Take This Moment In

Sometimes I feel like I just....go through life.....not really noticing things around me or taking time to appreciate...anything. I wake up every morning and it's a lot like Ground Hog's Day. I remember being in Paris and taking a moment every now and then and "taking it in". I would remind myself to be present in this moment because I don't want to forget it. I wanted to "feel it". I don't do that nearly enough in my every day life. Most of the time I'm just tired. Weary. I know I'm not alone in this feeling.

The Ad agency is going well. I really feel like I'm helping them and making a difference. The other contract is a little less rewarding as I feel like I'm a one woman show and I'm not getting any feedback. I emailed my contact today asking him for some follow up and feedback. If I don't get either it's really not worth my time to do the work. Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking for accolades but rather information on candidates I submit. Thus far I've received nuthin'. Hello.

I've started to get into a work schedule and it's comforting (wake up, drop the dog off at daycare, take the train downtown, work, take the train back up North, get my car, go to the gym, pick up the dog and go home). I do wake up earlier than I did when I went to Midway but strangely I don't feel as tired.

I'm talking to my former boss tomorrow. I like staying in touch with him. I really hope our paths cross again.

That's the update for now.

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Marcia Brady Had Nothing On Me

This morning my dog went to jump on the bed as I was leaning down to tie my shoes. We banged together as we both were rising and for a moment I thought my nose was broken. It's not. But I heard a crack and got nervous. Tears started to form in my eyes as I'm sure would happen if most people were cracked in the nose. Now it hurts but I don't see a lot of bruising....yet. This has nothing to do with my job/job search but I thought I'd throw it in for some "JOG effect".

I'm really trying to balance both contracts. I know over the next 3 months I'll be working much harder than I have over the past year or so. What's tough is waiting for others to give me the information I need to do my at home contract. I could have easily put in 3-4 hours today (probably more if I really wanted to) but because I'm waiting on information from my contact I won't be able to do much today. This is tough because tomorrow I work a full day at the Ad agency. With commute and picking up the dog and such it'll be rather late before I arrive home. I'm finding that I'm not going to have a lot of relaxing TV time and that worries me. I need my relaxation time as I'm sure most do.

But I am thankful to have both of these jobs and hope to make a lot of money so come January if I don't have anything lined up I'll still be OK.

I call in for my first unemployment numbers on Tuesday. I believe I'll be eligible for at least 1 if not 1 1/2 weeks of UI. Bring on those dollars. I could use em!

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Calgon Take Me Away

So, today was one of the longest, most intense work days of my life and I have a feeling that it's going to continue for a least a couple more weeks. The girl who I'm covering a maternity leave for was told that she has to be on bed rest. This means I got 50 mins with her today. 50 mins to go over ALL of what's happening in terms of the Ad agency recruiting. I knew something like this would happen. Luckily, the HR Manager is awesome and is helping me decipher who's who and what processes I need to follow.

I have no time for Facebook or personal email, which is good. I wouldn't charge them for that time anyway but I seriously didn't have time to breathe.

I'm running the whole recruiting dept for multiple companies and have no clue who most of the people are (Hiring Managers) and very little knowledge of who's currently interviewing and who I still need to source for them. This is kind of like the Actor's Nightmare for me but maybe more Worker's Nightmare to be more accurate. OY!

Tomorrow I'm only supposed to work until 1pm but I have a feeling I'll be there a lot longer.

I also did 1.15 hours for the Video IP co.

Work. I wanted this, right? I do like making money. I just hope doing both of these contracts won't be the death of me.

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Working From Home

Did almost 3 1/2 hours for the Video IP co. today. I hope to do at least 10 hrs this week (getting started mid week may make this tough).

I can tell that I'm going to be working kind of late due to my work out and social schedules but it's all for the cushion of next year. If I can't find something right in January, I'm going to need as much moola as possible. I'm gonna work it work it over the next 3 months.

Looking forward to going to the Ad agency tomorrow and job shadowing the current recruiter. I need to know the whole process and who everyone is. It'll be a lot of cramming over the next day and a half.

I'm really digging this contract schedule. I know this is what I want to do moving forward. I just hope I can sustain it.

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Checking In

Want to get started on my at home contract but the guy is so busy that he couldn't call me yesterday so I missed a whole day....a whole day of getting paid! He said he'd call me this afternoon. I'm itching to get started especially since I'm home today and have the time to really focus.

I go into the Ad agency tomorrow all day and Friday for 1/2 a day. I really think I'm going to like it there.

Not much else to report except my back is aching. Ugh. Like wrenched. I know it's from that darned Zumba but I do love it so. It won't keep me from my Group Groove class this morning. It just won't.

Trying to help my former bro-in-law find a job. He's a corp communication manager. Excellent writer. If he finds a better job/job that he likes, it only benefits my sis and my niece. You know....doing this for "the team".

Got a new printer that I love. If anyone wants an HP Laser Jet from last year let me know. It does need to be fixed. For some reason it prints but without words (ink cartridges are new) so it needs to be looked at but if you want it, it's yours. It's an all in one color printer thingie.

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Hello Night Time JOG

I definitely want to keep up with the JOG since my search is far from over but I'm finding the time to write it slim to none. I'll definitely have a little more time tomorrow to write.

Started my first day at the Ad agency. Just worked a few hours and got to know some peeps. Really fun. I'm definitely going to enjoy myself. It'll be tough filling their recruiter's shoes because they love her, but I think I'll do a decent job.

I also accepted the other PT contract gig. 10-15 hrs a week working from home helping out a video IP company. I'll be finding a lot of programmers and/or technical project managers for them.

AND I heard back from the spirits company after I sent him an email yesterday and cc'd his boss. He wrote me back in 25 mins. That was the key...get the boss involved. He told me things were changing week to week and he couldn't get it together to bring me on. Um...an email or call TELLING me this would have been nice. I truly think he's in way over his head. I told him if he needed my help next year to contact me. We shall see....

I'm so tired. I need some rest. Tomorrow and Weds I'm home and I hope to do some work for the video IP co. I really think that contracting is the way to go for me. I need to market myself this way and hopefully get more gigs next year. The Recruiting Contract Queen. Holla.

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Biz-zay

Sorry I missed a posting yesterday but I was BUSY. I think it's the first one I've missed since I started writing the JOG. I seriously had so much going on yesterday that my heart was beating very, very fast and I thought it would catapult out of my chest and into my dog's face. Gross. Sorry.

So.....in addition to the Euro gig, I'm also waiting to hear on another contract gig that will give me an additional 10-15 hrs a week (that I can work from home!) of recruiting work. I should know more about this today or tomorrow. The CFO is working on the details but if the money's right then I'll do it.

I don't want to be inundated with work but I do want to set myself up over the next 3 months that if/when I need to go back on Unemployment early next year that at least I'll have a bit of a financial cushion.

No JOG post tomorrow as I'll be flyin to VT for a wedding. There's talk that one of the planes (we fly into Boston and then New Hampshire) is a Cesna. Um......what??!! Mother, if you're reading this try and not panic. Everything is going to be A-OK but if not, remember that William is at Earth Pups and needs to be treated the way he has become accustomed in my able hands.

If anyone is in Schaumburg this evening....as I know EVERYONE is....come and see Montgomery & Cooke at the Laugh Out Loud Theater - 8pm. I'll be doing a "bit".

hire me (little letters and no ! as I'm good for a few months)

The Eagle Has Landed....At Least Until The End Of The Year

I got offered and ACCEPTED a contract job with the Ad agency...woo hoo! Eurorscg will be my new home for the next 3 or so months. I couldn't be more excited. Not only is it pretty flexible (will be working about 30-32 hrs a week) but I got a great hourly and get to work with some of my former co-workers from Draft. So...it's back to the Ad world I go.

I'm still not out of the woods. I'll have to start networking for next year soon but at least I know that I have a few months of reprieve (reprieval? - no...I spell checked and it's not a word. Huh.).

I also had a decent interview with my former Midway employee's company. That would be about 20 hrs a week and I could work from home. If they offer me something I'll have to figure out if I can take it.

So....it's good news. I'm happy. I only have to work 2 1/2 days next week and then the week after I start my reg schedule. At least I can relax for a bit. Tomorrow my Group Groove class will be so much groovier thanks to the good news of today.

Sigh of relief.

Hire me! (For next year!)

Taking Unemployment By The Horns

Changed the title of my JOG to The JOG. "This Job Market Blows" may be a little too blunt. I want to appeal to the masses.

Day 1 of UI. Got up early. Walked the dog. Took a shower (I needed one). On my way to Yoga...then a visit with a friend...then to the pet store for a couple essentials. I'll go home....walk William....eat....and head out for a mani/pedi. Now, how is a girl on unemployment getting a mani/pedi? I've earned a free pedi and have been saving it for a rainy day. Hello thunderstorms. I'm heading to a wedding on Friday and need to look like an employed lady.

Got an email from one of my "Plan C" companies and he said he's in town tomorrow and Wednesday and would be in touch to schedule a meeting. I'm keeping every appendage on my body crossed that this could materialize into something. If not, Plan D may have to be put into effect and I don't even know what that plan is yet.

So...I'm OK. Enjoying the weather. Doesn't even feel like I should be working. That's kind of scary.

I'm hoping for a good week.

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The Last Day

Today has been tough but nice. Our Controller bought us pizza for lunch and a lot of us gathered in the lunch room and ate and chatted. I definitely get misty eyed thinking about Midway and how much I've enjoyed my time.

My boss wrote me a really nice email. He's someone I'd work for again in a heartbeat. I've learned quite a lot from him and have enjoyed my time working with and for him. I will miss him.

I signed up for UI benefits today. Weird.

I heard from my former boss this morning. She sold her company a few months back and is making a whole career change. She asked me if I could put her in touch with a couple people in my network and I gladly obliged. She's a very positive person and it's nice to be around those people....especially when I sometimes think the world sucks....but only do I feel this SOMETIMES. I also helped a friend's sister yesterday by providing her with contacts in the sales and retail world. Pay it forward. It will come back around.

Had a lovely lady dinner last night. Friends who have been where you are and can give you positive reinforcement and such are key to getting through this. I am thankful for my wonderful friends.

I called the Ad agency this morning but have not heard back. I also reached out to one of the former Exec Producers at Midway who moved onto another gaming company. He called me right back and left a message (I returned his call but have not heard back as of yet) asking about money and making sure I'd be open to contracting. At least there's a glimmer of hope that I could land somewhere soon.

Until then....I will keep pounding the pavement. There is no one who works harder than me in terms of networking. I just have to keep keepin' on.

I have wonderful people in my life (you know who you all are) and am so thankful for this. I will get thru unemployment just like you will. We're no different. Support. Listen. Love. Understand. Hope. Advise. That's all we can do.

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Tough Day

I honestly am at a loss for words. I'm having a very tough time today because I feel very lost....sad....frustrated. Today's the first day that when I think about what's ahead for me I actually have to stop myself from crying. It's all becoming a reality for me. It's not that it wasn't before but today, after I met my boss to do my exit interview, it really hit me.

I have loved working at Midway. I have liked my life so much over these past two years. I've not only enjoyed MOST of the people that I've worked with but truly enjoyed my job. The location (for me) was amazing. I've centered my whole life these past two years around Midway. And now.....I have nothing.

I try not to be a drama queen. Really. But I feel what I feel and with this loss of a job and not having a new job lined up I am truly devastated. My life is really going to change whether I like it or not.

I have tried to remain positive over these last few months and have done an OK job. It's now my hope that I can maintain some sort of hope but it will be tough.

To give you a summary of where I am: Got an email from the gaming co. I'd love to work for and they just can't make anything happen right now but said there's a good possibility that something will open up early next year. I told them to please not forget about me.

Called the guy from the spirits company AGAIN and of course there's no word from him. If you peruse the JOG archives you'll see that on more than one occasion he has told me that I will be getting an offer (was supposed to start this past Tuesday). Crazy....just crazy. He has been the source of most of my unhappiness. I just can't get over how I've been treated by him. So tough.

No word as of yet from the Ad agency but my feeling is that it may not work out. I'd love to work for them but money and hours needed may not work out.

So.....I may have nothing. Nothing to show for my almost 3 months of looking for work. I'm really shocked. I can find people jobs and I can get jobs. But I guess I can't get one now.

Tomorrow I become a statistic. Not one that I'm proud of. From here on out I really need to mind my pennies. I've been cutting back on a lot and I may need to cut back even more. Time will tell.

I feel very lost.....sad....frustrated.

HIRE ME!

Nothing

Nothing.

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The Countdown Is In Full Swing

Thought maybe I'd have more of an update, but I don't.

The countdown continues. After today, I have 3 more days of employment. The good news is that I get my PTO payout on my last check so even though we're in Chapter 11, I'll get this money (post petition). This will give me another 1 1/2 weeks or so of cushion.

Had a good interview at the ad agency. Not sure if they'll make me an offer (may not work out logistically with hours needed and money that could be offered) but I really liked everyone I met with and felt that they liked me.

Called the yanking chain company this morning to let him know that I'm still interested and that hopefully we could talk and get caught up on the position that I was SUPPOSED to start today. Yes folks, today was my start date. What a joke. No word.

I will go online on Friday and file for unemployment. What I tried to avoid looks like a reality. I'm very upset. Unfortunately, my job search may be starting from square one. I will hopefully know some answers tomorrow or the day after.

I am thinking good thoughts for everyone who's in my position or may be in my position by year's end. What a rough road. Hopefully, we'll all come out of it better and even more successful (in happiness) than before.

HIRE ME!

Whatever

Well, no shock here. No word from the dude. Called him yesterday at 4:15pm (after he told me he'd be available to speak any time after 4pm) and followed up with an email this morning with my phone numbers and times I'm available to talk. Nothing.

Yes....this seems like a really long, drawn out joke. But where's the punch line?

Happy Labor Day Weekend, everyone!

Kind of ironic for me to be celebrating the "working man's" holiday.

1 more week and I will officially be unemployed.

HIRE ME!

You Don't Say?

Wonder of wonder, miracles of miracles.....

The dude from the company that may crush me called. Left a message on my home VM that he's been swamped and sorry he didn't call me yesterday (Um, hello!....you were supposed to call me back in 10 minutes 2 days ago) but he'd be around for 30 minutes (didn't get the message until after that time frame) and then after 4pm. I will try him in a couple hours.

He said he'd like to move forward and bring me on board. Huh. There's a part of me that's very excited and another part that thinks I may again not hear from him. I'll let you know in tomorrow's JOG if/when we connect. I have no idea what he'll offer me or anything like that. Also, the 9/8 start date is out the window as far as I'm concerned. I'm hoping that if I accept that I can start 9/14.

I also still have that interview at the AD agency on Tuesday that I'm going to.

Thought I'd post some convenient links for IL peeps out of work. This goes into who's eligible and how it's all calculated.

http://www.ides.state.il.us/individual/faq2.asp

http://www.ides.state.il.us/individual/summary.asp#benefits

If I get this fella on the horn today it will truly be a miracle but sometimes, miracles really do come true.

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I Call BullSh*t

Today's JOG is me really letting it all out. I'm furious, sad, scared, tired and just really, really over it!

My chain has definitely been yanked. The company that never followed up with me for 2 months and then had me meet with the VP last week only to tell me I had the job and then I never hear back from them....is still MIA. No surprise. I got the guy live on the phone yesterday and he told me he'd call me back in 10 mins as he was jumping on a call. I waited and waited and waited.....after 45 mins I met my friend so we could walk our dogs. When I got back I thought for sure I'd hear from him AND....NOTHING. Done. I just can't waste anymore energy loathing your process. I do like the company and think it'd be a cool place to work but you're obviously "just not that into me" SO....I am moving on.

I got a call from an AD agency yesterday about covering a maternity leave. Only catch is I think it's just PT. BUT, maybe I could do that and string 1 or 2 other things together to make ends meet? My boss pointed out that it sounds good but I'll really have to make sure I'm getting paid by everyone. I can do that.

I'll also contact the gaming company and let them know that I'm definitely done next Friday and if/when they can bring me on board that I am willing, ready and able to do so.

I'm also going to put the word out to my former co-worker and see if maybe I could help his company out if it turns out the AD agency is a go. Maybe I could work for them a couple days a week and the Agency three days a week? We shall see.

Anyone know (I've read and heard different things) if you can still collect unemployment if you're on a 1099? I've HEARD that doing independent contract work makes you still eligible for unemployment because it's not like it's a "real job" and you're still looking for actual employment. Anyone....?

I know of a couple more people who have recently lost their jobs and a couple more still struggling to find one. Please know that you're not alone and that we're all in the same boat. It may not be totally comforting to hear but it's true.

To all you people yanking our chains and making us feel less than we are, please know that karma is a fickle, fickle lady and I hope that you don't experience what I've been going through these past few months. I would wish this on no one. You may think that you're in a position of power but as we all know, that power can shift in an instant. If anything, it's made me realize that for all my faults as a person the one thing I know I have above others is my true compassion and respect for people. I like recruiting because I truly enjoy finding people work. I get great joy out of "making a match" and filling a position. What I'm finding is that most recruiters really don't care about the people. They just want to fill the job. I can't begrudge you for your tactics but I can say this with extreme confidence, that I am better than you. I am better than you because I truly care how people feel. No one should feel demoralized. Yes, we all may not get a job but give us the common courtesy to let us know in a timely manner and why we didn't get it. That's all I/we ask.

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The JOG Is Experiencing Technical Difficulties

Wrote a whole JOG today but then it didn't post due to technical difficulties. I just don't have it in me to write it again. Ugh!

Until tomorrow....

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