Mark Time

A bit of a round-up

Hello, readers. I have been neglecting you lately.

Here's a bit of a round-up on things going on with me at the moment.

Job Search - I think I'm going to stop counting days on the blog. I've been making good contacts in the last few weeks, and today I have my first meeting with a "hiring manager" (someone who is in the right position to potentially hire me). It's not an interview - just a meeting. The search is going slower than I'd like, but apparently reasonably on track according to my outplacement coach. The economy and general financial crisis aren't helping.

Church - This part of my "non-work" life is busy. My deacon work is adding a little time to my Sunday mornings, plus I'm serving as the "e-mail reminder" person who sends a note to the deacons scheduled for a particular Sunday. My youth work is keeping me busy as well - the time commitment is a bit higher than last year because of some schedule changes for the Sr. Highs, but it's completely worth it to me. I was asked to be the webmaster for the church website, and I'm investigating how much time that actually takes - it might be too much. Project Open Door is moving along nicely to the end of our chartered work - we brainstormed issues surrounding hospitality, visitors, relations with the community, and inactive members last week. In our next meeting we'll brainstorm solutions, and then start writing up the report to the Session to be delivered in January. I'm looking at starting spiritual direction. Aside from a minor dust-up this week, all is well in this department. I will admit to my faith taking a beating due to my job situation, though.

Home - All is well. Carolyn is a conservative spender by nature, and I am one when the situation calls for it. We've pulled way back on our discretionary spending and even made some more economical choices with our necessary spending. This is setting us up well for a long siege if necessary. The lack of a job hasn't hurt my relationship with Carolyn that I can see. The cats love having me home more often. The homefront is safe and stable right now, and financially prepared for a while. Carolyn is still taking next week off from work (a Smith family vacation including my parents and siblings was planned for Orlando - we have to miss it for financial reasons), and I'm taking our anniversary on Wednesday off from job searching.

Ham Radio - I'm still participating a little. I haven't been able to purchase equipment beyond an HT (walkie-talkie-style radio) and accessories. I saw the trouble in the economy coming even before I knew that I'd be laid off, and chose not to spend in this area. I am staying involved with some emergency management and public safety events, and I'm still attending the club meetings. I think I'm qualified now to get a key to the club's radio shack and will pursue that soon - they have LOTS of equipment for club member use there. Unfortunately, ham radio activities tend to be scheduled at the same time as church events, and between the two church wins.

That's about it. As always I welcome any comments, and assistance in my job search.

Job Search - day 33 - trying to be light

Sorry for the lack of posts, but I'm finding that job searching isn't leaving a lot of energy for blogging.

Here's the update - I'm still looking. My networking is starting to work better, but it hasn't led to anything solid yet.

In outplacement, they tell you that you have a job - finding a new job IS your day job now. I'm not finding that particularly motivating (who wants THIS job?), but it does bring up some fun concepts if you think outside the box.

Reasons that the Job of Searching for a Job is Good

You usually have a really short commute.
Parking at the "office" is really easy to find (for many people)
You can bring your pets to work (most of the time)
The cafeteria is always serving what you want for lunch (or at least what you bought)
You get to set your own hours
You have complete control over your schedule, and what you do at any given moment
You are your own boss (and you are your own janitor)
The office is not too hot or too cold, or you can fix it

Don't get me wrong - I'd rather not have those advantages. But at least there is a tiny lighter side.

Do you have any to add? Leave a comment.

Job Search - day 25

I'm sorry I haven't written about the job search for a while.

Last Monday, I reached the point where I was ready to launch my search. I'm now looking to use networking to gain introductions to people at a list of 70-ish companies and organizations that I'm targeting. I've been meeting with friends and former co-workers and family and folks from church to see who knows someone who might be able to help.

So far it's slow going. I've had a few folks who have given me other people to contact, or have done so on my behalf. One person even works at a company on the list, and has talked directly to the right people on my behalf. Unfortunately, the majority of folks that I've talked to don't know anybody in a company or organization on the list.

I did get a nibble yesterday gained through one of these contacts. At the urging of the HR person at that organization, I have applied on their website for a job. It looks like it would be a really good fit. Here's hoping that it pans out.

If you would be willing to take a look at my list and see if you can help, please send me an e-mail. And thanks.

Starting as a Deacon

My journey as an active deacon is beginning again.

Last night I attended my first Board of Deacons meeting at church. This was the reorganization meeting for this year. I had also been to New Officer Training last Saturday.

I was assigned to the Prayer Team, my first choice. Last year's deacon president preached a sermon in which she recounted her trepidation in being assigned to the Prayer Team, so I was surprised to see last night that the 3 slots were filled with people who had chosen it as their first choice, plus 2 others will join us as well.

I also volunteered to be the person who e-mails a reminder to the folks designated for coffee or greeting service each Sunday. That should be easy, as long as I can keep the schedule straight.

I wasn't able to sign up for communion (our church uses elders and deacons to prepare, serve and clean up) - mainly because I am already assigned to coffee on communion Sunday in October and all of the preparation slots were taken by the time the sheet got to me. Maybe I'll be able to do it in November. The last time I was a deacon the Book of Order specified that deacons could only serve communion if there was a shortage of elders, so I had only 2 opportunities to serve (one at camp, one at Triennium). This is a meaningful experience for me, so I look forward to doing it again - even if I have to sit up front at church!

The entire Board meshed well, so I look forward to a good year or three.