"Four Months, No Sign of Work", by Janet

I was laid off from my job 4 months ago today. I can’t believe that it has been that long (honestly, it just seems like yesterday I was packing my belongings, signing final paperwork, and hugging fellow co-workers goodbye).

I remember my first full day of unemployment. I was at our church attending a meeting with other people who had lost their job (not as depressing as it sounds). I thought for sure I’d only be in this situation for a few weeks (tops). I remember hearing the leader of our group say “for every $10,000 you want to earn, you can expect to be unemployed for one month.” Really, so if I want to make $60,000 it will take me six months to find work? And, if I want to make more I can expect longer. I thought he was crazy. I willed myself to believe that my talents would be seen quickly in the business community and I’d be snatched up faster than you can post your resume on Monster.com. I'd crush his theory.

Well, I'm wrong and he's right. I’m now looking intently at four months and I continue to search for work. But all is not lost. While I’m searching I’m also doing a few things that I have always wanted to do (and secretly I’m enjoying myself). Please don’t get me wrong, I have the worries that come with unemployment (paying bills, saving for college for my two girls, and making ends meet), but now is my time to stretch my entrepreneur wings and take flight on new things that I’m truly passionate about and do so while time (unfortunately) is on my side.

So even though this anniversary comes quickly, I will celebrate the time and work towards finding the right company that would be thrilled to have my passion for marketing, new media, social networking, sales, and brand that will help them drive their business.

Take Charge | Pick Up the Phone, by Janet

I realized yesterday that in my blog, “I’ve discovered a black hole in the universe”, I might have sounded a bit “snotty”. In one part I wrote: “If physic departments around the world want to know where I found the many black holes, they exist where ever you have to click “submit” on a search engine or company website to send your resume. Once I’ve done my part, I have no idea where my resume goes after that.”

It was a bit selfish on my part. I realize I have to do more than just submit a resume. I have to dig deeper. I have to find the contact person and find a way to follow up. Yes, that means more work for those of us seeking employment. You have to pick up the phone. You have to “cold call”, in its purest form, the person in the hiring position and let them know you have submitted your resume (even if it means simply leaving a message). No, I'm not recommending that you hound them every day by calling and emailing, and no, don’t call if the job posting specifically says no phone calls. But you have to find a way to break through the comfort zone of simply submitting a resume on line, and a phone call is one way. You have to make human contact.

Finding a job takes diligence. It will not be found by submitting a resume and waiting around. You have to take charge. It’s my new mantra.