As quickly as I like; sounds like I choose to live with my life "on hold". Take a step and think about what it would be like not to be able to go on holiday; not to buy dinner out; not do anything that wasn't optional and then imagine what it would be like if you found yourself in that position for the best part of 2 years. I didn't choose to be out of the job market for an extended break; If I could have used my time far more productively then I fear I have been able to....

Maybe partly because some employers just see "auslander" rather than the qualifications.

I know how you feel: I was "precariously employed" for two years (that is, unemployed in the eyes of everyone except the Employment Dept, who set my status back to zero every time I landed myself five days' paid employment... very sore subject).

I was lucky in that I had no family to support, but it was a very frustrating time, and it doesn't help that people say the kinds of things I said above - but mean it. They clearly have no clue what it's like to face day after day of frustration, deception and exploitation at the hands of potential employers who, as you say, think of you merely as material to be used or discarded at will.

Alas, I can't offer you any practical advice, other than 'keep your pecker up'. I'm sure you've been down all the avenues of re-skilling and so on, so I shan't patronise you with those kinds of suggestions.

So, good luck, and keep at it.

And don't let the *******s grind you down...

Lets not get defensive here. I can only imagine your frustration and the tremendous amount of pressure you are under to provide for the family. I am sorry that it sucks. What I meant re what I said was simple - you want to be employed pronto, we all know that but there are other external factors involved, hindering what you would like. Capish?

Good luck in your search though and hang in there.

It sounds like your case is exactly why the permit system exists - to fill local needs that can't be satisfied from the local market. Tht's great and is NOT cheap labour of course.
But I have seen the system being abused by employers to bring in cheap labour for jobs that could be done locally or from EU etc. with the end result that the local labour is unemployed and the job is being done by a cheaper immigrant who is prepared to take a lower salary.

We've been in a similar situation in the past, and it doubly sucks when you're more qualified than the person who is supposed to be 'advising' you on how to get your next job!

I dunno what the solution is, but hassling out foreigners 'for taking our jobs' probably won't make you feel better, or solve your problem...

As for 'bullet proof' employment options...there are only a few that have traditionally survived - a friend of mine whose parents were Italian post-war migrants, forced their children to learn a musical instrument, because even in the worst of times, people will pay a few pennies to hear a good musician...enough to buy bread perhaps ?

For us, some job is considered better than no job, but I'd not go so far as to suggest anyone take a job where they are being abused or demoralised...it's not hard to become 'unemployable' because you are so destroyed that you can't face up to work/interview/presentation/stress.

The other traditionally secure jobs - government, education, healthcare and law enforcement - usually not that well-appreciated, and not that well-paid, but they are the jobs that keep going when the general economy dies...

I guess it's really hard to downsize your life here too - if we hit a tough patch back 'ome' we could always move in with our extended family, or get work through someone-who-knows-someone....

If our jobs die here in Switzerland, I think we'd have about 3 months to sort it out...or catch the plane...because we just do not have the resources to handle starting again in a foreign country...

BTW, what's your expertise ? Mine is Admin and Early Childhood and I am trained as a community worker - no high-flying jobs, but I can turn my hand to just about anything if required ;-)

I am in IT. But I fear it is rather a sad industry. This morning I talking to HR who are telling me I am over qualified, the manager wont consider my profile because he is afraid I will leave when things pick up...

It doesn^t matter how flexible you are; if you have too much experience, your too old, your up s**t creek; at least that's how I feel today; hence my ranting...

Time to make that resume look perfect for the job It is hardly... untrue leaving out some things on your resume. I know some CIOs that would make great 1st /2nd line support people.. of course they would eat their new boss for dinner rather quickly.

CK

My heart goes out to you. I have no sarcasm to throw your way, nor would I attempt to make light of the situation with humor. I have felt your pain in more ways than you want to read here. I will keep my eyes and ears open, and if I hear of anything that might be a good fit for you, I will do my best to connect you with that opportunity.

Sorry to hear your loss of employment/benefits - I know what it's like as I've been there and done that.

That said, here's what I suggest you consider even though it is a hard bullet to bite...work freelance abroad till you find a local permanent role. This way you can provide for your family as you need to do and even though you will see them less you can see them each weekend (and possibly every night) as long as you land a job in the EU.

Good luck

I don't get it. Surely the permit reduction only applies to non-EU people and the employer has to prove he's not found an EU person for the job first?

So doesn't the thread starter have a foot in the door already?

I think the point is: There are only so many English-speaking jobs available and those who are looking for jobs or are afraid to lose their jobs are scared. Rightly so.

Surely after ten years he'd be fluent in one of the languages?

I don't see what language has to do with it. The premise is that reducing the influx of cheap labour can only be good for those already established here.

He is fluent in one of those languages; French. Sadly the market in that part of Switzerland is not so good, which is why he moved here and well lets be honest; if you want somebody who speaks French you'll go for a Frenchman no. Same problem in Zurich with a different flavour; German.

But hey this is not about languages; was commenting on the positive move by the authorities to reduce the number of permits for externals, reducing the options for companies to opt for the cheapest solution; hire somebody externally who has no idea what the cost of living here really is and prices him/herself accordingly or indeed doesn't care cause they have no plans to make a home here.

You know, because all of us externals can be lumped into one bracket, we're all too daft to do a little research regarding the cost of living in Switzerland. Oh god, I myself seem to have forgotten how to google that stuff

Please mate, being born in some geographic location, or to some race does not entitle you to anything. Your message implies that all 'externals' are undercutting you, coming here and abusing the system. You tend to forget that you yourself immigrated here once, looking for a better life that suited your preferences I assume, that's what everyone around the world does.

It's mainly immigrants coming here, working for a short-term, paying all these taxes that keep your unemployment benefits going. I'm not ever going to be Swiss, and can't ever reap any of the social security benefits that I pay into, yet I still do it. Why? because that's how this country's social system works, and i respect otherwise I wouldn't be here.

HTFU and stop blaming migrants for your problems, that's as old and tiring as having to listen third world nationals blaming their colonial overlords for leaving them without a penny or the West sabotaging all their hard work (see: Mugabe & Chavez).

[QUOTE=Aquanexus;737443]Please mate, being born in some geographic location, or to some race does not entitle you to anything. Your message implies that all 'externals' are undercutting you, coming here and abusing the system. You tend to forget that you yourself immigrated here once, looking for a better life that suited your preferences I assume, that's what everyone around the world does.
QUOTE]
..to paraphrase:
All immigrants are equal, but some immigrants are more equal than others...

I rest my case the less people who using language like this on a forum the better. Another benefit of the permit reductions.

ah, your "blame anyone else but myself" attitude's strong today, young padewan

Yes, and soon I may turn to the dark side ...