New Site Helps Those Jobless In Chicago

By Anthonia Akitunde in Miscellaneous on Feb 21, 2009 5:30PM

You don't have to be an economist to know it's bad out there. The national unemployment rate rose in January from 7.2 to 7.6 percent. Although the stimulus package has been signed and sealed, the odds of delivery immediately saving down-on-their-luck Americans is looking pretty slim.

For some that means gearing up for the soul-crushing process that is job hunting. Whether you're pounding the pavement or pounding the keyboard, the search can be frustrating to say the least. If you're depressed after fruitless Twitters to friends and emails to employers on Craigslist, check out JoblessinChicago.

Started earlier this month by Jessica Dembo after being laid off for the second time in three years, the Web site has become a source of support and networking for people in the Chicagoland area (or anywhere) looking for a job. The website includes helpful posts on finding a new job in a recession, funny photos finding unemployment's light side, and blog posts with topics ranging from job opportunities to support for the site's 96 members.

Networking also takes place in the real world, with an event scheduled on March 4 at Sweet Pies Bakery in Skokie. Hey, in this economy, we'll take our cover letter with a side of pie.