Job hunting is hard
1Feb2007 Filed under: The Story of My Life Author: DawnAnd discouraging. I’m going back and forth between wild optimism and dire hopelessness. It’s been less than a week and already I’m sure I’ll either never work again or end up with the job of the century. Between job applications, I’m trying to stay focused on some freelance things and my sample chapter but let me tell you, my mind is not obeying me and insists on wandering. I’m also yelling at the kids more and then hanging my head because it’s just my stress getting to me.
You know what was great? I got the phone call from Brett re., lay-offs while I was at my sister’s and I asked her to call my mom while I went to pick Brett up since he was getting off early (I knew she’d tell mom anyway and wanted her to know that was fine with me). My mom said, “You tell her that they will be ok because her family won’t let anything bad happen. Tell her that we’ll help cushion the fall and that they don’t need to panic. They’ll be ok; we’ll make sure of it.”
That’s my mom for you — she’ll always be mama-bear for her kids. And she thinks we’re awesome. There is nothing like calling your mom feeling blue and having her buck you up by angrily declaring your awesomeness and making it clear that she will kick the ass of anyone (including you) who puts you down. This is why I have high self-esteem in spite of myself; I lay it all at the feet of my mother.
I guess I’m not worried so much as I’m anxious to see how this all turns out. Either I’ll be at work for the first time in ten years or Brett will be back at work at (god willing) a job he actually likes or we’ll find a way to do a part-time/freelance patchwork. I mean, we’re resourceful people and we have mad skills.
(Happily Brett fixed the elliptical trainer because I couldn’t get through this without copious exercise endorphins. And also I’ve discovered pandora.com, which has made my home a more pleasant and more tuneful place to dwell.)
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12 Responses to “Job hunting is hard”
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About Me
I have two kids and a delightfully odd husband, Brett. My children are Noah (born to us in 1997) and Madison (born to her first mom, Pennie, in 2004 and brought to our family through a domestic, open adoption). They are my inspiration and also the reason I don't get more done around here.
I'm a writer and sometimes I get published, which is a nice thing. I write for joy, I write for money and when I'm very lucky, both things happen at the same time. My work appears in national publications including Yoga Journal, Disney's Family.com, Utne, Wondertime, Brain Child and Salon. Currently I am working on a book about my daughter's adoption and seeking representation for the proposal. I also own Smart Cookie Communications with my husband.
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Lilian
February 1st, 2007 at 3:57 am
Yes, your mom is right, you’ll be OK. And your mom is awesome. Just the other day I was reading this old post of yours about Playing being children’s work, and when you talked about her, I was just moved to try and be a mother like that. I wish I could help, but we’re in a similar situation ourselves — my husband had sent out 30 applications to academic jobs and has done one campus interview so far. I have no idea whether I’ll be able to work or not (and I still need to finish my dissertation in the meantime). Hang in there, and cut yourself some slack (just not on the exercise front — not that I exercise, I know I should).
Lisa V
February 1st, 2007 at 4:13 am
Yes, we swing wildly between “disaster” and “fresh start.” But I know, like you, that we will ultimately be okay.
orrielynn
February 1st, 2007 at 4:54 am
ok. listen up everybody.
this is not an immediate resolution to unemployment, but it can help.
start buying the chief. either subscribe to it online, receive hardcopies by mail, or purchase it weekly at newstands. (i think it comes out on tuesdays.)
this publication lists municipal jobs. when i was just out of college, i had the darnedest time trying to get a job. then i discovered the chief, within a year took 20 tests for jobs i qualified for, and ended up doing ok for myself.
here is the link:
http://www.thechief-leader.com/
gawdessness
February 1st, 2007 at 5:35 am
Oh Yay! Yay about the elliptical, I have been bending my will to your elliptical, demanding of the universe that it be fixed!
Now I will turn that awesome power towards getting you a kick ass job!
Seriously, as dorky as it sounds everytime I have looked at or used my et, I have thought of you and sent the vibes your way!
Mine’s a schwinn - what’s yours?
And, there is nearly nothing harder than job hunt time, nothing.
Except maybe selling your house, or maybe it is the same, same.
I think you kick ass too, btw.
Kay
February 1st, 2007 at 9:45 am
Wow, thanks for the link to Pandora, that’s wonderful. and wonderful about your elliptical trainer too. As for the rest - not knowing what you’ll be doing in six months time *is* horribly stressful, I remember (though in different circumstances for me). I wish you lots of those endorphins in the meantime!
cloudscome
February 1st, 2007 at 11:36 am
Oh.My.Stars Dawn! Thank you for the Pandora link! That is exactly what I have been wanting! I knew there should be a place like that in cyberspace but I didn’t know where…. I am so happy!
I want to be like your mom too.
And as for the job hunt… it is terrible I know. But you will come out better once you slog through it. Think of all you are going to learn and grow and share with us! Not only do you have all your skill and experience to put into it, BUT you and Brett have untapped skills you don’t even know about yet. It’s the next mountain calling you.
kelly
February 1st, 2007 at 1:40 pm
You will be alright, but it’s hard going through it. Isn’t it just the best having a mother who is always, always in your corner? I love it.
Jenna
February 1st, 2007 at 1:55 pm
OMG, I’ve been discovering some great stuff on Pandora AND falling back in love with some of my old favorites. Mmpandora.
Everyone needs a Mom like yours.
kim.kim
February 1st, 2007 at 3:26 pm
I have no doubt you will land on your feet with this. I have every confidence in you and Brett.
Lisa (Blah Blah)
February 1st, 2007 at 7:42 pm
Yes, job hunting sucks. It’s hard and it’s a grind and it does make one swing wildly between bountiful self-confidence and the firm conclusion that you will never work again. And it will be like that pretty much throughout the process, however long it takes. That’s why they say finding a job is a job in itself.
But take heart, Dawn — for you *are* incredibly talented and people will want to hire you. And you will learn a lot about yourself along the journey.
I applied for the job I have now in August 2005 and never heard back - not even a phone call. In May 2006, the job was posted again. They called me for an interview and lost their minds over me. They offered me $20,000 more than I expected, gave me flex-time, let me work at home part of the time. Now in between: that sucked. I freelanced here and there and kept trying to cobble things together, but I kept in mind the type of job I wanted — I didn’t lower my expectations or standards. I did exercise regularly, and that helped. But I had some low moments. That is when I could have used your mom! Good for you that you have such a strong support system.
This will all work out. Go easy on yourself.
Liana
February 2nd, 2007 at 1:10 am
My husband has been looking for work for ages now. It is so demoralizing for him. Keep your chin up. And thanks for the Pandora link.
Melissa
February 2nd, 2007 at 4:10 am
Yay for the eliptical trainer and good words from your mom.
Sending a hug.
Melissa