I suspect that my initial postings have led readers to assume that I'm a crankypants who doesn't consider anything seriously. Not true. However, I did initiate this blog (at least in part) to purge some thoughts so that I might have some relief from dwelling on the annoying.
Certainly there are numerous issues that I believe are cause for concern: the state of politics in the U.S. (ugly stuff!), the lack of civility in the general population, the cost of nearly everything, and the job market. You see, I am seeking employment. THAT is the issue that fills my mind in nearly all my waking moments. The other topics are mostly distractions.
If you've ever been unemployed you probably know how I feel. The hollow feeling in your gut when you pay bills and see the bank balance shrink with little going in to replenish the funds; the despair that results from resume after resume going out to businesses with nothing so much as an automated response in return; the clenched jaw that is the consequence of reading page after page of job listings, all of which seem to require ONE THING that you do not have in your skill set. It's agonizing. It's frightening. As the days, weeks, months pass with no job offer (hell, no INTERVIEW!) the stories in the news about people being denied jobs because they've been unemployed too long (OY!!) just give me nightmares. Friends tell me that I've got so much to offer...but yet, job apps produce nothing.
Evidently there are tricks in resume composition that will "help." I've worked with consultants who emphasize the words to be used for success in getting your resume noticed. But they've also said that if you don't have a connection at desired place of employment you can pretty much forget about generating any interest through a "cold" submission. It's all about who you know. And I always thought a fierce work ethic, extensive education, and proven track record had something to do with it! Alas, appears not.
My brother told me that he figured my multiple degrees (BA, MA, PhD) really weren't much benefit in finding work. I racked up a ton of debt and now can't get work. No matter that I've worked without pause for more than 20 years.
Hm...this posting IS thoughtful and it's really depressing me. I need to stop writing now and see what I can find on the job boards. Keep your fingers crossed, ok? I could use the help!
No comments:
Post a Comment