Jobless profile: Deborah Robertson

By Sean F. Driscoll

BusinessRockford.com

Editor's note: First in an occasional series profiling Rockford-area residents dealing with unemployment.

Deborah Robertson
Age: 53
Hometown: Rockford
Family: Divorced; her 77-year-old mother lives in Belvidere.
Out of work: 11 months

Robertson worked for 14 years at Greenlee Textron before being laid off in July. She previously worked at Richard Lewis advertising and Barber-Colman. She’s now volunteering with the theater department at Rock Valley College.

What did you do last? I was in charge of trade-show appearances at Greenlee Textron. I did my own graphic-design work, managed the trade shows and went directing them to set up, helping them set up a show and tear it down. I worked with the sales gentlemen and supported their needs.

What kind of job are you looking for? I always lean toward industrial design and advertising, but I have been applying for receptionist, phone work, you name it. The issue is I’m underqualified, overqualified, we’ll call you later. I feel like I bring a lot to the table because I’m so diverse. For a smaller company, I can cover multiple areas.

Have you had any interviews? I’ve had phone interviews, I’ve had face-to-face interviews. I’ve shown samples of my work. One company wanted me to redesign Web sites it already had up. They were looking at people and their talents in design. I had an e-mail interview with them, actually, then they called me and thanked me for my time.

How has unemployment affected you? I’ve been pretty good, watching my money. I’ve been blessed to keep up on my payments, but probably in two more months I’ll have to make a decision to move (in with my mother). I have 13 weeks left of unemployment right now.

Have you considered moving from Rockford? I’d love to stay in this area because of my mom. I’d hate to have to pick her up and move her. This is a nice area. It’s depressed, but we’ve been through this before. But I’ve been applying in all areas, especially Arizona, Florida, but they’re depressed like we are. Basically, I’ve been looking in areas where I have relatives so I’d have a support system.

What’s surprised you about being unemployed? I was not prepared for the time length. I went through the (1981-82) recession and I was only off work for three months. And I’m in a different age category now, and that’s throwing me for a loop.

What advice do you have for your fellow unemployed? You’ve got to think ‘there’s something out there for me,’ and find other things to do. I was so obsessed — I’d get up and focus on the computer, and when I’d get an interview here and there, I’d be so up. Then they’d tell me I’m not the right person. But you’ve got to think there’s something out there and keep a good attitude. Every company you go to, you’ve got to prove yourself. It won’t make a difference if it’s in a different field, because learning is exciting. Learning makes you healthy.

Reach staff writer Sean F. Driscoll at 815-987-1346 or sdriscoll@rrstar.com.

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