Those Darned Euphemisms

So, here we are. At home, waiting for the phone to ring and that golden interview to be thrust into our open arms. How did we get to this place? You know, after having worked for most of our lives and believing that our life experiences, insights and our hard work ethic would continue to serve us into our final 20 years of work life?

Well, most likely you, like me, were: Laid-off, Canned, Fired, Kicked to the Curb, Downsized, Outsourced, Axed, Bounced, Discharged, Expelled, Dismissed (out of hand I might add), Let-go, Terminated, Sacked, Booted, Given the Old Heave-Ho....you get the idea. The short answer is that, one day we were employed and the next day we were not.

Once the shock, anger and feeling of injustice wears off, what do you do next? There are several options available, all of which require some soul searching and honesty with yourself.

Are you in a position to be without a job for a few months? If so, assess what it is that you really want to do with the rest of your working life. Those dreams of doing something meaningful that were sidetracked for an odd assortment of reasons might rise to the top again.

If that is the case, take this Opportunity to get back on track. Seek out jobs that directly relate to those long ago stashed dreams. Be true to yourself this time around. It is frightening because it may mean a complete career change at a time in your life when being comfortable is looking pretty darned good. It most likely will mean a pay cut. Get over it. Get out of the comfort zone. You will be healthier, and happier, for it in the long run.

Go back to school and complete your degree. Update your knowledge so that you are current and can compete with the fresh-faced whipper-snappers who are also competing for Your Job. If you filled out a FAFSA for your child you will already be familiar with the process. You will be required to fill one out for yourself as well. Don't delay. A FAFSA can be amended to more accurately reflect your current income. Visit the local college and get the details. I find that they really don't bite.

If you are a veteran, seek out veteran's reps for help with updating a resume, going back to school (most colleges have a veteran's rep) and general support. Again, these reps are helpful and can bring you back to a zone that makes you suck it up and realize that this is an opportunity.

Be patient...without being a bump on the "waiting for a job to be handed to me on a silver platter" log. In this job market it is going to take some time and dedication on our part to get back in the saddle.

If you are not in a position to sift through jobs for the "right" job, apply for jobs that most closely relate to what you have already been doing, as well as those jobs that are on the "wish list." This is not a "scatter-shot" approach but is a broader scope which will, hopefully, gain quicker employment that is still somewhat satisfying.

Since this is the holiday season, be up front with your children, significant others and extended family, about your ability to give gifts this year. Don't try to pretend that you still have an income that is far better than the unemployment payments you are receiving. Realistic expectations are a must, both for those you love and for yourself. After all, it isn't about the gifts. It is about the sharing of time, laughter and love. Pretty simple. Leave your pride outside in the cold.

Above all, avoid pessimism. It is quite easy to fall off the cliff into the abyss. Do not allow yourself that luxury since it is quite self defeating. Stay positive and good things will come.

If, by now you are wondering if I am still unemployed three months in, the answer is "Yep." I am not being Pollyanna. I am working this all out just like you are. I continue to believe that there is a job out there with my name on it. There is one for you too.

Tomorrow, I'll give you some web sites that I continue to find helpful in my search for meaningful employment.

Chin up Buck-a-roos.