Daily Loaf

I’m not sure why I didn’t object when my husband boldly posted a training schedule on our refrigerator and announced that we were going to do a half-marathon.  I was in the midst of my unemployment stint and deeply distressed.  Either he believed that a goal would alleviate some of my misery or he was not-so-subtly recommending that I drop a few pounds.  Regardless of his motivation, I agreed, and the next Monday we drove down to Bayshore to begin our training. Read the rest of this entry »

After four months of unemployment, 97 resume submittals, 12 interviews, four networking events, an immeasurable amount of time searching job boards, lots of anti-anxiety medication, an abundance of tears, and serious consideration of psychiatric intervention, it is over!

I am no longer a prisoner of worry…worry about losing my home, worry about losing my skills, worry about losing my sanity.  In less than a week, I will re-enter the workforce.  I will retire my t-shirts and shorts for professional garments.  I will once again have reason to groom my eyebrows, nails and hair.  I will have educated dialogue with people, not just one-sided conversations with my dog.  I will look forward to the weekends, as they will no longer mirror the week.

Unemployment has been the most excruciating, humbling and enlightening experience of my life.  I’ve realized that I am not invincible and no amount of talent, dedication or effort can guarantee my job. I’ve learned the importance of pursuing my dreams and challenging my abilities.  If not for the unoccupied time, I would never have filled every wall in my home with my own paintings, begun training for a half-marathon or written for an audience.  I have learned to expect the unexpected and appreciate the opportunities to modify my “plan.”   I have learned that my family and friends are infinitely patient and supportive, for which I am especially grateful.

I hope that my story tenders solace to those of you reading this who remain a victim of unemployment and that you will continue to share your experience.   How has unemployment affected you, your relationships, your goals, your life?  What have you learned and what advice can you offer?

My husband says “focus on the solution, not the problem.” What that translates to in trying-to-be-supportive husband language is “Please stop whining and find a job.”

Will somebody please offer me a solution? You might assume that my problem is unemployment — and it is a gigantic slice of my problem pie. Unemployment is definitely the foundation of my problems, but my problem has evolved. I’m no longer just an unemployed Human Resources professional. I am now unemployed, professionally indecisive, socially awkward and invariably on the verge of tears. I can’t escape my thoughts, and every thought remains loyal to my life’s present theme. Read the rest of this entry »

A year ago, I was anxiously awaiting the closing of our first home,  avoiding my mother’s crazed wedding planning calls, and three months into a job with a company I was certain I would retire from.  My career in human resources was progressing and the opportunities ahead were infinite.  I was hungry for challenge and advancement and certain I would quickly climb the corporate ladder.  My professional future seemed defined…. for the most part.

Today, I have been unemployed for more than three months.  I feel so lost… Read the rest of this entry »

A lot of good Gasparilla video on YouTube. I enjoyed this one, a floats-eye-view of the parade.

• Keeping tabs on the never-ending stimulus debate.
• Republican leader Michael Steele almost went a whole week before having to clear his “good name.”

More news after the break … Read the rest of this entry »

This morning’s report in the New York Times is full of good news:

Worse-than expected job loss:

The country moved into its second year of uninterrupted job losses last month, with companies shedding another 598,000 jobs — the most since December 1974… Economists had forecast a loss of 540,000 jobs..

Worse than-expected unemployment: 7.6 percent instead of the predicted 7.5

Dire statistics: “The jobless rate is at its highest since September 1992.”

And dire predictions:

Many economists expect that the economy will continue to contract until July at the very least, but at a slowing pace in the second quarter. That would make it the longest recession since the 1930s, outlasting the two record-holders, the mid-1970s and early 1980s downturns. Each of these recessions lasted 16 months. The current recession, which started in December 2007, would reach that milestone in April.

Enjoy.

President Obama tried again yesterday to get Republican lawmakers’ support for his economic stimulus package. The Republicans seem determined to oppose it. So, Mr. President, we going to do this thing or what? (On a side note: Happy Birthday Mom!)

• A few choice Blago tapes get a public airing.
• Unemployment is up everywhere. Everywhere!

More news after the break.

Read the rest of this entry »

Hey, if you think it’s hard finding a job now, try being old.

According to a report by AARP, seniors have seen a 70 percent increase in unemployment over the last year. Despite decades of experience, the report says, the elderly can’t find gigs.

A story from 10connects.com quotes an AARP spokesman:

“When people are cutting back, they’re cutting back on a lot of the senior population,” said Bob Yakubisin of the American Association of Retired Persons Foundation Work Search Program.

On the bright side, Wal-Mart is one of the only retailers making money right now, and they love to hire seniors … for greeters.

(Photo Credit: Pedro/Flickr)