Newly Unemployed Cheesemaker

[smilingcalico]

Newly unemployed Cheesemaker needs a job. Unfortunately, the dairy couldn't afford to keep me on anymore, so I'm in the market for a new job here in Northern California. Any leads, offers, or well wishes are greatly appreciated.

[MrsKK]

Aw, I'm so sorry to hear that!  I'm in Wisconsin, so have no leads or offers for you in CA, but I hope that this becomes an opportunity for you to soar high.

[Boofer]

That's a sad turn of events. I guess you've looked around Petaluma, Tomales Bay, etc.? I don't have any leads for you. I just recall there being major dairy operations there. And there is Cowgirl Creamery...maybe they could give you some guidance.

-Boofer-

[smilingcalico]

I haven't checked with them in a year since I moved back here. I just found out yesterday (Sunday) afternoon. You can bet I'll be checking with them all (I think I still have my list of all north state producers). They are a bit further south than I'd like, but if that's what it takes. I'm also willing to step out of cheesemaking if need be. I'll probably line up restaurant work first as I served in fine dining for ten years. I've also done IT HelpDesk which included some clerical/data entry. These days, anything with a paycheck will suffice, but naturally I would love to stay in cheese. Thanks for the encouragement, keep it coming, I need it!

[Cheese Head]

Very sorry to hear, looking for a job is the hardest thing I've done in my life, sorry no leads but if I may: 1) Get a system going, I've used a binder with A-Z tabs in which I put a summary sheet of each lead by company. That way easy to find when someone calls and you can quickly say of yes Mr >>> we talked on Wed Feb 26 etc. 2) On the forms I have company name and summary at top then records by date. 3) Network here and everwhere and if someone says sorry nothing ask who they know who might have a position looking for, you'd be surprised how logarithmically the leads start multiplying. 4) When get interview if don't get the job ask why not, and ask them to be brutally honest, what was wrong, maybe a reference not as good as you thought etc. 5) Looking for a job is a job, treat it as so and this event as an opportunity. 6) Reward yourself. You will get a job it's just a matter of time and when it happens you will be sad that you have to shut your job search machine down.

Lastly check some of the big job boards like Monster.com for dairy jobs and if required be prepared to move to a job even if leave family behind short term. Lastly don't sell yourself cheap/short, first job may not always be the best.

[smilingcalico]

Thanks, John! Great advice and encouragement. Thank you.

[Cheese Head]

Welcome, all standard stuff of course, I have thicker skin from the 80's ad 90's layoff rounds.

[smilingcalico]

Yeah, standard, I'm just trying to exude a positive attitude, especially to those lending me help.

[DeejayDebi]

Sorry about loosing you jon hon prayer going out for you!

[JimP]

Sympathies on your current status.
Been there, done that, etc,etc. Truly sucks.

The second time that happened to me, a supplier for the company that sacked me said - Don't let it get you down. Sometimes these things work out for the best.

Truer words were never spoken. It took 6 months, but all was good from there.
Don't just have faith that it will turn around. Have confidence.
Step outside, take a deep breath and enjoy the sunshine (hopefully it's arrived) for a few minutes.
Then go back to work at making it so.

Like Chumbawamba says, "I get knocked down, but I get up again. They're never gonna keep me down!"

You'll do it.

[Sailor Con Queso]

FYI - I am looking for an assistant cheese maker, but Kentucky is a long way from California.

[smilingcalico]

Thanks, Deb! Jim, the wisdom of chumbawumba! Thanks for the laugh! Ed, believe me, I'm considering applying for your position, I would love to learn by your side. Your right though, Kentucky is a long way. I've sent my resume into Rogue Creamery, and will have one in to Cypress Grove before the days end. If anyone is in the know of other artisan dairies, please post or private message me.  Thanks all!

[Cloversmilker]

Sorry to hear of your job loss.  Hope that an appealing opening shows up soon. 

[smilingcalico]

I am happy to report that while I don't have a job yet, I've got an interview tomorrow, with a possible second one to be scheduled.  I have also been in contact with another dairy who is hoping to know by next week if they can open a position.  I've got a few more dairies to hit up tomorrow.  I was trying to do this on the cheap by just emailing, since I live away from the area I am searching in, but LB convinced me that a face to face impression was the best route, and if you couldn't guess, he was right as always.  Thanks for the encouragement, all.

[Cloversmilker]

Hoping all goes well with the interview.