Moving Forward

Since my last blog entry, life continues to move forward. I am in week 5 of my online learning session and currently hold a 97% grade average. The session ends on 12/16. The next session begins 1/11.

I have started to devote more effort towards my job search endeavors. I'm not exactly performing the steps in the order as defined by LHH, (the outplacement service of which I spoke in previous posts), but I have modified the steps to better comply with the demands of the EDD office, which is to apply to "x" number of jobs each week.

Not surprisingly so, the EDD office apparently focuses more on quantity than quality. As such, I have yet to finalize one of the first steps recommended by LHH, which is to develop a marketing plan. Such a plan identifies prospective employers with which I have an interest in working. The plan focuses on: type of industry, location, number of employees, and salary desired to name but a few criteria. The criteria are then used to search for job opportunities.

Step 1, preparation of my resume and cover letter, has been completed. I feel I am now better prepared to contact potential employers and distribute my resume to interested parties.

Now for Step 2 of the modified process, preparing for an interview. I have found several sources to help me prepare for typical questions that might be asked during an interview. After I compose my replies to these various questions, I need to store said replies in my long-term memory and learn to communicate them in a relaxed and natural manner.

I am fortunate in that, between the databases offered by LHH and those offered by the online learning institution in which I am enrolled, I am able to locate several possibilities for future employment. I am not necessarily applying to my first choices, however, due to the fact that before a candidate is hired, (s)he must repeatedly go through the process of interviewing before an offer is usually provided. Statistics show that first-time interviews---unless you know someone who already works for the company and can recommend you---rarely result in an offer. As a result, I might consider first contacting some lesser desirable companies for the sake of practice.

That being said, I did apply for a job opportunity for which I think I would be perfect. I'm very excited about the opportunity and, as a result, plan on focusing on Step 2 noted above. My long-term memory might not be up to the task, but I'm hopeful my short-term memory will be up for the challenge.

A Long-Awaited Update

Let me first apologize for my delinquency in updating this blog. I need to be more regimented in my postings.

My last posting ended on a sorrowful note. Today's posting is filled with promise...at least from my perspective. Although I have yet to find new employment, I have been working closely with an outplacement service (LHH) that was provided by my former employer for a six-month period.

LHH has been such a valuable resource. They have a complete online division, so I can take advantage of all that they have to offer without the need for traveling to one of their locations. I have been attending at least one teleconference daily, which discusses topics that help me focus on my job search endeavors...from resumes, cover letters, and professional statements, to the importance of networking and perparing for interviews. They also subscribe to various databases, for example, D&B and Hoovers, so that we can readily research businesses and hone in on those that interest us.

I can't say enough about LHH. They provide support, motivation, and hope. All good things. The only bad thing I can say is that their resources are so great, it can all be a bit overwhelming. I need to remind myself to slow down a bit, perhaps attend fewer teleconferences during the week and focus more time on completing the complementary workbook assignments. It doesn't all have to be done at once. As much as I want to again be on a company's payroll, I need to sit back, take a deep breath, and become more prepared in order to give me that needed "edge" in the market place.

So much has changed since I last searched for a job 14 years ago. Networking is the key. LHH says to rely heavily on LinkedIn, as most professionals search that website when trying to locate candidates. LHH says that not only is it vital to build your professional network, but it is also vital to receive recommendations from those networkers. So last Friday, I focused on inviting people to join my network on LinkedIn and I requested a recommendation from a former manager (who is also a dear friend of mine...not that our relationship would skew her judgment at all). More recommendations are needed, however, and I will peruse my network list for additional requests.

In addition to my time spent with LHH these past two weeks, I enrolled in an online learning institution in pursuit of an associate's degree in Web Design and Interactive Media. It's a two-year program, but I suspect some of my credits earned from my Bachelor's Degree in Journalism will transfer. I think the degree will be a nice complement to my current skills as a technical writer, and will help me stand out among the unemployed masses during my job search.

I look forward to learning new talents and keeping my brain active. Not only will the new training let future employers know that I'm keeping up with current technologies (thus, keeping me young at heart) in attempt to provide added value to their organization, but an active brain also helps to keep alzheimers at bay...at least that's what various articles tell me, which is also why I eat plenty of blueberries...but I digress.

I still have much to do to prepare myself for my future career path, but it's all good and I feel positive about the prospects.

Life Still Goes On, Even If Employment Doesn't

Yesterday I completed my online registration with the EDD office. I was fortunate to have completed the process by the final deadline date. Meeting that deadline was accidental, but I got it done in time just the same. I also completed my first bi-weekly unemployment form, which should have been mailed on 10/11, but wasn't mailed until 10 days later. I wouldn't think I would be penalized for the late mailing, but I guess I'll soon find out.

On my unemployment form, I noted that I had been traveling for the purpose of working on my new product design that I hope to one day introduce to the market place. I have no idea if the EDD will consider that as a valid attempt at finding work. Again, I guess I'll soon find out.

After filing paperwork, following up on phone calls, and completing forms, I had to deal with an upcoming appointment scheduled for 4:40 p.m. At 4:40 p.m., I was taking my dog to the vet's office for the last time. My sweet Bailey, age 16 1/2 (or maybe 17...she was a stray I got from the pound 15 years ago) was on her last legs. Her auto accident from 15 years ago had finally taken its toll. Her hips and hind quarters were weak from that accident and she now had trouble standing. Although she looked forward to treats, she also stopped eating her kibble a few days prior. Her 72 pound frame during her heyday now weighed in at 44 lbs. It was time for me to let her go, and 4:40 p.m. was just hours away.

Prior to her final sendoff, we decided to fix her a filet mignon with a side of Beggin Strips. Even with a rotten tooth in her mouth, she gently ate all that she was given and loved every morsel. For dessert, I served her two tranquilizers in cheese. The tranquilizers kicked in by the time we reached the vet's office. Part of me felt like such a traitor, sealing her fate. I only hoped she understood and knew I didn't want her to go.

The final shot was administered by the vet. As I cradled Bailey in my arms, she gently slipped into the abyss called death. It was over. My sweet girl was gone, but she appeared to be sleeping on the table. It seemed so wrong to leave her there. I wanted to take her home where she belonged. That final trip home for Bailey won't be for another 10 days, however, when her ashes are returned to me. It was a sad day and I was crying so hard, I could no longer breathe.

Today is a new day, one which I'm supposed to continue my focus on the mundane. My eyes still weep and my only thoughts today are of Bailey. She was an avid soccer player in her heyday. A lover of humans and other animals. A gentle soul. She was the sweetest girl and I miss her terribly.

My search for new employment will have to wait another day.

Where Does The Time Go?

Ironically, since I've been unemployed, it seems I have less time during the day to get things done. Where does the time go?

I used to pay bills every other week, on payday. Now that I have no payday, I think I need a new system. I used to clean house or do laundry between meetings during the day...at least before the PG&E Smart Meter was installed. (The meter, which PG&E claims doesn't increase rates, but adds penalties for usage between their peak hours each day, hours which I have yet to see publicized anywhere. But I digress.) I look around now and see that the house is a disaster. Shouldn't it be spotless now that I'm unemployed? Shouldn't I have time to cook a decent meal for dinner, instead of serving dogs and beans like I did last night?

I think all I do during the day is complete forms and get accounts on internetworking websites. It's both monotonous and exhausting, but I'm told it needs to be done, as any chance of finding employment will be the result of networking.

I enrolled in Twitter yesterday. I know it's good for discussions, but not necessarily good for job search. I can't say I really understand how Twitter works. After I enrolled, I was told that I follow 20 people and one person follows me. Follows me to where? Is this some kind of Twitter conga line? What does that stuff mean? I think it might behoove me to focus on other job networking sites for now. Monster.com and TheLadders.com are two such websites.

Speaking of which, I got my first lead yesterday. (Thank you Mark.) It's likely a long shot due to its location, but exciting just the same. However, in preparation for any possible interview, I need to again update my resume, personalize a cover letter, and sharpen my interview skills. There's a fine line between "selling" oneself in a positive way without sounding like a self-centered ass. Plus, in my case, "sales" is not necessarily my forte. Fortunately, the consulting firm I have access to is supposed to help with interview skills. For me, it's a much needed service.

My insomnia's back. I guess it's a good thing, as it gives me extra hours in the day (or more appropriately, night) to get things done.

That's my blog entry for today. Time to focus on updating my resume on LinkedIn.

Good Thing I'm Unemployed...

It's been a while since my last entry. I had planned a trip to Florida to visit friends and family after my departure from work. My mother was recently admitted to an alzheimers facility. My step-father has been battling with lung cancer in both lungs. Although currently in remission, his health is fragile for other reasons, and his guilt is overwhelming for agreeing to let go of my mother's care. Then there's my father, who needs arthroscopic surgery in both knees, but his excessive weight denies him the procedure, so he is barely ambulatory. Illnesses aside, it was great to see them all. It was also a huge distraction, as my mind was occupied with thoughts other than my recent unemployment.

That being said, however, while in Florida, my sister and I did embark on a 4-night cruise to the Bahamas. She and I are trying to develop a new product to introduce to the market place. It's a brilliant idea, if I do say so myself. I mean, I would buy it. What other proof do I need? My sister suggested that I look up Donny Deutsch, who is supposedly a marketing guru, to help us in our efforts. According to some of the recent Internet search results I found, Donny is not necessarily the next "Mahatma Gandhi" of marketing, but it's a place to start.

I have an opportunity to work with an outplacement service for the next 6 months. I hope to meet with them for the first time next week. During my initial phone interview yesterday, I was asked what I wanted to do. The answers fall somewhere between everything and nothing:

I'd like to continue my position as a technical writer because of the salary associated with the position and because communication skills are part of my genes, but is it a passion? The answer is no.

I would love to be a published author, but it could takes years to achieve such a goal and what do I live on in the meantime?

I would love to open an animal shelter, but where does the money come from to begin such an endeavor?

So much to do...so little money. But it's the beginning of my journey and far too soon for me to become pessimistic. For now, my glass is half full.

Day 1 of the Recently Unemployed

It's Friday, September 25, 2009, otherwise known as Day 1 of my unemployment. I just lost my job of 13+ years. A severe global recession is going on, with no foreseeable end in sight. So far, today has been calm. No tears, like Wednesday and no time to think, like yesterday.



I know I'm not alone. I have many friends who are in the same boat. I believe there are millions like me---like us---in this country. Ageism is not supposed to be legal, but we all know it's practiced. Even the State of CA Dept of Fair Employment and Housing notes on one of their forms that discrimination can (and evidently does) occur starting at age 40.



At any rate, something is going on in this country like nothing that has ever been seen before...a subculture if you will, of people considered middle-aged, who have lost their jobs and might never be employed by a small or large enterprise ever again. People who might love to start their own business but are financially drained and therefore unable to do so. People who are too young to retire, but too old for hire.



It occurred to me that there is power in numbers. What if all of these millions of people could get organized somehow? Start with a blog page, a medium through which to share experiences and ideas. Find ways to help each other and quite possibly make change happen...not only for us---although I would be lying if I denied my own self-interest here---but for those young people who will one day soon find themselves in this very same predicament.



We may be middle-aged and older, but with those wrinkles come experience and knowledge, problem-solving skills, and emotional stability.



We may feel powerless, but I don't think we really are. There's power in numbers and healthy solutions to problems. Isn't that how AARP and the NAACP got started? People abused, who fought for change?



Maybe I'm dreaming, but let's see what we can do together. Let's see if we can make change happen.



Feel free to share your thoughts.