Happy New Year....Ten New Years Resolution Ideas for the Unemployed

Well, Happy New Year friends. Where does the time go? It feels like just yesterday  I was ringing in 2009.

I've been doing quite a bit of reflecting this year. I think this is a blessing that comes out of unemployment. When you are working, you are on track, and you don't have time to really sit and think about things like, "Where am I going? What are my flaws? Where can I improve? What do I really want to do with my life? But when your unemployed, not only do you have the time, I think you have to do this "work" to get yourself back on track.

In keeping with the theme of New Years resolutions, I decided to make some employment resolutions for 2010.  They may seem obvious, but I like the idea of having things to check off as accomplishments.

Here our my 10 New Years Resolutions for 2010.
1) Leave no stone unturned.
Networking is key to finding your next job.  I am going to do a better job of networking this year. I plan to attend 1-2 networking events a month.

2) Make getting out of the house a priority.
I always say that keeping moving is the most important key to keeping sane when unemployed.   I did a great job with this last year, but I have been slacking the last 2 months. I plan to get back to my list making ways and keep moving no matter what.

3) Stay on top of  health.
This year I plan to work harder on my fitness and diet. Starting the beginning of the year, I will do the Joy's Life Diet, go to the gym 3-5 days a week and get down to 180lbs.

4) Get to bed at a decent hour.
I've been going to bed at 3 and 4 am. This has got to stop. Its counterproductive and bad for my health. My resolution is to be sleeping by 1am.

5) Start beefing up the resume.
I have a great resume, but my experience is going to get real stale.  I will sign up for a class at NYU this spring.

6)  Get ready with my plan B
Unemployment is going to run out in April.  I plan to be working full time by then, but I need to start working on a plan B.  I think this will be consulting.  I have to get myself ready to do that. Networking will be part of this plan.

7) Volunteer and Give Back.
I may not have money, but I have time.  New York Cares is a great charity that I have worked with in the past. I think it is time that I use some of my time volunteering.  I will sign up at least 1 event a month.

8) Give myself a Break.
I love travel.  I know money is tight, but I can't keep denying myself.  I would like to go to California this year.  If things don't start heating up in the next few weeks, I am going to do it using my Frequent Flyer miles. 

9) Keep in Touch
This goes back to my networking resolution, but I need to reconnect with friends and former co-workers.  I have to start making coffee dates and making connections.  I will do 1-2 a month.

10)  STAY POSITIVE
This is my number one priority.  I will not let unemployment get me down!


Happy New Year Peeps.  We can do it.  We can do it!  Yes we CAN!

Merry Christmas. Love, Cobra....

What a Christmas gift I was given by the federal government...The 65% COBRA subsidy was extended from 9 months, to 15 months.  What a load off my shoulders!

In the past 8 months, I have been to the doctor more times than most of my 15 years working.  I even had a hospital visit. Anyone that knows me knows that going to the doctor is always a last resort for me.  But the body isn't what it used to be...and now health care is more important than ever.   I can't imagine the stress of knowing I need care, but skipping it based on the cost.

Thank you for the gift Mr. Obama.  This is what I need to keep my head above water.

 http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-yourmoney28-2009dec28,0,1437369.story

As far as the job hunt, it is going much longer than I expected, but I keep on trucking, with my head up. I know I am in good company and the new year is right around the corner.

Adjusting the sails....

Well, I am back at Panera today. It feels good.  I woke up to a nice sunny day, and I got up, got dressed and got myself OUT.

I say it again and again. Getting out is the key to staying positive.   And I am not going to lie...its been hard to stay up these days.  My sleep pattern and daily routine has been affected already.  I know I need to get back on track.  I am pushing myself, mainly because I can't afford to be negative right now. 

Anyway, step one to getting back on track is looking for new paths back to work.  So today, I'm back on the government websites...It takes a little time to decipher the descriptions, but I just know there are a few that are right for me.

Here are the websites if you are interested:

• New York State Employment Opportunities
• New York City Job Opportunities
• Federal Government Jobs

I'm also planning on attending a small business group tonight.  I think it will be a good networking opportunity.

Anything out there working for you???  Love to hear your advice.

Quote of the day:
“I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” --Jimmy Dean

Have you checked your Flashlight Batteries?

Winter's here and I am having a hard time with the change in season.  My daily "schedule", which I created to keep me up and running  over the summer and fall,  has seemed to disappear with the sunlight. 

The biggest impact has been on my sleep. Last week I had 2 all-nighters.  I kept telling myself I had to go to sleep, but then I thought, "What for, its not like I have to go to work tomorrow." As a result, I look like the walking dead no matter how much make up I put on.  And overall, I feel like crap.

The lack of sleep has also affected my eating and gym habits, which I was so good about over the summer.  I'm eating junk and fast food instead of preparing meals, and I either nap though the gym classes or just decide to skip them.  A part of me says, let it go, you can snap back after the holidays.  But I think I'll work on fixing things this week.  I can't afford the slippery slope.

So far the job market is about the same as it has been the last 7 months.  I hear reports of things getting better, but so far haven't seen any changes. A few calls here and there, but nothing substancial.  I have to control what I can...and right now it is my health.  The rest will come when it comes.

I can't let the weather get me down.  I have to keep moving. 

Hang in there people...there is sunlight at the end of the tunnel.  In the meantime, I guess I'll use a flashlight.

Great Minds Think Alike!!!

I've been writing here and on my Facebook Page about my "office" at Panera for months.  Many of my friends still think I actually work for Panera.  I do "work" there, but I don't don't serve coffee or make the bread. I am "working" at Panera looking for "work."   I use their Wifi and comfy seating to create a remote office.  This work does not earn a paycheck (but I think the only people who really care about that is is the unemployment office).  

In the meantime, I am thankful for the remote office. The key is that I am out of the house. I am dressed and on the move.  I believe in my heart that keeping focused on the search and staying positive is is the right way to get the job of my dreams. 

One other side effect of going to Panera, is that I have fallen in love with the Panera Mac and Cheese, which I now include in my profile photo.  One friend was so impressed by my promotion, she actually wrote a touching letter to Panera about me. How awesome is that!!!????  She suggested I would make a great commercial for them. I agree.   They wrote back. They said they would forward to the corporate office.  I am waiting for their call, or a team of managers to swarm up to me, like Ed McMahon and Publishers Clearing House, while I am sitting there "working." Come on, Panera.  Make my YEAR!   (My office hours vary, but I am there EVERY Wed from 12-5pm in case you need to schedule the camera crew).

Another  friend of mine sent me an article about people who created their remote office at coffee shops and the library. First of all, I was incredibly touched that he thought of me.  Its that power of friends that I spoke about months ago in ths blog.  Here's a friend that takes a second to send me a link, that says, "keep it up." That's priceless.  Anyway. I liked the article, THE DAILY GRIND by By DEIRDRE DOLAN and JENNIFER DANIELS and I thought I would share it here on my blog.  It just goes to prove that I am not alone.  I hope it inspires others to get out there and make something happen for themselves.  

Come on people, get out of your caves.  Opportunity is out there waiting for us to find it.   Maybe it is at Panera, maybe it is at the local library. I am 90% sure it is not on the couch!!!

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"Enjoy Life.  This is not a dress rehearsal."

Top 5 Lessons Learned from Unemployment (so far).

Well today is roughly my 7 month unemployment anniversary. It also is my 4 year anniversary of my first downsizing from Columbia House (which at the time I thought was the end of my world.)

While this layoff is much longer than the the last one (which lasted 4 months), I'm am in a much better mental place this time around. I am chalking this up to lessons learned from the first one.   Looking back I seriously think my first unemployment stint was God's way of preparing me for this tougher time.

As I reflect on these two unemployment experiences, I can't believe how much I have grown as a person.  I thought I would share some of the things I have learned.

Here are my Top 5 Lessons Learned (so far) from Unemployment:

1. Stressing yourself out doesn't find you a job any faster.
   I learned from my first experience that this kind of stress actually makes you sick, which is a downward mental and physical spiral. You have to just accept the situation, and do what you can to fix it, but don't let it get you down.
   
   
2. Make the most of the time you have been "given."
   Last time around, I was so focused on the job search, I didn't take time to smell the roses. I remember talking to this guy Eddie, right before we were laid off. He said that if he got the axe, he was just going to take some time and enjoy himself. I thought he was crazy. He had a family and a mortgage. How could he afford to do that???
   
   The truth is, you can "afford" it. First of all, you have to accept the fact that unless you have MEGA savings account, unemployment is going to hurt financially, no matter how frugal you live. But after you work on job hunting you are rich in TIME. My first advice is while you still have some funds, do SOMETHING (at least one thing) you always wanted to do. Take that trip you always wanted to take, experience life. You always said you wanted to see X or do Y.  My advice is to do it and make it the best experience ever!
   
   I always wanted to become fluent is Spanish. I decided right after I got the news that I was laid off that I was going to make it happen. I called my HS principal and asked her to help me make a connection with Sisters in Chile. Next thing I was in Chile living in a convent (That's a whole blog in itself). Do you know what a incredible gift that was? I paid for the entire trip with credit card miles. And I learned so much more than just Spanish! I also rode 100 miles on my bicycle in one day (TWICE) this year. This was something I have been working towards doing, but never had the time to train for. I made it a goal, and thanks to daily spin classes, I was able to lose weight and get in shape for the ride. What is better than that?
   
   Once you are done, taking care of YOU, then make the most of time with your friends and family. This time is a gift. So are your family and friends. Share this time with them. And then, after you do that, make sure you do things that make you feel good about yourself. Volunteer, help your neighbors, whatever. You have the time, enjoy it every way you can.
   
   
3. Your house is good for shelter from the cold, but bad for job hunting.
   Last time I was unemployed, I was given 3 months of going to unemployment counseling in the city. The benefit included counseling services, workshops and use of a computer, copier and fax machine. It offered me a great way to get out of the house. This time around, I have Panera. It offers great coffee, fantastic sandwiches and FREE Wifi.
   
   I just really think it is important to get out of bed and get out of the house. Its good for the brain and good to keep your mind stimulated. Technology really makes that that possible...all you need is a laptop with wireless access and a cell phone.
   
   
4. Your friends are the best support system in the world.
   Maybe it is me, but I have some fantastic friends. If they are not sending me job leads, they are just reminding me of my accomplishments. And now with facebook, this support system is intensified and multiplied. They are a gift and I am so thankful for them.
   
   
5. You need a plan for EACH and EVERY day.
   This is a lesson that I think is really important. Time flies and you have to make the most of every day. I end every day with a list for tomorrow. Its a manageable list, nothing too crazy, but a plan just the same. When I wake up in the morning, I know I can't stay in bed. I have to do the Laundry, go to Panera for 3 hours and job search, stop at the store buy a birthday card, go to the gym and do food shopping for the week. When I go to bed at night, I know that I did all (or most) of the things that I set out to do, and that makes me feel good. I don't have a big black cloud of "things to do" hanging over my head. I have a list that I can check off.
   

So, those are my lessons learned (so far). I am hoping to be out of this situation sooner than later, and will be celebrating my anniversary of my new job.  But I know I can take whatever comes my way. Do you have lessons you can share? I'd love to hear them.

The Dash - What matters most is the dash between those years....

You are so much more than your Job
I can't explain how easy is it to feel down about yourself because you don't have a job. Maybe it is because there isn't money coming in to give yourself financial "value." But regardless of your current employment status, it is important to remember: you are so much more than what you do for a living.

My sister sent me this video, and this really put things into perspective for me.



This video really made me realize and remember that yes, having a job is important. It is your way of earning money and contributing to paying your expenses. But, it doesn't define how smart you are, the kind of person you are, and what you mean to you family and friends. It is not your life.

Life is short. This time of unemployment will be (relatively) short too. You just have to do your best to get through it and find your next job. In the meantime, you can be helpful to your friends and family and those around you that can use your help and skills.

You are more than what brings in the bacon people. Don't let not having a job make you forget that.




Inspirational Poem of the Day:
The Dash Poem, by Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning to the end

He noted that first came the date of her birth
And spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years

For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not how much we own;
The cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard.
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
To consider what’s true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read
With your life’s actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?

Gardening in the Rain

Well, some days of unemployment are longer and quieter than others. But the key for me is to keep busy. So today, I was planning to pull some weeds at the condo.

Just so you know, gardening is not my thing. But my condo is suffering from the economy just like everyone else these days. We can't afford a good landscaper, or any for that matter. I'm a member of the board (the President by default actually) and we all decided to let things go a bit in order to save money.

Well, I drive up the driveway every day, and see the weeds growing like trees. I'm sure I'm not the only one who hates to see them. But nobody really does anything about them, except for this one woman who can be seen outside at least once a week, sweeping and cleaning up the property. Its too big a job for one person to do, but people rarely go out to help her. I'm as guilty as the rest of them. Well yesterday evening, I decided that tomorrow (today) was the day I was going to do something about those weeds. After all, I have the time. What's my excuse?

So last night, I had the alarm clock set and an outfit picked out for the project. This morning I woke up to the sound of rain pouring down. So much for my plan. I was ready to turn over and go back to sleep, but then, I decided to search "Gardening in the Rain" and lo and behold, I found a wonderful blog that covered this very subject. And I learned that the BEST time to garden is in the rain. So I did.

Some days I wonder why I am blogging about unemployment. I know my good friends are reading my posts, but is it really worth my time? Well, thanks to North Country Maturing Gardener I do believe it is. She wrote that post 4 years ago and it helped me. Who knows, maybe someday someone will search about unemployment, and my posting will help them deal with their rainy day.

Quote of the day:
“God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.”

Job Tip #5 - Find some new cheese...*

Last week I went to a Job Fair on Staten Island. According to our local newspaper, The Staten Island Advance, over 1,700 people attended this 4 hour event. People had started lining up early in the morning. When I got there around 1:30, the lines went into the parking lot and around the back of the building. Almost everyone was dressed in their best business attire, with the suggested 25 resumes in hand. (Click here for the full article)

This scene was today's version of the "unemployment lines," that we thankfully get to avoid now that we can file and collect our unemployment benefit checks on the computer. It was also a sobering reminder of how many people are affected by this very tough economy.

When I finally made it into the big room I was disappointed, but not surprised, by the selection of businesses participating in the event. First of all, we were on Staten Island,not Manhattan--The employment opportunities are somewhat limited on our small island. But even the bigger employers were not offering the positions most of us were hoping for. I dropped my resume where it made sense, spoke to a few employers and was out the door in about 30 minutes. 

In all the gloom and doom of the day, there was was one ray of hope. It came in the form of a "public service announcement" from one of the employees from the Labor Department. As she handed out questionnaires for the attendees to fill out, she announced to the crowd, "There are jobs out there, people. With all the stimulus packages out there, the government is hiring. Check out the New York State website. That's how I found my job 12 years ago when I was downsized. There are jobs, they are hiring. Check it out."

Sure enough...she was telling the truth. I was able to apply to 5 very possible jobs from the city and state. These are jobs I never would have found or considered in my previous searches. Today, I am much more open to new opportunities.  

You have to work your way through all of the agency websites, some require that you take a test to apply, but many of the listings do not.  For those of us that come from the public sector, these job listings may be hard to translate, but its worth the effort.

Somebody moved our cheese*, people...we have to look elsewhere to find it. (Thanks, Labor Department Lady, for the tip.)

Here are the websites if you are interested:

• New York State Employment Opportunities
• New York City Job Opportunities

*EDITORS NOTE: If you don't know what I am talking about with "finding new cheese"...you need to read the book "WHO MOVED MY CHEESE." Its a quick read, and deals with the issue of dealing with change to survive. I think it is a must read for the unemployed. Check out my other nine picks.

Free Wifi in NYC - Manhattan

A friend of mine was looking for free wifi in NYC where he can set up his office and get some work done.  He's tried Starbucks and B&N but was having a hard time finding a seat.  I don't have that problem in my Panera on Staten Island (where I am typing this post), but I can see how this could be an issue in the city. 

In honor of my friend, I've put together this list of places with free Wifi in NYC.   Know of any others?  Please share!

Places with FREE WIFI in New York City:

DOWNTOWN - LOWER MANHATTAN

• Barnes and Noble - Tribeca 97 Warren Street  New York, NY 10007
• Barnes and Noble - Greenwich Village  396 Ave of the Americas at 8th Str. New York, NY 10011
• Union Square Park -- From 4th Ave to Broadway, between 14th & 17th Sts.
• Barnes and Noble - Union Square 33 East 17th Street New York, NY 10003
• New York Public Library- Tompkins Square, 331 East 10th Street 212-228-4747
• New York Public Library-Muhlenberg Branch, 209 West 23rd Street, 212-924-1585
• New York Public Library-Mulberry Street, 10 Jersey Street, 212-966-3424
• New York Public Library-Seward Park, 192 East Broadway, 212-477-6770
• New York Public Library-New Amsterdam, 9 Murray Street, 212-732-8186
• New York Public Library-Ottendorfer, 135 2nd Avenue, 212-674-0947
• New York Public Library-Hamilton Fish Park, 415 East Houston Street, 212-673-2290
• New York Public Library-Chatham Square, 33 East Broadway, 212-964-6598
• City Hall Park – Between Broadway and Centre St., from Barclay St. to Chambers St.
• 60 Wall St. Atrium -– 60 Wall St. near Exchange Place
• Bowling Green Park -– State Street and Battery Place.
• South Street Seaport -– South St. and Fulton St.
• Wall Street Park -– Wall St. from South St. to Front St.
• Stone Street -– From Broadway to Broad St.
• Staten Island Ferry Terminal -– Whitehall Terminal, South St. near Broad St.
• Winter Garden – World Financial Center atrium
• Vietnam Veteran’s Plaza -- 55 Water St.

 MIDTOWN

•  Juan Valdez Cafe - 1451 Broadway  (41st Street)
•  New York Public Library- Epiphany Branch, 228 East 23rd Street, 212-679-2645
•  Bryant Park - 40th to 42nd Streets between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
•  Barnes and Noble - Citigroup Center160 E 54th Street New York, NY 10022
•  Juan Valdez Cafe - 140 East 57th Street
•  New York Public Library - 58th Street Branch, 127 East 58th Street, 759-7358
•  New York Public Library - 67th Street, 328 East 67th Street, 734-1717
•  Barnes and Noble - Lincoln Triange - 1972 Broadway New York, NY 10023
•  New York Public Library- Andrew Heiskell Braille & Talking Book Library, 40 West 20th Street, 206-5458
•  New York Public Library-Mid-Manhattan Library - Fourth Floor, 455 Fifth Avenue
•  New York Public Library- Cathedral Branch, 560 Lexington Avenue, 752-3824
•  Barnes and Noble - 82nd and Broadway -2289 Broadway New York, NY 10024
•  Barnes and Noble - 86th and Lex - 150 East 86th Street New York, NY 10028
•  New York Public Library-Columbus, 742 Tenth Avenue, 212-586-5098
• Juan Valdez Cafe - 480 Lexington Avenue

UPTOWN

• New York Public Library- Webster Branch, 1465 York Avenue, 78th Street, 212-288-5049
• New York Public Library- Yorkville Branch, 222 East 79th Street, 212-744-5824
• New York Public Library- Bloomingdale Branch, 150 West 100th Street, 222-8030
• New York Public Library- 96th Street Branch, 112 East 96th Street, 289-0908
• New York Public Library- Aguilar, 174 East 110th Street, 212-534-2930
• New York Public Library- 125th Street, 224 East 125th Street, 212-534-5050
• New York Public Library-George Bruce, 518 West 125th Street, 212-662-9727
• New York Public Library- Countee Cullen, 104 West 136th Street, 212-491-2070
• New York Public Library-Fort Washington, 535 West 179th Street, 212-927-3533
• New York Public Library-Hamilton Grange, 503 West 145th Street, 212-926-2147
• New York Public Library-Harlem, 9 West 124th Street, 212-348-5620
• New York Public Library-Hudson Park, 66 Leroy Street, 212-243-6876
• New York Public Library-Inwood, 4790 Broadway, 212-942-2445
• New York Public Library-Jefferson Market, 425 Avenue of Americas, 212-243-4334
• New York Public Library-Kips Bay Branch, 446 Third Avenue, 212-683-2520
• New York Public Library-Macomb's Bridge, 2650 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Boulevard, 212-281-4900
• New York Public Library-Morningside Heights, 2900 Broadway, 212-864-2530
• New York Public Library- Riverside Branch, 127 Amsterdam Avenue, 212-870-1810
• New York Public Library- Washington Heights, 1000 Saint Nicholas Avenue, 212-923-6054  

 
Looking for free wifi on Staten Island, here's a list for you.

The first cut is the deepest - Dealing with Rejection in the Job Search

Well, I have been pretty positve this whole experience.  But this weekend, I hit bottom. I just got my first major rejection, and boy did it hurt. 

When I first interviewed with this employer, I wasn't even excited about working there.  It wasn't close to my first choice of places to work, but the more I interviewed with these people (total of 5 hours), the more I wanted the job.  They were so considerate of my time, and were so prepared for the interview, I kept thinking how much I would enjoy working with these people.

Then a week after my last interview at the office, I got the rejection email.  To be honest, it was a pretty nice let down (I'm telling you, they were incredibly considerate).  And while I was sincerely thankful that they even contacted me, the timing was off (for me).  It was Friday afternoon, the week of my birthday and broken laptop, and the eve of alumni weekend at college (which I wasn't looking forward to attending as it was).  It knocked me right down. 

My weekend was a bust.  The Alumni picnic went out the window, my friends got a shell of the real me, dished piled in the sink, my house looked like a bomb hit it and I felt exhaused. I was down.

On Monday,  I cleaned house and got myself back into the fight.  I went to bed early and started Tuesday back on track.  I know rejection is par for the course and I really thought I was ready for this whole experience, sometimes you just can never be too ready for what is going to come your way.  Well they say, "the first cut is the deepest."  Hopefully, I'm better prepared for the next one. I hate ruining a good weekend on sad thoughts.

I know it is hard people, but we will get through this...better days are around the corner. :)

5 Prayers for the Unemployed

When you are unemployed, you need all the help you can get. Friends and family support you and lift you up as much as they can. But sometimes, you need a little extra lift. I think that's where God comes in. 

Before I go any further, I want to be clear that my intention of this post is not to throw God down anyone's throat; I wouldn't want that done to me. I had reservations about even posting about this topic at all, but in the end I decided to go ahead and do it.  My intentions are good.  I just want to offer another way of dealing with, or thinking about unemployment (or any difficult situation you may encounter).

I personally believe that God has a plan for me, and my unemployment is just part of his plan. It doesn’t mean that I sit back and wait for a job to come to me.  As you know, I work on finding a new job every day.  But believing that my situation this is part of something bigger than me, helps me keep from getting over-stressed.

Similarly, I believe that everything happens for a reason. In this case either I am meant to be doing something else with this time, or there is a lesson that I need to learn or something else I am supposed to be paying attention to.  While it is sometimes frustrating not knowing what the reason is, when I finally figure it out I know I will be thankful (and see the genius of God's bigger plan).

I also believe in the power of prayer. I find it to be an opportunity to connect with God and to become clear on what it is I really want and need. I personally like the idea of handing my problems over to God and knowing that he is working on it, while I'm working on it from my end.

At the end of the day, this is a tough time for everyone--ourselves, our families, and our friends. It is so important to stay positive and keep looking for opportunities to move forward in our lives. You never know where or when the next opportunity is going to come. You just have to be ready and open to it.

In closing this topic, I've pulled together a few prayers that deal with the issue of unemployment. I found four on the web and wrote one of my own.  Do you have one you would like to share? 


5 Prayers for the Unemployed

Prayer for Employment
God, our Father, I turn to you seeking your divine help and guidance as I look for suitable employment. I need your wisdom to guide my footsteps along the right path, and to lead me to find the proper things to say and do in this quest. I wish to use the gifts and talents you have given me, but I need the opportunity to do so with gainful employment. Do not abandon me, dear Father, in this search, but rather grant me this favor I seek so that I may return to you with praise and thanksgiving for your gracious assistance. Grant this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Source: Catholic Online



Prayer for the Unemployed
Dear Father in Heaven, and all the Saints who are known to help those in most need, especially Saint Joseph, Saint Jude, Saint Anthony, Saint Therese, and Saint Josemaria, we humbly beg you to hear our cries for help to provide work and income for those among us who need just those things, patience and loving trust in your Divine Providence for those who must wait for these things to come, and strength, creativity, inspiration, guidance, and energy for those who must search and struggle to find these things. We trust in Your desire to answer our prayers as quickly as possible; we believe in Your holy promise to provide daily bread, and we ask you to respond mercifully to so many prayers, from so many of us, for our brothers and sisters in need. Thank you. We love you. Amen.
Source: Catholic City.



Prayer to St. Joseph, Patron of Workers
O Saint Joseph, we pray to you for those who are out of work, for those who want to earn their living or support their families. You who are the patron of workers, grant that unemployment may vanish from our ranks; that all those who are ready to work may put their strength and abilities in serving their fellowmen and earn a just salary. You are the patron of families; do not let those who have children to support and raise lack the necessary means. Have pity on our brothers and sisters held down in unemployment and poverty because of sickness or social disorders. Help our political leaders and captains of industry find new and just solutions. May each and every one have the joy of contributing, according to his abilities, to the common prosperity by an honorable livelihood. Grant that we may all share together in the abundant goods God has given us and that we may help underprivileged countries. Amen.
Source: Catholic Prayerbook



Prayer for the Unemployed
Dear Lord Jesus Christ,
You wanted all who are weary to come to You for support. Lord, I am worn out by my inability to find work. Guide my steps to a righteous path; Give me the patience to find opportunities with a future. Calm my worries and fears as my financial responsibilities mount. Strengthen my resolve; Embolden my heart to open doors; Open my eyes to see life beyond rejections. Help me believe in me. Let me realize other ways to bring about Your kingdom on earth. Let me grow as a person that I may be worthy for Your greater glory. In the name of the Father. Amen.
Source: Catholic Doors



My Prayer for the Unemployed
Dear God,
I know you never give me a situation I cannot handle and for everything that happens in my life you have a plan for me. I ask that you give me the strength to stay positive during this difficult time, and continue to help me to find the brighter sides in my dark days, and guide me to a better future. I ask that you help others who are also struggling with unemployment, those who are lost, and those who are stressed financially and spiritually, that they may also find relief from their burdens. I trust in you, God. Amen

Unemployment - Time flies when you are (NOT) having fun.

Unemployment is 9.8%, the highest it has been since 1993 (9.2%). Ahh 1993: The year before I graduated college with my shiny new degree in communications. I remember those days. The UE rate had gone down to 7% by the time I graduated in 1994 and it only took me six months and fifty typing tests to land my first job with no benefits...but I digress. These days the job market is so bad, I am hardly getting any calls for interviews.

I can't believe it has been six months since I was downsized.  The time has been flying.  Maybe it feels that way because I have been doing my darndest to keep busy.  Or maybe its because I have an internal countdown clock in my head of when my savings is going to run out, when unemployment assistance will end, and when I have to pay the big bucks for COBRA.  I've gone from hoping to land a dream job, to hoping for a job that will pay more than my starting salary in 1994 (okay maybe 2004).

The most frustrating thing is that as much as I am in a rush to get back to work, everyone else is on their own schedule and their follow up stinks.  I could go on an interview today, and not hear anything back from the potential employer for weeks, or forever for that matter. 

I have a friend says she usually finds out that she didn't get a job she interviewed for by looking at Linkedin. Have these people ever been unemployed??? Do they understand what people go through when they are looking for a new job?  What happened to common decency?

Apparently, even though you spent money and effort to get yourself ready for the interview and paid for the transportation to get to the interview, and showed up on time, these people are too busy to even have the common courtesy to let you know that you are in or out of the running for the job.

I interviewed with an employment agency over a month ago for a job with a company I would love to work at. Everything went well and the agency told me it would be a few weeks, but I was very qualified for the job and they would be setting up an interview for me soon.  I waited three weeks, and decided to call the person I interviewed with to find out the status of the job.  When I called, the receptionist asked my name and the I was put on hold.  When the receptionist got back on the line, I was told that my contact was busy.  I was connected to her phone mail.  I left a message and sent an email asking for follow up.  Crickets.  

I waited another week and called (sent to voicemail) and emailed again.  Finally, a response.  "Barbara: Unfortunately, I don't have any update to provide. We have not been given any feedback since sharing your resume. We are in the process of scheduling a live meeting over there, so perhaps I will have something for you soon. Thank you for checking in."  Was that so hard?

There are some positions where the employer drags his or her feet on the hiring process.  I've been a hiring manager, and I know this is not smart .  Think about it.  If you tell your boss that you need additional staff, what does it say for your argument if you sit on a budgeted open position for more than six months? I'll tell you what it says...it says you don't really need that person.  You can count on losing that open position as soon as they look to make cuts in the budget.   From a potential hire perspective, I'd like to ask, "What's taking so damn long?  Do you want my help or not?"

One day I will be back in the hiring manager's role.  Here are a few things I will do differently based on my most recent experiences.  Love to hear what you would do.

1)  Respond (in short) to the thank you emails.  Acknowledgement that you received it is nice.

2)  Give a clear timeline of next steps so candidates know what to expect with the process.

3)  Keep the process moving along in a timely manner.

4)  Keep in touch with the contenders so that they know they are still in the process.

5)  Send a nice, relevant, thank you letter to those who were not chosen (of those who made it till the end of the process).

Quote of the Day

“Life is not so short but that there is always time for courtesy” --Ralph Waldo Emerson

Get Out There!

Today I had an unexpectedly fun day at my remote office at Panera on Staten Island. 

It started like any other day there.  I put up my regular post on Facebook: "I will be at the remote office (Panera) Wed at 12ish. Stop by and have a coffee with me!" and updated my profile picture with the one on the left.

I've been doing this kind of stuff for 3 months, and while I get lots of comments, up until today, only one friend has come to visit me. Today, the planets aligned, and I had three guests. It was a Panera Party! 

I was so excited!  I couldn't wait to update my status on facebook as each guest arrived  (their visits were actually staggered, I couldn't have scheduled it that way if I tried). It was great.  I had nice conversations with each of my friends, and felt really lucky to get this extra time with them. 

I know what you are thinking...big deal. But you know what? It was.  It was a great day.  I felt energized. And it all started with me doing one thing...getting out of the house.

Days like today don't happen every time I go out. My friends aren't always around to keep me company, but I find that 9 times out of 10,  getting out of the house gets my mind going, my energy flowing and the ideas coming.  My inspirations come from random conversations I had while out, things I have seen in my journies, or something that comes to my mind  when I am out and about. In the past few weeks alone, I've come up with ideas for making money, a website for my friends business, and even topics for this blog.

When you are working, you get all this stimulation during your morning commute, coffee breaks and daily interactions with your coworkers.  But when you are unemployed, you have to make your own day.  Sometimes easier said than done.

Its VERY tempting to stay in the house in PJs, write cover letters, send out  resumes and catch up on daytime tv EVERY DAY, especially these days when the job market slow, and your phone isn't ringing and the interviews aren't coming.  Some days I don't even want to get out of bed. But that's not healthy.  You and your mind deserve better than that. 

So I say, send out your resumes and cover letters, but do that when you get up in the morning or before you go to bed at night.  Seize the day, and get out there and smell the roses and have fun! You don't have to spend a fortune.  Visit museums and parks, go for walks, ride your bike, visit a library, or go to the gym.  Just get outside.

In honor of this topic, here are my  Top 10 Quotes about Experiencing Life (AKA Get out There)

“Creativity is the power to connect the seemingly unconnected.”  --William Plomer

“You must not for one instant give up the effort to build new lives for yourselves. Creativity means to push open the heavy, groaning doorway to life. This is not an easy struggle. Indeed, it may be the most difficult task in the world, for opening” --Daisaku Ikeda

"Many people know so little about what is beyond their short range of experience. They look within themselves - and find nothing! Therefore they conclude that there is nothing outside themselves either." --Helen Keller

"Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don't wait for something to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it's at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored." --Earl Nightingale


"One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today." --Dale Carnegie


". . . it's worth recognizing that there is no such thing as an overnight success. You will do well to cultivate the resources in yourself that bring you happiness outside of success or failure. The truth is, most of us discover where we are headed when we arrive. At that time, we turn around and say, yes, this is obviously where I was going all along. It's a good idea to try to enjoy the scenery on the detours, because you'll probably take a few.” Bill Watterson


“Life is a series of experiences, each of which makes us bigger, even though it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and grieves which we endure help us in our marching onward.” --Henry Ford

"Develop an interest in life as you see it; the people, things, literature, music-the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget yourself." --Henry Miller
 
 
“Creativity is a lot like looking at the world through a kaleidoscope. You look at a set of elements, the same ones everyone else sees, but then reassemble those floating bits and pieces into an enticing new possibility." --Rosabeth Moss Kanter


“The life of the creative man is lead, directed and controlled by boredom. Avoiding boredom is one of our most important purposes.” --Susan Sontag

 
So go ahead, send out your resumes and then GET OUT OF THE HOUSE!  Who knows...your next employment opportunity might be right outside your door!

Take control of what you can.

The other day, a good friend of mine was thoughtful enough to tell me how proud she was of me for the way I am handling my unemployment. If you saw my facebook page, you'd see that I haven't been standing very still lately and have maintained a positive attitude throughout. My friend noticed this, and commented how she doesn't know if she would be able to do the same, if she were in my shoes.

I'll be honest, it’s all real, but it’s not natural. It takes A LOT of work to keep my head up. But I knew from the beginning that the road back to the workforce is going to be a long one.  This economy is a mess and will probably get worse before it gets better.  There's not much I can do about that.  So, I decided early on that instead of focusing on things I can't control, to take control of the things I can.

I can't control when I get my next job, but I can control my efforts to get there. I do the best I can, networking, following leads and getting my resume out there. That's the best I can do (as far as I know), and as long as I am doing my best, I have nothing to be ashamed of.

I can't control the fact that I don't have a job to fill my day, but I can control what I do with the day I have. When I am done with my job hunting, I can use my day in "productive" ways, visiting museums, building my skill set, helping friends, volunteering and going to the gym. If I am productive, I haven't wasted my time and that makes me feel good about my days.

I can't control that I don't have a daily paycheck, but I can control what makes me feel valuable to myself and others. I can celebrate my successes (big or small) and be there for my friends and family when they need me. While a paycheck is important (we all need money), there are other things that can result in a rich life.

So that's how I do it. You can do it too. Just don't let the things you can't control get you down. And thanks, good friend (you know who you are), for noticing. It made my day.  :)

"Time is Money..."

No doubt...the sooner you land a job, the better off you will be financially.  I don't think I need to be reminded of this...EVER.  I'm in the race to get to my next job.   I'm keeping myself busy searching, following up on leads, contacting old friends...

So when I got a call from Bonnie, who I thought was a headhunter, I followed up right away.  She asked me to send my resume and promised to call me to discuss at 12:00 on Friday.   I moved my plans around to make sure I was available for the call. 

On Friday, Bonnie called filled with compliments on my experience,  skills and education.  She asked me about my biggest frustration concerning my job hunt.  I said it was the amount of time it was taking me.  She told me that she and her team would have me working again in 4 weeks.  Her team included a resume writer, a team of letter writers and career coaches.  Bonnie's team has access to all the jobs that are not posted anywhere else.  They would do EVERYTHING for me.... send me leads, and even write my cover and thank you letters.  All I have to do is show up for the interview, and call them afterwards to tell them what happened.

After 30 minutes, Bonnie says, "How does all this sound to you?"   I had already shut down.  I knew where this was going.   But I already wasted this much time (MONEY) on the call, so I said, "Well, it sounds great, Bonnie, but I assume there is a cost involved."  Bonnie says, "Well yes, it is a service.  It costs $1,900. "    And then without skipping a beat she asks, "What credit card do you want to put this on?"

Are you kidding me??? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? 

I asked her to email me the information and I would have to think about it.   The email comes with the following message:

Barbara

Time is money……I understand that you do have obligations but you are lucky enough to make your ends meet, now is the time to figure out how long will you luck hold out for. This window on average is 4-6 weeks ...Keep in mind, at your income level you are losing $4,000 every month you haven’t found the right position.


Thanks for the advice, Bonnie.  Do you have any words of wisdom about throwing money out the window?  Well,  I'm going to keep working on my own and I'll keep my $1900.  How do you like that?

This kind of business really pisses me off.  I hate when people prey on your insecurities.  Basically, they are saying, "You don't have a job, you can't do it on your own, and you need us to get back on your feet...so give us all your money and sit back and watch us work. "    I don't think so.

This is a tough time people, but we'll get through this.   Just remember to keep your head up.  Don't let these yo-yo's waste your time, take your money or get you down.  

In honor of my experience, I decided to pull a bunch of quotes about money.   I hope they inspire you to keep working to your next job. 

Top 10 Quotes on Money
(AKA - There's more to life...)

1)“What we really want to do is what we are really meant to do. When we do what we are meant to do, money comes to us, doors open for us, we feel useful, and the work we do feels like play to us.” -- Julia Cameron

2) “Financial sense is knowing that certain men will promise to do certain things, and fail”  -- Egar Watson Howe

3) “If a man has money, it is usually a sign, too, that he knows how to take care of it; don't imagine his money is easy to get simply because he has plenty of it.” --Edgar Watson Howe

4) “The best things in life are free.”

5)  “Put not your trust in money, but put your money in trust” --Oliver Wendell Holmes

6) “Money buys everything but good sense” - Yiddish Proverb

7)  “Money is the most important thing in the world. It represents health, strength, honor, generosity and beauty as conspicuously as the want of it represents illness, weakness, disgrace, meanness and ugliness.” - George Bernard Shaw

8)  “With money you can buy a house, but not a home...With money you can buy a clock, but not time...With money you can buy a book, but not knowledge...With money you can buy blood, but not life
...With money you can buy sex, but not love...So what can you buy with money???”

9) “No horse can go as fast as the money you put on it” --Earl Wilson

10) “Rich people have money, poor people have faith.” Helen Lagerberg

Job Search Tip 4 - Save your receipts

Your job search expenses may be tax deductable when you file your income taxes.  The key to getting these deductions is saving your receipts.  You'll be surprised how much everything adds up.  I have a folder on the refridge, where I deposit notes about my job search, and any receipts that I can get credit for when it comes to tax time. 

In my research I learned that generally, you can make deductions if you are looking for a job in the same line of work in which you were employed.  The only catch is that you can only deduct expenses that exceed 2% of your income. Your income would include: money you were making before you were laid off, your severance and vacation pay, and work you have done as an independent contractor (All of this is taxable.)

If you are making itemized deductions, here are some of the items you might be able to deduct:

• Outplacement services you paid for
• Local and Long Distance Phone calls you made
• Cost of having your resume done by  a professional
• Copying/Printing your resume
• Mailing your resume out
• Traveling expenses for going to and from the interview.
• Internet Search
• Newspaper Subscriptions
• Schooling
• Memberships in Professional Associations

If your medical expenses exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income, you may be able to deduct some of these expenses as well. 

Please refer to the IRS and your tax advisor for the final word on what can be deducted. 

The IRS lists the deductable expenses, at Publication 529.
 http://www.irs.gov/publications/p529/ar02.html#en_US_publink100026911

Here are some other sources of information on this topic:
http://businessmajors.about.com/od/jobsearch/qt/tax_tips_expens.htm
http://www.prlog.org/10191814-unemployment-is-taxing-enough-get-yourself-tax-deduction.html
http://www.turbotax.com/


Any tips or articles you can share?  Love to hear them.

Job Search Tip 3 - Work the network

Your network works both ways.  Sometimes people will come to you for help, contacts or advice and sometimes you go to them.  When everyone is working, the network is a great resource.  But when you are unemployed, its a life preserver.  You need to really work it.

As you search the job search sites and apply for jobs, take a second look on linkedin for people who work in the companies you are applying to.  Reach out to them and ask them for help getting your resume in front of the right people.  It is a simple request, and in most cases if your contact can help you, they will.  Be sure to include a link for the job listing you are interested in, and attach your resume.

In the best case scenario, your contact will know the right person and will give your resume directly to them.  They might even know of another position you would be perfect for.  Worst case, they can't help you in this particular situation.  But I always think like to think of the positive side of actions...No matter what, now you are on your contact's (friend's) radar.  (And you know how I believe in the power of friends...)

 Finding a full time job is a full time job, people.   We can do it...just keep on trucking.

Quote of the day:

“Few of us get anything without working for it”  - William Feather

Reality Check - Health Insurance

I'm a pretty healthy person, and hardly ever go to the doctor. But this weekend I got stung by a bee and was taken to the hospital by ambulance with an allergic reaction. The whole time I was going through this, I was thinking about the added expenses I was going to have to deal with AND feeling a little better about the fact that I have insurance.

I can't tell you how many people I talk to that opt to go without insurance simply because they can't afford it. That is so scary to me. You never know what blows life can deal you. I'm hoping that a) I get a good job with great benefits well before my supplemented COBRA runs out, and b) I never have to use them.

I've been so thankful for the 65% my old company has been contributing to my COBRA payments. They will be making these payments for the next few months and then I am on my own. The cost will go from $100 a month to close to $500. That's more than one unemployment check, and I still have a mortgage and other bills to pay.

This little reality check puts the health insurance debate front and center in my mind.  This is the time I need coverage the most or I could be wiped out financially. I pray that Obama and his administration do right by all Americans and that he gets the support he needs to be successful.

As many posted on Facebook:
No one should die because they cannot afford health care. No one should go broke because they get sick. No one should be denied medical care by their own insurer. No one should stay in a job because they are afraid to lose their insurance.


And here is my motivational quote of the day:

Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall. --Confucius

Friends - You can always count on them

Thanks to Facebook, "friends" is  a hot topics these days.  I love hearing stories on how people are being reconnected to old schoolmates, co-workers and even friends-of-friends.   It is an amazing phenomena.  Facebook has revived social lives, prompted informal class reunions and built new online support systems.   Mine included.

Today I have over 300 friends on Facebook, and the list grows bigger every day.  I know some people would argue that these people aren't all my real friends, but I would argue they are, in their own ways.

I'm always touched by thoughtful comments on my status updates, and the good wishes sent my way.  Some are from people I see and talk to every day, but many are not.   It makes me feel really special and lucky.  And now the leads coming from Facebook as I search for a job...unbelievable.   It just more proof (if you need it), that you really can count on your friends (on Facebook and everywhere) when you need them.

Last week, as part of my networking strategy, I tried posting a "work wanted" ad as my status on Facebook.  In my posting, I offered to help earn you a referral bonus from your employer.  I got a few immediate responses with leads (which I am in the process of pursuing).  I was happy with the results, but I figured I better go back to the drawing board with my networking strategy.   I didn't count on the friend factor...

The underlying message of my post was, "I need your help."  And that's a message that friends hear loud and clear.   In the past week, I've gotten private emails offering to connect me with various headhunters and friends-of-friends in my industry.    That's the amazing power of friends.  They are there for you when you need them the most.

As Thomas Jefferson once said, "But friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life; and thanks to a benevolent arrangement of things, the greater part of life is sunshine."   I couldn't have said it better myself.  And I am looking forward to enjoying the sunshine with (and thanks to the help of) my friends.

Today, in honor of my 300+ friends on Facebook, and everywhere, I would like to share these friendship quotes.   Send one to your friend and let them know how special they are to you.

Top 10 Quotes that Celebrate Friendship:
(AKA - thank you for being a friend)

1) "Life's truest happiness is found in friendships we make along the way.”

2) “Friendship is the golden thread that ties the heart of all the world.”

3) “Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together.” -Woodrow T. Wilson

4) “Of all the things which wisdom provides to make life entirely happy, much the greatest is the possession of friendship” -Epicurus

5) “Life has no pleasure higher or nobler than that of friendship”-Samuel Johnson

6) “A man's friendships are one of the best measures of his worth”-Charles Darwin

7) “There are not many things in life so beautiful as true friendship, and not many things more uncommon.”

8) “Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving, make every day a holiday and celebrate just living!”- Amanda Bradley

9) “True friendship multiplies the good in life and divides its evils. Strive to have friends, for life without friends is like life on a desert island..to find one real friend in a lifetime is good fortune; to keep him is a blessing.” - Baltasar Gracian

10) “So long as we love, we serve; so long as we are loved by others, I should say that we are almost indispensable; and no man is useless while he has a friend.” - Robert Louis Stevenson


So that's my quotes on Friendship...Have any stories or quotes you would like to share?  Post a comment today.

Job Search Tip 2 - Getting Organized for your Interview

I've been finding on many of my interviews, the first thing they have you do when you get to the office is  fill in a application.  Most of the information is already on your resume, but you still have to fill out the form.

I find it helpful to have a cheat sheet prepared to make filling in this form as quick as possible.  Here's the information I include on my cheat sheet:

1) List of companies I worked for with the address and main phone numbers, my start and end dates and salary.

2) List of educational institutions I attended,and start and end dates, and GPA

3) List of references with their title, phone number and email address.  (I also have this printed on a separate sheet in case they ask for this during the interview). 

That's my job tip for the day...what's yours?

Job Search Tip 1 - Making a List

Last time I was laid off, they career counselor asked me to make a list of the different companies I would like to work for and show that list to everyone I knew.  This is a good idea.  There is a good chance that people might know someone at the company you want to work at, or know someone at a similar company.

I think it is also a good way to help focus your job search. 

I'll be working on my list today.  What is your job search tip?

Working the Network

Well, today is the first day of September and I am kicking the job search into high(er) gear. That means NETWORKING.

First, I started with the Headhunters.
Companies bring in headhunters to help find candidates for various positions. You never pay a headhunter to get you a job. They get paid by the company that hires you.  You can work with as many headhunters as you need to find a job, though you will find that some are better than others making the right matches for you.

Headhunters are constantly combing the resume posting services and networking sites (like Monster and Linkedin) for potential candidates who have worked at specific companies or have a specific skill set. They get the majority of their leads from people who know people who are looking.


Each time a headhunter contacts me, I add them to my database with their name, contact information and the company they contacted me about. I've been building my list over three years (since my last layoff).   I also have a list of people that I know are looking (with email and phone numbers) in case a headhunter asks me for potential candidates.

I've shared my headhunter database with my closest friends that are also looking (most are in the same industry as me) and now I am using it for myself.

Today, I sent each of my Headhunters a personalized email with the following information:

• my updated resume (thanks to the feedback from JobFox)
  
• a description of my experience
  
• what area of the country I was looking to work in
  
• my desired salary range
  
• the type of companies I would like to work at
  
• list of companies where I have already applied directly*  (headhunters cannot get credit for introducing you to companies that already have your resume. I've also been told that it is worth consulting them first before you apply directly (through a job board), as they have a better chance of getting you in. I don't have evidence to prove otherwise, so I'll have to take their word for it (it makes sense).

Then I posted a status on Facebook. 
 I have never done this before, so I don't know if it will lead to anything, but you never know. If you can't count on your friends to help you in a time of crisis, who can you count on?  Here's my post (I thought it was funny.) 

ME + YOU + JOB = $$$ in your pocket *I'm a talented online marketer looking for a job. Your company has a referral bonus. Hook me up with a lead and you may collect some $$$! * Your company's referral bonus restrictions apply. Void where prohibited :)

Next stop...Linkedin.
This post will be a little more professional.  I've got hundreds of contacts on this site, hopefully one will be able to give me a good foot in the door.


This is only the first level of networking.  I'll be digging deeper later in the next few weeks.  Stay tuned.

Summer's Over...Back to School?

Well, the summer is almost over. I'm here at Panera typing another blog posting, I haven't had a call from a recruiter or anyone else in weeks.

I guess I can take some comfort in the fact that I'm STILL in good company. According to last week's Department of Labor, NYC has a 9.6% unemployment rate in July, its highest level since June 1997. I keep telling myself, "This is the summer slowdown...everyone is on vacation...September will be better..." and all the positive things I can think of to keep on trucking. But sometimes it feels like job finding and lotto winning have about the same odds.

I am most worried about my skills and resume getting stale. So I think I'd better come up with a Plan B. I'm seriously thinking about signing up for a few more classes at NYU School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS).

These classes are around $800 and go for 6 sessions. While I hate to shell out the extra bucks, I believe they are one of the better ways for me to stay on top of the trends in the industry. Plus, I think the trip into the city and the social interaction, and the class would be a good change of pace for the fall.

I've been working towards NYU SCPS Digital Marketing Certificate for a few years now (on the dime of my previous employer). I've taken the Digital Strategy, Strategic Search Engine Marketing (SEM)and Social Media classes. I've found them to be incredibly informative and eye-opening. I was able to put all of my learnings to practice at work, and in my opinion, it was the best investment my employer ever made.

I first found out about Second Life in the Digital Strategy class. The concept of people sitting home and building an alternate reality for themselves on the internet and people making money programming clothes, cars and houses absolutely blew my mind. We also learned about other digital marketing opportunities, such as bluetooth, and podcasts.

The SEM class was sponsored by Google, and we were actually given a budget and a real life campaign to manage. I was able to take this hands-on knowledge to expand my responsibilities at work to include SEM marketing.

In the Social Networking class we learned the nuances of this communication channel and the best practices for using them to meet marketing objectives. I put into practice on Jillian Michaels facebook page and was able to grow the site to over 11K members in a matter of weeks. It was amazing.

This time around, I'm looking at the Advanced SEM class, and the SEO Strategy class.

Well, Back to School...that's my Plan B. In the meantime, I am playing Lotto... religiously. Just in case. Hey...you never know!

Required Reading (Top 10 Books for the Unemployed)

This blog is about being positive, and sometimes that is hard to do. I recently was sent a flyer for my 15 year college reunion. It just so happens that my picture is front and center on the mailing. The flyer was personalized with my name and a special url. It was a fantastic marketing piece. The truth is, I honestly don't want to go...the first question everyone asks you is "Where are you working these days???" Ugggghhhh.

Sometimes I need a little boost of positivity. I find comfort in books. They reinforce positive vibes and give you another perspective on how to look at the situation. Here's my list...

TOP 10 Books for the Unemployed


1) THE SECRET by Rhonda Byrne
This book focuses on the LAW OF ATTRACTION and how you are in control of what happens to you. If you think positive, positive things will happen to you. I believe this with all my heart and try to put this into practice in everything I do, including this blog. Whether you believe in God, or a higher power in the universe, it never hurts to be positive. A friend once told me, "If you think THE SECRET is crap...that's exactly what you get...right on your head."




2)WORLD WIDE RAVE by David M. Scott
Everyone that knows me knows that I love the internet more than anything in this world. I saw David M Scott at his book launch at NYU. It was incredibly inspiring. David make me remember why I love the internet so much and recognize its incredible power to make things happen worldwide.







3)WHO MOVED MY CHEESE by Spencer Johnson, MD
This book is written like a children's book, but it is a world-wide bestseller for adults. You can plow though it in about an hour, but the message is very powerful. Either you find new cheese, or you will starve. You can apply the message to the world, your business or your life. I read this book first in grad school and even assigned it to my team members in a workshop about change. I like to refer back to it again and again. This is a time as good as any.





4) WHAT COLOR IS YOUR PARACHUTE by Richard N. Bolles
This is a practical guide to job hunting and has been updated to reflect the current environment and challenges we all face on our job search. If you get even one tip from this book, it is worth the cost. I am sure you will find many.









5-6) KNOCK 'EM DEAD COVER LETTERS and KNOCK 'EM DEAD RESUMES
Now you can get a lot of information online about writing the perfect resume or cover letter, but I like to take a break once in a while from my computer, sit on the couch and look at a book. These books give you great samples to look at and guidance on how to write the perfect resume and cover letter.


7) ACING THE INTERVIEW by Tony Beshara
I don't know about you but I hate that question at the end of the interview, "Do you have any questions for me?" I've been asked 100s of times and I always feel like I missed an opportunity if I can't think of something to ask. And now, with all the phone interviews I have been having, I realize that I need to be that much more on to get the job. This book is an excellent resource to have in your arsenal as you start landing those interviews.




8) JOY'S LIFE DIET by Joy Bauer
You might think this is a silly book to put on an unemployment reading list, but here's the thing: I am in Panera every day surrounded by bread and cookies, and if I am not here, I am at home inches away from the kitchen. If I don't stay on top of my health, I will be fat AND unemployed, which leads to miserable. It is that easy. Joy Bauer is the ultimate cheerleader, not only that, she is an incredible business women and I find her absolutely inspiring and on top of that, her diet WORKS. That's why she is on my list.



9) THE FIVE PEOPLE YOU MEET IN HEAVEN by Mitch Albom
This book touched me so deeply the first time I read it, I go back to it again and again. This book just makes you realize that every person you meet has an impact on your life and you on theirs. I believe that everything happens for a reason, including unemployment. It is your opportunity to take stock in who you are and how you are contributing to the world in general. If nothing else, this book will make you think.



10) THE SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS PLAN by Rhonda Abrams
Well, if you can't find that dream job, how about starting your own business? My friends and I have been using our time to throw around ideas. I honestly believe one will stick and we will move forward. Having a good business plan is a good start. Rhonda Abrams will help you think of all the details and get on your way.





So that's my Top 10 reads...And no, I still really don't want to go to my reunion, but I am thinking about it.

I'm not going to let you kick ME in the Teeth...bucko!

I am so sick of these sites that allow you to upload your resume, only to find out you have to pay to apply to any of the jobs that they have listed. I'm specifically speaking of TheLadders.com, but I am sure there are others out there doing the same nonsense.

First they sent me an invitation to load my resume, then they APPROVED my resume. Today I was searching the site, and found some interesting listings, when I went to apply, I was blocked and asked to upgrade now to premium membership so I can submit my resume for this listing. SERIOUSLY???? You are wasting my time.

I realize, its not a crazy amount of money...$15 a month. But, I am unemployed. I am living on a fixed income. I do not have the extra cash to gamble on a chance that your website MIGHT get me an interview. In fact, I am seriously wondering if any of the sites will get me in the door.

Here's my list of places (to date) that try to kick you when you are down.

1) Resume Writing Services - $300 for a revised resume.
First of all, I think with the exception of a few careers, if you need someone to write your resume for you so you can get a job, you have a problem. Its like buying a term paper. Secondly, I don't like the way these services market to you. They tear you down, when you are at your lowest. And 3rd...I just think that is way too much to charge for this kind of service.

2) Unemployment Benefits - TAXABLE income.
I'm living on a FIXED INCOME that the government FIXED for me. Now I have to PAY back the government on the pittance that they gave me to survive. I'm taking the full amount now, but I know I'll feel it come tax day. While everyone is enjoying a nice fat return, I'll be happy if I don't end up owing the gov.

3) Online Banking. No direct deposit - Free Checking is GONE.
Yeah...I'm unemployed. I get a direct deposit of zero. So this is when you are going to decide to charge me? Thanks a lot.

Well that's my top 3, I am sure there are more. What's your pet peeve for unemployment?

Positive vibes and Wifi at Panera

Well, another day at Panera (for a total of 3 days this week). I've been posting my "I'm at Panera" status on Facebook. A few of my friends actually think I am working here. Well, technically, I am, but not for Panera. I'm working for my next job.

I come here before or after the gym, buy something to eat or drink and then plug in and log-on. I'm averaging 4 hours a day here and when I am here, I just feel GOOD. I feel comfortable, focused on my job search and incredibly happy to be out of the house. What a difference a little booth and free wifi makes!!!

As far as the job search process, I just updated my resume. I can thank Melanie from JobFox.com for her free feedback the other day. It was a little harsh, but once I could read it without seeing red, I realized that she was right. It needed some work.

I'm sending the revised resume to my headhunter and a few friends to see what they think, and then I am going to work on networking. Time to kick the job search up into higher gear.

Inspirational Quote of the day:"Success is almost totally dependent upon drive and persistence. The extra energy required to make another effort or try another approach is the secret of winning.” --Dennis Waitley

Cobra - Its bite kills you instantly (or financially).

Today I have to start paying for COBRA...And like the snake, its bite hurts. I would consider just flying solo with no insurance like many people do, but with my luck, that would come and bite me even harder. So I'll pay, and hope I never need it.

I'm lucky. I had 3 months of benefits paid by my old company. And now, thanks to the government, and The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), they have to pay 65% for the next six months (for a total of 9 months). That means instead of paying over $400 a month, I only pay about $150 for my medical and dental. I look at this as an incredible gift from the unemployment gods.

I am planning on ending this blog well before we get to the 9 month mark. At that point, my expenses will jump well beyond my savings. Talk about stress, which really does a number to your health!

Here's an inspirational quote from Ben Franklin:
While we may not be able to control all that happens to us, we can control what happens inside us.


Take care of yourselves, people...We will get through this together!

Keep the Faith - Top 10 inspirational quotes for the Unemployed

Today was a "down day" for me.

When I was doing dishes this morning, I was actually thinking, "What I am doing wrong? Could I be sending out more resumes? Should I be doing more networking? Why is interview process at company xyz going soooooo slow?"

Then, I got the results of the free critique of my resume from my "friends" at Jobfox. The "candidate consultant," Melanie said, "I found it [my resume] to be drab, uninspiring, and unlikely to catch anyone’s attention. If you were selling yourself as sushi, it’s as if your resume is saying "cold, dead, raw fish." Nice. Don't hold back Melanie. I think I know of some cute puppies you can kick.

To be fair, Melanie also had some constructive criticism on how I could make my resume better. After I got over my initial upset, I actually found her advice helpful and I am now in the process of making changes. Melanie also offered to fix my resume for $399. I'm going to pass. First of all, I feel like that is cheating. I'm a marketer...if I can't market myself, then what the heck can I market? Secondly, $399 in this economy??? I don't think so.

Anyway, I am not a "down day" type of person...and I hope you are not either. I've put together a list of my favorite inspirational quotes to keep you up when you get down.

Top 10 Inspirational Quotes (For the Unemployed) (AKA Keep the Faith & Keep on Trucking Quotes)


1) The sun'll come out...Tomorrow. So ya gotta hang on 'Til tomorrow, come what may. Tomorrow!Tomorrow!I love ya Tomorrow! You're always a day A way!
Annie <--- Sing it...you'll feel better instantly.

2) The best way out is always through.
Robert Frost

3) We are still masters of our fate.
We are still captains of our souls.
Winston Churchill

4)Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.
Thomas Jefferson

5) The secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes.
Earl of Beaconsfield

6) There is only one way to happiness, and that is to cease worrying things which are beyond the power of our will.
Epictetus

7) A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds.
Francis Bacon

8) Energy and persistence conquer all things.
Benjamin Franklin

9)Our greatest glory consist not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
Oliver Goldsmith

10) What is the good of being a genius if you cannot use it as an excuse for being unemployed?
Gerald Barzan <--- This one makes me laugh...


So that's my list. What words of wisdom do you turn to to make it through the tough times?

Cost-Cutting Strategies for Staying Social While Unemployed

In this current economy, I think it is safe to say that my unemployment checks might be my only steady income for a while. I sincerely hope I am wrong about this, but I have to be realistic. I'm sending out resumes like mad and the calls are few and far in between.

I've got savings in the bank, but I know it won't last forever. I am planning for leaner, meaner days ahead. Its time to make some changes, and the one place I can make cuts is on my entertainment budget.

As I have mentioned previously, I am typically a saver not a spender, but when it comes to going out and being social that's my weakness. Recently, I took my 10 year old cousin to Great Adventure. We had a great time. He thanked me profusely for the trip, and at one point said, "I can't believe how much money you wasted on on me." I told him, "It wasn't wasted, we had a good time...this is what I worked for." and he looked at me and said, "But you are not working." And I said, " I know I am not working (now)...but this is what I worked for."

I didn't see this day at Great Adventure as wasting money at all(Granted, it was also early on in my unemployment). Yes, it was expensive, but I brought my Coke Can with the B1G1Free coupon, we ate our packed lunch in the parking lot, and I didn't spend any extra money on pictures, or trinkets in the park. And most important of all, I had this special time with my cousin. That, to me, was priceless.

In my working days, that's exactly how I would view every moment out with friends and family. Sometimes I would look at a $60-$100 credit card receipt from the night out and say, "Wow, that was expensive." But I would chalk it up to the fact that I had a good time with my friends, and plus, I am frugal with my money else where, so I can afford this luxury.

Today I am unemployed. I realize if I want to stay social with my friends, some things will have to change. I never want to be the person who asks to split a bill so I can pay for exactly what I ate, or have my friends pay for me out of pity. So, I am going to have to cut where I can and I'm going to have to get a little creative.

Getting creative requires a little planning ahead. I think it also requires that your friends are flexible, but most likely, they know you are in crappy situation, and will appreciate your finding ways to maintain the quality time with them.

Here are my 10 Strategies for Staying Social when Unemployed.
(AKA - Ways to cut your entertainment expenses and still have fun.)

1) A friend wants to go out for drinks after work...
- Suggest a bar that has good happy hour deals; and/or
- Order one drink, and switch to water.


2) A friend wants to go out to the movies...
- Suggest a weekend matinee; and/or
- Get coupons for discounted tickets; and/or
- Bring your snacks to the theater. or
- Suggest a movie night at your house.


3) A friend wants to do a Spa Day for massages and facials...
- Go to the spa but only get one treatment; or
- Go to the spa, but only get a manicure; or
- Suggest a manicure and/or pedicure in a local salon; and only get one treatment.

4) A friend wants to meet up for lunch...
- Suggest an inexpensive place that has decent lunch specials. or
- Suggest you grab lunches ahead of time, and meet up at the park. or
- Ask if you could meet up for coffee instead.

5) A friend wants to meet up for dinner...
- Suggest an inexpensive place; or
- Suggest they come over your place for drinks and BBQ and tell them to bring their favorite dessert; or
- Ask if you could meet up for coffee/dessert instead.

6)A friend wants to go out to a club...
- Try to get in before the cover charge; and/or
- Offer to drive so you can't drink (too much). and/or
- Order the drink specials; and/or
- Drink water.

7) A friend wants to go away on vacation...(this is a tough one)
- Suggest a less expensive destination and/or shorter stay; and/or
- Suggest inviting other people along to help defray costs; or
- Suggest a day trip instead.

8) A friend wants to go to a casino...
- Go with a small amount of money and limit your spending to that amount; and/or
- Watch your friend gambling. Be his/her lucky charm; and/or
- Gamble a little at a time, and then go for walks around the casino.

9) A friend invites you to his/her beach house for the weekend...
- Suggest going for just the day instead of staying over. and/or
- Drink at the house before going out to the clubs;

10) A friend wants to go shopping...
- Make a pact with yourself that you don't buy anything you don't need, no matter what the price; and/or
- Be your friend's "personal shopper," and help them find what they are looking for. and/or
- Look at the trip as an opportunity for exercises...the more stores you walk in and out of, the more calories you burn.


Well, those our my strategies for having fun with friends on a very tight budget. What are your ideas?

Top 10 Places with Free Wifi in Staten Island

I'm filing this blog posting from Panera in Staten Island, New York.

I came to Panera mainly for the free wifi, but in general, I find it a great place to "work." They have plenty of tables to set up shop, so that you are not disrupting their regular business, plus they have great coffee and very pleasant staff. I find this a great place to "work."

By "work," I mean the unpaid kind...job hunting, networking and whatever else I can think of to lead me to my next job. Yes, I could do this at home, but I find myself distracted by the latest case on Judge Judy and all the soap operas. I have to get out of my house.

Panera is just one of the many places you can set up your "office."


Here is my Top 10 Places to "work" when you are Unemployed
(AKA Top 10 places to Get Free WiFi)

EDITOR'S NOTE: I'm going to limit my picks to Staten Island, for two good reasons. One, I live here and two, this borough is seriously underrepresented. Research your own area and send me a list of recommendations in your area. I'll make a running list. I recommend this site as good starting point for your research http://www.wififreespot.com/

1) Panera
Free Wifi is one of the features Panera advertises loud and clear on its website. They WANT you to make yourself comfortable here. Looking for a Panera in your area? Click on this link

Panera Marsh Avenue (#4075)
280 Marsh Avenue
Staten Island, New York 10314
(718) 494-2450 | phone
(718) 494-2462 | fax

Panera Veterans Road (#4076)
2965 Veterans Road West
Staten Island, New York 10309
(718) 966-0304 | phone
(718) 966-0429 | fax

2) New York Public Library
If you are like me, its been years since you have been to the library. Go there...you'll find that it is a wonderful place to visit and get inspired. Browse the books (you remember what books are?) and enjoy the free wifi.

Here are the Staten Island Branches with Wifi
- Great Kills, 56 Giffords Lane, 718-984-6670
- New Dorp, 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977
- Port Richmond, 75 Bennett Street, 718-442-0158
- West New Brighton, 976 Castleton Avenue, 718-442-1416
- Dongan Hills1617 Richmond Road, 718-351-1444
- Todt Hill-Westerleigh, 2550 Victory Boulevard, 718-494-1642

To see all the NYPL with Wifi, click here. (scroll to the bottom of the page to see the listings for Bronx and Manhattan.

3)Cargo Cafe
This is literally one of my favorite spots on Staten Island. You can bring anyone there and you just feel comfortable. The food is great, they have a pool table, and lots of seating. The free wifi is an added bonus.

Cargo Cafe
120 Bay St
Staten Island, NY 10301-2503
(718) 876-0539


4)Barnes and Noble
NOW, you can get free wifi here too! I was there a month ago and you had to pay by the hour, but B&N has had a change of heart. Wifi is now FREE.

Barnes and Noble
2245 Richmond Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10314
718-982-6983

For a B&N in your area, click here.

Well, I wanted to list 10, but as you can see, I could only get 4 main listings, but if you count all the libraries on Staten Island, and the Paneras, you get to 10. But now I am on the look out. I'll continue to update as I go. Fellow Staten Islanders...help me out!