Today was a total bust on the job hunt. I didn't find anything new in any of the job boards. Since there was very little going on in that arena, I spent the day at Thunder Ridge Studios recording a song with some musician friends for a new CD. It came out pretty well.
This evening I watched an interesting program on television about Ray Kroc and his McDonald's empire. He was obviously a visionary with an objective in mind and the courage and energy to go after it. It's encouraging to watch programs of that type. However, my energy is waning after ten months with no positive results. But I realize I should not fall prey to discouragement and depression because that's a downward spiral and doesn't help in the least.
In order to have some sense of achievement, I've decided to participate in the Nanowrimo event this year. If you're a writer, and not familiar with it, I would recommend you check it out at www.nanowrimo.org. It goes back to what we were just talking about - having a goal and sticking with it to completion.
I'll end with these lyrics from a song written years ago by Charlie Chaplin which pretty much says what we all need to keep in mind when we're struggling through these difficult times. I'll just include the first verse...
Smile, though your heart is aching.
Smile, even though it's breaking.
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by.
If you smile, through your fear and sorrow,
Smile, and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through, for you.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
I'm still at it...
Unemployment, that is. It's just turned ten months as of the 15th of September. I realize it's been some time since I've posted on here, but I've been busy.
My day is occupied by searching the job openings. Unfortunately, that's been very unproductive so far. I've sent out over 100 resumes in response to job postings on Careerbuilder, Monster, and Indeed, as well as JobsUSA which contains primarily government positions. Perhaps I should have studied fish biology, because the government seems to be needing that expertise on a regular basis.
In addition to the job search, I've been spending quite a bit of time in a new emotional state. Primarily depression. At sixty years of age, I certainly thought my last few years of employment would be a sure thing. I mean, someone with all that experience must be of some value. But apparently not in today's world. I think there may be a couple of reasons for this: First, it goes back to the economy and the situation it's currently in. Most employers are laying off, not adding to their salary expense. Those companies that are hiring have realized they can get a young, ambitious employee for much less salary than a seasoned veteran. So, those in the gray gang are sitting at home counting the months until they can file for their early social security payments.
But it's not all gloom and doom. Actually, I've kind of gotten used to being "put out to pasture" so to speak. I haven't given up, but the opportunities are not beating my door down. So, I continue to peruse the job openings online every day and have a bit of enthusiasm when the market goes up.
If you're in the same boat, keep paddling. The water's coming in, but if we keep at the oars we can make it to shore before it sinks. You have talent that's valuable and will be in demand once again when the economy recovers.
My day is occupied by searching the job openings. Unfortunately, that's been very unproductive so far. I've sent out over 100 resumes in response to job postings on Careerbuilder, Monster, and Indeed, as well as JobsUSA which contains primarily government positions. Perhaps I should have studied fish biology, because the government seems to be needing that expertise on a regular basis.
In addition to the job search, I've been spending quite a bit of time in a new emotional state. Primarily depression. At sixty years of age, I certainly thought my last few years of employment would be a sure thing. I mean, someone with all that experience must be of some value. But apparently not in today's world. I think there may be a couple of reasons for this: First, it goes back to the economy and the situation it's currently in. Most employers are laying off, not adding to their salary expense. Those companies that are hiring have realized they can get a young, ambitious employee for much less salary than a seasoned veteran. So, those in the gray gang are sitting at home counting the months until they can file for their early social security payments.
But it's not all gloom and doom. Actually, I've kind of gotten used to being "put out to pasture" so to speak. I haven't given up, but the opportunities are not beating my door down. So, I continue to peruse the job openings online every day and have a bit of enthusiasm when the market goes up.
If you're in the same boat, keep paddling. The water's coming in, but if we keep at the oars we can make it to shore before it sinks. You have talent that's valuable and will be in demand once again when the economy recovers.
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