Getting A Job In A Recession = FRUSTRATION
Being out of work for nearly 15 months has given me pause to consider many things. To start, I hit the rewind button and go back to September ’08. The boss came in and let me know what he would be telling all the other employees two hours later (a meeting I couldn’t attend do to a doctor’s appointment). He began by sitting down and pulling his chair over and said that the decision was made to run the station with only two employees. He was not one of the employees who would be remaining either. This was devastating. I went to keep my appointment and then stopped at the package store on the way home. I sent e-mails to those I had obligations to that weekend (it was a Friday) to advise I would NOT be in any condition to honor those obligations that weekend. I then proceeded to plunge into the bottles of tequila, rum and Kahlua I brought home with me. I remained in a state of shock thinking it was just a dream. Even after October 31st (the last day of work for all of us) came and went, I was numb with shock (no I did not finish all of the contents of my bottles that weekend, nor did I imbibe continuously).
I finally began looking at things with open eyes (after using my already soaked handkerchief to dry my eyes). I knew that due to my health I would not be able to get another regular job until I could regain more of my stamina lost from my chronic illness. I also watched the unemployment numbers soar both locally as well as nationally. To say I was scared is an understatement. I had already considered the possibility of my needing to do freelance writing as my physical condition worsened. But I never anticipated being thrown into it. I mustered every ounce of focus I could to put things together. I began by making the decision to start my own business and become a freelance writer. I then set about reading and studying and putting money into the things I would need to help me along the way. I even went to a writer’s conference in New York City (Oy vey, what a trip). Some writer friends shared links to sites where they bid for jobs.
I took an online career test to help me figure out my direction. The test determined I should be a writer or work in a museum. I thought, why not put them together and write about museums and historical events. I laid it all out in my head and then on paper. I knew the types of magazines and publications I could submit to. I bought a small camera outfit to add photos to my work for better sales opportunities. With the help of a friend (the best graphic designer any where. Just check out my website and other blogs to see her work) I set up my website to begin “pimping” myself out. I was going in the right direction. Then I came to a screeching halt. I realized that I didn’t have a clue about how to get to that place I wanted to be. I attempted to ask those who have been in the business on a large scale for a long time and was pretty much shut out. Two even said they would help me and make an appointment with me to just sit down and talk and then they avoided me like the plague. I guess they saw that I have the talent and they felt I wanted to take over their jobs and clients. Oh well.
As time has worn on in my endeavors I have grown more and more discouraged. It doesn’t help when I see those I know with jobs and making an income complain how much they hate their jobs. I would love to trade with them. It seems that those who complain about their jobs get all kinds of sympathy from everyone else (I am speaking of status updates on various social networks). However, when I have made comments voicing my frustration and discouragement from being unemployed and the lack of prospects, I get met with short, bitter statements like “move” or “get over it princess”. Then there are those who pose questions and when I answer them in a realistic manner (not saying I am giving up totally) they make it sound like I am saying I am doomed and will find nothing. It seems all of the advise and “encouragement” is coming from those who have at least one household income, their health and continual moral support and encouragement.
Doors get closed (some in your face). Opportunities fizzle. Unemployment funds run out. Bank accounts dry up. Desperation sets in. Some folks turn to robbing and conning to get money to pay their bills and put food on the table. Others take what little money they have and “invest” it in the lottery. I have been tempted at both of these. Especially seeing the billboard which brags that the Power Ball is up to $30 Million for the week. The former, I blew off steam by IMing a friend that I am considering white-collar crime. Then I can be sent to prison and have my needs taken care of and just spend my days writing. I even jokingly posted a status update asking if someone could teach me how to get rid of my conscience so I could indulge in criminal behavior since it pays better than being out of work. I can understand why people turn to this kind of behavior, but I don’t condone it.
The only thing worse than trying to find work during a recession would be to try to find work during a depression. That is economical or emotional. So what is one to do in this situation? There are the optimists who would say to make some lemonade out of these lemons. Then the pessimists who would tell us to just stay in bed it will never work out anyway. Cynics? nothing matters anyway, so why bother. Nothing I have covered is news. Well, perhaps you didn’t know about my weekend binge. I am venting my own frustrations of not being able to get a viable job in the middle of a recession. Yes, I said middle of. I know the President and all his mouth pieces have said the recession is ending, but when you have no job and none in sight it is like trying to see the end of your car while driving in the middle of a fog in East Tennessee. You can’t see that far.
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