Thoughts About the Unemployment Experience

When I began writing this blog, I vowed to make the task of looking for a job fun ! I envisioned myself creating a brilliant resume which would result in offers from large corporations for my services. I also vowed that I would not stress about being unemployed.

Well, that latter part I thoroughly accomplished. I did not stress during those 6.3 months. I drank in the sunshine, and I enjoyed the lazitude (I don't know if that is a word, but it means lazy attitude to me . . . ), and I took inventory of my home, and I talked to my children, and I watched The Price Is Right before lunch, and I babysat my granddaughters, and I went to lunch with friends, and slept until 11:30 a.m. one sunny morning.

But . . . . the offers from large corporations for my services? Well, let's just say this: that didn't happen. I was collecting unemployment benefits, and I was required to apply to at least two job postings per week. I consistently filled those requirements, many weeks applying to 10 or more. As October approached, I did some serious thinking about how I was presenting myself. I began to study the job descriptions on the postings I was interested in, and I also began to study other people's resumes. I realized I was selling myself short. I "automated" my job search and expanded to other job search sites.

And, one morning a job posting popped up on the top of a job search site that caught my eye. It made me excited! "I can do this", "I can absolutely do this"! I thought. I immediately applied, and they called me immediately. The ball started rolling.

This temporary job had already fallen in my lap. Coincidentally, I went for my first job interview for this job I really, really want on the Friday before I began this temporary position. Second interview was four days ago, and third interview was two days ago. Drug testing this week. I think it's a go.

So, seeing as how businesses are extremely slow with the hiring process, I am not stressing about not being able to fulfill the duration of this temp position. I think I will be able to at least get a lot done while I am there. And, I don't want to burn any bridges. I love this company I am currently temping for. If a position were offered to me right now, there would be cause to seriously pause and consider it.

But, chickens being what they are, I don't want to count them before they hatch. I'm happy to not be idle while I wait . . . . and pray . . . . and appreciate my current employment.

What on earth was I thinking?

Fun? Looking for a job can be fun? I don't think so. It is a good way to put you in your place, that's for certain. But, fun? Not on your life . . . .