A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the pros and cons of blogging. I questioned the usefulness of continuing on here. As the first year of this blog draws to a close at the end of this month, and as my life has become considerably more complicated due to my struggles to conquer the unemployment bug, I think I have my answer.December 2008. That's when my 29-year career in journalism shockingly halted on a Wednesday afternoon in McLean, Va., not because of job performance, but because I got caught in a perfect storm. I never would have imagined that in August of 2010, the alleged "summer of economic recovery," I would still be locked out of a business that employed me, my father and grandfather for nearly a century. Nor did I know how challenging it would be to transition into another industry, particularly industries that could use good editors, writers, designers, teachers and publication/communication managers -- businesses and positions requiring my exact or similar skill set.
Regardless of the economic data and statistics, unemployment is something that I modestly assumed I would beat, even at my age (that previously wasn't thought of as over the hill), and even in a field that has been particularly hard hit by the recession. My entire newspaper career was built on versatility, so I felt like I offered lots of attractive options to employers looking for proven people. I still believe that.
Like with so many suggestions and advice that I followed up on after I was laid off, this blog was created in order to add one more skill to my already-robust resume. I was comfortable with technology, but people said that I needed an online presence to help prove it. I did all of the things required by employers in their job ads to make myself more likely to be hired, including blogging, tweeting and adjusting my writing style for this platform.
It hasn't worked. At least not yet.
Losses have mounted as I have watched time slip away. The losses are ones you would expect (money, professional relationships, etc.) and some you might not associate with joblessness. Another fall is approaching. The skies are getting darker. Another birthday just around corner. Juggling dwindling bank accounts is like brushing my teeth. Second nature. Always waiting for the next e-mail, phone call or job lead, hoping it will come from a stable employer in a good quality-of-life area of the country. Following the news intensely, wishing some political leader will have the silver bullet to finally kill this damn recession.
But there is no silver bullet. It appears any economic recovery is going to be a slow process.
Until the cosmos realign in a more favorable manner, I doubt blogging, electronic jobs boards, networking, career fairs or past experience will be able to pry me or millions of others out of this perfect storm. Extricating myself from this recession has proven to be a task that will take more than just abilities, determination or acts of Congress.
I am confident that my skills and work ethics remain top shelf and am tiring of feeling like a victim for not having a "regular" job. When this storm passes, I hope to be stronger and wiser than ever. Until then, it's important for people, particularly baby boomers, to continue to fight the good fight, piecing together whatever kind of occupational endeavors they can muster. We are not over the hill. We embrace innovation and possess some of the strongest work ethics in America. I will come out of this stronger and become a significant asset to a company or organization that can look past stereotypes and fairly assess my credentials. When that day comes, I will be appreciative. I believe my best days are still ahead and look forward to making meaningful contributions in my next part or full-time regular job.
Many of us have reached the point where the right employment fit trumps seeking a big salary. Employers should not be afraid they can't afford us. As I have said in this blog many times, wise employers will take advantage of the deep pool of talented and experienced people available now. They will see the silver lining in the current job market and slowly but surely put America back to work. At least that's my hope.
Many of us have reached the point where the right employment fit trumps seeking a big salary. Employers should not be afraid they can't afford us. As I have said in this blog many times, wise employers will take advantage of the deep pool of talented and experienced people available now. They will see the silver lining in the current job market and slowly but surely put America back to work. At least that's my hope.
