Money...easy go...

Well, as you know, I'm working and I am very thankful for the income.  My plan is to start paying off my debt and get back to saving.  Thankfully, I have been very frugal over my year of unemployment, so it shouldn't take too long to do this (as long as I stay on track.).

But you see, there are powerful forces working against my plan.  Some I can control, some I cannot. 

First, there is insurance. Cobra is over.  I am on my own.  I just applied to the Freelancers union.  Membership in the union is free, but you have to prove your temp, or independent contractor status with invoices, paystubs and contracts.  I can look forward to $500 a month for coverage.  This is annoying because I NEVER GET SICK.  But I am too OLD, and too smart to go without insurance. So it is what it is.

And, now that I am working in the city, I have new expenses. I pay $50 a week for travel, I had to change my Gym membership to the city (since I can't get home in time for classes at the SI gym) that's another  $35 extra month, and I needed to spend about $500 to get some work appropriate clothes for the Fall (my old clothes are OLD....no lie!).  A winter wardrobe of equal or greater value will be around the corner. 

Those are the things out of my control.

Then there are the things that I can control, but don't want to...Like paying for lunch in the city, or going out and not worrying about not spending too much money.  Its so hard now that I have income.  I want to live again, and do things and enjoy myself.  It is only natural. 

But, I'm still in temp limbo at "Elastic," so I have to be careful.

You know what they say about money...easy come, easy go.  But I am working against this!  Wish me luck!

Take care of YOURSELF!

Okay...I don't want to jump to conclusions, but I haven't been sick in a year.  I go to work for 3 weeks and I have some nasty cough.  And I'm not the only one. It's going around. 

Oh well, that's the way it goes.  No pain...no paycheck.

Anyway, thankfully, its just a cold...but  in honor of this incident, here is my researched top ten tips for staying healthy, (regardless of employment status)..

TOP TEN TIPS FOR STAYING HEALTHY

1) Eat healthy.
2) Get excercise.
3) Get a good night's sleep.
4) Avoid stress.
5) Don't smoke.
6) Wash your hand often.
7) Keep your hands off your face.
8) Bring a sweater to the office to counteract heavy air conditioning inside.
9) Avoid Caffine and drink plenty of water.
10) Take vitamin C.


QUOTE OF THE DAY:
If your body's not right, the rest of your day will go all wrong. Take care of yourself. ~Terri Guillemets

Don't count your money...before you get paid!

Well for those of you that are counting, its been 3 weeks in the new job.  So far things are working out really well.  I'm enjoying the experience at Elastic (much better than the last time) and really enjoying getting back into the email marketing world.  I love the instantaneous results!!!

The only issue I have is the income (or lack thereof).  Even though I have been submitting invoices religiously on Mondays, and my boss has been approving them right away...so far, no check.  I know I am going to get paid, but this is stretching me pretty thin.  Not fun.

Anyway, I'm hoping this is an accounting snafu...and that this is not something I have to hunt down every week (or month or however they work out their payment schedule). 

Seriously, I'm missing the regularity of direct deposit, where I don't have to watch my overdrafts.  I'm not used to having to watch every invoice.  That's a pain in the butt, and I'm not really organized that way.

Anyway... just another challenge in the unemployment experience.  I'll figure it out.

Top Ten Quotes About Money:

“There are people who have money and people who are rich.” --Coco Chanel


"Go out in the world and work like money doesn't matter, Sing as if no one is listening, Love as if you have never been hurt, and Dance as if no one is watching”

“Money will come when you are doing the right thing.” --Mike Phillips

“If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments.” --Earl Wilson

“Money is a good servant but a bad master.”-- Francis Bacon

“Money grows on the tree of persistence” --Japanese Proverb quotes

“All I ask is a chance to prove that money can't make me happy” --Spike Milligan

“I am not interested in money. I just want to be wonderful.” --Marilyn Monroe

“Starting out to make money is the greatest mistake in life. Do what you feel you have a flair for doing, and if you are good enough at it, the money will come.” --Greer Garson

“The best things in life are free.” --American Proverb quotes

Ahhhh....I think I get it

So I talked to my Accountant about this Freelance Gig. 

- I have to pay a NY Commuter Tax on Nov 1.
- Then we will do estimated taxes towards the end of the year.
- I can write off some expenses, like my travel to work, a computer purchase and my internet access.
- I have to keep good records and receipts and should be ready to get audited.  FUN.

Now I am thinking I should have asked my company to pay me through an agency....Ugggghhhh...Add to my list of unemployment lessons learned.

Anyway...I'll figure it out.  The good news is that I am working. I'm enjoying Elastic and loving the commute to SOHO. 


QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"Don't ask for a light load, but rather ask for a strong back."- Anonymous

Ignorance is BLISS???

Enjoying the job at "Elastic" so far, but have a new "problem." TAXES!!!!

You see, unlike my last employment stint, where I was being paid by an agency, this is actually a consultant position. Each week, instead of a time sheet, I have to submit an invoice. They are not taking out taxes. I have to pay these on my own.

I've been trying to research how consulting and taxes work, but I am seriously CONFUSED. This is beyond my comprehension.

I think I am supposed to pay quarterly self employment taxes, an estimate of what I think I owe, but I don't really know how to do that. I think I am able to take deductions, but I am not sure what they may be.

I have calls in to my financial advisor, Rae (who is amazing BTW. I wouldn't have made it through this incomeless year without her. ) and an accountant that I used in the past. All I know is that this is going to cost me.

They say, "Ignorance is bliss." And to be honest, I could do without having to know about this kind of stuff. But I also know full well, that ignorance can not be used as a defense from good old Uncle Sam. So I better get this sorted out.

I'll share what I learn.

Today's quote:

“Since fear is mostly about ignorance, the best part is that it's as temporary as you choose.” - Christine Comaford 

Ready...Set....Go...

I'm so ready for my first full work week at Elastic!

I'll be working on the email team, which is right up my alley. This opportunity came to be thanks to the help of an old friend, who I reunited with during my "short stint" there back in May.

I don't know if it is the weather or the idea of getting back into the routine again...but it feels like "back to school" for me.  In the spirit of the season, I even went shopping for new clothes and shoes.

I'm not going to lie, I will miss my days at Panera...but I'm so looking forward to the steady income! Here's to bigger and better.

QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Good fortune shies away from gloom. Keep your spirits up. Good things will come to you and you will come to good things." ~Glorie Abelhas

When it rains...it pours

Well, its been a while since I wrote a post, simply because I had nothing to write. I wasn't up, I wasn't down...I just was.

But the last two weeks have been a a little different. It looks like employers are calling again. I had a few phone interviews...a quite few calls from friends saying that they might have an opportunity for me. And.....ELASTIC called again with another temp position for me. It looks like it might even lead to full time employment.

So as of yesterday...I am working. I'm not ready to break out the champagne yet...but I love the fact that I don't have to file for another week of unemployment.

A little lift...goes a long way.

What a surprise I had this week!   A woman at the gym, comes up to me and says, "Are you Barbara Sanchez?...I saw you this morning in the Advance...in the article about your office at Panera." 

Apparently the Panera article was reprinted.  This time, it must have had a much larger circulation, because now I am getting supportive emails from strangers, (and friends as well) .   And let me tell you, its the little lift I really needed.

Its hard to believe that I have been out over a year, and sometimes quite frankly, its a little embarrassing.  Even though I know it is not my fault, and do my best to stay positive, unemployment is sometimes is hard to deal with.  I hate when people ask what I do, I have to explain that, "I do marketing, but I am currently unemployed."    I already shied away from my college reunion, and now I have my high school reunion around the corner.  I feel bad when family calls to check on me and I don't have good news to tell them about my job search.

And even though I try to keep my spirit up, sometimes its hard...a year is a LONG time.  But then random things like the article reprint happen, and its the little lift that I need to keep on trucking. I am reminded once again, that I am not alone, and that I am doing all the right things to get back on track.  I have nothing to be ashamed of.  ....And most important, I have the support of family and friends (and even strangers) behind me.

QUOTES OF THE WEEK:

"Angels are all around us, all the time, in the very air we breathe." ~The Angels' Little Instruction Book

“Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be.” ~Grandma Moses

“Life's challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they're supposed to help you discover who you are.” ~Bernice Johnson Reagon

"Make no mistake...

"... we are headed in the right direction, but . . . we're not headed there fast enough for a lot of Americans. We're not headed there fast enough for me, either."  - Obama

Not fast enough for me either....Keep truckin', Obama...we'll get through this...

How to Stay Positive

Unemployment is a series of ups and downs, good news and bad news. 

• Good News:  The recuiters are calling excited about your resume.  
• Bad News:  You don't quite have the skills they need right now.
   
• Good News: You got an interview and made it into the next round.        
• Bad News:  They loved you, but you didn't get the job.
   
• Good News: Looks like you will have the summer off.
• Bad News:  You have all the time do to what you want...but money's a whole other story.

You basically have 2 choices.  You can sit and stew and feel bad about your situation, or find the bright side and keep on truckin'.   I always try to choose the bright side. 

And here is a video that a good friend posted on Facebook today, aptly named " How to stay Positive."  Take a look and tell me this doesn't put a little bright side to your day!  I like this girl's style.

Visit to Workforce 1 office

After a year of unemployment, I was "asked" to report to 120 Stuyvesant Plaza 3rd Floor at 8:45 am.   I had no idea what this was going to be about.  I was a little annoyed that I had to give up my morning and pay for parking to be able to continue my benefits, but on the other hand, I really couldn't complain.  They haven't asked me for anything in over a year.   Last time I was laid off, they forced me to sit in front of a  computer in the unemployment office for an hour per month searching for a job.  

Anyway, the session was basically an orientation to WORKFORCE 1, an agency set up to help people find jobs.  Some people were required to go there for unemployment benefits (like me), but there were many who were there to take advantage of the resources that they had to offer, which include free access to computers and fax machines, counselors and programs to get people back to the workforce.  Most of the job offerings did not apply to me, but they did provide me with a list of job search websites which I will use for my search.

Anyway...wasn't as bad as I expected, and I am back to my office at Panera.  The job search continues...

QUOTE OF THE DAY: 
What you get by reaching your destination is not nearly as important as what you will become by reaching your destination.

Official Recognition for Me and "The Office"

Its been over year since I was laid off, which is much longer than I ever expected to be out of work.  But I keep my head up and keep on truckin'...I know that things will change for the better soon. 

In the meantime, I am thankful for Panera, which gives me a place to call my "office."  Yesterday, I was featured in the Staten Island Advance, along with my "office mate" Joel Richardson of Soul Joel Productions.


I don't know how to describe it, but it feels really good to be recognized for making the best of a situation. 

"What else have you been doing? "

I realize that I have to redo my resume again. Its been a year since Waterfront Media. Its a pretty big gap. But as you all know, I am not sitting home watching Oprah and Judge Judy. I'm all over the place. 

• I'm drumming up NYC clients for Netrist.com  a web design company that my friend Kevin is running.
• I'm designing posters, and banners for Soul Joel Productions...
• I'm consulting on ShirtScuffle.com, helping them increase their site content and SEO.
• I'm doing web updates for Reesewaters.com and ContrinoTravel.com
• I'm working with TheBubbas.com, physically selling their Barbikyu (BBQ) on the weekends and marketing their product. 
• I just completed a crazy freelance project for "elastic,"  which at best could be described as project management work.    
• And I am helping out others where I can, when I can...

My resume is already full.  I have 2 pages of legit employment.  So my question is...where do you fit "hustling" into your career history?

Well...it was good while it lasted

Just found out my temp gig ends on Friday.

I'll miss the money, but not the insanity. You can imagine the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland, chopping mailings right when they are ready to go to press...and then asking what happened to them. I don't get it. Money is being left on the table...and thrown out the window. And nobody will tell the queen what's what.

ANYWAY, My heart is not broken over this. I'll keep on truckin'. The headhunters are calling. I'm working towards landing a permanent gig! No Pepsi. I am ready for that Coca Cola!

Another week...

Made it through another week at "elastic." I'm in much better spirits than last week...but nothing much has changed (except my attitude.)

Here's some good things to talk about.

1) My office supplies arrived (which is a small thing,but makes a big difference)

2) My first paycheck arrived...(which was not a small thing, and makes a HUGE difference).

3) The have a very nice rooftop cafeteria here, with a spectacular view.

4) My boss (who is fantastic) always has an assortment of chocolate in her office.

5) The "2 week job" is now going on week 4.

Its true...there is always a sunny side...sometimes you just have to look a little harder to find it.

Some days you need a good laugh...

Well, as many of you know, in my spare time I work for my friend, SOUL Joel, a local comedian, producer and radio host working his a** off to "make it happen." He's also my office mate at Panera...where I have been absent from for the past 3 weeks, thanks to my temp job (at a place that rhymes with "elastic").

Anyway...making a SHORT story way too LONG...

Through Joel, I met another up and coming comic, Reese Waters. Reese hired me to do some work on his website, and in the process, I found a funny clip of his on Unemployment. Thought I would share...

Jokes.com
Reese Waters - Recession
comedians.comedycentral.com
Futurama New Episodes Funny Demon Zombie TV Show Funny TV Comedy Blog

Hoped you enjoyed. A good laugh is good for the spirit.

Want to learn more about Reese and Soul Joel? Visit their sites at www.reesewaters.com and www.souljoel.com.

Steady as she goes...

Well if you are counting at home, I just made it through my 2 weeks at the temp job place.  The people are great and couldn't be nicer.  I don't know how long the gig is going to last, so I have to keep looking, (which is not easy when you are working full-time) but this week, I got an employee ID and they gave me the catalog to buy desk supplies...so I guess I am staying for a while.

What's changed since I have been away??? Well this company is running lean and mean, and I think this is typical to other companies as well.  Everyone seems stressed.  Even the bus ride to and from work has a different vibe.  You pay more and get less...fewer buses and many times its standing room only!    Stress...is everywhere.  And for the first time in over a year, I'm feeling it too.

I'm thankful for the job and the money it brings to pay my bills, but I am feeling stress.  I realized this by accident, when venting to a friend on IM.  He was doing his best to point out the bright side of the situation (at least I am making money)...and as I typed the words, " I know, but I feel like my life has been off track over a year." I started tearing up.  

I don't have my head around it totally, but there is a sense of relief to be able to tell friends and family that you are working again, but then the temp status of the work (in this case I was only promised 2 weeks), has me in a state of limbo, which is stressful.  

The whole experience reminds me of a rafting trip in the Grand Canyon that I did with my friend Suzanne after college.  We lived like rafting queens on the water for 5 days.  The guides fed us and did all the work.  All we had to do is bail the water out of the raft after a rapid.  On the last day, the guides gave us peanut butter sandwiches and sent us to hike out of the canyon.  We started out at 6 am, and by noon, we were hiking in the summer sun doing switch-backs for 10 miles.  I could see the end of the hike, but it took FOREVER to get there.   I keep dreaming of an ice cold "Coca-Cola."  The red and white logo actually flashed in my mind as I trudged on to the top.  When I finally got to the end of the trail, all they had was water.  And when I found a vending machine,  all they had was Pepsi. 

This "temp" job is like Pepsi to me.  I'm looking for a Coke and a Smile.  

Well...thanks for letting me vent.  I feel better now.  I know things will get better. I just have to get back to my positive self, and things will fall into place.  They always do.

Top 10 quotes on Beating Stress

"Don't sweat the small stuff... and it's all small stuff." - Richard Carlson, PH.D.


When you find yourself stressed, ask yourself one question: Will this matter in 5 years from now? If yes, then do something about the situation. If no, then let it go. ~ Catherine Pulsifer


“In times of great stress or adversity, it's always best to keep busy, to plow your anger and your energy into something positive.” Lee Iacocca

“If you ask what is the single most important key to longevity, I would have to say it is avoiding worry, stress and tension. And if you didn't ask me, I'd still have to say it.” George F. Burns


Give your stress wings and let it fly away. ~Terri Guillemets

Releasing the pressure, it's good for the teapot and the water. Try it sometime. ~Jeb Dickerson


Stress is the trash of modern life - we all generate it but if you don't dispose of it properly, it will pile up and overtake your life. ~Terri Guillemets

If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there'd be a shortage of fishing poles. ~Doug Larson
 
"Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin." - Mother Teresa

"Do not anticipate trouble or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight." -Benjamin Franklin

I'm back on the horse...(okay its just a Shetland Pony).

Well, its a miracle, but I got a job.  Don't get too excited. They only committed to 2 weeks.  I am sure it will go longer...but I have to keep on looking. Just in case.

As far as the first week goes...it was rough.  For one, I had to force myself to go to bed on Sunday at a decent hour.  I wanted to be bright and fresh, and on-time for the new job.  When I got home on Monday, I was exhausted. I felt like I ran a marathon.  I went right to bed.

My second day, I had a BRUTAL allergy attack.  I blamed it on the pollen, but I actually think it was due to a dusty shirt selection from the closet. Think about it.  I haven't worn these clothes in a year!

By the time Friday came along..I felt relieved.  I made it through my first week.  I can STILL do it. 

Anyway.  I'm back NYC.  I have my fingers crossed that this job will lead to full-on employment or will help me bridge on to my next job.  I think the cloud is lifting...a sunny future is around the corner.

Happy Anniversary???

Well...its been a year unemployed.  Not where I was hoping to be, but I have to say, as much as I would like to get back to work, I can't complain too much.  I've learned a lot about myself and have had the chance to do a lot of different things that I wouldn't have been able to do if I was working.   And every time I want to feel bad about myself, I meet another person who is right here in the same boat as me.  I'm still in very good company.

The good news is that I am getting more frequent interviews.   My chances of landing a job are going up every day. 

The bad news is that my computer crapped out.  I guess my "fix" didn't work as well as I had hoped.  Well, at least I tried.

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give."

Winston Churchill

Sometimes I amaze myself

A few months ago I dropped my laptop and cracked the screen.  Anyone that knows me, knows my laptop has become my life.  Its how I am able to "work at Panera," and get out of the house. 

I spoke to my techie friends, who told me, "Forget about it...at work, we trash laptops with broken screens."  "Well, that's it," I thought, "your laptop days are over."    I went a couple days working on the fractured screen, slowly accepting defeat, and then I did a little more research. 

I found a fantasic site, called Notebookreview.com  that features all the instructions you need to replace your laptop screen.  Then I found a site called Laptopz.com that sells screens, and for $125, I fixed my laptop. BY MYSELF.

Last week, my laptop started giving me a new problem.  The DC power jack started flaking out on me.  Sometimes the DC power was recognized, and sometimes, the computer would automatically switch to battery power.  I asked my techie friends again for advice.  "Forget about it...you need to buy another computer."  Well, I was ANGRY.  How could Dell create such a fragile part?  Here the computer is running fine, the screen looks great, and I am about to be done in by a loose power jack.  But researching the issue, I found hundreds of other people describing the same problem...and advice that matched that of my techie friends.  (Dell Computers, seriously...you stink and I am on to you and your evil ways.) 

But even with the bad news, I wasn't ready to give up.  I was encouraged by the success of my previous repair, and found another great website, insidemylaptop.com, that had clear instructions on how to take my Dell Inspiron B130 apart, and make make repairs to the DC Power Jack.   I got a perfect list of tools needed, and instructions and pictures on how to dissemble the computer.  I bought the items I needed at Radio Shack, and got to work.  To make a long story short, I fixed the problem, and gave my laptop an extended life.

Long story, with the full truth,  I couldn't unsoder the power jack from the motherboard, but I was able to clean the contacts on the jack.  I also lost the functionality of the touchpad in the process, but I still consider this repair a win.   I can now power up the computer AND I was able to replace functionality of the touchpad with a USB mouse.  This repair cost $40.

Why is this a big deal and how does this apply to my story of unemployment?  First of all, I have to stop and celebrate a "win," which in this case is fixing my laptop.  I am impressed with what I was able to do with help of great instructions from the websites mentioned above.   Second of all, I saved myself big money, which is now a current theme in my life. I estimate these two repairs would have cost me another $200-300 to bring to a professional.   But most importantly,  this is something I NEVER would have bothered with had I been employed.  I would have never learned that I was capable of making this type of repair... I would have moved on with a new computer.   To me, this is a big deal.

I'm always looking for a sunny side to my unemployment experience.  This week, I think I found another one.  (There's always a sunny side...sometimes you have to look a little harder to find them. )

Scenes from the Virtual Office (PANERA)

If you listen to the Comedy Point every Tuesday, you know that Joel and I have set up our “virtual” office at Panera. We joke around about it being an office, but the truth is, we virtually work there 2-3 days a week. Why Panera? You might think it’s the free internet, or the good food, or the coffee, or the friendly atmosphere. All good reasons, but the truth is: they don’t kick us out.

As you know from the show, I’m Joel’s virtual office manager. I campaigned hard for the title for over 2 weeks, after I found out that Rich Shultis hired a virtual assistant from India. My promotion was announced on the show at the beginning of the year. Now I am always on my best behavior. I wouldn’t want Joel to virtually fire me.


At first, Joel and I used to cram ourselves into a small booth in the back , but now we sit right in the front facing the windows so we can people watch. Plus, while I’m on the shy side, Joel’s a walking advertisement, what’s the point of hiding him in a corner? Seriously, not only does he drive up in his Soul Mobile, he’s always wearing at least one piece of Soul Joel Production gear. Even his computer is wrapped to promote his radio show (my Christmas present to him).

The kids love Soul Joel, giving him secret waves, thumbs ups and smiles behind their mother’s backs… And the Adults strain their necks to get a good look at this guy with the fancy computer, with his sidekick (me) sitting right next to him. Nobody can figure out what we are doing, but they know we are up to something.

Joel inadvertently names drops on his phone conversations, “Hey Reese…what’s up Reese? Yannis, good show last night.” Maddog!!! What’s up Bubbas?….Hello, I’m Joel Richardson, I’m a producer and I host a radio show.” People can’t help but look up from their coffee as he walks around talking on his cell. He’s not showing off mind you…he’s just making it happen at “the office.”

Stop by and join us at our virtual office, The Panera by Target. Have a coffee , and join our virtual fun.

REPOSTED from The Comedy Point with Soul Joel Blog.

"Are you coming???"

Every day, I am being invited to school fundraisers, Pampered Chef parties, trips to Florida, Atlantic City, NYC for Karoke,  my cousin's wedding in Mexico, night out drinking with friends, out to dinner...  More and more the answer to "Are you coming is?" "Im sorry...I can't." 

In the beginning, I was able to pick and choose between the things I wanted to do.  If it wasn't a huge layout of money, I felt it would be good for my mental health.  In fact, if you remember, I had a strategy for dealing with these situations.   Now, I am at the point where I have to say no.  I guess I should feel lucky.  I made it a year.

The truth is, unemployment benefits is only little band-aid, not meant to last a long time. Its been my savings, a home equity loan and a decent credit line that has been holding things together. My Cobra Subsidy is about the end, and that's when the band-aid will fall off, and the bleeding really begins.  My next line of defense is borrowing from my parents. Then...I don't know.

I know I am not alone.  And I know that things have to get better.  And I know as bad as things are, I am still spoiled.  Things are not even close to being as bad as they were in my grandparents' day.  And I know it must have been pretty bad, becuase till the day they died, my grandparents lived a very simple life despite riches in their bank account. You don't that unless you've been through hard times before. 

Today I have to make tougher decisions.  How can I keep my head above water until my next job? What else can I cut? Can I rent out my condo?

Its tough out here...but I know we can handle it. 


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

Blizzard, Earthquake and Tsunami...putting things into perspective

The other day I dragged my butt into the city in the middle of a blizzard to go for an interview at a headhunter so they could "See me."  That's right..."see me."  Let me just remind you, I am a marketer, not a stripper, not an actress or a model.  Apparently, if I "looked good"  they would send my resume on to the employer.  So I arrive at the office, looking pretty good if I do say so myself.  They "see me,"  talk to me for about 10 minutes, and then I'm headed right back home (fuming mad) the middle of the blizzard.

This is how it is out there.  You have to put up with this nonsense.  You have to jump at every lead.  You never know where the next job is going to come from.  But some days, man it sure feels someone is kicking you in the stomach.

But then you come home and see reports of an earthquake in Chile (and Haiti a few weeks ago) and then Tsunami to go along with it, and you have to say to yourself, you might not have a job, but you have your health a roof over your head, and you and your loved ones are safe.  It could be worse...

Quote of the Day
"“There are two big forces at work, external and internal. We have very little control over external forces such as tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, disasters, illness and pain. What really matters is the internal force. How do I respond to those disasters? Over that I have complete control.” Leo F. Buscaglia

Keeping my Head UP

Yes...today I open my my Yahoo account only to see the most disturbing headline of the day....
Job losses from Great Recession about to get worse
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100205/ap_on_bi_go_ec_fi/us_economy

I'm not going to rehash the article, you can read it for yourself.  And frankly it was not a surprise. The headhunters aren't calling...and everyone seems to be realizing that we are in trouble.  But man oh man...when you see this kind of stuff in black and white...it really makes me realize that things are BAD.  Seriously, this was not what I was hoping for as I turned into the new year. 

I'm at a loss....I just need to keep on trucking and stay positive.   My friends and family are there to keep me motivated and I have little wins here and there.  I'm not letting this economy bring me down.  NO WAY.

Quote of the Day
When I hear somebody sigh, 'Life is hard,' I am always tempted to ask, 'Compared to what?'

Sydney J. Harris

Excuse me while I vent...

You know what, I am SICK of these stupid job search websites that require you to upload your resume and then you spend the next 20 minutes fixing all the entries that they autoload. 

And what about the one that makes you fill in 30 different fields to give the most irrelevant information. You really need to where I found out about the job listing?  REALLY?  And then you need 3 drop down boxes for me to tell you?  But you don't care if it is Other?

And how come you can't tell that I am from Staten Island, NY if I give you my zip code?  And then if I tell you I am from Staten Island, NY, How come you don't know I am from the US???  Seriously.  Is there a Staten Island, NY in Mexico or Uganda?

And why do these website companies sell their HR tools to EVERY single company, but pretend like they never saw me before when I go on to the next site?  You know I just filled in your annoying forms on the last job I applied to...

And why does Beyond.com send me the same attractive job every other day, but when I click on the link the job is no longer available? 

Okay.  I feel better now.  Back to more positive thoughts.

QUOTE OF THE DAY
If you will call your troubles experiences, and remember that every experience develops some latent force within you, you will grow vigorous and happy, however adverse your circumstances may seem to be.”  --John Heywood.

Evolution with my Resolutions

Resolutions are only as good as the people who keep them.  I'm doing my darndest to stay on top of mine.  Otherwise, whats the point?

Here's my status so far....
Networking - I have 2 coffee dates set up in the city and I have signed up for a networking breakfast for the first week of February.

Getting out of the house/Gym - I'm on the right track.  Been to the gym twice this week so far. I can't believe how out of shape I am only after a few weeks.  Well, serves me right.  I started the Joy's Life Diet, but I found a box of fudge in the fridge...BAD.

Going to bed.  12 pm for 2 nights in a row.  That's a big deal for me.  No more Netflix in bed. 
The rest of the items I have to work on...but I'll get there.   Seriously, I'm hoping my job search ends soon.  I am tired of making myself "busy."

GOODNIGHT!

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.  :)