Hope and Change

[Crochety Carpenter]

Just wondering how the hope and change is going for everyone. As for myself, I'm now unemployed with no hope of returning to my 30+ years of experiance in the building industry (30% unemployment) or my new found calling of funeral service (Four in the area. One overstaffed, 2 small and struggling, one not available). A remote possibility with Home Depot (See building industry unemployment rate). Could really use some change. :(

[LIBRA]

Im still hopefull, I am not jobless though. Everything is going to get worse before it gets better, its been going down hill for years and has finally caught up. But I see a bright future. Keep the faith alive cc, it will turn around, gotta think positive :)

[Unkle_John]

CC, if you could handle the pressure and can tolerate them, you could apply at your local school as a substitute teacher. It might be hit and miss on working, but it's some extra money in your pockets. You could also haul recyclables (metal, paper, etc.) for people either for free or a small fee and take them to a local recyc center for extra cash. That's just a few ideas, I really don't know what you are capable of (due to health, transportation, etc.). In no ways am I trying to belittle you. You should look into a book called "How to Survive Without a Salary (http://www.amazon.com/How-Survive-Without-Salary-Conserver/dp/1895629683/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1265295870&sr=8-1)", it's a really good and informative read. But your knowledge of construction should give you an edge over most people who apply at Home Depot. I will warn you that I have heard of managers sending people home at 39 hours, but that could be a local problem.

Me, I've been freelancing my computer graphic skills. It's been slow to get people's attention on a shoe-string budget. But we live in an area where people know each other and word of mouth advertising spreads fast. Plus I've gotten in with the city on some projects. I also have a business adviser who helps small businesses in rural locations get a business plan and such. I don't expect to have a full store front within a year, I'd love to, but I don't see it happening. I'm still in financial debt with one last credit card and still in a consolidation program, so that is still a mark on my finances. If I can get a loan big enough to create a proper work area in my garage, equipment and enough for advertising locally, I can take on more jobs and be more active.

That's my hope. My change is that I will not be a slave to some under appreciating, money-grubbing, good-ol-boy anymore. I am setting my own destiny and doing what I want to do in my life, not what someone thinks I should. If I don't get the loan I would like, I'll take what I can and make it work. I hope something good comes your way, CC, and soon. Stay strong and confident in yourself and your skills and it can take you far.

[Crochety Carpenter]

Thanks for the encouragement. I've been self-employed before. I find there are benefits to letting someone else manage the headaches. Of course, I was in a high overhead business. Good luck to you Uncle John, you are right about being a slave to the whims of others. Go for it and God speed. :cheers:

[Adam Blanchard]

I'm just hoping for a better job that may someday change into a career. A year after craduating college I've had to deferr my college loans 3 times each and am currently working for a sandwich shop at BWI airport part time. Rather sad that since I got my associates in business administration I've been told I'm over qualified to flip burgers and not experienced enough to have a management position or even a receptionist position in an office. :bat::bat::bat: