Monday, September 6, 2010

Labor? Day

The first Labor Day in the United States was observed in New York City, 1882, by the Central Labor Union. It became a federal holiday in 1894.
Since then, this "salute to the working folk" has had many meanings to many people, stirring visions of time in the hammock- a cook out - or maybe watching the Jerry Lewis telethon.
HOWEVER- if you are among the millions out of work it probably means something entirely different.
It can mark a milestone of how long you are on the out, or perhaps it is a bitter reminder that while others are looking at a 'long weekend' and/or a shortened week ahead- your own time off to be remains unknown (and UNwanted). Maybe you are part of the statistics that are not counted in the 'mainstream' #s: maybe you ran out of unemployment $ or have taken part-time job(s) while still wanting/seeking a FT one (see the U6 # for more on that! = http://portalseven.com/employment/unemployment_rate_u6.jsp )
I heard a commentator on one show the other day suggest the unemployed look at it as a type of "New Years Day." He suggested a REnewed effort to find that elusive job. Not bad.
But for some like myself, the effort continues regardless of a "holiday." My focus continues to be trying to show employers WHAT I HAVE DONE and CAN DO-- and how that WILL WORK in their industry, that transferable skills are more valuable than ever (http://www.linkedin.com/pub/thomas-drake/b/264/545).
ANYWAY- Happy Labor Day (or job seeker New Years Day)!!
I'll ponder it some more over the grill myself no doubt.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Real life versus…

Did you ever wonder if your job were only like sports? I mean you have a great year and your ‘agent’ gets to negotiate a bigger contract. Or maybe you’re average and you get traded for someone ‘better’ --plus an accountant to be named later? I mean- just look at Manny Ramirez.

-Or how about if life was like the movies. You could have a theme song to play when you enter the room- or maybe you walk in on coworkers talking about you, or a boss about to reprimand you and you’d hear that warning music--- and that perfect exit walk out of a room WOULD be perfect.
…I’m just saying.