Lately, my life has been full of ups and downs. Not having a full-time job is starting to worry me, and I’m finding I’m becoming more and more frustrated at every turn. I haven’t been without a full-time job since I was a stay-at-home mom when my six year old was born. And even then, I was attending college full-time. I’ve been getting discouraged, but I have a wonderful support system in place to help me and cheer me up when I am feeling down. I know everything happens for a reason. I’m just trying to figure all of this out.
In the meantime, I’ve been staying busy with the blog, which has grown so much thanks to many of you. With the kids out of school, we’ve been spending a lot of time doing activities like library trips, parks, and other free or low cost options.
I’m looking forward to traveling to D.C. in two weeks for the Blogging While Brown conference, and I also would like to make it to Florida and Texas before the kids go back to school.
I’ve been doing a lot of self evaluation and reflection during my employment hiatus. I’m trying to use this time off doing positive things: self improvement, quality time with the family, improving my blog, etc.
Something has to give.
I am sending positive vibes your way! A wonderful breakthrough is surely on the horizon! Sounds like you are doing the right things. I know it can be hard…but try your best not to let your emotions get the worst of you. Renew your spirit each morning!
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. I am doing my best to hang in there and stay positive and prayerful. 🙂
I didn't even know you were not working. How long have you been out of work and what type of job are you looking for (e.g. sales, service, healthcare, etc)? Are you collecting unemployment? I'm unemployed too, due to a layoff back in October. I don't let it stress me out because I received a pretty nice severance package w/reduced COBRA insurance, plus I get unemployment & I'm going to school to finish my bachelor's (six classes left). The best advice I can give you is to not let it stress you out. Continue doing what you're doing- exercising, eating right, good support system, and doing things that would add meaning to your current skill set (e.g. taking classes, volunteering, freelancing, etc.). Make sure you add these to your resume to show employer's that you are doing something productive while you are looking for work.
Trust me, I have done all of that and then some. As a former HR Administrator, I know the ends of outs of finding a job. Unfortunately, there are so many people who are out of work that it has been hard to break through and be the person that gets the job. I have gone on countless interviews and have had several hook-ups but still no full-time opportunities as of yet. I will keep trying.
Well don't give up and whatever you do never get discouraged. Just remember there are millions of people going through the same thing, so you're in good company. 🙂 Just keep on pressing forward and stay prayed up. God will send you the job He wants you to have that will be better than the last one. I am a strong believer of this only because this is the second layoff I've experienced in my working life and the next job was better than the last. Keep the faith (the size of a mustard seed). Hold on. Believe. Change is coming!
Also, let others know that you're looking for work and what you're looking for so they can keep an eye and ear out for you. LinkedIn is a great place to socialize with people and there are a couple of St. Louis Networks on there that help with job searches. Twitter has a lot of jobs (I follow a lot of job posters), so let me know what you're looking for and I'll tweet them when they come up. Good luck!