At Long Last Months-long job search ends in landing a position

Being a sucker for chick flicks, I love a storybook ending. When I started writing this blog in March, I hoped that my story –– this weekly report of my misadventures in job-hunting –– would end with my landing the perfect job. Let’s just say I’m going with Plan C.

Ultimately, what I found to be my dream job had less to do with what I would be doing and much more to do with where I would be doing it. I found the right place.

St.Vincent Health caught my eye in June 2008 when I responded to a job posting. As was my norm, I thoroughly explored the organization’s Web site before deciding to submit my resume. I don’t mean to sound corny, but I actually got goose bumps when I read St.Vincent Health’s mission and core values. Before I finished perusing the Web site, I found myself so touched that I was in tears. How could I have lived in Indianapolis for almost 10 years before I considered targeting this employer?

The good news is that I have landed a job with my ideal employer. The bad news? While I am no longer unemployed, I now join the ranks of the underemployed.

I think back to a time a few years ago when my neighbor was excited about starting a new job with Eli Lilly and Co. I asked what she would be doing, and she said, “Who cares? It’s Lilly!” At the time I found her reply to be rude. She never did tell me her position. I imagine she took a job that was beneath her experience or education level. Now, I have to admit I have a similar attitude. Ah, who am I kidding? She was still rude, and I have a much more tactful reply.

My fluff response might be, “I will be working in a part-time position that lays the groundwork for a career change and opens the door to greater opportunities within the organization.” In all honesty, I will be doing work that does not require a bachelor’s degree and will likely use little of my ability to plan and communicate strategically. The job is only part time, and my income will be well below where it should be. But you know what? Sometimes we just do what we have to do.

Am I anxious about what lies ahead? Sure. Do I have some fear that I might not get out of the rut of being underemployed? A little bit. But I find comfort in the Lord.
One of my most recurrent “earbugs” –– a song that gets stuck in my head –– contains the lyrics, “I lift my eyes up to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” The words are taken directly from Psalm 121. Powerful stuff! How can I go wrong?

I am excited to be working in the health care field. I am thrilled to have found an employer whose employees speak so highly of it. And I am especially grateful that I have the experience and talent to continue to maintain my recently launched business, Masterful Communications, as a means to supplement my income. Most of all, I am relieved to be stepping out of The Unemployment Line.

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by Cynthia Baxter

Setting Free the Bird in Hand Job offer doesn’t always equal acceptance of offer

I’m typically not a risk-taker, yet lately I have been. Last week, while I was on vacation, I turned down a job offer. In fact, the position was with the company for which I most want to work. Perhaps I should clarify.

I mentioned previously the quick response I received after a recent application frenzy. I submitted my online application just before midnight on a Thursday and by 9 a.m. the next day I received a voicemail reply. I’m pretty sure that was a record.

The phone screening that followed consisted of really basic questions: Can you provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States? Do you have reliable transportation?

The interviewer also asked what shift I preferred to work. She implied there were multiple openings. I replied that I’d rather work days, but I was pretty sure the posting was for a second-shift position. Third shift was my second choice.

Apparently the only openings were for second shift.
Then the interviewer asked in what part of town I lived. She gave me the impression there might be an opening nearby. I discovered none of the openings would be a convenient commute.

She also let me know the starting pay rate. I made more on unemployment. Seriously. But that was no longer an option, so I decided to grin and bear it.
I went to an interview and left with a strong sense that I would be offered the job. On the same day, I learned of another opportunity, still within the same organization: a higher pay rate, day shift, but only part time.

Like I predicted, the HR coordinator offered me the position for which I had interviewed. I asked for a few days to consider the offer. Next I listed the pros and cons for both opportunities and had a long powwow with my husband. The adage “a bird in hand is worth two in the bush” came to mind. Though I saw the job only as a temporary solution, it was mine if I wanted it. The part-time opportunity was not a done deal.

Where do things stand now? This week, I submitted my resume for the part-time position, and I know it is in the hands of the hiring manager. My volunteering for the organization has given me a slight advantage, but I’m still in wait-and-pray mode. I have only a tinge of regret from turning down the job. However, I know I did what is best for my family and me.

So here I sit, still unemployed and likely gaining no sympathy from those of my readers who have decided I’m being too picky. True that I gave up what some might say was a worthwhile opportunity.

I recall something a former co-worker once told me: “I work to live; I don’t live to work.” I can be a loyal, hard-working, valuable employee, but that doesn’t mean I have to give up what is most dear to me, namely time with my family.

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by Cynthia Baxter

Taking a break The Unemployment Line

The Baxter family is enjoying a week of camping, beach-bumming, sight-seeing and river-tubing. I have done very little in the way of job-hunting this week. However, I believe I’m on the verge of something. When I’m done being lazy, I will fill you in on all of the details.

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by Cynthia Baxter

Desperate Times Am I really ready to resort to desperate measures?

According to the Indiana Workforce Development Unemployment Insurance Claimant Handbook, “An offer of work will be suitable if it is reasonably similar in location, type of work and pay to your previous work experience.”

The Handbook continues, “The longer you remain unemployed, the more likely it becomes that an offer of work will be considered suitable. You must be willing to expand your work search beyond your normal trade or occupation and to accept work at a lower rate of pay in order to remain eligible for benefits as the length of your unemployment grows.”

Even when the economy wasn’t so bleak, I always found the field of marketing communications to be highly competitive. Being aware of the unusually high number of unemployed people in the past year, I’ve certainly looked at job opportunities outside of my field of expertise. But I’ve been determined not to take a huge pay cut.

Several months ago, I contacted a TV account executive that previously served as my rep. I knew the job outlook in the advertising world was far from ideal, but I hoped she might have a job lead.
Her reply?

“Just get a job, any job. Media and marketing are all cutting back. Start your own agency. Start an eBay business. Start a consignment shop.”

Not exactly the response I was looking for. I didn’t feel I was at a point of desperation. That was then. As of last week, I exhausted my unemployment benefits.

NOW WHAT?

I contacted Indiana Workforce Development to find out whether any further extensions were available. I received a form-letter reply. Apparently the state may be able to offer one final extension.

However, the rules are much stricter.

For the most part, I’ve already been fulfilling the job search requirements listed under the “stricter” guidelines. But the one that screams out at me states: “Accept any offer of work, regardless of type, at minimum wage or better, as long as you are physically capable of performing the task.”

Ouch! Minimum wage? Of course, if I don’t apply for positions at that pay level, then I won’t be offered any. However, lately I’ve considered some full-time positions well beneath my education level and my pay level. If I do secure such a position, I’d definitely view it as a temporary solution... a means to an end.

I’ve spent considerable effort in trying to secure a position with a large health care organization. In the past year, I submitted nearly 20 applications for various positions in the organization. A week ago, I cranked out five applications in one sitting, all for that employer of choice.

The next morning, I received a call in response to one of them. Now I’m just waiting for the interview. The pay is low and the hours stink, but the opportunity to get my foot in the door is potentially invaluable. That’s what I keep telling myself anyway.

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by Cynthia Baxter

The Vicious Cycle of an Unemployed Night Owl: Finding a reason to rise and shine The Unemployment Line

I’ve always been a night owl. Even as child, I spent many late nights watching weekend TV or reading a book long after my family had gone to bed. Of course, I also preferred to sleep well into the morning. After all, our bodies do need rest.

Before I lost my job, I still enjoyed an occasional late night that made waking up for work in the morning really difficult. But, more often than not, I went to bed at a normal time, around 10:30 p.m.

Now, however, since I have nowhere to be at 8 a.m., my sleep hours are anything but normal. For a while, I was in the habit of staying up until 1 or 2 a.m., watching the late news, then other late-night shows — Craig Ferguson is hilarious in his own goofy, sometimes seemingly tipsy way. But I discovered my late-night habit was not good for my marriage. Oftentimes bedtime is when my husband and I have a chance to talk about work, money, kids, you name it without disruption. We missed that time.

And what business did I have sleeping in, while my husband was getting up early and working two jobs to support us? My night owl ways were not only a habit but also an affliction, affecting my husband as well as myself.

What am I doing to remedy the problem? When I am fortunate enough to land a job interview, I pick a morning appointment if given the option. I also choose morning shifts when I volunteer. Every Friday I drive 30 minutes to “work” in a hospital emergency department from 8 until noon. It’s nice to be needed. I’ve also been volunteering a day week at another facility where I have a computer and an office. Sure, I’m not paid, but I have a workspace, if only for the moment. And the work gives me yet another reason to rise and shine.

But, when I don’t have an interview or a volunteer shift, I can easily fall into the vicious cycle again. My new routine is to get out of bed and go downstairs with my husband. He typically takes his breakfast with him to work, so I’m the breakfast packer. I also remind him to take his pills and then kiss him goodbye. If he takes his bike to work, I close the garage door after he leaves. Then … I go back to bed for a couple of hours. What’s wrong with me?!

I’m still applying for jobs, making follow-up calls and networking, knowing that a new job is just around the corner. Or maybe around the next corner … or the next. But job-hunting is kind of depressing and sometimes not enough of an incentive to climb out of bed.

This week I picked up a couple of freelance projects. Woohoo! Not only do I appreciate having a reason to get up early, but it’s even sweeter when I get paid for it.

by Cynthia Baxter

Trying to Find My Happy Place The Unemployment Line

Have you ever heard a sermon that you swore was written just for you? I know that people often feel such a connection to their pastors’ messages, and I’m no exception. I also had Bible study lessons that were so in tune with my state they gave me goosebumps.

I have come to the conclusion, however, that I must be getting loopy. Earlier this week, my husband and I watched “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian,” and I definitely felt the “do what makes you happy” message was meant for my ears.

As Winnie the Pooh once said, “Think think think think think … ”

What makes me happy? I enjoy writing, in some ways, just for the fun of it and, in other ways, because I know it’s something I do well.

Perhaps even more, I love helping people. That statement is pretty vague, though. Maybe I should flesh it out a bit. I like providing direction and guidance, mentoring people, and being the one in the know, whether that means having immediate answers and input or just knowing where to go or whom to consult to come up with the right information.

I suppose I just defined a zillion positions. If I add writing to the mix, let’s see … I could write the next Dear Abby! Hmmm. Something to ponder.

Don’t ask how many years I’ve contemplated writing a book. Why haven’t I done it? Fear of failure, I suppose. I’ve endured more than a year of rejection in my job search. Surely the experience has helped me to toughen up.

Last Sunday, my pastor spoke about the love of money: a nice complementary message to the one in the movie. We have enough to live on. I’ve given up pedicures (well, OK, I had two in the past year). I don’t do any unnecessary shopping. My plan last spring to purchase a new-to-me vehicle was postponed indefinitely.

But, since losing my job, I’ve not been able to contribute anything toward my retirement savings, besides the fact that what I have saved has been shrinking in value. Also, we made double payments on our equity loan for the first six months, but then we had to cut back to only the required payment. That puts our balance close to $5,000 more than it should be according to our self-imposed pay-off plan.

My husband and I are looking at other potential cutbacks. My daughter decided to quit taking dance classes (unless she changes her mind). That saves us a bit. I know we can trim costs in our insurance coverage. And even though I’ve always been a bargain shopper, I’m sure I can do more to lower our food expenses.

Ugh! Writing about our money woes is really bumming me out. I need to get back to focusing on what makes me happy. Writing... helping people... think think think... Now all I need is someone to pay me to do those things.

by Cynthia Baxter

Working the Job Fair The Unemployment Line

I recently attended a job fair at Lucas Oil Stadium. More often than not, I don’t know about an area event until after it’s already happened. In this case, I heard about it on the late news the night before.

I had plans that morning, so I decided to head to the stadium early in the afternoon. Before leaving my house, I read through some tips for attendees. I was already prepared for the most part: I planned to wear a suit, to take plenty of copies of my resume, to take my portfolio to hold notes and documents, and to follow-up appropriately. The one tip I hadn’t considered was to take personal business cards. I recently designed a card for my Masterful Communications business, so I quickly printed a couple of sheets and recruited my daughter to cut them for me.

I’m actually glad I went as late as I did. Apparently, 4,000 people pre-registered for the event. I didn’t, but since I arrived at 1:30 p.m., I also had no wait time at on-site registration. I don’t know how many attendees went to the event altogether, but I believe I missed the biggest rush.

I decided to walk the floor upon my arrival to see where the crowds were and determine my plan of attack.

My first stop was a booth where I gathered information regarding an accelerated bachelor’s degree. I have a bachelor of arts in journalism, but I had heard radio spots about the college’s program and they peaked my interest. I’ve contemplated going back to school to prepare for a career change, but my lack of income is an obstacle.

I also visited a booth for a staffing firm; several were exhibiting, so I just picked the one with which I was most familiar.

I spent the remainder of my time – more than 90 minutes – speaking with representatives from various companies. Even though I didn’t walk away with a job, which I knew would be the case anyway, I considered the event a success for me. I was able to meet an HR staffer who had recently interviewed me in a phone screening. I also met the new HR manager for a company to which I applied a few times and spoke with the previous manager. I learned about a job that I hadn’t seen advertised yet and applied the next day. And I met a couple of HR reps who were especially helpful and seemed to understand that I have a lot of transferable skills and am quite capable of applying them in a new setting.

Upon returning home, I sent some thank-you emails and forwarded my resume to a few companies. I still have more follow-up work to do, mainly exploring more company Web sites.

What I found most satisfying was having a reason to dress professionally and the opportunity to see others who are in my same situation. I don’t wish misfortune upon anyone, but it’s nice to know I’m not alone.

by Cynthia Baxter