the 2 minute pitch

I am beginning to feel like a used car salesman and I don't even know what they do. I am now writing my pitches and introductions.....I sound important enough. I'd take a look at me and perhaps hire me. But its all about who you know so my pitch is this..

I am Lorraine. Can I be your friend as long as you work in a company that values social responsibility and community outreach oh and yes employees contributions. I also what to make sure you guys at your company can handle and energetic and enthusiastic associate who has a great sense of humor..... Then when we are friends..... Can you get me a job.....

So I am finally, well almost getting it

So in 2007 the idea when looking for a new career is to really define your dream job and then work your way backwards. In theory this is perfect, but in doing this I could be in my dream nursing home by then but that's not likely, BC there will be no money for that so I'll just be dreaming on some Park bench.

But tis the dremaing part thats got me stumped. Here I am at the prime of life and like most 17 year ols I don't know what I want to do when I grow up. And isn't that great. Here we are able to really think and work at getting to what I call personla nirvana, I want a job that lets me live my passion and my life on purpose.

And I beleieve I once had that. A job that gets me excited and stirs up the creative juices and lets me also help and be of service to others.

I know that my new job has to involve communications, public realtions, lots of people, a place to grow, a compnay that has values and corporate social reasponsibility. And it has to be a place that values its people. oh and year it has to be fun.....

I'm still hanging in there

Okay so iuts almost 4 months unemployed. While I try really hard to be upbeat and positive, it really is amazing how this stuff really transforms you. But then it also gives you an opportunity to learn a lot about yourself and who you really are.

What perplexes me is that I really don't know how to play this game- Finding target markets, calls to strangers, netowrking, asking for other names. What ever happend to just plain old sleeping with the boss?

Onward and upward. A new day another chance to make a difference. Prayers wanted.....thanks

The Funk sets in......

Okay so its been awhile since I have been here to gloat in the delights of being laid off and job searching. That's because I am in the process of grieving...so they tell me.... Whats the process?

Its like this. I use to be a well oiled machine. A woman of task, time and tedious attention to getting things done and being oh so organized. Now I feel like a sap who is falling apart. There is actually mail on my kitchen table. When I was working it would have been paid or thrown out. There was never time or need to see how many pizzas I could get 2 bucks off in the val-u-pak. There was never junk mail. It went straight to the garbage pail. I have several things started and seem to never finish any of them. When I worked I started and ended a project or a chore all in the same nano-second. What is happening to me.

Its hard. I know you may all think I am crazy but there is a lot to these laid off, trying to not feel screwed, keeping busy with the job search, the fear and avoiding the guilt from mindless wander to the fridge, the bed or the bathroom to throw out the junk that expired 16 months ago....

So where Am I...? I wish I knew. I pray each day to get better at this. I ask God for some sign and I do know that when its my turn I will know it.... Its the structure thing for me that's driving me kooky.

I was the kind of human that laid out and ironed all of her clothes including jewelry the night before. Lunch was made and anything I had to bring to work or drop off on the way home (like dry cleaning or a returned library book) went into the car before I went to bed. Even my tea cup and fixings were set up...the night before.

Then there was the commute that I made the most of while listening to books on tape. I think I could have actually earned another degree with all the hours of audio I did thanks to the good old Cross Bronx Expressway.

But there is I do believe, a lesson in all of this. A light side to what seems dark to me. Its like the wake up and smell the roses kind of calling I am feeling. I am learning how to sit with who I am. Before I was too busy to even know what I was thinking and now that is all I do.

So I throw it out, maybe I'll look at it later, what should I defrost, should I answer emails or visit the career journal site.....??????????????????????????

So now I think, I contemplate and I am sometimes not liking what is on my mind and other times I am not sure who this mind belongs to...but what I do know is that it is all apart of the journey.

Now if you'll excuse me I need to go clear off my kitchen table.

Thanks...just thanks

Everyone should work here

Okay - the kooky just got kookier - I was looking at a job post for what I thought was a serious job I would pursue.

Here is the kind of people they are looking for......
We are looking for passionate people who "get it" and want to work in a fast paced, redbull/beer filled environment.

Not only that - there summary says - "we're not sure what we're doing yet....

And then I thought, neither do I. So I guess I'd like to take a pole. What about working in a beer filled environment. What harm could that pose. Would they let me drink my white Zinfandel or have a pina colada on Fridays. Too many decisions to make....

This world is nuts and that's what I love about it.......

So if you see me shopping for red bull and coors lite you will know I have finally found a job...

What the unemployed do on Sunday evenings

The one benefit to being unemployed is that you don't get that pit in your stomach (actually I have had the pit since April 18th, but who's keeping track) on Sunday evenings as you realize that you've got to stop and get ready for the new work week.

I would do laundry, iron, make lunch and have the sense that ooops - got to get to bed early fresh start and then there would be all the things I would need to do, make a list for , all because I spent too much time having a weekend of other chores and errands.

Now all I do is chores and errands and I feel like I cannot keep up. Whats the deal with that. There use to never be piles of crap on the kitchen counter or table and now there are mounds.

I do keep a schedule but lions and tigers and bears oh my - how life on the other side can be so unmanageable. Its creepy.

So where am I in the process, anger, guilt, depression, you suckedness or just plain baffled. Hmmm. I think I am at the baffling point ready to go for the crazed silliness of finding Nirvana.

I just had to write . I finished a 20 minute online application that actually asked me if I was ever mentally cruel towards adults over the age of 60. (not that I know of - but I can think of some friends who when they turn 60 I will start trying....) The freaking thing took so long to fill out I wanted to scream. I am tired of telling people I am a white female with no criminal record. I Would love to say I am clown from Uganda with just 20 years behind bars me for violating the no spitting on chickens law........(I was just trying to think of something funny.. please not animal activist replies....... )

So as you all get ready for bed with that little pit of just another week - know that I will be having just another day.too - pit and all.....grateful that I can search for a new opportunity to kick ass, be totally creative and best of all, make those I work with Smile........

networking... is it like flirting or begging?

You know this is pretty fun. Where esle but in America can you get laid off after working your butt off and live to tell about it........ Ah......

So I was thinking about all this networking stuff. I feel like I am begging, then at other times I feel like I am flirting to get a date. its so weird........... There are some days that I make so many phone calls and smile so big that my face hurts, (yes I know - its killing you - how sophmoric) Its like replaing your life, over and over and then over again.

But the one thing that has humbled me vetond beleif is there are so many people willing to help me. I have people that have forwarded my resume, made a call on my behalf, acrtually thanked me for emailing me and others who wish me so well I am oozing with the stuff. YEAH friends. Its really whats holding me together and I want to thank all of you for all the prayers, well wishes and the optimism that I will land a job soon........(just in case, I will need shelter, manicures a body massage at least every other month)

So - hugs ans kisses to you all who are out there pounding my paevement in a very big way - thanks for being my friend.