Jobs

What a confusing world we are in today. Many more folks without jobs, food, homes. How did we get here?

I think you who watch and read and surf the news sites see this topic too much, have a thought on how to fix it and want to help those less fortunate. Every little thing you can do to help another is not forgotten. I try to do my share. I wish those less fortunate a better day. Thought of hiring someone to clean your house, prune your trees, wash your windows, shovel snow? Do it if you can. Every little bit helps.

I remember trying to find a job when my husband was in college to help support us. I ended up as a car hop at the A&W because I was young and didn't have much experience. I was just so glad to find work. It paid the bills. Barely. Now I am retired, but reflect on getting a job in the 60's when I needed to go to work.

It occurs to me I took whatever I could find. But it's not that easy anymore. And it seems folks who want jobs may not have the training needed for mostly service jobs that are available these days.

What to do?

Take whatever you can to get your foot in the door, even if it's fast food or whatever. Then you can eventually progress back to the career you had or a new one necessitated by the uncanny market. Take training, even if it's on your computer - to add to your resume. Build a good resume and get online with it.

But don't forget to be humble. I sure didn't want to work fast food, but it was a start and I eventually worked up to fry cook. My most challenging order was to cook 42 hamburgers and fries and make 42 milkshakes. I got the order from an old schoolmate who was in the National Guard; I was the only one working. But I did it. Cold shakes and hot fries, probably not. But I was willing to do what I needed to do.

As a kid I picked peas and berries at local farms. It was spending money. I worked a total of over 18 jobs in my life and was a government management analyst when I quit working. I look back. I remember and will share my work history with you on down the line.

What I remember the most is working like blazes to make the interviewer want to hire me. I was "hungry" for work. I wanted a better life. I worked at getting a job just as hard as I worked doing the job.

My husband was laid off his engineering job in the 70's. It was tough. He was luckily only out of work for four months. Because I never finished my Bachelor's degree I had to do things the hard way. But I did them. I never let pride get in the way.

It may seem hopeless, but believe in yourself, folks. You can do whatever you need to do to get a foot in the door. Take that job you said you'd never work. Then look ahead for bigger and better things. You are worth it.

There are many avenues. Think outside the box; start a new business, like baking pies for a local restaurant. Use whatever skills you have. Volunteer. Sometimes that will open up a door to a job. Keep up your skills or learn new skills.

What you make it makes all the difference in the world and you will eventually get you to where you want to go. Make getting a job your new job. Your most important job. Don't rule anything out.

I'm wishing you the best.