But my job did.
Back to the blog, because sometimes writing something down can help you see a new perspective your jaded brain missed.
And believe me, my brain is jaded. After being laid off about a month ago I am having a lot of trouble staying positive. Which is usually very easy for me.
It seems that I am under qualified for any professional career jobs because I am competing against a 20 year veteran in the field who was recently laid off, and I am over qualified for a non-career job because my resume is so job specific. This seems like the one time in my life where hard work really isn’t paying off. So what do I do? Find a temporary waitress job and ride it out for the next 2 to 5 years? I have heard some estimates that our economy wont be back to where is was until 2015. Am I willing to fall 6 years behind? Do I even have a choice?
It seems like right now the best job opportunities aren’t advertised and are coming through networking. Except, all my contacts are broke too. Hmm, now what? I wonder how competitive Hooters is.
There have been a couple benefits to being laid off:
1. My cooking skills have skyrocketed by trying to make a meal out of whatever is in my fridge.
2. I have caught up on every season of every TV show, ever.
3. My cat is starting to like me.
4. I have lost 6 pounds in a month, mostly due to the fact that my food budget is so small, and I have so much time to work out.
5. I am caught up on all of the blogs. On the whole internet. And also most of Canada’s.
6. Since I just moved out in February (boy, THAT was bad timing) I have tons of time to enjoy my sparkly new apartment I can barely afford.
So there is a small silver lining in the end. But while it is silver, it is looking a little dirty and I am starting to lose my change through the holes in the bottom.
If any one else out there is feeling the same way (lets get real, who ISN’T feeling this way?) check out a blog that has great unemployment tips and information and makes you feel less alone: Fired For Now.
And, look for more of me. I’ve got so much time it hurts. And this blog might just be the free therapy I need! (I am thinking re-design!)
Sad! No, Allison! You can’t lose your shiny optimism – it’s my favorite part of what makes you you.
Things will look up – maybe it’s time to launch that super awesome company of your own doing graphic design for fun companies like Sara Gray Photography!
Hang in there, friend!
Allison: Keep you chin up.
You are incredible and talented, and you inspire me. Keep freelancing. Visit JournalismJobs.com. Consider jobs that use you skills but aren’t your dream job. It will probably end up better than waitressing and will bolster your resume.
You do have a network. E-mail your old friends from the Evergreen and see if their companies are hiring. Check out the “Reporter and layout job opening” post on Jacob’s blog: jonesdaily.wordpress.com. Talk to people you have freelanced for. Send you resume to the HR departments of companies you’d like to work for — and keep applying.
I was considered for five different jobs at the ADN before they hired me. Three of the positions closed. One was not right for me. The fifth was the charm. Persevere. Check with publications that are hiring in the retail and advertising departments even if the newsrooms/editor positions are frozen. Even places with hiring freezes fill “essential” positions.
Many of us know how discouraging it feels to be unemployed, but we all know how talented you are and you have success in your future.