Rapid job loss
hits home at UNM

UNM students struggle to find work, while others seek governmental help.

Recession. The word has been echoing on the television and radio programs, as well as everyday conversations around Albuquerque. Although, some people may try to ignore it, the economic slump has hit closer than imaginable.

The impact is particularly hard on UNM students affected by recent and rapid job loss, while others are looking at their job security and positions in a different light.

“I lost my job via text message from my former boss,” said Mallorie Hazelwood, junior at UNM studying respiratory therapy. She was a server at The Whisque on the west side of Albuquerque and her job made ends meet.

“I was shocked, not to mention broke and I was not given a notice or explanation,” Hazelwood said.

But she is not the only one that was told with a short and alarming notice.

“I was partying in Las Vegas with some other co-workers from Carrabba’s celebrating the new year when I got a text from my co-workers telling me I no longer had a job when I got home,” said Nate Pederson, senior at UNM finishing his final year in financial management.

Photo by: Tiffany Alberty

The empty parking lot of Carrabba's Italian Grill is a reminder that even national companies are struggling with the economy.

Now, Carrabba’s Italian Grill is just an empty building that sits adjacent to Outback off Jefferson and McCloud streets.

“I was let-go from my position at the Department for Workforce Solutions in November,” said Trina Leo, a business senior at UNM graduating in May.

She smiled and shook her head. “Life is funny. I was supposed to get my internship extended to a full-time position, but they said there was no room. And now, I have no job," Leo said.

New Mexico isn't suffering as bad as you'd think

Ironically, New Mexico was not hit too hard in unemployment, according to NM Department for Workforce Solutions. The unemployment rate was 4.9 percent in December 2008; 1.7 percent increase from 2007. But the national unemployment rate is 7.2 percent.

“Red Bull had anticipated events to come from looking at former budgets, so we were well-prepared,” said Jeff Robb, field-marketing manager for the New Mexico Red Bull company.

Photo by: Tiffany Alberty

Another day in paradise for Gailard, while she plays around in the Red Bull mini cooper.

Red Bull is a popular company seen all over the city of Albuquerque, sporting the small Red Bull mini cooper. The company disperses energy drinks to workers in all industries and supplying UNM students with jobs.

“I’ve been with Red Bull for four years and never thought my job was in jeopardy,” said Jordana Gailard, a UNM senior double majoring in public relations and psychology.

One of the only Italian corporate-chained restaurants, Olive Garden has three locations in Albuquerque and has not been scorned by the economic crisis.

“Weekends are always busy, but I have definitely seen a decline in the size of tips since I’ve been with Olive Garden for about a year,” said Casey Kohler, UNM non-degree graduate student. “Thank God, I have job security with Olive Garden; I don’t think I’ll be put out on the street like the servers from Bennigan’s.”

Work versus education

But some UNM students have not been so lucky and have put their education on the back burner to look for another job, while other students seek governmental help.

“I spent a lot of time just trying to find another job,” Hazelwood said. It took me over two weeks to find employment and my school work was heavily affected by it.”

On the other hand, Pederson’s experience has been a positive situation.

“The big difference is I actually have more time now to focus on school, because I am receiving unemployment benefits,” he said.

Pederson receives roughly $225 a week from the state of New Mexico as long as he is in school for more than three days a week.

“Unemployment benefits can last for six months,” Pederson said. “But you can file for an extension, which I'll probably end up doing.”

What about the stability of New Mexico’s unemployment funds?

According to the Department of Workforce Solutions, New Mexico has a comfortable unemployment trust fund. By the end of 2008, the state funds has nearly $492 million as the Boston Business Weekly reported.

Since she is still unemployed, Leo has decided to borrow money from her parents until she gets back on her feet, whenever that may be.

“It makes me feel like a kid to ask for money. I mean I’m 23, and I feel like I owe them so much already since they pay for my education,” Leo said.

Hazelwood is pretty stunned that Carrabba’s shut down too. She spent three years there, prior to working at The Whisque.

“Having my two former employers close business was an eerie feeling,” Hazelwood said. “I guess I felt invulnerable to the effects of the economic crisis and this was a wakeup call.”

Written March 12, 2009

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