Pounding the Pavement

Since becoming unemployed on Monday I think I've applied for almost twenty jobs. The process of searching for and applying for jobs can be daunting in and of itself. The more difficult aspect is waiting for a call to be interviews. The worst part is awaiting the decision after the interview. In the last few days I've gone through all three aspects of job hunting. I've been fortunate enough to have good conversations with close friends and family, talking about my next steps in life. Under the suggestion of one of these friends I've even undertaken the task of creating a strategic life plan.

During trying times like these I think people can find comfort in talking to those close with them and maintaining some semblance of order and day to day organization. I've done these things since day one and I honestly think it's how I've kept my sanity in tact.

I've been dropped "into the wilderness" and now I'm slowly learning what it's takes to not only survive, but hopefully and eventually thrive. Here's to Day Three. It's only up from here...

And on the first day..

Today marked my first official day of unemployment and the start of a new administration. The day started off just fine...that was until I realized the degree of difficulty I had in signing up for unemployment benefits. Luckily, after a few hours and aggravating phone calls I found a resolution. In the midst of my unemployment battle I managed to make it to an interview. Everything was going just fine...until the end when I faced a graphic design challenge. As the day wore on I encountered a series of small but challenging roadblocks.

I'll be honest...I don't think I was fully prepared to be unemployed. I didn't consider the real impact this would have; both emotionally and financially. How did I get through today? I changed gears!

After a hilarious group Skype session with my partner and his family I found myself in a much better mood. I jumped on this new found energy and applied for a large number of new jobs. Then I spoke with my mom about my financial situation and the emotional impact it was having. She helped me come up with a few possible solutions that helped to assuage my distress. Moments later my dog, Beau, laid down beside me and cuddled up to take a nap.

So what did I learn today? I learned that negative energy seems to attract negative energy. Positive energy attracts positive energy. Even in the worst of moods you should never neglect your loved ones or take them for granted. They're there to provide support and push you along the path of success.

Day One was rough but it got better because I made it better.

Day One

Yesterday was my last day serving the people of the state of Ohio. In some ways it's freeing to move on to other things. On the other hand, it's sad to leave the people I've worked with for the last four years. I've left the familiar and everyday behind for what, at least for the time being, seems like the big unknown. I tend to be a very regimented person. I thrive on schedules and solid information. I think that's what got me through a tough time when my partner moved to Milwaukee for Graduate School.

This is a scary and exciting time. I now have all the time in the world, but can I handle having so much free time on my hands? Like hundreds of other people I now have to find new ways and opportunities to serve the world. Tomorrow starts today and the world is my oyster. Although, I never really liked oysters.

These next few months should bring both challenges and rewards. I retake the LSAT, continue looking for employment and find new ways to maintain relationships.

Stay Tuned.