It’s been a rough couple of months. Every time I think I’m going to get back on track and blog again something happens. First it was pneumonia. I have had it before but I had obviously forgotten just how much it takes out of you. I ended up pulling the muscles between my ribs by coughing so much. Let me tell you – sitting at the computer (or anywhere really) was the last thing I wanted to do. Then, my house was burglarized. I am thankful that it was only material goods that were stolen (Wii, games, DVDs, Monitor, Laser Printer) but it’s still shaken me. I’m pretty good at putting on a happy face and going out into the world but having my space invaded and *my* things taken scared me. It’s especially frustrating since I’m still looking for work and don’t have the money to replace what was stolen. The total for the stuff that was stolen was just under my deductible on my renter’s insurance so there’s no point putting a claim in. I’ve had to evict a housemate because he a) didn’t pay rent and b) took a swing at me when I asked him about the rent.
The lack of a full time job is also frustrating. I have applied for over 100. I’ve been interviewed 10 times (and yes I know that a 10% interview rate is good) but keep hearing that I’m overqualified. I’ve been lucky enough to find contract work redoing a doctor’s filing system to add dividers and repairing all the broken file folders. It’s hard work but it’s work and I’m grateful for it. I’m not sure what the future will hold. I’ve had more than one company tell me they want a full social media plan as part of my application for the job. Um. I’m pretty sure that’s what you’d be HIRING me to do. If I gave it to you as part of my application, why would you hire me? Why not just steal my ideas and get someone else to implement them? I know I sound jaded. I hate sounding jaded. I am a trusting person by nature and I hate that I’m becoming less trusting. I want to see the best in people. I want to work where my ideas will be appreciated and where I can learn new things. I want to be challenged in my work. Is that really too much to ask?
This wasn’t the post i sat down to write today. but it’s the one that needed to be written. Hopefully now that I’ve jumped back in, my words will come more freely.
Your instincts are correct, IMO. Don’t give a potential employer a complete plan as part of an interview process! You’re not working for free for them. I hope the job hunt goes better next week. I can feel your frustration in your writing and I really hope things take a better turn for you. Job hunting is REALLY hard, but you’re doing well with all those interviews! Keep it up, one will eventually pay off. In some ways, it’s just a numbers game.