Apr. 16, 2008 - How to SUCCESSFULLY be unemployed :- )
I have decided to re-cap and update the events of our lives leading to this point, highlighting what we have learned from our experience thus far.
On March 28, 2008, my husband was informed his position within his company was eliminated due to company restructuring. While the abruptness of this news took us a little by shock, we were already in the process of thinking "what if" it happened. Of course thinking about it is never enough to prepare for it.
Last night my husband and I talked at great length (again) about what this all means and where we could take it. We have talked about going on the road. We have talked about trying to find a way to stay here. We have talked about selling this place and renting. We have even talked about living in a tent on our land! But throughout all of this, we still don't have a job. My husband has sent his resume to two dozen or more engineering firms and has been on 3 interviews, met with recruiters, networked with friends and colleagues...he is finding a dried up job market. Our situation is further complicated because while my husband has a BS in project management, he does not have an engineering degree and for that experience he has just been adept enough to learn. In the engineering world, if you're not an EIT or PE, it is unlikely anyone will take a risk on you. He has had to start applying for more entry level jobs that just won't pay what he was earning.
My husband is a very good writer. Here is an exerpt from a novel he has been working on:
The first bird of the morning subtly introduced itself to the dewy grayness of the silent hour before dawn. Its long intermittent chirps and whirs beckoned its avian cousins to call back and hail the rising sun. Although none responded, the first bird of the morning did not abandon his post in the short pine tree behind the Raymond’s house. It was the woodland caller announcing the new day. As dawn stealthily approached in the ephemeral minutes of a hypnagogic sleep, a second bird of the forest gave a quick, uncertain chirrup. It was answered after a short pause by another chirrup by the same species. An exchange of ascending notes began between the two, and soon a third joined. Then a louder bird started singing a lively melody with a sharp crescendo that cut through the darkness. The little winged sopranos continued their treetop talk under the strident tones of the louder bird. The first bird of the morning had now been hushed, and the dimness above the canopy had retreated into the steely clouds of a morning sky withholding rain. Several small species of woodland birds had assembled for the morning worship, whether the sun would appear or not. As their queues were secretly given, they called out from their waiting perches and resting places. Their biorhythmic chorus was composed before the dawn of man, and the voices resounded from the colorful beaks to rise into a symphonic charge, the overture of the new day. When a thin sheet of crimson sunlight tore out from underneath the feathery blanket of clouds at the eastern horizon, the avian choir was in the climax of its glorious song.
As you can see, it is quite good. I believe he can write for a living. But anyone familiar with relying on writing or art as a living knows it means hard times. But I believe God gave my husband this gift. So I told him last night I don't mind being poor again if it means he will write. An entry level tech job, an apartment and Ramen noodles...we can do it!
In conclusion, the best way to be successful at anything is to put your hope in God and believe. BELIEVE!
Comments
Apr. 16, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by MountainMommy
You have such a great attitude! I am so glad that you are looking at this in such a positive way and that you are taking it one day at a time. God will light the path for you.
