r/gso • u/Sincerely_WTF • 1d ago
Job-related Welp. It Happened. I’m jobless.
Hi friends. I just got let go from my corporate marketing job of over four years. I just bought a house in April and just bought a car two months ago. I have some savings but considering I just bought two very large purchases, I don’t have a lot. I’m over 50 applications deep for corporate marketing jobs and I’m going to continue applying to as many as I can every day.
That said, I’m looking for anyone who has any connections to that world. Or anyone who knows of any openings for part-time work or who needs a pet sitter or a house sitter or anything of the sort so I can supplement my income until I do get that next permanent role. I’m looking for some words of encouragement, some leads, some friends, some people with pets who need them walked. Anything.
I’m also considering going back to grad school. And probably need someone to talk me out of that. But if not now, then when?
Thanks in advance!
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u/LostAd3003 1d ago
Watch out for devil corps. All they advertise for is marketing/sales. Before I got my first real job in 2017 I kept getting swindled into interviews with them. Their listings are very deceptive and make it sound like a real job with a salary, which in fact it’s not, it’s you standing in Costco selling AT&T harassing customers for 100% commission 12hrs a day 6 days a week. These were throughout the triad area.
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u/whippetsinthewhip testicles, perhaps? 1d ago
Nextiny is one that advertises around here and they’re pretty deceptive. I figured out the game before I interviewed and the guy straight up refused to answer my questions about base pay. Fuck them.
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u/Throwawayacc223556 1d ago
I got laid off a couple weeks ago too but totally different industry. Nothing wrong with taking unemployment benefits while you look for your next career-level job, max is only $350 per week though in NC. Better than nothing, and you can do side gigs online and shit like instacart too in the meantime. Although you’re supposed to report that stuff to unemployment.
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u/GreenEyedMonster2023 1d ago
$350/week!!! Who can live off that?? WTF NC? I will likely be in the same position soon. That will barely cover my tiny mortgage, let alone groceries, utilities, etc. PANIC MODE JUST SET IN
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u/meloscav 12h ago
That’s more than I get on SSDI/ssi and you’re right, it’s not enough to live on.
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u/Baba_Yayga 1d ago
I was laid off 4 months after my son was born 2 years ago, not quite your situation but the anxiety was palpable.
I have a bit of an adventurous streak to me, so there was some low key excitement at the possibilities of what to do in what turned out to be a long transitionary period.
I did get an IT certification which didn’t help me get my current job, but it has helped distinguish me in my organization as our company has evolved its software.
The timing aligned with hurricane Helene, which gave some volunteer flexibility I hadn’t had before, and the time in between was also the time I was able to focus more on the work I enjoy in volunteer efforts in the community.
I look back at those times as a blessing now, well after getting a better job I would not have gotten or qualified for if I hadn’t been let go. There is great loss in great disappointment, but also opportunity.
I hope you get settled soon, lmk if you need help with anything
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u/Sincerely_WTF 11h ago
Hey. This is such a kind and very much appreciated message. Thank you so much. I’m so glad to hear that you took the time to begin volunteering and getting more involved in your community, and everything still worked out in the end. I used to be heavily involved in volunteer work, so maybe it’s time to get back out there. Seriously though, really appreciate this message. Exactly what I needed to hear.
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u/Themaxswoles6614 1d ago
I can’t help much, but as someone in the banking industry, there always seemed to be marketing positions open. Try Truliant and Allegacy.
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u/mylongdecember12 1d ago
I know its not corporate and Not sure what your previous role was/experience in marketing but UNCG has this posting for a web content assistant director:
https://spartantalent.uncg.edu/postings/36239
They currently also cover 3 classes per academic year for their employees that could go towards your grad degree.
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u/Major-Direction5623 1d ago
You could explore customer service jobs in the meantime.
I’m currently getting my master’s degree in marketing since I have the means and I work full time, but I’ve seen LinkedIn posts from peers who graduate and still have a hard time finding a job since the market is so bleak right now.
Continuing your education is important, but I’d recommend waiting until you have a new job.
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u/DesperateClerk1884 1d ago
Sorry to hear this, OP! Keep an eye out for marketing/communications jobs at local colleges and universities. Sharing two recently posted at HPU and UNCG: https://highpoint.wd503.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/HighPoint/job/High-Point-University/Assistant-Director-of-Creative-Services_R0009185 AND https://spartantalent.uncg.edu/postings/36238,
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u/Born_Personality_290 1d ago
Yeah, I had no idea GTCC was hiring until a friend sent it to me. I did not see it on a single job board.
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u/Sincerely_WTF 11h ago
I had no idea this was a thing, so thanks for sharing! I didn’t even think of all the colleges in the area, so I’ll definitely check into this.
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u/-FlyYouFools- 1d ago
What time of job were you working?
I ask because my job hires monthly. Decent starting pay, but you would have to drive to winston for a year. You go hybrid after nine months, and then remote after 2 full years.
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u/Cieguh 1d ago
What job is this? My friend who is into programming, but works for supply chain at a warehouse rn, is looking for a position. The whole company is picking up and moving to South Carolina and he's being raked after 5 years with them.
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u/-FlyYouFools- 15h ago
Claims Adjuster for National General Insurance (owned by Allstate).
Lots of opportunities within the company. People tend to be able to branch out to other roles within a year or so.
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u/crownvic64 1d ago
Look for marketing positions with local healthcare systems- Cone Health, Novant, Atrium. Non-clinical folks rarely think about employment within healthcare but it’s a growing sector and usually pretty stable.
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u/Sincerely_WTF 11h ago
I’ve seen and applied for a few jobs in this sector! Thanks so much for the suggestion.
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u/dandelion-passing 1d ago
Sorry to hear. UNCG has a temp pool, and UNC/NCSU have remote and hybrid roles in their joint temp pool you might consider too. I would imagine NCAT does, but I’m not sure. It’s nice to have some income ticking in while you search.
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u/Substantial-Pen8457 1d ago
How do you apply to the temp pools?
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u/dandelion-passing 1d ago
Search “pool” or “temp” https://spartantalent.uncg.edu/
UNC/NCSU one: https://hr.ncsu.edu/work-at-nc-state/temporary-employment/
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u/Sincerely_WTF 11h ago
This is fantastic to know! I had no idea. I am actually an NCSU graduate, so maybe that’ll give me a leg up. Thanks for sharing this!
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u/Equivalent_West4696 1d ago
Have some money saved and trim down any possible debt before going into grad school. It's a big commitment.
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u/Sincerely_WTF 11h ago
Absolutely! I’m not trying to make any more poor decisions. Was just stating that I would love to go to grad school and it hasn’t been something I’ve been able to do up to this point, due to a very stressful and busy job that I now no longer have. 🙃
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u/lameusernamesrock 1d ago
Just here to lend my emotional support. If you ever want to talk about job search stuff I’m happy to meet up in person. I’m also over 50 and in a similar field. So sorry you’re in this position. 😕
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u/che_Grapes 1d ago
Didn’t say he was 50 said he had 50 job applications
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u/Sincerely_WTF 11h ago
This is correct! Not over 50. But still sympathize with anyone and everyone going through this at any age
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u/Kitchen_Pea_3435 1d ago
How can you afford to pay for grad school with no job a house and car payment? I would take your car and sell it back , downgrade to no pay ment or a lower one. Get a room mate to or rent out a room if you can.
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u/Sincerely_WTF 11h ago
Yeah, so I actually didn’t say I could. I’m obviously good at making smart decisions, or I wouldn’t be where I am. I was simply stating that going to grad school is a goal of mine. Thanks.
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u/Largofarburn 1d ago
If you’re open to literally anything ups and FedEx are cranking up hiring for Christmas. It’ll be slow till thanksgiving, like 20-25 hours a week at $22ish an hour. But after thanksgiving it’s basically unlimited OT.
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u/Sincerely_WTF 11h ago
Open to anything, but I would probably be very bad at this! LOL. But an income is an income at this point
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u/Reasonable-Series-21 1d ago
Check to see if there are any openings at the Center for Creative Leadership; they usually have marketing-type positions open.
and sincerely the best of luck to you! If you want someone to look over your resume, shoot me a DM.
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u/Sincerely_WTF 11h ago
I actually saw an opening in my search and applied! Thanks so much.
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u/Reasonable-Series-21 11h ago
Glad to hear it! If you’re willing to share your first name with me (DM) I have connections there and will put in a good word for you.
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u/d7h7n 1d ago
Pay off your car first before even thinking about attending grad school.
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u/Schillelagh 1d ago edited 1d ago
Or downsize the car depending on your monthly payment. OP needs cashflow regardless of the decision to go to grad school.
And I'm skeptical that's grad school is a good decision regardless of the home or auto debt.
Edit: Clarifying.
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u/HeraldOfRick 1d ago
It depends on the interest rate of the car and how much is left.
If it’s 50k at 5 percent, that’s stupid. They would be better selling it and getting a beater.
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u/jaimers215 1d ago
So sorry that happened. What area are you thinking for grad school (I've done multiple degrees and can chat on that). Also, I could really use a someone to take my dog out at lunch time...DM me
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u/Sincerely_WTF 11h ago
When I was in college, my major was in psychology and I wanted to become a therapist. I ended up switching my major to Comm Media. I would like to go back and get my MSW but I’m very well aware that this is not a good decision right now, and I would end up in a very stressful field with a significant pay cut. That said, I am beyond burnout on the corporate world and marketing. I want to help people 😔
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u/PrestigiousDark1773 1d ago
I know the UNCG business school is looking for a new academic advisor. Check the local college job postings!
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u/Disastrous-Ear-5856 1d ago
Try substitute teaching. I can choose the days that I work. If you are able to do that, you can scedule around interviewing and networking.
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u/Sincerely_WTF 11h ago
Can anyone do this? I’m not really sure how substitute teaching works as silly as that sounds, but I have no experience or degree in teaching of any sort
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u/Euphoric-Paramedic82 1d ago
I I am not sure about jobs for the time being, but I work for the NC Zoo in Asheboro and know that there will be some marketing positions posted between now and the end of the year. The Zoo State run so this would be a State job. All job postings would be on nc.gov site. Reach out if you want more info.
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u/claudeburritohands 1d ago
Labcorp has several marketing jobs open. I’ll send the referrals if you’d like
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u/Sincerely_WTF 11h ago
If you have referrals, I’m absolutely interested! Weirdly in a past life, I used to be a phlebotomist, so I’m very familiar with Labcorp. Thank you!
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u/claudeburritohands 10h ago
Look on external site, but I can also refer you through the internal job board. I’ll need your name phone and email so if you are comfortable sharing then send me a message.
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u/soniqringz 1d ago
UPS is having a hiring event November 6 and 7 or 7 and 8. FedEx, Amazon, and UPS package delivery for the holidays can land you a permanent job. Those jobs aren't going anywhere for the time being. Best of luck!
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u/Jael556 1d ago
Likely to get it it's peak season even if the economy is bad. Do good and they'll keep you as a regular hire rather than seasonal
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u/soniqringz 1d ago
Exactly. I applied lol. I missed the virtual hiring event but they are having another before the job fair.
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u/Shell-Fire 1d ago
Get the unemployment stuff done now. ASAP. Checkout Kaplan North America on Indeed. You need a degree to work there and 95% of jobs are remote.
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u/Excellent_Ninja_867 1d ago
Check out ITG they are doing layoffs and then will rehire. Same game different year.
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u/Sincerely_WTF 11h ago
I’d like to not end up at a company that does this. But that’s probably wishful thinking because it’s most of them now
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u/Dave2kMA 1d ago
What do you do in the corporate marketing space? Copywriting, social/digital media, graphic design, web development?
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u/inchkachka 1d ago
As a Gen Xer, I can't do words of encouragement. We're just like, "Yeah life sucks and then you die." This does not seem to meet the current standard for social support.
I do have potentially useful advice. Did you try freelance sites like upwork? A friend did this for a while and now she does remote copywriting for a company in California. She already knew the company and they knew her work quality because she freelanced for them a bunch of times first.
Also, you probably already did this but in case others are reading along, don't forget that while you're looking you should apply for unemployment from NC DES (if eligible). It's weird how many people don't bother to after losing white collar jobs to "force reduction."
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u/Sincerely_WTF 11h ago
Appreciate you sharing your perspective. I have definitely tried upwork and Fiverr and various other freelance sites. It’s very competitive and hard to get any work. But I do have profiles on all of them. Maybe I’ll get lucky this time!
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u/inchkachka 10h ago
Good luck. It seems like more people are using those sites than five years ago. Things change so rapidly right now that it's hard to keep up with what is and isn't working.
Another idea for temporary work is sites like Prolific.co and CloudResearch which pair scientists with people willing to be in experiments. It doesn't pay great but neither does walking dogs.
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u/bigbillclay30 1d ago
I’m sorry this has happened to you. I had it happen 4 times over a 45 year corporate career. Restructurings, reductions, etc. Each time I found a better role, even at the height of the 2008 financial crisis. So don’t lose hope, jobs are there, just many aren’t obvious. You being willing to work part-time says a lot. Have you thought about consulting with your last employer?
My advice would be to stop applying until you can find / develop an internal contact at that target organization. Get around the ai and electronic gatekeepers. Use LinkedIn, Facebook, Reddit, realtors, hairdressers, etc to network your way to a person that actually works at the place you want to work. You absolutely need someone that has some type of personal or professional contact with the hiring manager. It may take you several “hops” to get connected with someone. Start by writing down the names and contact information of anyone you know, anyone you have met, or worked with. Decide what you are looking for and then tell every one of your contacts that and ask them if they know anyone that works at Pfizer, Belk, FedEx, etc. Most adults may have 100-200 contacts, some more. It’s so much better to have 200 people helping you than to do this yourself.
This was hard for me initially, I’m a natural introvert. But most people working have had something like this happen, so there’s no “embarrassment.” It’s a lot of “detective” work, but it is one of the only ways to have your resume be prioritized over the 100’s of ones coming in for a good job. And many jobs are never advertised.
I love the fact you are thinking about improving your knowledge. Evening MBA? It would be an exciting thing for a manager to hear that a potential hire had taken the “downtime” to enhance their skills. You don’t have to give up one for the other. If you can swing it, do both. Education, plus a targeted job search.
I wish you the best of luck, unemployment is a temporary condition, you just don’t know how long it lasts and that is very unsettling.
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u/Sincerely_WTF 11h ago
Thanks so much for the detailed and thoughtful response here! I really appreciate you reaching out. Unfortunately, consulting with my previous employer is not an option. I am fortunate in that I do have quite a few contacts and have reached out to a lot of people in my network. I have people assisting me with connections as well, so I’m hopeful though still terrified.
I would love to be able to get a grad degree and work full-time. Hopefully I will end up somewhere where it will be possible to do both of these things. Thanks again for reaching out!
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u/Ricky_Binsworth 1d ago
Hey there, sorry to hear about the job. What was your role? What would your ideal role or passion in marketing be?
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u/Hiii_powers 1d ago
I know it's not flashy but try MJs Restaurant and Catering for a server job. Might be something!
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u/Thecoopoftheworld789 1d ago
You can try being a waiter in a restaurant or breakfast house. That will carry you until you get a real job! Dishwashers pay more than minimum wage by $3-8! Warehouse jobs, if you know how to drive a fork lift or reach truck. Amazon for sure! You will stay busy & the season is coming up to be slammed with OT! Yard work, laborer / clean up person at a construction job site. Grocery store clerk / stocker, & of course Temporary job places that move you as a z laborer for clients that need extra help.
It is all about survival & how many hours you can work in a day & manage a shower & maybe 4 hours of sleep! I have worked an average of 110 hours a week for 2 years before. The 118 hour week made me understand “Military Sleep Deprivation “ situation where you get disoriented if you dose off for a minute! I would recommend an average of no more than 100 hours between 2-3 jobs to start.
Wish you the best of luck in your adventure to survive!
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u/Slight_Ad4964 1d ago
Honestly I’d think about going to a trade rn there OSS a shortage and multi school for alot cheaper than college to learn for new guy it usually minimum 20-25 depending on the trade
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u/freeState5431 1d ago
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u/Sincerely_WTF 11h ago
Welp. This is exactly the area of marketing I was working in, so I’ll be applying for this, thanks!
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u/stokleplinger 1d ago
The sheer number of jobs BAT posts every week suggest that they’re constantly churning people. There’s no way they can keep up that volume of jobs they’re hiring for if it’s a good place to work.
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u/Sincerely_WTF 11h ago
I’m not familiar with the company. Do they do layoffs regularly? Anyone know if they are private equity? Not trying to land something I lose just as quickly
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u/freeState5431 9h ago
Reynolds American is a subsidiary of British American tobacco traded on the stock market as BAT
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u/stokleplinger 4h ago
I don’t know, but I’ve gotten their hiring emails for years and it’s remarkable how often they’re hiring for marketing jobs. There’s no way it’s not just awful churn.
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u/knightmair85 1d ago
Search outside of Greensboro and be willing to travel a bit until you can find something closer
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u/Sincerely_WTF 11h ago
Oh absolutely! I’m even looking out of state at this point
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u/knightmair85 10h ago
Unfortunate but it sounds like you have the right mindset. My company has better paying positions in Charlotte so I've been thinking about making the commute from Greensboro but that is a looooong commute everyday. Seems like to make more money, have to look outside of here
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u/TheGrumbl 1d ago
I hope you have more luck than I have. I have been hunting for a marketing job for over a year, but then again I am trying to get into the industry at entry level and don’t have the experience you have.
May I ask what company you were working for?
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u/Sincerely_WTF 11h ago
I’m not willing to share the company I was working for at this time. And trust me, you do not want to work for them. No one should be working for them
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u/Alarming_Ear_3556 1d ago
if you are looking to stay in the marketing world, i wouldn’t waste your time or money on grad school. this industry relies more heavily on hands on experience.
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u/Sincerely_WTF 11h ago
Definitely looking to leave the marketing world! But 100% agree with your statement otherwise
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u/alleywayacademic 1d ago
You dont need to open another vein until you staunch this bleeding. Keep your head up, youre being proactive; but there may be a few more frosty mornings to come. A seed of wisdom for you to pass on to others in the future. Those two big purchases back to back were...... very, very hopeful. Might I recommend separating such big lofe choices in the future as a hedge. Cant hedge a house, you will be with it for a while, but I would wager your intro offer for your house wont be the cheapest rate you get. Waiting for a good first refi, might have been the time to take on another debt load. Instead of all at once. And this attitude is continuing with schooling? Dont be like every other American and bury yourself in debt. Take it on responsibly.
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u/amoore1018 1d ago
What type of marketing specifically. Can you drop your LinkedIn profile?
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u/Sincerely_WTF 11h ago
I’d rather not share my LinkedIn profile publicly due to my recent separation from my current company. But I worked in marketing operations
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u/Wide_Dish5324 1d ago
Maybe check out the business incubator at the Steelhouse/Nussbaum Center.... great networking opportunities.
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u/AdeptnessSpiritual95 23h ago
Try ziehl abegg. We’re growing super fast and hiring left and right. We have a marketing team and idk if they’re looking to increase the team size but I think they’ll need to eventually
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u/CarolinaSis 8h ago
Sorry this happened to you. That’s a tough break. Instead of applying for the job, pass your résumé to someone you know at that company and ask them to send it to HR for you. It cuts through a lot of noise and gives you a fighting chance. Your network is your power, don’t forget that. Good luck!
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u/karma_is_my_cat13 4h ago
In the realm of “anything”, the North Carolina State Fair is actively hiring parking attendants! It’s in Raleigh & only going for another week, but they have a very quick turnaround from application to starting if you need income ASAP.
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u/CarltheChamp112 1h ago
Man I'm sorry to hear this. I hope they gave you some kind of severance that's fucked up
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u/No_Connection1068 1d ago
How so, what jobs do you interview for while your working. Same type, role above at different company, similar role at different company. Just wanna know what you mean so I can apply
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u/No_Connection1068 1d ago
I’ve literally never heard this before and it’s such a different way of career hunting. Thanks for explaining man, really appreciate it and will keep this knowledge.
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u/Born_Personality_290 1d ago
I assume you are already using AI to tailor your resume to each job before submitting? And then double checking the AI? I did it. It is a PAIN. I just got a temp contract job through Graham Personnel. May want to hit them up.
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u/EyeSmiteThee_OG 15h ago
Keep your head up…. Sounds like you’ll be liquidating assets in no time.
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u/Money_Land_4874 1d ago
Marketing is a joke. Lowest paying business job there is that requires a degree. I’m actually going back to school for accounting/finance after working in SEO for 7 years.
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u/Madicat16 1d ago
HP Market is up in full swing right now, so a lot of the marketing houses that work within are swamped and probably not looking right now. But that should be done by Halloween, and then you could start reaching out to the photography and marketing houses in high point. Business will be a little slow post market, but begins to pick up come the new year leading up to spring market.