As I continue to search the classifieds for a job, I’m beginning to think that the time I spent as a magazine writer and proofreader was just a big joke.
I realize the market sucks right now but I figured that with a little over 3 years spent in each occupation that I would at least get some kind of feedback from some of the jobs for which I applied (which have been many). So far, I haven’t heard squat from any of them and with that comes the self-doubt that I was hoping I wouldn’t put upon myself.
Yes, when I got the writing gig I did have a friend that was already working at the place, so knowing an insider definitely helped. You Hollywood types know what I mean (*wink*wink*). But as far as the proofreading job went, that was all me…albeit a me that looked like Jabba the Hutt at the time…
And it’s not like those are the only jobs I would take; those are just preferences. Lord knows I’ve already applied at several “regular” places in addition to applying for writing and proofing jobs.
As a result of being overlooked for my preferred jobs for which I definitely felt qualified, I’m beginning to wonder if it’s time to seriously quit looking for something in either of those fields and, at the age of 40, turn over a new leaf and try to tackle something different.
You wanna know how desperate I’ve been? I accepted a part-time, $10-an-hour job from AppleOne to cold-call people and set appointments for consumer surveys. Now I don’t know about you, but I hang up on assholes that call me for that same shit. But just as I was looking up the location on Google Maps, AppleOne called me and said that the company completed their calls ahead of time so I didn’t have to go. I was kind of relieved.
But yeah, that’s how bad it’s been. And to further prove the point, here’s a list of some of things I’ve been considering:
- Car salesman: No experience required, full training and benefits. And I can drive cars all day.
- Consultant for a weight loss program: I’ve been there so it wouldn’t be hard to motivate people or convince them to lose weight.
- A dog sanitation service, or poop-scooping: Crap in; crap out. It’s really pretty simple.
- Avon: Seriously, people, I need something! And hey, I wouldn’t be the only guy selling the stuff.
But whilst I continue to get ignored by everybody on the fucking planet, I got my unemployment paperwork filled out and returned, so I should be getting checks very soon, along with the food stamps.
And that’s a good thing because the items I listed on eBay have yet to get a single bid, my HubPages articles have yet to make me more than one red cent, and the fridge is looking pretty freaking sad right now.
Now before I head on over to scan the classifieds again, does anybody have any other suggestions? Note that drug dealer, pimp, etc. do not count.
But if this keeps on…
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Holographic Meatloaf: The Official Blog of Some Guy Named Dave 
well, i hear a certain publishing company chooses their editorial hires from the guys in the home depot parking lot. perhaps there?
seriously, though. i still get postings from careerbuilder.com emailed to me daily, and the proofreader/writer/editor positions have all but vanished lately. it’s pretty scary, considering the magazine i work is sort of teetering on the brink.
is there any prospect with the temp agency?
hang in there, man.
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Ah, the Seven Dollar Mexican Theory. I remember it well.
Thing is that most of the writing/proofing positions I’m coming across require a degree, and my stupid ass doesn’t have one. My wife, OTOH, has a BSIT. Go figure.
AppleOne hasn’t been much help as of yet, except with the crap job I mentioned here. Even they admitted to me that their jobs are pretty dried up as of now so I’m going to hang on to unemployment as long as I can in the hopes things get better.
And on, I’m writing an outline for a kid’s book as we speak. I think I may be onto something with this…updates later.
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