Boston, 2006: I step down from a full-time editing job seconds before I’m sure to get a pink slip. I convince myself I’m ready to create my own work. And I do. I edit. I teach. I write. I even babysit. Ten years fly by in a blur – during which I accumulate exactly two things: telling experiences and untold debt. I try LA, then Boston, and then LA again. All complete busts. The unsteady diet of tutoring and teaching…
I’ve been unemployed a few times in my life and during those times, while I looked for a job, I still had to earn money. While unemployment benefits are available for those who qualify, in many circumstances, not even that can hold down the fort until a new job comes along. And if you don’t have access to unemployment benefits that can be an even scarier situation. As you find opportunities to make money while unemployed, you may discover that…
Here are 3 simple steps I recommend if you’ve lost a job. Step 1) Write 3 to 5 Qualities Where You Shine (that have some value in workplace). Be honest with yourself. This is not a time to be modest. This isn’t a time to worry about what someone else will think if they see the list you make. There are some traits, some talents that you have that not everyone does. Write those down. My list: – Smart –…
I was not your typical little kid. I didn’t crawl. I didn’t walk. I didn’t hold my head up very well. I didn’t dress myself or go to the bathroom without significant help from someone else. Fortunately, my parents set a pattern for my life by focusing on the things I did well. I was interested in everything. I enjoyed doing crafts, especially drawing, knitting and crocheting. I loved reading and thought I might become a writer someday. Before I…
Spouses of military members have unique challenges when it comes to finding employment. The unemployment rate for military spouses is reported to be nearly twice the rate for the overall U.S. population between 18 and 65. Combine this with higher rates of depression, alcohol abuse and divorce than their counterparts, and it can sometimes seem as if the military spouse is the one fighting a war. But there is hope! I am one of these military spouses, and I spent…
Is it OK to take a Career Detour? In today’s market, many people are challenged with making abrupt and unexpected changes in their chosen career path. We’ve all heard the recommendation, “use your existing network to get leads.” But … what happens if your path is obstructed for an indefinite period of time and these gaps are reflected in your resume? Is a career detour worth considering? I reflected on the route my hubby, Rolly, navigated when having to…