Thirty sixth week-Taking those first steps out of the "well" of despair.

Yes I admit I was in that well of despair this past week. It's a place all of us go when weeks and months go by and you received only minimal responses to your queries even though you've done everything the experts have told you to do. Remember what I said last week about going about the job search all wrong? I know now what I've been doing that has deterred me from reaching my goal of gaining stable employment. First thing is you need to forget what the experts tell you. Most haven't got a clue about the current job market situation. That  is because they're not in it. You are. They may tell you that they understand. They don't. Once I got past this, I was able to see a little clearer.

Right now is a good time to reflect on what works for you. Is it networking? Everyone seems to tout this as the answer. No one seems to get the fact that it is extremely difficult to do when you haven't got a "hook" to put in front of the person. They all tell you to work on an elevator speech, yet don't give you any ideas of how to put one together in a way that would make someone actually listen to you. I know the standard elevator speeches....It just seems to me that you're ambushing someone by doing this. So, no it won't work for me. What has worked....no jobs yet....is actually asking questions and thereby gaining information.

I do find that there are some opportunities out there for me. I am taking the first tentative steps on my way to stable employment and out of the "well" of unemployment. It might be that I will be self employed which would be very interesting to say the least.

Thirty fifth week-The road not taken or not giving to the crisis

A very interesting development happened to me this week. While interviewing for the job that I said I would take I had an epiphany that led me to think that I've been going through this job search all wrong. As everyone who has ever been unemployed as long as I have knows, there comes a point in time when you get to the end of your reserves. It's at that point when you no longer struggle and finally accept the state you're in that you realize that somehow you left God out of the picture. Once you realize this and are open to other possibilities, then you start to feel a sense of peace that you haven't felt in years. Because of that epiphany I decided not to give in to the desperation that led me to want to take that job in the first place. Instead I decided to use the talents and abilities that I've been given over the past nine years to forge out on my own.

Yes, I realize that it's really scary move and not at all stable. Yet I also know that my safety net along with thousands, maybe millions of others will be gone January 1st. I have to follow God's lead in this, even while I ache for myself and those around me that will be affected by the loss of government unemployment assistance. Unless something changes in Washington and they are reinstated, then I have to start bracing for the impact of this. I refuse to give in though to the crisis. I'm going to keep believing that God will provide for me and for the people around me. I know God is working through me. I do praise him as I see new opportunities to serve him while serving others.

So for all of those like me who have struggled and are still struggling, there is hope. God will grant you peace and prosperity in the coming year if you just yield to his guidance. Merry Christmas!

Thirty fourth week-Crisis passed, now making the first steps out

This week the crisis passed and I now have prospects of a new job in the horizon. No, it's not one I really want but it will help in the short term to ease financial burdens. Yes, I have to say if I'm offered it which is at this point very likely I will be, I'll take it for the reason that I'll at least have a job.I know what everyone says. I do believe that you should follow your passion, but you have to take those first steps out of your comfort zone. This means that you have to accept a job that you may hate in order to get the financial support to do what you love. I think that the first thing to do now is to get out of the mindset that tells you that you're settling for something that it beneath your abilities. Instead your mindset should be how can you help the other person out. Once you get past the mindset that the world tries to project, you can move forward. In other words, try to think about the other person's needs and how you can fill them. When you're in crisis mode, it's difficult to see beyond your own needs. I know I've been there and am still going through it.

Your priority at this stage of unemployment is to bite the bullet and take the job if it's offered to you. No more excuses can be tolerated. I do know that we all tend to make up excuses for not taking jobs and then sabotage ourselves at interviews. I've done it admittedly from time to time. You can no longer take that luxury, and you shouldn't have done it before. Your attitude should be that you are willing and eager to do whatever it takes to get the position and do the work.

Thirty third week-In Crisis Mode

Yes, this week I was in crisis mode as I scrambled to adjust to the new normal and focus enough to make some critical decisions. As all of us should now be aware, federal unemployment benefits will expire the end of this month. This affects all of us who are now struggling to find work. Right now is the time that we all need to start thinking about what we have to do in order to survive in the coming year.

1) Contact all friends and family now....and let them know that you are in crisis mode. This means that there will be no money coming in and no money to spent for Christmas. Hopefully they will all understand and be willing to help if they can.

2) Continue and press even harder to pester (if you have to) local employers to hire you. It's going to get ugly out there...sigh.

3) Pray hard for Congress and Senators to pass legislation to re-instate emergency funds or find some way for the millions who are now unemployed to get jobs by the end of the year.

4)Time to set aside squeamish feelings about reaching out. You need a job now!

Yes, I know that employers will balk at this, but sometimes you have to scream in order to be heard above the crowd. So you have my permission to scream,

Thirty second week-Barely hanging on

A very rough week for me...this week after Thanksgiving. I had a family crisis last Wednesday night and am still recovering mentally from it. I still haven't found any stable employment. I've gotten to the point we all reach when we've been unemployed for a long time. I know you have been there and know what it feels like to be struggling so hard and not receive any results from it. I am right now barely hanging on. If not for the support I've received from family and friends, I may have quit looking all together even though I know that it's a requirement for my state in order to receive unemployment.

Admitting this is my first step back, I believe, towards gainful employment. I know that I can't do this under my own power. I need the Lord's help and guidance. My prayer is that the Lord will open the doors to the right employer for me, that he will guide me towards the right path and continue to provide for my needs. I do admittedly feel like quitting until an ugly vision of my future stares me in the face. Sometimes I believe that God allows stuff to happen to shake us up out of our complacency. We do tend to take too much for granted until we don't have it any longer.

So I thank God for fulfilling all my needs and for giving me hope for the future.

Thirty first week-Counting my blessings

This week in honor of Thanksgiving and to give myself a break, I decided to start listing what I'm thankful for...I did that a little last week, but this week I'll expand it.

1) Enough food to feed me and my family. With all the drought and recent crop failures, this is no longer a "given" for many. Praise God for his provision and the bounty he provided for us.

2)Adequate shelter....With everything going up in price...this too is no longer a "given" as many are being left homeless due to rising taxes and limited resources. Yes, this is a prayer for all of us that are now struggling to keep a roof over their heads.

3)Internet access....Having the ability to work at home is definitely a blessing. Too many have to rely on library access and run the risk of exposing their personal information to the world...not that it doesn't happen when you're working from home, but it's more likely when you're working on a public computer.

4)Family and friends....Yes, I have drawn support from them, as they have from me. Many struggle without that support and fall through the cracks of society. Praise God for everyone of them! They keep me sane and encouraged to keep pressing on.

5) Support groups-both on-line and in person....I have utilized both in my ongoing search for that elusive employer. Their advice has kept me focused even when I felt ready to give up.

6) Opportunities to serve....I've kept my eyes open for these opportunities but haven't found any. Yet every day I gain knowledge to do what I can when those opportunities open up. I am thankful that there are opportunities out there even now, and that I may find one soon.

7) Libraries and other resources....The library has become my refuge and my resource for all sorts of information. I'm learning a lot, and admittedly will miss the time I spent there when I'm happily employed again.

8) Health....Yes I can be thankful that I'm relatively healthy. Unfortunately with this new healthcare law, it's going to make it extremely difficult to get the care I may need without going broke and/or compromising my personal identity.

9) Access to transportation....I am thankful for public transportation, but am annoyed by certain temporary agencies that discriminate in regards to taking employees because that's how they get to work. They are not environmentally geared, and neither are any companies that do the same thing. Enough said.

10) Revenue streams....I am thankful for unemployment compensation and for other revenue streams that help support me and my family as I press on to find stable employment.

Finally, and most important of all....I am thankful for life and I thank God for all his blessings. For without him, I am nothing.

Thirtieth week-Frustrated and Angry

Yes, I know what you are all saying right now. Why isn't she working? I'm saying the same thing myself. I wish I was. I am frustrated and angry at myself. Yes, I know that I shouldn't be. The job market is very tough right now and is going to get even tougher once the new laws come into effect and we reach the fiscal cliff in January. I am feeling depressed which is not helping with my job search at all. I know quite a few of you can sympathize with me here. It's not easy.

Frankly right now I am feeling burnt out and ready to quit. I know that there are some out there that have been at this stage of the job search where it seems as if nothing is working. I have to believe even now that there is a stable job waiting for me. I am so tired of waiting for it, and know that my situation is worsening by the day. There is one ray of hope I have to cling to and that is that God knows my situation and has continued to hold me up.

Lord, I do thank you for the many avenues of support I have in the church. I thank you for good friends and family, for food, shelter, electricity, the access I have to the Internet and the knowledge you give me daily. I pray for those who like me are struggling with frustration and anger over the job market and the current economy. I also pray for our fractured nation that your Will will be done. Strengthen your servants, Lord and help us find sustainable work quickly that will support us and our families for the days to come. Amen.

Friends, my best advice for you and the one I need to take to heart myself is: Keep pressing on.

Twenty ninth week-All is Ashes

I'm reminded this week of the tough road I have ahead of me. A road that has been made even tougher today in light of the election yesterday. I've been batting around the libertarian ideas of freedom and respect for other people. I like those ideas. I know that here and now my freedoms are being severely limited due to the fact that:

1) I'm still too choosy about who I share personal information with and why. Every time I apply for a job on-line I sometimes feel like I'm being electronically raped. It's not a good feeling and one that will get worse in another year or two with the implementation of the Individual Mandate part of the new healthcare law.

2) I'm battling an uphill battle with people that are more qualified and more willing to work for peanuts just to have a job. I'm getting close to that point in my search but I'm not there yet.

3) I can't choose where my information goes after I apply and have the feeling people are judging me about the now huge gap in my job experience.

I miss the days when I could step into a place of business and apply via paper. I'm sure that there are still some places out there that still do that, but they are very hard to find. I am very discouraged now and the feeling that all is ashes surrounds me. I know quite a few of you are having the same experience. How do you pick yourself up? One good thing to remember is that there is a job out there for you. The key is to keep pressing to find it and open yourself up to new opportunities. I'm still learning to do that myself.

Twenty eighth week-Overwhelmed

Natural disasters, like Hurricane Sandy, have a way of overwhelming your resources if you're not careful. I've been reminded this week how really blessed I am. There are too many out there now that have been adversely affected by this and many that have lost everything. It kind of puts things in perspective for me when I realize what I could have lost. My job search has been slightly derailed by this as I lost power for a period of time. Fortunately I am now back up and working steadily.

Here's a lesson for today....I learned to be very sensitive to other people's needs. Make sure you're available to meet those needs if you can. Yes, I'm still struggling, but by tuning my energies into finding out what I can do to fill someone else's need instead of focusing on what I need....maybe I can eventually find the right position for me. I've realized through this period of unemployment that the more you listen to others and focus on the positive aspects, the better you feel about yourself.

It is a bit overwhelming when you let yourself listen to all the negative voices that tell you that there are no jobs out there for you. There are things you can do....I tell myself this daily. Staying positive even when it looks like you have nowhere to turn makes a difference. Yes, I know it's hard....especially at this stage of the "game" when it feels like you're pushing against stone. Sometimes you just have to do what you can. Pray continuously for the right position where you are needed. That's key for me. If I don't feel like I'm needed, my work definitely suffers as a result. I believe that is what most of us in this situation feel too. We want to feel needed and be able to contribute to the community we live in. We don't want to be a burden to our government, but we are now because we need its support. 

Twenty seventh week-A light dawns

I had a good week this week. I did take the initiative and looked up some retail establishments. No real bites but I do feel that I've accomplished something this week. I also had one promising interview for a part time position with a non-profit organization. A light has dawned for me. I hope I do get that position, but if I don't then I promised myself that I would volunteer there. It sounds like they really need help, and it would definitely make me feel good to provide it.

So, my suggestion to everyone who can is to volunteer somewhere. If you have something to show for your downtime, it does make a good impression on your potential employer. If you have something you like to do and you're making a difference in someone's life, it's even better. I know for me, it has been a rough road to employment. I've had to expose myself electronically numerous times, and I know I will have to continue to do so.

I can be thankful for many things. A working computer with Internet access...too many take this for granted when it's not really a "given" for many people who are struggling to find jobs and exposing themselves even more than I am. Family and friends that are supporting me....I've talked to many people that don't have that support and are struggling alone. My God and Lord of my life...Jesus Christ, who supports and sustains me through life. I've learned so much in these past months of unemployment and have worked through the issues that still plague me at times with the help of the support group I attend regularly.

I think that is the key....having that support....and not going it alone.

Twenty sixth week-Decision week

This week is what I'm calling my decision week. Some states cut off the initial unemployment compensation this week, so now the "rubber meets the road" as far as choices are concerned. You must, by this week, have made the decision either to ask for an extension or take anything that comes along that will bring in some money. My choice, as I probably mentioned in other blogs, is to take anything that comes along. You may ask how I'm doing, and I can honestly say that I'm still really struggling with this.

Yet I do know that many have taken this route before, so I can be encouraged by that. I can also be encouraged that this path will soon lead me to the position I need. Meanwhile I'm learning a lot. I know there are too many that are struggling now, just as I am. I can be encouraged that our struggles will reap a good harvest, if we keep the faith.

I mentioned in another blog that a good many employers now request that you apply on-line. I did get a good suggestion, however, to make you stand out...that is to visit the company website, get the corporate information, than go on Linkedin and look them up. It can't hurt to know this and may even get you noticed. I know many people I've talked to recently have raised concerns about privacy and security issues. This is my concern as well, but if you are very careful you may avoid being exposed. I know that I try to be, and I believe companies respect that. Securing your private information is critical in today's marketplace because it shows that you are able to protect the companies' private information too. I get a bit concerned when I notice on some sites that the https:/// and lock is not on when you input private information. For the long term unemployed, it is critical that their personal information be secure.So I don't put any personal information on any website (url) that doesn't have the https:// and lock on it. I know that it's not completely secure either, which also bothers me. So decision time comes again. Do I take the risk of exposing myself or not?

Twenty fifth week-Counting my blessings and wading through the "jungle"

This week I've been researching writing and administrative opportunities. One thing that I have noticed, and I mentioned it in an earlier blog post, is that fact that there is still so much competition in the job market. There are a lot of things I can be thankful during this time of trial and tribulation. I am blessed to have family and friends who support what I'm doing even though some don't understand why I'm not employed by now. Frankly I can agree with them. I wish I was. I am blessed that I have this access to the Internet, even though my fears of overexposure sometimes overwhelm me. I am blessed to have food, shelter, electricity and water...some things that many of us take for granted...but I know some that are even now without these necessities. I am blessed with relatively good health, but like most of the people I've talked to, are praying that continues for the duration. I am blessed when I realize that this trial is only temporary and that God provides all my needs.

Right now I am wading through the "jungle" of all the negative press, and seeing light at the end of my tunnel. I learned a lot, actually my head is swimming with all the information that has been thrown at me. Sometimes I just like to say "stop" so I can process it all. Yet I do count my blessings for all the information I've received and am receiving. I do have hope now that I will be gainfully employed soon. I have to believe that there is a job out there somewhere that I am uniquely qualified to do, and will satisfy my monetary needs. Until then, I'll keep pressing on and counting my blessings.

Twenty fourth week-A new phase

This week I started a new phase in my job search. It was one that has been recommended to me by the various articles and advice that I've been receiving during this time. As you all know, being unemployed for this long does cause some employers to look at you as unemployable. It's not a fair assumption to make, but it does happen even if you are young and eager to work. All of us, I don't care if you are young or old, have barriers that bar us from putting our best foot forward. There are various reasons for this: One of the biggest for me was the loss of identity through no fault of my own. I've had to get over that fear and press on.

I still remember what my college professors told me about standing out in a crowd. Sometimes you get burned for saying things that "they" feel you shouldn't say. I have to admit that fear still tries to overwhelm me at times, but I have to nip it in the bud. Yes, I am very careful about what I say and write. I know all too well the consequences of not being careful, yet I can't help but think that sometimes you do have to speak up for those that can't speak up for themselves.

So this new phase of my job search includes having the courage to speak up when I need to and not to worry about what may or may not happen. It also includes pressing on with the research that I've been doing to fill in the days that would otherwise be idle. I will from this point on make myself more available and willing to do what I need to do to gain employment. Not that I haven't been available and willing before now, but I admittedly have been discouraged by all the negativity in the media about the probability of my finding work in this economy. I will stop focusing on the negative, and start focusing on the positive...and maybe even gain some new skills along the way.

Twenty third week-Danger of overexposing yourself to the world

This past week I was reminded of the dangers of overexposing yourself to the world. Being on the Internet as I am to look for work sometimes has its pitfalls and hidden dangers. You always have to be wary of what you write and communicate to others. This is a good lesson to learn. Most career experts will tell you that the first thing you should do to make sure that your name is not associated with any black marks is to Google yourself on the Internet. If you find any, then you have to take action to clear them up. Unfortunately the career experts don't tell you how you can clear your name easily. It takes time and effort on your part.

One of the concerns that have been raised at various workshops I've attended is the fear of being overexposed due to the fact that whenever you apply for jobs on-line you are giving the potential employer personal information on what could be a publicly accessible site. I understand these concerns for they are mine as well. One way to avoid personal information being leaked, even though its not foolproof, is to look for the lock and https sign on the url. Most companies that require personal information should have this secure information url. If they don't, and they require personal information....avoid them like the plague.

I know for some of you that its extremely difficult to expose yourself in any way on the Internet. I am learning, however, that in some cases you must get over that fear and press on. The Internet and the many facets of social media can help you succeed if you use them right. Unfortunately some haven't and have paid the price for it. The best advice that I've been given is to be vigilant and wary of those job offers that seem to offer you the moon for little time and effort. For if you are smart, you won't overexpose yourself and be able to offer your potential employer evidence that you are savvy enough to avoid Internet traps that could expose their company's information. 

Twenty second week-Time to reinvent myself

You would think by now that I would have figured this whole thing out. You know the thing that all employers want for their prospective employees...You know....the perfect candidate...the one who will look good and make your company look good too. I have news for them...there is no perfect candidate!

Wow...what a freeing thought that is! So now I can stop struggling to fit in, and start being myself. I know who I am. I know what I want, but unfortunately I can't seem to get past the obstacles that are blocking me. I'm thinking to myself that I really need to stop focusing on those obstacles. We all have them. They become more apparent when you're struggling to find some meaning to your life and when it feels as if everything has been ripped out from beneath you.

I do have a lot of ideas about how to reinvent myself, and they don't include going back to school. I can't afford it, and in my current situation it is very unwise to go back into debt. Yes, some have suggested this as a good way to gain necessary skills. Yet I can't help thinking that you're really throwing away money if you can't get a job once you're finished....as a lot of college graduates are finding out now. No, I've been batting around in my head some ideas about going back to the simple things in life. I don't want to spend my whole life in front of a computer.....They're not friendly and you can't talk back to them....yet they can get you in a whole mess of trouble.

There are some good things about computers...this blog is hopefully helping someone. Facebook and Linkedin are okay...but sometimes I feel a bit leery about them too. I know there are many of you that are feeling the same way....

Twenty first week-In for the long haul

This week was another turning point for me. It was the week I realized that I was in this for the long haul. I still have some choices to make. I can continue "spinning my wheels" trying to find gainful employment or I can start searching for anything that comes along that will make me some money. I know by this time there are many out there that are thinking the same thing. Age doesn't matter. That is the one thing that really gets me upset. I know there are many out there that are saying that once you reach a certain age that you should just quit trying to find gainful employment. I also know that there are many out there that have just gotten out of college or have been really trying for a year or more to find gainful employment as well. For these people, it isn't that they are a certain age. It's really because they have no experience. How do you get that experience when nobody wants to give you a chance to gain it? I don't know. I feel that frustration as well.

Most of us can relate to this feeling very well. I've heard stories of people that have years of experience being let go because the company couldn't afford to keep them on, only to try to bring them back later on. What some companies don't realize is that they have a "treasure trove" of resources that their computers are automatically deleting because the candidates don't use the right "keywords" on their applications. How can you compete with a soul less computer? You can't.

I'd love to find a company that actually looks at the cover letters and resumes they receive, instead of regulating them to an electronic "black hole."  I know I can't compete with a computer or with the literally hundred thousand resumes that clog the internet. I do what I am required to do. I know that my resume is in that electronic "black hole" now at least twenty or more companies. That is why I know that I'm in it for the long haul.

Twentieth week-Where do we go from here?

Okay, this is the week you stop beating yourself up because you haven't got a job. Some say by this week you are now considered one of the unemployable due to the fact that you have been out of work for so long. I say that it's not true. If you start believing that lie then you might as well quit looking. Some have by this time. Others haven't, telling themselves that twenty weeks is not a long period of time. It really isn't. Once you start telling yourself that you will never get employment or that no one wants your particular skills then the game is over.

What is the alternative? You are probably asking yourself this question right now. Do you settle for any job that happens to come along no matter how hideous it is? Do you tell yourself that no matter what happens you will persevere? Do you change direction, hoping that something will come your way? All of these questions have been rattling around in my brain. I know what I'm good at and what I'm not good at doing, but at this time can't seem to make the connection with a decent job.

So where do we go from here? I know I must persevere no matter how hard it gets, but I also know that God will hold me up and see me through whatever happens. I won't settle for a job that I know I can't do because it wouldn't be fair to my future employer or to me. Yes, I may have to change directions a couple of times. I have already done this once.

The hard part for me will be to reach out and connect with others, letting them know what I can do for them. All of the career advice columnists push this simple concept, but don't realize how hard it actually is to put yourself out there like that.

Nineteenth Week-How to Reinvent Yourself

This week my main focus has been how to reinvent myself. I've gotten really discouraged by the results I've received so far from my job search. I had a difficult time the last time I was unemployed too, but this time it is worse. The last time I at least had some face-to-face interviews. This time I've had none at all. Yes, I know what you are thinking...why? I thought about this a lot too. I guess that's why I have thought long and hard about how to reinvent myself. Am I willing and able to take a contract job? Scary thought to put yourself out there for the vermin to pick on and tear apart. I know being an independent contractor means a lot of hard work, instability and competition. It also means that you would have more control over when and where you work.

There are some avenues I can pursue to get the job I need. Am I willing to go down those avenues? The authorities tell you that you must research before taking the plunge. That is a smart move. Then you need to connect with those people that are doing the job(s) that you want to pursue and ask for advice. This is where I'm at now. By networking with these people I will gain a better understanding of what I need to pursue the avenues laid out in front of me.

Eighteenth Week-Too old to work?

When you get to a certain age, so some say, society decides that you should stop working. That's funny. I would have suspected that when you reach a certain age that people would be begging you to continue or at least utilize the knowledge you have. During this past week and in the previous weeks I met some fascinating seniors that were suddenly let go without a safety net to fall back on. It scares me because I could be in that same situation the way things are going. I don't want to think about it, yet I know I must. This is another huge barrier to work, one that few are addressing now. Yet I know that there are literally thousands trapped in poverty, too old to work (some say) and unable to break in the job market because of this.

A good number of these older citizens have unique experiences that could be utilized, but are being wasted. I mourn for that waste, because it creates a burden on us all to not have those experienced workers still eager and willing to share those experiences. Yes, I do know that there are a chosen few that have broken that barrier and have enriched the lives of those around them. I also know that there are scads of young people willing to work and have the required skill sets. Yet I can't help thinking of how good it would be if businesses would pair the old experienced worker with the young worker....just as it used to be before seemingly all the jobs were either eliminated due to technology or given to foreigners in a foreign land. Not that I'm knocking the global economy....but there is definitely a loss when you decide to go a different route with your business due to monetary cost.

So why aren't businesses and corporations doing this? Why are they complaining that there are no workers when the "field is white with harvest?" How can we put this "disconnection" between willing workers, both young and old and businesses and corporations behind us? I do know the first thing to do is to rehire the experienced workers back, reinstate pensions and have them train young workers. I believe that the problem lies in the sad and true fact that nowadays workers are expected to know too much and do too much. A better solution would be to hire more workers, and stop the practice of hiring qualified workers overseas until (if it happens)everyone here has suitable employment. Do I believe it will happen? I'd like to think so, but knowing human nature I have to suspect that it won't.

Seventeenth Week-Looking for Answers

Where has the time gone? Some days it just doesn't seem that long. Other days it seems like I've been in this state forever. When you're feeling like this, the best thing you can do for yourself is to step back and reevaluate where you're going with the job search. It does get very confusing when everyone has their opinion of what you should or shouldn't be doing. Then there are the doomsayers that tell you to give up. You can't listen to them. You have to pick yourself up and move on.

There are people out there that are willing to help. The first thing you must do is reach out to them. Let them know that you are struggling with this and allow them to help you. I learned in this past week that there are services out there for the unemployed. Some are good. Others are not so good. Some you have to work for to get, and others you need to meet a certain criteria to get. I have been looking for answers to questions that have bothered me about how the disenfranchised (those that have no access to computers) find work. The best answer I found is that the person has to go door to door and actually meet the owner. It makes sense. Yet I can't help wondering about how to approach someone like that without seeming pushy and/or desperate. I don't know the answer to that one. Some would say that you need to focus on some sort of "elevator speech" that tells the person who you are and what services you can provide them. It sounds like a good idea in practice, and there are some that have gotten jobs that way, but here's the rub: What if the person refuses to even speak to you? I don't know about you, but I still feel a bit uncomfortable speaking to a complete stranger unless it is about something I'm passionate about like writing.

I believe that this is the key. Finding something that you're passionate about and then doing it. Unfortunately in my case, my career so far isn't paying the bills. I need something else that will.

Sixteenth Week-Trying to find work in a Global economy

I learned a lot this week about what it means to be in a global economy. It first means that you are not just competing with people in your own country for work. You are actually competing with people all over the world for the same positions. Not only that...you are struggling against being left in the dust by those who swore to help you but can't even help themselves. It is funny when you stop and think about it. You are, for better or worse, judged by some unseen person that you don't know from Adam to do work that you can't possibly achieve and do it better than the thousands of others who are clamoring behind you for the chance to take your position away from you.

When you are unemployed, this pressure to conform and achieve is stronger because now you're one of the many thousands clamoring behind the few that are fighting tooth and nail to hold onto their jobs. I know I'm not painting a rosy picture. There is no room for dreams in a world where the few hold sway over the masses of ragged and hurting people. Yes, I do believe that there are some dangerous precedents that most tend to ignore to our country's detriment in the way most companies in the US conduct business. Because we are now a global economy, we must now fight for workers' rights not only in our country but around the world. Only then we will see some break in the high unemployment numbers we're seeing both here in the US and around the world.

I know for my own sanity that I have to start thinking of how I can serve globally, and not locally. As much as I hate to say it, most of the good paying jobs are going overseas. Companies claim that the people they bring from Asia are smarter and more willing to work. I disagree. I believe that there are literally thousands of people just as smart and are just as willing to work. How to prove this is another challenge.

Fifteenth week-Trying to find answers

I am reminded that anything that is worth having takes time and effort. Nowadays it seems as if everything and everyone is going way too fast. Sometimes this is a good thing, while other times it isn't so good. You definitely lose perspective when everyone around you pushes you in different directions. I am trying to find answers to the questions that are bubbling out of me. Questions like how did it get so bad? Why are companies and businesses complaining that there are no good people to hire? Is it because the education system has failed us or are there other factors at work here?

I may be a Luddite here when I say that it shouldn't be this hard to find work. Yet unfortunately it is. The career counselors and advice columnists seem to say the same thing about finding meaningful work. I know the economy has gone "south" but that's only one factor in the equation. I can't help thinking about how it used to be not too long ago. Back before the Internet and maybe even back before the personal computer, businesses remained loyal to both their customers and their employees. This showed in the fact that there were literally thousands of jobs available for those willing and able to work. This isn't the case today, nor was it the case during the Great Depression of the 1930s. I do believe that we are going through something similar to the Great Depression now for the simple reason that more people are unemployed or underemployed now than anytime since the Great Depression.

Yes, I know what you are thinking. How did I come to this conclusion when everyone has access to technology. This is actually not true, but this myth has been perpetuated until most of the government believes it to be true. Yes, I also know that technology makes things easier. Unfortunately technology also replaces a lot of good hard working people doing quality work. This combined with the fact that most of the non-complex jobs have already gone overseas to people willing to do the work for less money. These people work under horrible conditions which corporations don't want to acknowledge. It makes my stomach twist just thinking about it. To answer those companies and businesses that are complaining about not enough experienced workers, I say train the people that are here in the US and stop hiring overseas.

There are other factors at work that can't be seen but are relevant nevertheless. Some I discussed in an earlier blog and others that I'm just beginning to see. One of these factors is the solidity of the industry that you are planning to join. Being in the situation thousands of others are in tempers my anxiety over my current crisis. It does help to have support.

Fourteenth week-Only young pretty well educated people need apply

Fourteen weeks-It doesn't seem that long. Yet by now I should have had a job. At least that's what I keep telling myself. I suspect there is a good reason for it. Right now the only reason I can come up with is that I'm too old. Yes, I know there are laws about ageism on the books and that an employer is not supposed to discriminate against those that have been in the workforce for a long time. Yet I can't help thinking that it happens all the time, especially now when it seems that everybody and their brother is going after the same jobs. The fact is that it's very difficult when you reach a certain age to find meaningful work that pays well. It doesn't help when all the so-called experts tell you that you might as well quit while you're ahead or pretend that you are years younger.

As I said in earlier blogs, I'm not quitting. Yet I don't want to masquerade as someone I'm not in order to compete in the job market. I want to utilize the skills I do have, but finding it extremely difficult if not impossible to get the word out that I'm earnestly seeking employment. This is not the only barrier in my success. I'm not pretty. I don't dress pretty and don't put on airs. I resent the fact that nine out of ten employers supposedly select the "beautiful" people over those that don't look good. It shouldn't matter how a person looks unless he or she is going to be seen by the public. The only exceptions are that they, at the very least, should have clean clothes on and be relevantly neat in appearance. I can't help thinking about those that have gained weight and are now being systematically discriminated because of it. If the person can do the job, he or she should be hired regardless of their size. The only exceptions are for those positions that require a person to be a certain shape...ie. model.

My heart aches for these people. I feel their pain because they are the homeless and destitute. Thankfully I'm not there yet. I do have my education to fall back on, and have been debating with myself as to the viability of going back to school. Yes, it will cost too much money to go right now. Yes, I know there are scholarships available, but do I really want to put myself in debt. No. Yet every job description I read has too many requirements that I can't hope to fill. So, where am I to go? I don't know yet, but my heart aches for the disenfranchised that have no place to go but the streets.

Thirteenth week-At A crossroad

This week is the toughest week for those of us who have been unemployed. If you are the least bit introverted like I am, this week will test you to reach out. I am at a crossroad in my search. I can go on spinning my wheels or I can push forward like I promised myself I would do last week. The sting from last week still hurts, and it's hard to move forward. Yes, I know that feeling all too well. Psychologists tell you that these are negative thoughts that don't belong. So the first thing we all need to do is focus in on the positive, and not the negative. What drives you? What are your passions?

I'm working on a new elevator speech that tells people who I am. I am a writer who has a passion for local history and am currently working on a major project that deals with local history. In my search, I'd like to find out what motivates a business to establish themselves in a particular town. (Yeah, I know...too wordy.) But how do you put together an elevator speech that draws the person in and more important allows them to help you without feeling like you've used them? This is what I'm struggling with now.

I need to make that first step. Yet, like most who are introverted like me, I struggle with this too. If I stop to analyze my reaction, then I'll probably chalk it up to nerves. I know it's more than that. I know that I need a purpose in life, a position where I can make a difference in someone's life and feel good about what I'm doing. That is why I'm at a crossroad.

Twelfth week-Pushing on

I got another "blow" to my self esteem this week. Because I made a stupid error, I've been chastised for it. Unfortunately this doesn't just affect me. It affects my family as well. Due to this error, I'm without any income coming in. It's a very scary situation and one that I wouldn't wish on anyone. I guess that this is a lesson, a very bitter one which will linger for awhile.

I know I must push on, but it's very hard. I am desperate enough to take anything right now. I'm betting that there are quite a number of people in my situation as coffers go empty and the requirements to receive compensation become more and more strict. What's even more frightening, however, is how many people are being disenfranchised due to a number of circumstances. I've had my eyes open lately because of my own situation.

I thank God I still have Internet access at home, but wonder about all those people that are cut off from it. What can they do? There is no paper forms (that I know of) that they can fill out to apply. Everything is on the Internet and woe if you don't know it! I've been thinking of that a lot as I work on finding a job. It definitely is not easy. Too many are in this position because companies move jobs overseas, leaving Americans out of work and struggling to survive.

Will I survive this? I don't know now. I'm betting that most, if not, all of you have experienced this crisis and there are many survivor stories out there. I'd like to hear them. Let me know by posting comments below.

Eleventh week-Desperation week

This is the week where the "rubber meets the road." For some of us, this week signifies that everything you're done before has to be laid aside and a new "slate" must be taken up. For others, this week will signify that you reached the end of your rope as far as searching for employment. Still others this week signifies that it's time for desperate measures...ie: taking any job available as long as it pays money and you can keep a roof over your head. I have to admit that the last two times I've been unemployed I have taken jobs that were available out of desperation. There are probably many that can admit to this as well.

This is the time to execute your plan. What plan will you execute? First, list all the businesses in your area. Plan on cold calling at least one business each week. In the meantime, you need to scour the employment websites and commit yourself to applying for at least two positions. (Yes, I know that it's like throwing a dart in a very large well.) Second, talk to a friend and/or one of your references. You should have at least three. Make a point of keeping them posted either via e-mail(most prefer this) or by calling them.

Tenth week-Waiting week

This week is the waiting week for me. In Pennsylvania, when you apply for unemployment compensation there is one week where you wait for the process to start. Applying for unemployment was a choice I made because I still hadn't found work and was laid off from my last job. In this tenth week, the anxieties of the first week seem to intensify. You wonder about how you will fulfill the state requirements to get and maintain the compensation. You feel a bit guilty for the burden you have laid on those that are depending on you. You know, and you are grateful, that this compensation will only be enough to keep you in your house and food on the table.

Attitude is everything. This is the week you go over your plan, if you have one. If you don't, then you really need one. Employers are going to ask you what you've done with the time you were out. Were you productive? If you say no, then you're really "shooting yourself in the foot." Plan to set up at least one phone meeting per week. Talking to someone else either by phone (which is best) or e-mail does help. Plan to do a job search and apply for at least two jobs per week. You'll have to do this anyway soon enough. Attend one Career support meeting or job fair a month.

Yes, I do know the horror stories about people being out of work for years. I'm choosing not to focus on them, but let them be a motivation for you to press on.

Ninth week-Preparation time

This is the week you prepare for interviews and other social events. Yes, this can be nerve racking as you decide what works for you. No matter what anyone tells you about how you should act, the most important piece of advice anyone can give you is to be yourself. That means only you can know what your strengths and weaknesses are. Don't be afraid to capitalize on them. I know that I have to keep reminding myself of this every day. No amount of preparation will prepare for everything. I know this, but no preparation causes all sorts of problems.

I know the feeling of bitterness that arises when you feel as if you have worked hard and nothing comes of it. At this period of time, that feeling hits hard. You wonder if it's all worth it. Some, not all, have given up. This is not the time to do that. No one ever said that this period of unemployment would be easy. Most are now saying that it's extremely hard. You can't let either side sink you. Remember what all the experts say about attitude. It is important to keep a positive attitude no matter what your present circumstances may be. I tell myself this every day. Some days it's harder to keep than other days.Yet I have to keep telling myself on those days that it is all worth it.

Eighth week-Time to reach out

By the eighth week, you've listened to all the advice everyone has tried to give you. You weighed your options carefully and picked out what you wanted to act on. This week is a week of reassessment and research. Everyone tells you what has worked for them. No one, however, can tell you that it will work for you. I know this, but sometimes it's definitely hard to put into practice.

Last week I shared with you a poem I wrote back in 2002. I do feel that it's even more relevant today as it was then. Evidence is everywhere that more and more big corporations are using overseas talent and/or hiring foreign workers than ever before. I know I can't compete with this. Many people I've talked to have mentioned this as a reason why they are still unemployed. What I can't understand, even as it has been explained to me at least a dozen times, is why.

Maybe I am being old fashioned here, but it makes it even more difficult, if not impossible to find employment if you're not only completing with people in your own country, but with everyone around the world. From my research, I discovered that over half of the corporations presently in the United States hire or would hire overseas for positions rather than train their own countrymen. Something about that is wrong.

Yes, I know we're in a global economy now. There is no denying that any longer, yet it just feels like you are exploiting a person if you expect them to do a job and not get paid for doing it. This makes my stomach turn, especially when someone is struggling to find work to survive.

I have to ask myself how to do I reach out and find a solution. How do we stop these good paying jobs from going overseas? Do we start boycotting products and services from companies that practice what they call outsourcing? It's not possible, because as I mentioned earlier over half of the corporations in the United States outsource to one degree or another. I don't have the solution right now, and can sympathize with the 99% when they shout that this is one of the main reasons why they are protesting right now.

Seventh week-Time of reflection

It doesn't seem that long. You are now in autopilot mode, trying to work on a plan that isn't working. Yet everyone tells you that you have to be someone you're not and put yourself out on display. You balk at this. Yes, I know that desperation is now starting to set in. You want to scream, but hold it in if you can.

I wrote a poem during my last "bout" of unemployment that seems appropriate now.

Here it is:

Unemployment Blues

        

I got the unemployment blues. Feelings of uneasiness and restlessness assail me. I got the unemployment blues. Talk about war and depression overwhelm me. I don't know what to do. I got the unemployment blues. They say its natural and that I'll get over it. I got the unemployment blues. The situation is tense all around me and its not getting better. I got the unemployment blues.

My mind goes around in circles as I run from interview to interview trying each time to find the right fit. Some say its natural to feel this way being pulled in too many directions. Parading before the masses sitting in thousands upon thousands of desks, each laughing smugly at you secure in the knowledge that they have a job, and you don't. Oh, I wish I could stop, but I can't. I need the money. My debt is running high. I got the unemployment blues.

The computer is the way the unemployment office touts while saying in secret that you have to beg companies to hire you for minimum wage. All the jobs are going overseas, and there's nothing you can do. I got the unemployment blues.

I got a big invisible sign around my neck. It marks me as one of the rejected as I struggle to survive. I got the unemployment blues.

I am a good person, but this competition is wearing me out. I feel like I am fighting in quicksand. I know I am not alone in this struggle. Thousands are now on the street thanks to NAFA. They predicted it, but the higher ups wouldn't listen. It wasn't their jobs that would flee south and overseas never to return. I got the unemployment blues.

Still I must go on and not go back to the cocoon of education so many are taking. The cocoon is deceptive and offers promises it can't keep. A job or career you'll love, they tout in their many advertisements. Yet they know as all do, the competition is fierce even then. What guarantee would I have if I did go back? None...I am a good person. I deserve a decent job! Oh, why must I struggle so? I got the unemployment blues.

I got to be thankful I am not out on the street yet. So many of us are though and more arrive each day. The streets are hungry. Their arms open wide to receive their victims both old and young. I can't help thinking about them and feeling depressed at their state. Victims of the greedy always wanting more. Their mansions sicken me when I consider all the homeless scrambling on the street grateful for shelter from the bitter cold. I am thankful for and grateful all that I have, but it saddens me to see the struggle of the poor. I am fearful and frightened that maybe someday soon I will be labeled so. I got the unemployment blues. Why, I ask, should it be this way? How I long for a place of employment that won't let me go through downsizing or layoffs! Its an often told story though of the people that you see on the streets. I got the unemployment blues.

I see no solution to this, no way out of the unemployment blues. So I'll keep plugging, hoping that instead of being on the streets, I'll be happily employed once again. Until then, I'll sing the unemployment blues...

@October 2002