Have been looking for years

Throw Out Some Qualifications

No one buys a "pig in a poke".

Paul in PA

Thanks for the phrase Paul, I have never heard it before and found the origin to be quite interesting.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pig_in_a_poke

As far as being unemployed in the long term that is a tough cookie to crumble. I would rethink your statement about education not being an option, it may be that if you looked into some state programs you could find something.

One of the main problems with the fine folks at unemployment security is that until this most current crisis they do not seem to have much if any experience working with people from more "professional" occupations. However that does not mean that there are not some good recourse to draw on, I received worker retraining when I got laid off but if that sounds too involved I would look into what may be helpful, like a hand with your resume for example.

Networking is the big buzzword now a days and while I do not participate in any online stuff I am always sure to give my friends and acquaintances in the trade a call every once and a while just to remind em that I am still living.

And as odd as this may sound I think it is important to remember that the emotional and attitude aspects of unemployment are really as much of a burden on a person as the financial part. Keep your head up and remember that this is not your fault. It is critical for interviews and landing interviews that you have confidence.

0.02

Throw Out Some Qualifications

> No one buys a "pig in a poke".
>
> Paul in PA

Out of curiosity Paul et.al., does anyone know what a "pig in a poke" exactly is?
I do. I think the full phrase goes a "I'll have a pig in a poke and a soak, please".
It's a Southern/country thing.

Throw Out Some Qualifications

Paul is right. Give us some info on those years of experience. Were you progressing or doing the same thing for all eight years? Pounding hubs or making property corner decisions? There are many who follow this board without commenting. Some of those people might be able to put you to work or at least point you to someone who would like to do so. Don't give up.

I've heard and used "pig in a poke" thousands of times. Let me be very clear about one thing. NEVER, EVER use that phrase when describing your search for a girlfriend or spouse. NOTHING GOOD will result.

Throw Out Some Qualifications

A pig in a poke means the pig is inside of a gunny sack or something like that. You have to open the sack and examine the article for sale, at least that is the prudent thing to do.

Stephen

I don't want to sound obtuse with my advice but if I were you I would either move to another area or find a new industry to get into. Hope that helps.

Stephen

PigInAPoke

Generally speaking, the term pig should never be intermingled with the female sex. Additionally, you should avoid cow, female dog and always avoid making appointments for next Tuesday.

As far as employment, there are jobs out there. Just keep looking. Never avoid more education if it puts you in line for your career goals.

What about oil and gas?

Throw Out Some Qualifications

... examine it, lest the "pig" turn out to be a cat or puppy. That's what I heard of the origin of the phrase.

Think about the fact that you currently have an income. Look hard for another job right now. Don't wait untiil you are out of work and even more desparate. Use the internet, and don't be shy about making contact with survey firms. Put in your application with government agencies and companies that aren't advertising. Go to your local professional surveying society chapter meetings. These guys probably have employees that never show interest in surveying and never come to meetings. Many of them would jump at the chance to hire an enthusiastic surveyor. They all want good, hard workers. If you are one, I bet you can get a job. Be honest. You will be busted if you lie, but even if you aren't professional or expert, if you can show you are willing to work, a lot of guys will take you on and keep you.

Good luck. I hope that helps a little.

Throw Out Some Qualifications

I started out drafting plans working under a civil engineer, E&SPC plans, boundary, Land development, some architectural. Followed by doing deed and title records research. Plotting descriptions. To field work pounding hubs, stakes, corners, monuments, construction stakeouts, calculating points on the go, traversing, wetland delineation. Program research. Working with AutoCadd R11 till current Carlson Survey 07 till current, Land Desktop programs, Topcon total station & hyperlight. Sokia robotics. I have had a lot of experience in every aspect of the surveying field. I can also provide great references also I a am a quick learner. Just need to get back into a field I love. Thanks for your imput. I agree my first post was very vague.

Drive North To The Gas Wells Of PA

They are getting into some serious pipeline work up there also.

From the PSLS jobs list, jobs in Sayre, PA, 80-100 miles North where the Susquehanna cross from New York State, Enola, PA across the Susquehanna from Harrisburg and York, PA, 20 miles South of Enola. The last two are commutable. Plus local guys are rooming up North and coming home weekends.

http://www.psls.org/chapters-members/job-equipment

Paul in PA

Throw Out Some Qualifications

> I have had a lot of experience in every aspect of the surveying field. I can also provide great references also I a am a quick learner. Just need to get back into a field I love. Thanks for your imput. I agree my first post was very vague.

Still vague. Are you licensed? That changes your options hugely.

If you are willing to commute/move to SWPA or northern WV, our company is looking to add about 4 or 5 more field crews over the next few months. We already have about 15 full time crews and the workload is still growing. Oil & Gas Pipeline work. We are looking for experienced field people.

"Poke" is an old North Carolina word for bag or sack.