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.