u/skand1995

Hi all,

I have been unemployed for almost 14 months at this point. I have phd and have worked for 5 years in technical development and cmc in mid sized companies. Last year I had been focusing more on opportunities in technical development. There were few interviews where I reached final rounds but didn't get through due to overqualified folks accepting a lower position, the position getting canceled or just not getting through. I have also been applying to a bit of diversified areas like project management, regulatory affairs and supply chain, with no luck.

I wanted to open up a discussion on folks who have diversified into roles outside of their organization or post layoffs and see if there's advice on what steps did they take to enable that. I am hoping to get a broader view of what groups I can try diversifying into and potentially understand the steps i can take (coursework, certification, etc).

I hired a contractor 3 months back to put carpet in the basement. However, he has not done anything yet. I had paid him a $2000 deposit upfront to buy the carpet. Last month I told him that I have run out of patience and needed a refund to which he said that he bought the carpet and home depot wouldn't accept returns since it is custom cut. So I asked him to drop off the carpet so that I can hire someone else to install. On the top of this he is extremely bad with communication and barely responds (maybe once for every 8 times I message him). Last couple months have been a back and forth where he commits to a day and doesnt show up without informing. All this is has made me very frustrated and mentally exhausted. What are my options ? Is there a way you may suggest I navigate this. Thumbtack said they cannot help me but have blocked his account. I have also complained to my state attorney General office.