The Search Continues

Inspired by my sister's recent blog on her job search, I thought it might be cathartic to express some of my thoughts on the experiences and challenges of my, thus far, unsuccessful job search and being unemployed for the last 2+ years. On top of that, my husband was laid off Thanksgiving 2012, so there are two of us in search of work and learning to live on our much reduced income.

My sister's observation that the internet is the epitome of a 'black hole' could not be more true! A supremely frustrating black hole, at that. For the last 2+ years, resume after resume after resume has disappeared into that abyss. I've applied for everything from crossing guard to customer service rep to admin assist, to school sec'y, to 'cafeteria lady', etc. At least the resumes aren't lonely, for I wrote and sent a custom cover letter with each one of them. At an EXTREMELY CONSERVATIVE estimate of one resume per day, that's over 800 resumes into the 'black hole' over the course of 28 months.

Then there's the NON-internet resume distribution. I switched from a tiny purse to more of a satchel, so I could carry a folder of resumes with me and cold-call whenever I went out, wherever I went. I've shared my resume with hardware, beauty supply, 'dollar', book, clothing, and shoe stores. But I didn't leave out the  insurance, Doctor's, real estate, and city offices, or banks, mfg plants, nursing homes, day-care centers, employment agencies, seeking part-time, full-time, or temporary employment. I've met and had lovely conversations with many enjoyable, interesting people, but still no job and only a handful of call backs/interviews.

I've also learned to be wary of calls from insurance companies 'inviting me in for an interview'. This turned out to be a scam by an insurance agency to sell their high-dollar 'training classes'.

As a result of first losing half our income and then all our income, we are adapting our life style to match our circumstances. We were never big on 'dining out' - in either restaurants or at fast-food, but we've cut out even the rare pizza/burger. Since we're home all day, we have plenty of time to cook and we grill a mean burger (or dog, or brats, or links)  and our home-made pizza is pretty darn good, too. Add to that, I'm trying more new recipes and learning to bake bread.

We're both conservative in regard to clothes, our 'yard-work' clothes, a few sets for hanging out at the house, a set or two for what little shopping we do, a small selection of appropriate business attire for interviewing and - please, please - if one of us gets a job. That's plenty for us.

We've reduced our 'grooming' costs... No barber - I cut Bo's hair. No dog groomer - I trim Whitney's hair. I've given in to a occasional visit to the 'beauty school'  for a cheap cut - just letting it grow is not an option, nor is letting Bo cut it! My weak, flaky nails do miss the salon. Thank goodness for my source for Julep's 'Essential Cuticle Oil' and Perfect Formula's 'Pink Gel Coat'!

We've gotten more acquainted with Salvation Army (applied there) and other thrift shops. No more Tuesday Morning (applied there) or Massage Envy (applied there, too). We combine our few shopping trips to conserve gas. Coupons and discount Rx cards are big players (we've both applied at CVS, Walgreen, Wal-Mart, Family Dollar, General Dollar, Big Lots and Hobby Lobby).

We miss camping at Texas State Parks. Perfect job would be to get paid for visiting, photographing and writing about them! We loved traveling around our beautiful state. We'd really like more visits with the Austin and Lubbock grandchildren and their parents - plus revisit old stand-bys like Graham's Edgewood Market and Bon Ton Vintage.  

We now have plenty of time on our hands, but our two 15+ year old cars and high gas prices discourage such out of town adventures.

Along with the aforementioned adjustments, we also made a major change that brought its own challenges, but with the challenges came unforeseen benefits and joys. 

We'll not give up the search. We'll keep feeding the 'black hole' and sharing our resumes with people we meet in our outings.

This latest 'opportunity' has served to reaffirm:
our deep love of each other, our family, our friends, and our home;
the benefit of keeping our minds open to new possibilities and opportunities;
that brushing dogs and digging in the garden are great therapies;
sharing brings us joy.