First and foremost, I encourage all who read this blog to tune into the President's address tomorrow night. You may not like him, or anything that he has to say -- but as President, he deserves your attention and respect.
Now, to the purpose of his speech -- jobs. This particular speech has special meaning to me, since I've been unemployed for a grand total of 10 months now (a marker in time that I never thought I'd reach). Granted, I'm not nearly as bad off as some Americans -- but regardless, it is my firm belief that the best jobs plan will belong to our next president.
While the importance of the content of the President's speech tonight cannot be overstated, I'm concerned about its reception. The media, and the White House, have been playing up this speech for over a week. The expectations could not be higher. For this reason, I feel bad for the president. He'd have to do nothing short of eliminating unemployment forever, along with the deficit, to keep up with expectations.
Placating the expectations game is a dangerous dance, and one I hope the President knows the steps to.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Friday, September 2, 2011
Tweet of the Day!
@dansinker: Amazing how often this can be trotted out: RT @MayorEmanuel Hey Boehner--fuck you, you stupid orange fuck.
my prediction is finally making headlines!
I found this in my twitter feed this morning -- glad to know I'm not as crazy as I seem.
Check this out -- it's worth the read.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2011/09/01/140122883/when-the-unemployed-become-effectively-unemployable
Check this out -- it's worth the read.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2011/09/01/140122883/when-the-unemployed-become-effectively-unemployable
Monday, July 25, 2011
the american people infuriate me.
I'm sitting here, watching the President make his case to the American people on prime time TV and the only thing I can think of is to scream. As Josh Lyman put it so eloquently, "I'm so sick of Congress, I could vomit." I agree with Josh, but I'm so sick of the American people, I could vomit. We elect the most ridiculous people to Congress, expecting them to represent us, and this is what we're left with.
When the constitution was written, our founding fathers saw Congress as a body of government that would give people the opportunity to have a say in what happens with their government. The people elected these representatives because they felt as though that person had their interests at heart.
I challenge everyone that reads this to 3 things. #1) Can you tell me anything about your member of Congress? (without cheating, of course). #2) Why did your member get elected? OR Why have they continually been re-elected? #3) Have they said anything of substance/anything that you agree with since their swearing in, in January?
Since I expect this of my readers, I'll share with you the answers to my questions. #1) Tom Reed -- former mayor of Corning, father of two, medical debt collector by trade. #2) He got elected because of one word "Obamacare." Even if it was irrelevant, he would say "Obamacare is bad. Let's repeal it." and hoards of people would start cheering -- and those of us with brains would ask, "and replace it with what? you?" Tommy Boy isn't real good at answering questions he didn't write himself. #3) No, and never will. He actually got an article posted in my local newspaper that said ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. He criticized the president and said that he's "hopeful" when it comes to the debt negotiations. WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN?!
I think what irritates me the most is that everyone is willing to point fingers and place blame, but no one is willing to offer a solution to the problem. No one is responsible for the problem and no one wants to solve it, they just want to be innocent.
Well, sorry Mitch, someone needs to be responsible AND come up with a solution. Saying "no" to everything will only get you a funny nickname, just ask Dick Cheney.
For the last 6 years, I've swore up and down that I'd never run for office. I know what it takes to be a candidate, and that's not what I want to do. However, it's my nature to solve problems. I don't care whose fault it is or where blame is placed, I care about the resolution.
Therefore, I submit to you, my readers, one last challenge. GET INVOLVED. Find someone you want to run for Congress, and help them. Don't wait for the party establishment to do it for you. They aren't the ones that are unemployed, in need of better healthcare or dependent on social security. You are.
I found my guy, and he's awesome. (When redistricting is done, I'll tell you more about him). He'll represent the people of Western New York the way they deserve.
I know, those of you that know me are chuckling under your breath saying something along the lines of "you sure he's not a sex offender or a pervert?" Newsflash: you're all hilarious.
Get involved. Someone once said, "history is made by those who show up." Well folks, it's time to take attendance, and I'm looking at you.
When the constitution was written, our founding fathers saw Congress as a body of government that would give people the opportunity to have a say in what happens with their government. The people elected these representatives because they felt as though that person had their interests at heart.
I challenge everyone that reads this to 3 things. #1) Can you tell me anything about your member of Congress? (without cheating, of course). #2) Why did your member get elected? OR Why have they continually been re-elected? #3) Have they said anything of substance/anything that you agree with since their swearing in, in January?
Since I expect this of my readers, I'll share with you the answers to my questions. #1) Tom Reed -- former mayor of Corning, father of two, medical debt collector by trade. #2) He got elected because of one word "Obamacare." Even if it was irrelevant, he would say "Obamacare is bad. Let's repeal it." and hoards of people would start cheering -- and those of us with brains would ask, "and replace it with what? you?" Tommy Boy isn't real good at answering questions he didn't write himself. #3) No, and never will. He actually got an article posted in my local newspaper that said ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. He criticized the president and said that he's "hopeful" when it comes to the debt negotiations. WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN?!
I think what irritates me the most is that everyone is willing to point fingers and place blame, but no one is willing to offer a solution to the problem. No one is responsible for the problem and no one wants to solve it, they just want to be innocent.
Well, sorry Mitch, someone needs to be responsible AND come up with a solution. Saying "no" to everything will only get you a funny nickname, just ask Dick Cheney.
For the last 6 years, I've swore up and down that I'd never run for office. I know what it takes to be a candidate, and that's not what I want to do. However, it's my nature to solve problems. I don't care whose fault it is or where blame is placed, I care about the resolution.
Therefore, I submit to you, my readers, one last challenge. GET INVOLVED. Find someone you want to run for Congress, and help them. Don't wait for the party establishment to do it for you. They aren't the ones that are unemployed, in need of better healthcare or dependent on social security. You are.
I found my guy, and he's awesome. (When redistricting is done, I'll tell you more about him). He'll represent the people of Western New York the way they deserve.
I know, those of you that know me are chuckling under your breath saying something along the lines of "you sure he's not a sex offender or a pervert?" Newsflash: you're all hilarious.
Get involved. Someone once said, "history is made by those who show up." Well folks, it's time to take attendance, and I'm looking at you.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
explanation behind the creation.
After weeks of heightened anticipation, I've decided to give an explanation for the rather unorthodox name for my blog. It's easy to say that a certain group of people are unemployable -- but an entire generation? It's true, my generation has to survive this plague of joblessness -- or being stagnant.
This is the age of Facebook, Twitter and speaking your mind -- at a volume and font that gets noticed. We want to stand up and be counted, separate from our parents. For our entire lives, we've been defined by what our parents did or who they are -- and our biggest fear is falling into those same footsteps.
Ways we get away from our parents -- 4 years of abuse to our livers (and brains) in college, we major in art and political science (instead of business and medicine), and we travel the world. We see a limitation and laugh, because our potential has no bounds.
However, that's as far as we get. Potential. With the economy in it's current state, we're lucky to get a job at Starbucks, let alone one that will let us change the world. Speaking from experience, surviving the job hunt is more daunting than the job we seek. We go on hundreds of interviews just to get chewed up and spat back out. We don't get the job (or promotion) because they're "looking for someone with a little bit more experience."
What do we do next? Go back to school. Law school, graduate school -- financial aid is our best friend. Who knew you'd get more if your parents weren't the ones filing? While this seems logical, it has the potential to ruin us. We're doubling up on our student loan debt (which has recently surpassed credit card debt as the nation's largest pool of debt), which if we don't get a VERY high paying job when we finish that second (or third) degree, we don't get the luxury of being able to declare bankruptcy.
So now what? You're 25, almost $100k in student loan debt, and are praying that the restaurant down the street from your parent's house calls you back to bar-tend, because that car loan isn't going to pay itself.
You survive. That's what we're built for. We take daily beatings with rejection email after rejection email, so badly that you've become numb to the idea that you'll be living in the same bedroom you had when you were 8 for quite a while.
The baby boomer generation may be hogging the ENTIRE job market, but we have something they don't -- future. We are going to overcome obstacles they could never even dream of. We're going to become so resilient that we're going to breeze over hurdles. The drawback? It's going to take us a little longer to get there.
We were taught long ago that there's no such thing as a free lunch, a lesson our parents probably don't understand. Thankfully, when they retire, we'll be able to teach them. We'll tell them the stories of our struggle, but it won't be those stories that they'll awe at -- it'll be the success we achieve.
The world is ours, unemployable generation. This pause is just allowing us to collect our thoughts in preparation for our slingshot to success.
Bobby Kennedy once said, "without great risk there can be no great reward." So risk takers, what's next?
This is the age of Facebook, Twitter and speaking your mind -- at a volume and font that gets noticed. We want to stand up and be counted, separate from our parents. For our entire lives, we've been defined by what our parents did or who they are -- and our biggest fear is falling into those same footsteps.
Ways we get away from our parents -- 4 years of abuse to our livers (and brains) in college, we major in art and political science (instead of business and medicine), and we travel the world. We see a limitation and laugh, because our potential has no bounds.
However, that's as far as we get. Potential. With the economy in it's current state, we're lucky to get a job at Starbucks, let alone one that will let us change the world. Speaking from experience, surviving the job hunt is more daunting than the job we seek. We go on hundreds of interviews just to get chewed up and spat back out. We don't get the job (or promotion) because they're "looking for someone with a little bit more experience."
What do we do next? Go back to school. Law school, graduate school -- financial aid is our best friend. Who knew you'd get more if your parents weren't the ones filing? While this seems logical, it has the potential to ruin us. We're doubling up on our student loan debt (which has recently surpassed credit card debt as the nation's largest pool of debt), which if we don't get a VERY high paying job when we finish that second (or third) degree, we don't get the luxury of being able to declare bankruptcy.
So now what? You're 25, almost $100k in student loan debt, and are praying that the restaurant down the street from your parent's house calls you back to bar-tend, because that car loan isn't going to pay itself.
You survive. That's what we're built for. We take daily beatings with rejection email after rejection email, so badly that you've become numb to the idea that you'll be living in the same bedroom you had when you were 8 for quite a while.
The baby boomer generation may be hogging the ENTIRE job market, but we have something they don't -- future. We are going to overcome obstacles they could never even dream of. We're going to become so resilient that we're going to breeze over hurdles. The drawback? It's going to take us a little longer to get there.
We were taught long ago that there's no such thing as a free lunch, a lesson our parents probably don't understand. Thankfully, when they retire, we'll be able to teach them. We'll tell them the stories of our struggle, but it won't be those stories that they'll awe at -- it'll be the success we achieve.
The world is ours, unemployable generation. This pause is just allowing us to collect our thoughts in preparation for our slingshot to success.
Bobby Kennedy once said, "without great risk there can be no great reward." So risk takers, what's next?
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
my semester with Congressman Weiner.
To follow up my previous post, I thought that I'd give you all a glimpse into my amazing semester interning in Congressman Weiner's office.
I was a Legislative and Press Intern -- my job included your stereotypical clerical duties (answering the phone, going through the mail, stuffing envelopes, etc). I was also tasked with giving tours of the Capitol Building whenever constituents came to visit DC. There were a few rather interesting ones -- a tour of 13, 5th graders and we got lost in the building, ended up coming out the wrong door, and met meeting Speaker-elect Pelosi the day after election day in 2006, on her way to being elected as Speaker of the House.
Some of my other duties included researching past legislation on housing and building codes, attending congressional hearings and proof-reading press releases. I developed such a great relationship with the staff, mostly because I was there 40 hours per week, just like them -- I was the only intern to have that kind of schedule. Because of that relationship, for the last half of my internship I was able to sit in on staff meetings -- meetings that interns were not allowed to be in on or participate in.
The one I remember most vividly was when the congressman announced that he was redecorating his office. At first, we were a bit puzzled -- then that evening, the painters came in and we were stunned by the color choice - yellow. And it wasn't just any yellow -- it was the brightest yellow I had ever seen on an interior wall. It was the color of a school bus. At first we thought it was a mistake, one that would test the limits on the congressman's colorful language. Much to our surprise, it was exactly what he hoped for. Bizarre? Absolutely. However, that's just the type of guy he was -- always keeping us on our toes.
Some of the best times in that internship were standing in the congressman's office, watching him give profound speeches on the floor of the House, condemning bad legislation or praising an unsung hero. We would cheer and clap as he flashed his titanium backbone, and made us proud to call him our boss.
Anthony Weiner may have let us down, but Congressman Weiner never has.
I was a Legislative and Press Intern -- my job included your stereotypical clerical duties (answering the phone, going through the mail, stuffing envelopes, etc). I was also tasked with giving tours of the Capitol Building whenever constituents came to visit DC. There were a few rather interesting ones -- a tour of 13, 5th graders and we got lost in the building, ended up coming out the wrong door, and met meeting Speaker-elect Pelosi the day after election day in 2006, on her way to being elected as Speaker of the House.
Some of my other duties included researching past legislation on housing and building codes, attending congressional hearings and proof-reading press releases. I developed such a great relationship with the staff, mostly because I was there 40 hours per week, just like them -- I was the only intern to have that kind of schedule. Because of that relationship, for the last half of my internship I was able to sit in on staff meetings -- meetings that interns were not allowed to be in on or participate in.
The one I remember most vividly was when the congressman announced that he was redecorating his office. At first, we were a bit puzzled -- then that evening, the painters came in and we were stunned by the color choice - yellow. And it wasn't just any yellow -- it was the brightest yellow I had ever seen on an interior wall. It was the color of a school bus. At first we thought it was a mistake, one that would test the limits on the congressman's colorful language. Much to our surprise, it was exactly what he hoped for. Bizarre? Absolutely. However, that's just the type of guy he was -- always keeping us on our toes.
Some of the best times in that internship were standing in the congressman's office, watching him give profound speeches on the floor of the House, condemning bad legislation or praising an unsung hero. We would cheer and clap as he flashed his titanium backbone, and made us proud to call him our boss.
Anthony Weiner may have let us down, but Congressman Weiner never has.
an extremely difficult 24 hours...
First and foremost, to those of you that are regular followers of my blog, you can thank my friend Aaron for this post. He encouraged (and coerced) me into writing about this, since I had previously planned on being a shut in for a few days.
Five years ago I had the incredible opportunity to intern for Congressman Anthony Weiner in his Capitol Hill office. Then and now, I firmly believe it was one of the incredible experiences that I have ever had. I got to work with some of the most brilliant people, for a member that I truly admired. He found an issue that he was passionate about, and fought for it, no matter the cost. He defines what a Member of Congress should be -- someone that's there to represent the people and fight for what is right, and not his own selfish interests.
Yesterday watching his press conference was the most emotional evening that I've had since this past election day. I'm not sure which was worse, watching one of my role models crumble on national television as a laughing stock, or watching someone I worked so hard for and became so close with, have to concede and election he so truly deserved to win. Both bought an absurd number of tears to my eyes.
While I acknowledge that what Congressman Weiner did was bad, I will never resign the fact that he is an exemplary congressman. He has always been a voice for his people, and the people of the Democratic Party. He has the guts to go on shows like O'Reilly and Hannity, and successfully defend his beliefs to people whose sole mission is to destroy them. People like Andrew Brietbart live to tear him down, and I hope that they never succeed.
It is my avowed hope that he can get past this horrible patch and continue his impeccable service to the people of NY-9, and the country. Without his voice, I fear for our future.
So, in the most official capacity that I have -- Congressman Weiner, I pledge my unconditional support to you. May you succeed in overcoming this, and continue to be a voice for those who do not have one.
Five years ago I had the incredible opportunity to intern for Congressman Anthony Weiner in his Capitol Hill office. Then and now, I firmly believe it was one of the incredible experiences that I have ever had. I got to work with some of the most brilliant people, for a member that I truly admired. He found an issue that he was passionate about, and fought for it, no matter the cost. He defines what a Member of Congress should be -- someone that's there to represent the people and fight for what is right, and not his own selfish interests.
Yesterday watching his press conference was the most emotional evening that I've had since this past election day. I'm not sure which was worse, watching one of my role models crumble on national television as a laughing stock, or watching someone I worked so hard for and became so close with, have to concede and election he so truly deserved to win. Both bought an absurd number of tears to my eyes.
While I acknowledge that what Congressman Weiner did was bad, I will never resign the fact that he is an exemplary congressman. He has always been a voice for his people, and the people of the Democratic Party. He has the guts to go on shows like O'Reilly and Hannity, and successfully defend his beliefs to people whose sole mission is to destroy them. People like Andrew Brietbart live to tear him down, and I hope that they never succeed.
It is my avowed hope that he can get past this horrible patch and continue his impeccable service to the people of NY-9, and the country. Without his voice, I fear for our future.
So, in the most official capacity that I have -- Congressman Weiner, I pledge my unconditional support to you. May you succeed in overcoming this, and continue to be a voice for those who do not have one.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
lapses in posts -- unavoidable?
Sorry that it's been a while since I've written -- don't worry, I'll be sure it doesn't happen again. Well another quarter of grad school down, only a billion left to go. (sigh) I've been spending a majority of my waking hours on final papers. I know that I hate taking tests, but I need to be careful what I wish for. Two 12+ page papers due within a 24 hour period is definitely everyone's nightmare.
I have come to Washington, DC for a while -- a change of scenery is the key to mental stability during such an unstable time. After living in an area where good weather is a foreign concept, I had an unfortunate run-in with the sun. Currently, I'm sporting a rather lovely shade of red on my shoulders. The stark contrast to the white from my shirt straps its definitely entertaining.
Being down here has really reinvigorated my hopes of ending up down here eventually. I walk around Capitol Hill and the rest of the city and there's an intoxicating buzz -- the buzz of brilliant people living, brilliantly. It also makes me think about other job markets and what their competition level is in comparison. After about half a second, I realized that they are nothing in comparison. The most brilliant people our nation has to offer, coalesce in DC. New York and LA -- they don't have anything on DC.
I mean, think about it. What industry is in each of the 3 aforementioned cities? LA -- Hollywood. Yes, it's competitive, but for acting and show business. NYC -- fashion and finance. Competitive? Sure. DC doesn't just house the President, but it's the nucleus for the nation. Anything that happens anywhere in the country, is usually dictated by what Washington says. That's a lot of responsibility for those of us who wish to take it by storm.
Are we willing to accept the burden that residing in such a prestigious environment demands? Are we prepared to live our lives and make our careers second to none? I can absolutely say that I have never had more than one answer for both of those questions. ABSOLUTELY.
I have come to Washington, DC for a while -- a change of scenery is the key to mental stability during such an unstable time. After living in an area where good weather is a foreign concept, I had an unfortunate run-in with the sun. Currently, I'm sporting a rather lovely shade of red on my shoulders. The stark contrast to the white from my shirt straps its definitely entertaining.
Being down here has really reinvigorated my hopes of ending up down here eventually. I walk around Capitol Hill and the rest of the city and there's an intoxicating buzz -- the buzz of brilliant people living, brilliantly. It also makes me think about other job markets and what their competition level is in comparison. After about half a second, I realized that they are nothing in comparison. The most brilliant people our nation has to offer, coalesce in DC. New York and LA -- they don't have anything on DC.
I mean, think about it. What industry is in each of the 3 aforementioned cities? LA -- Hollywood. Yes, it's competitive, but for acting and show business. NYC -- fashion and finance. Competitive? Sure. DC doesn't just house the President, but it's the nucleus for the nation. Anything that happens anywhere in the country, is usually dictated by what Washington says. That's a lot of responsibility for those of us who wish to take it by storm.
Are we willing to accept the burden that residing in such a prestigious environment demands? Are we prepared to live our lives and make our careers second to none? I can absolutely say that I have never had more than one answer for both of those questions. ABSOLUTELY.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
Joplin, Missouri -- my destination of choice.
As those of you that know we well know, I find disaster relief to be paramount to almost everything. The eight days I spent in Biloxi, MS were by far the most rewarding days of my life. I met the most extraordinary people that had been through the most horrific of experiences. Their spirits were so high after being so devastated -- I could not imagine being so upbeat when everything I knew had been destroyed.
These past few weeks watching the non-stop coverage of the devastation in the Midwest has brought back some potent memories of the days I spent on the Gulf Coast. It also helps me put things into perspective. When I think of how horrible to be unemployed, I watch reports of the people in Joplin and remember that I have parents that are caring for me, a roof over my head and can afford to attend graduate school (thanks Treasury Dept!).
Now, after regaining perspective and appreciating what I have, now all I can think of doing is running off to the Midwest and giving what little I have to those that have less than nothing. The temptation grows with every passing day and have yet to think of a reason to resist.
As Mark Twain once said, "I deal with temptation by yielding to it." Maybe I should take his advice.
These past few weeks watching the non-stop coverage of the devastation in the Midwest has brought back some potent memories of the days I spent on the Gulf Coast. It also helps me put things into perspective. When I think of how horrible to be unemployed, I watch reports of the people in Joplin and remember that I have parents that are caring for me, a roof over my head and can afford to attend graduate school (thanks Treasury Dept!).
Now, after regaining perspective and appreciating what I have, now all I can think of doing is running off to the Midwest and giving what little I have to those that have less than nothing. The temptation grows with every passing day and have yet to think of a reason to resist.
As Mark Twain once said, "I deal with temptation by yielding to it." Maybe I should take his advice.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
victory is good for the soul.
Just a quick shout out to my fellow democrat, Kathy Hochul on her striking upset tonight over Jane Corwin and Jack Davis.
Congratulations Congresswoman-elect -- can't wait to see the great things you do in Washington!
Congratulations Congresswoman-elect -- can't wait to see the great things you do in Washington!
mini-vent.
For those of you that don't live in Western New York, today is a big day -- Election Day. Former Congressman Chris Lee resigned in January after a scandal involving him posting partially nude pictures of himself of Craigslist, soliciting sex. Today's election is to fill his vacant seat.
Days like today are ones that can define careers for people like me. It also has been shown to create more frustration than one can take. I'm amazed at the number of people that think voting is a burden -- something I've never understood. It takes 5 minutes, at the most. You walk in, pull a lever (or these days, insert a piece of paper) and that's it. Literally one of the most mindless tasks imaginable.
The driving force behind their apathy is the lack of importance. To those who don't vote, it isn't important.
As someone that strives to create change for the good of everyone, I hope the apathetic change their minds. We all get what we ask for and not participating is asking for trouble. This may be in a fit of frustration, but if you don't vote, I hope all of your requests for medicaid, social security, student loans, a public education and healthcare are unilaterally denied.
As my former boss, and friend, used to say on the campaign trail -- history is made by those who show up. To all of you that don't vote -- I hope you will be swiftly forgotten.
Days like today are ones that can define careers for people like me. It also has been shown to create more frustration than one can take. I'm amazed at the number of people that think voting is a burden -- something I've never understood. It takes 5 minutes, at the most. You walk in, pull a lever (or these days, insert a piece of paper) and that's it. Literally one of the most mindless tasks imaginable.
The driving force behind their apathy is the lack of importance. To those who don't vote, it isn't important.
As someone that strives to create change for the good of everyone, I hope the apathetic change their minds. We all get what we ask for and not participating is asking for trouble. This may be in a fit of frustration, but if you don't vote, I hope all of your requests for medicaid, social security, student loans, a public education and healthcare are unilaterally denied.
As my former boss, and friend, used to say on the campaign trail -- history is made by those who show up. To all of you that don't vote -- I hope you will be swiftly forgotten.
what do the unemployed do?
During my extensive time as a member of the unemployment community, the one question that people continuously ask is, "what do you do all day?" While I'm happy to answer, most of the time when this question is asked, it is dripping with distain. So, inquisitive populous, I'm happy to answer that burning question.
As I mentioned previously, I'm currently enrolled in a graduate program, which does its best to keep me occupied. When I first started the program, I was only taking one class at a time so that I could still work. Starting in the winter, I decided to double up on my classes, since it really is the only thing that takes up my time.
Many people may say, only 2 classes? Those same people have obviously never been to graduate school. They're very time consuming -- especially when the program is as reading and writing intensive as mine. If I can keep up this momentum, I should be done next winter. Let's hope a completed Master's will be more appealing than just a Bachelors -- but right now, all bets are off.
The next thing that I do to fill my time is volunteer. The church that I grew up attending has a program where the kids in the parish deliver soup to the sick and homebound. Upon returning from my short jaunt in DC after election day, I began volunteering with them. We would make soup and prepare it for delivery, and then have the parish hall open to the public for a free soup luncheon.
The next thing on my daily list, this one is easily the most time consuming, but also the most important. Job searching. People don't realize how much time it takes to find and apply for jobs -- let alone ones that meet your individual qualifications. I have a strange habit of keeping track of all the jobs I apply for -- strange but useful. After long periods of time, like now, seeing such a large number of applications out and such a small number of interviews -- no wonder people give up hope so easily.
So, I hope this little list gives all of you who comfortably enjoy your job, what the unemployed do everyday.
As I mentioned previously, I'm currently enrolled in a graduate program, which does its best to keep me occupied. When I first started the program, I was only taking one class at a time so that I could still work. Starting in the winter, I decided to double up on my classes, since it really is the only thing that takes up my time.
Many people may say, only 2 classes? Those same people have obviously never been to graduate school. They're very time consuming -- especially when the program is as reading and writing intensive as mine. If I can keep up this momentum, I should be done next winter. Let's hope a completed Master's will be more appealing than just a Bachelors -- but right now, all bets are off.
The next thing that I do to fill my time is volunteer. The church that I grew up attending has a program where the kids in the parish deliver soup to the sick and homebound. Upon returning from my short jaunt in DC after election day, I began volunteering with them. We would make soup and prepare it for delivery, and then have the parish hall open to the public for a free soup luncheon.
The next thing on my daily list, this one is easily the most time consuming, but also the most important. Job searching. People don't realize how much time it takes to find and apply for jobs -- let alone ones that meet your individual qualifications. I have a strange habit of keeping track of all the jobs I apply for -- strange but useful. After long periods of time, like now, seeing such a large number of applications out and such a small number of interviews -- no wonder people give up hope so easily.
So, I hope this little list gives all of you who comfortably enjoy your job, what the unemployed do everyday.
Monday, May 23, 2011
joblessness -- one generation's plague.
Job hunting sucks. There's no way around that. For my generation, we've learned that we don't need to get the perfect job, we just need A job. This is very sad considering we were brought up being told that we can do anything we set our minds to -- talk about a crock.
Three years ago, I graduated from college expecting that now that I actually have a completed Bachelors, getting a job wouldn't be a problem. Definitely not the case. I spent the entire final semester applying for jobs, in hopes that one of them would hire me. Again, definitely not the case.
In a last ditch effort, I took a job as a low-level campaign staffer. This experience, without a doubt, has grown to define me in many ways. I met some great people and had some invaluable experiences, ones that I hoped would help get me into the DC scene. Once again, definitely not the case -- and in many ways, it did the exact opposite. While we can never truly know anyone, even those that play for the tickling and snorkling team, hindsight is always 20/20.
Thankfully, the next campaign I worked for was incredible. This time, the people were really what defined the experience -- truly some of the most wonderful people anyone could ever hope to meet. Never have I ever worked for someone that made me feel so valued, than this candidate. For that, I will always be grateful -- an expression I share with him regularly.
On days like today, when I'm wallowing in my joblessness, I think back to what I could have done 3 years ago to have gotten a job. I recall cover letters and interviews I gave, emails I sent, the expectations I had. Then, I think of the people on that last campaign. Never, for anything, would I trade the time I had with them.
I'm sure many of you are doubting that last statement -- and that's normal. Doubt away. Aside from my trip to Biloxi, MS following Hurricane Katrina -- that was the best 6 months I ever had. The only thing that brings a bigger smile to my face would be my gorgeous 6 month old niece, Adele -- easily the cutest kid on the planet.
"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful."
--Herman Cain
Three years ago, I graduated from college expecting that now that I actually have a completed Bachelors, getting a job wouldn't be a problem. Definitely not the case. I spent the entire final semester applying for jobs, in hopes that one of them would hire me. Again, definitely not the case.
In a last ditch effort, I took a job as a low-level campaign staffer. This experience, without a doubt, has grown to define me in many ways. I met some great people and had some invaluable experiences, ones that I hoped would help get me into the DC scene. Once again, definitely not the case -- and in many ways, it did the exact opposite. While we can never truly know anyone, even those that play for the tickling and snorkling team, hindsight is always 20/20.
Thankfully, the next campaign I worked for was incredible. This time, the people were really what defined the experience -- truly some of the most wonderful people anyone could ever hope to meet. Never have I ever worked for someone that made me feel so valued, than this candidate. For that, I will always be grateful -- an expression I share with him regularly.
On days like today, when I'm wallowing in my joblessness, I think back to what I could have done 3 years ago to have gotten a job. I recall cover letters and interviews I gave, emails I sent, the expectations I had. Then, I think of the people on that last campaign. Never, for anything, would I trade the time I had with them.
I'm sure many of you are doubting that last statement -- and that's normal. Doubt away. Aside from my trip to Biloxi, MS following Hurricane Katrina -- that was the best 6 months I ever had. The only thing that brings a bigger smile to my face would be my gorgeous 6 month old niece, Adele -- easily the cutest kid on the planet.
"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful."
--Herman Cain
Tweet of the Day
@Jesus_M_Christ: #pleaseshutupif You're trying to reinterpret the Bible. Most of you assholes can't wrap your head around The DaVinci Code.
Greetings and salutations...and cocktails
Well, I finally did it. I broke down and started my first real blog.
(When I say real -- the rankings of a college student "finding herself" doesn't really count)
As the title suggests, I'm still unemployed -- and yes, it sucks. I wouldn't say the majority of what I'm going to write about will be unemployment or pity based -- but it won't be devoid of those fun topics either.
For those of you that do not know me, shame on you -- but I give you credit for coming around. Aside from my abrasive and blunt humor, I'm very easy to get along with. I'm about as subtle as a gun, so no need to worry about what I'm thinking -- you'll probably read it here.
I'm a seasoned political operative -- field and finance mostly. College graduate, current graduate student and life-long supporter of all things liberal; especially cocktails.
Well, thanks for stopping by -- be sure to make a habit of it.
PLC (peace, love and cocktails),
--k
(When I say real -- the rankings of a college student "finding herself" doesn't really count)
As the title suggests, I'm still unemployed -- and yes, it sucks. I wouldn't say the majority of what I'm going to write about will be unemployment or pity based -- but it won't be devoid of those fun topics either.
For those of you that do not know me, shame on you -- but I give you credit for coming around. Aside from my abrasive and blunt humor, I'm very easy to get along with. I'm about as subtle as a gun, so no need to worry about what I'm thinking -- you'll probably read it here.
I'm a seasoned political operative -- field and finance mostly. College graduate, current graduate student and life-long supporter of all things liberal; especially cocktails.
Well, thanks for stopping by -- be sure to make a habit of it.
PLC (peace, love and cocktails),
--k
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