ARE YOU THE
By Kristin Kinville
OK people – the Talk of Orlando this week is unemployment. I know, I know. That is the only topic on everyone’s mind. This article is how I hope to combine – a paycheck and my passion. “They” say find your passion and the money will come. You only make money when you’re having fun. Please allow me this reality check! Not in the form of paper worth money, but in the form of complaints which are founded and plenty. Each person whom is employed has at one point said,” I’m lucky, blessed or safe”, replacing “I work hard and have earned my place!” Unusual the format of this article will be. Blame it on my creative side. Hopefully, you’ll feel me. Unemployment in the state of Florida is at an all time high, 11.4 percent.*(1) Now is not the era of content. Any public assistance found is heaven – sent! Roughly 1 out of 9 individuals have lined up for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program –food stamps).*(2) Many have been denied because they make more than the minimal income requirement, which in my opinion is crap! Finding assistance can be a full time job alone, sometimes making us all want to consider the ways of Al Capone. 1 in every 171 housing units received a foreclosure filing in June 2010.*(3) Thousands of hard working, educated people are losing their homes. For none has this economy been fun. The projection for FL State housing foreclosure (2009-2012) is 1,482,279. *(4) The banks and financing companies decline or delay mortgage restructuring. Yesterday was the time to get the job done. But believe me when I say, God grants us another day! With this, I will plug on; waiting for my “opportunity knocks”. The only difference is I won’t forget my “block”! Please, if you happen to be blessed, help those in need, instead of constantly feeding your own greed. That truly, is the only way we can ALL succeed.
She is tired. She is exhausted. She is worn. But she keeps going on.
S he i is exs tired S h h au . S h Bute is wo sted. e r goinshe kee n. g o n ps .
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Damn her Job Finder is torn… she’ll have to pick up another at the laundry mat. Unfortunately the bin is empty, so she heads to the library wishing the rain would stop. Luckily she finds another and a marked up employment guide that someone has already discarded. She spends hours staring at a computer screen until her eyes can’t focus anymore. Multiple revisions of her
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resume and cover letters. Creating endless profiles and job applications. CareerBuilder’s, Monster, LinkedIn, Craigslist, Hotmail, Yahoo, and myjobsearchnow.com Each specifically aimed at individual job listings to target what they are looking for. She makes sure her resume’s get reviewed by a friend, family or professional recruiter. She is taking this seriously, not just entering generic statements on the computer. Looking, hunting, searching, and exerting all effort. Where do all the jobs hide? She is educated, experienced, and intelligent. She even has a work ethic. How can this and income be combined? Her journey will become epic and her attitude makes all
the difference. But where else can anyone go? Within is the answer. She can take time to groom and prepare for each interview. Practicing how she will answer questions in the mirror. She looks up each company’s website no matter how blurry her vision. Educating herself on what type of people work there, and how long. What is the company’s mission? What are the expectations of the position? Does she know anyone that already works in the company to customize her references? She attends several networking meetings, hoping to make an impression. She even makes time to press her suit, telling herself it’s worth sweating while ironing. Bill collectors calling, empty cabinets, aggravated landlords, and mouths to feed are distractions. She fights off thoughts of feeling worthless all because she can’t find a position. For now the roof above her head will depend on the kindness and patience of others; And her infinite determination. There is so much competition for only 500 job positions. 2000 applicants, waiting in line. She remembers like a mantra; “It’s no longer who you know or what you know. It’s who knows you and your ambition.” The difference is what is she doing to market herself? And how well she will listen…. FOOTNOTES
I hope that for our au d ie n c e that this “hit home”. I did my best to portray a certain motivational tone. It is the definition of perseverance to continue or remain constant to a path, idea or goal despite obstacles, distractions, mistakes or opposition. Have a good time, release some stress and contribute to a better community is the TalkofOrlando’s position.
*1 (US Dept of Labor) | *2 (EBT food stamp website) (34.4 million Americans) | *3 (RealtyTrac.com) | *4 (center for responsible lending)
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