Numbers of long-term unemployed rising in Yakima County

YAKIMA, Wash. — Bev Skotland never had to apply for a job or create a resume. So when she was unexpectedly lost her job a year ago in June, the Selah resident was ill-prepared for what came next.

"I was in shock," said 55-year-old Skotland, who worked with computer systems geared to the medical industry. "I had a daughter in college and (her) wedding to plan. I didn't know how I would tell my family."

Skotland thought her life had reached a new low that day. But as the months passed without finding a job, she realized that three decades of experience wasn't enough.

"I had no idea it would be this hard," said Skotland, who, after more than a year, has found part-time work for a business specializing in clinical trial research. "With my experience, I thought it would be a piece of cake. Not so, anymore."

Skotland wasn't alone in her long-term unemployment experience. While the state is slowly rebounding from the recession, Yakima County is still facing hard times.

The number of long-term unemployed -- defined by the state as more than a half year -- has grown in Yakima over the past two years while dropping statewide.

Unemployment hovers above 10 percent in the county. Manufacturing jobs have shrunk, while many of the area's other jobs may not be enough for some people.

Take 39-year-old Gene John of Union Gap, who says he can't find full-time employment with steady hours.

Like others, he wonders which is worse -- accepting a minimum-wage job or collecting more on unemployment.

"I have a family. I need a stable schedule," said John, who most recently worked in large grocery and merchandise store." Retail is for teenagers without car payments, mortgages and children. . . . Why work 32 hours a week for $9 an hour?"

Unemployment benefits are based on previous earnings and range from $138 to $583 per week.

Don Meseck, regional economist for the state Employment Security Department, blames the difficulties of finding work on the loss of non-farm jobs.

"A weak economy has caused potential job seekers to drop out of the labor force, thus becoming 'discouraged workers,'" Meseck said.

The result is long-term unemployment.

Statewide, 5 percent fewer people were collecting extended unemployment benefits late last month, compared to the same time two years ago.

But in Yakima County, those numbers grew by 1,105 people, or 330 percent.

John is one "discouraged worker" who plans to give up his job search to return to school in January.

John has toiled as a mill worker. He's conducted audits at a hotel and he worked for a call center. He most enjoyed owning a card games and magic shop in Yakima, but he was forced to close after several years when he couldn't make ends meet.

That was in 2008. After that he took a retail job advancing from a night stock person to an assistant manager. But after his mother died in a fire last year, John said his job performance declined. For that, and other reasons, he was let go in January.

"I thought, with my skill set, I could find something else," said John, a married father with two teenage sons and an adopted daughter. "But I found everyone wants part-time help willing to work for minimum wage. ... After six months, I got fed up with it, so I applied at Perry" Technical Institute.

With the help of financial aid, he plans to study information technology communications, which has an 84 percent placement rate. Graduates of the two-year program can work as data network technicians, alarm technicians and computer support specialists.

Perry Tech doesn't track whether students are working. Neither does Yakima Valley Community College. But both say the economy is a factor for why many are attending. Last fall, enrollment grew by about 9 percent at Perry Tech and Heritage University in Toppenish.

Enrollment grew by about 2 percent at Central Washington University and 5 percent at YVCC, but those were not the largest increases in recent years.

Since losing his retail job, John said he's made ends meet by sticking to the basics. There were no camping trips this summer, he stopped eating out and he started using food banks.

By going back to school, John said he hopes he can eventually make a fresh start in a new city.

"It just seems like the job market in Yakima is for single people with no families," he said.

Skotland, too, has been unable to find a full-time job. She has more than three decades of experience in health care -- starting as a pediatric aide and ending up working with computer systems geared to the medical industry.

Skotland learned her skills on the job and was promoted after proving herself. So after being fired for being unproductive -- which she blames on medical problems and an unaccommodating boss -- she found herself in job market that emphasizes formal education over experience.

"I had a really hard time with it," said Skotland, who is married with four adult children -- three of whom live at home. "I gained so much weight. I was in pain. My self-esteem was shot."

At first, Skotland focused on regaining her health, even waiting several months before filing for unemployment benefits. Her husband, a professional fly-fishing guide, became the sole bread winner of the family, and she cut back on luxuries like dining out and shopping.

She also took a variety of free classes on how to write a resume and prepare for interviews offered by WorkSource Yakima, a division of the state's Employment Security Department.

"I never had to interview for a job, ever, in my life," she said. "They teach you how to interview, how to dress, how to answer questions. There are amazing people out there to help you."

Erika Sanchez is one person who came to Skotland's aid. As a WorkSource specialist, she said her job is to help people network and learn about resources.

Most people she meets are willing to take almost anything, while others are used to a family-wage job and refuse to take large pay cuts, she said.

Typically, she said the unemployed face similar problems. Some are overqualified or underqualified for the jobs they want. They lack degrees, they have outdated skills or they are trained in an industry that is no longer in demand, such as construction or mill work.

"Our market has drastically changed, and they have to make adjustments," she said. "It's hard for people."

When people are repeatedly rejected for jobs and see nothing matching their skills or income requirements, Sanchez said their self esteem erodes. She tries to help them hone their resumes, their public speaking skills -- and their expectations. She also talks with them about unconventional search strategies, such as attending job fairs and volunteering for perspective employers.

"I tell them to network with every single person around them," she said. "When they leave my class, at least they know what resources they need to access."

These lessons were invaluable for Skotland, who started working 20 hours a week at a new job late this summer. For the first time in a long time, she said she has hope for the future.

"It's just exciting to be back out there in the medical field," she said, adding that she hopes to be hired on full time. "I feel, now, finally, that my glass is half full instead of half empty. I will never make what I made at the other facility, but I'm happier."

* Erin Snelgrove can be reached at 509-577-7684 or esnelgrove@yakimaherald.com.