 40, a corporate asset manager who was laid off in October, said attending the sessions has been helpful.

He looks around the room, sees other professional men and women, and realizes he is not alone, he said.

"It happens to good people, to people who do a good day's work," said Landers, acknowledging he had to come to terms with the reality of being shown the door. "I made decisions. I negotiated contracts with vendors. Then I was told, 'Thanks, but we don't need you,'" Landers said after the meeting.

"I would tell you that I'm not my job. Even though I say it, and I believe it, I was still ashamed when I got laid off."
Landers said he's lucky because his wife has a good job, and she is supportive. "She's helping me manage my shame of filing for unemployment. She's not asking every day, 'Did you get a job yet?'"
Landers has a bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Florida and a master of business administration from the University of South Florida.

Laid Off 10 Times

Jackie Jordan Hall, 49, said she is concerned most about finding a job with a stable company, even if she has to make salary concessions.

"This is No. 10 for me, as far as getting laid off," said Hall, who worked at several banks that changed owners, a utility company that sold out and construction companies that changed hands or cut back.

Hall, who held a variety of customer service and human resources jobs, refuses to be disheartened. "Every time I got laid off, the door that opened was a better door. I trust him God. Because of that, I can't wait to see what he has in store for me."

Landers, whose last day at work was Oct. 31, said losing his job gave him new insights. "I've learned the painful lesson that even the next job I get may be temporary, maybe less than five years," he said.

FIND OUT MORE

For information about the In Between Jobs Support Group call (813) 264-8771. New members are welcome.

TIPS FOR JOB SEEKERS

•Acknowledge your emotions, then lay out a plan. Focus on where you want to be and how your talents will get you there.

•Let your family and friends know you're looking for work.

•Go to job fairs and networking sessions.

•Get free business cards online at www.vistaprint

.com. The cards should communicate your skills.

•Connect with available support groups.

•Use your free time to volunteer. You can be useful and network at the same time.

•Apply for unemployment, even if you are from another state. Some states have agreements with other states to pay or administer the benefits.

•Keep your receipts. That new suit or pair of shoes you needed for the interview may be tax-deductible.

•Be sure to have someone look over your resume. It's easy to miss a typographical error, and most potential employers have zero tolerance for such mistakes.

•Always have your resume handy.

•Get dressed for your interview and then have someone you trust tell you how you look. Everything counts: your hair, clothing, makeup, jewelry, shoes and accessories. You only get one chance to make a good first impression.

Resources

mysalary.com (to help negotiate a salary)

TBO.com, keyword: Jobs

Also be sure to use reference materials available at local libraries.

Sources: Bob Saxon, facilitator of Idlewild Baptist Church's In Between Jobs Support Group, and Peggy Sherman, retired career specialist and volunteer for the group

Reporter B.C Manion can be reached at (813) 865-1507 or bmanion @tampatrib.com.

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