Day 22 and still unemployed… Wow when I put it in to that perspective it really hits me in the stomach. I am religiously looking for a new job every day. I sit at my home computer desk and actively search many websites and apply any where between 35 to 50 jobs per day. This keeps me busy for 7 to 8 hrs a day between filling out applications, answering personality surveys, weeding through the junk and fraudulent jobs. I have also gone on some interviews; some were good and some were scams; where they wanted money from me to start something. Needless to say searching for a job is a fulltime job…of course with out the pay. There are good and bad things to go with being unemployed now a day’s. The good side of it is the internet. Back in the day before everyone was on the internet you had to go to your local businesses to apply for a job, read the local help wanted ads and fax your resume. I couldn’t imagine my gas bill if I had to do that. I would also not be able to get out there to as many companies and it would lower my chances of finding that perfect fit. Therefore I am very thankful for the internet and the services that are provided to assist people in finding employment!

There are so many services and tools online to help each and every person find a job without ever having to leave their home. The key is to be creative and use your search engines to find all job postings from the big companies and the small companies. It is free to register with CareerBuilder, Monster and OrlandoJobs. So that was a given to register with all three of them. I also search the local news paper online, craigslist and all government websites. I have a friend who has sent out a mass email letting people know I am searching and needing job. I also have Facebook and Myspace where I have posted and emailed people letting them know my situation and would love any information people could pass along.

These service  companies such as CareerBuilder do not only list job posting, but they provide FREE services to help you write a great resume, cover letter and guide you on how to perform a great interview. That was never provided back in the day…And for those that choose to pay there are companies out there such as Allen and Associates who will help guide you in the right direction to get the right job.

Now you think all of this would defiantly guarantee you a job, but unfortunately in today’s market it is not that easy. Every place I have gone for an interview, there have been 10-15 other people there within that hour interviewing for the same position.  That is the scary part for me because I have no idea what I am up against.

Well it’s the New Year and now is a great time to make some New Year resolutions. What are your resolutions for 2009? Do you believe in doing New Year resolutions? I know there are mixed views out there regarding this…some love this time, some people cheat themselves this time of the year and others think New Year resolutions is a joke.  We all have opinions and are free to feel whatever we like, right?

I on the other hand I love this time year. It gives me a start date and end date to really reflect on my life and makes come changes. For me the New Year resolution is a motivator for life changes. I truly take some time to reflect back on my previous year and decide what makes me happy and what bothers me, I then come up with a new plan. I have been doing this even more the last few years because I am getting older and life is quickly passing. I also will make joint changes or goals with mutual friends or with my boyfriend. Then we have each other to push towards our goals for the new Year.

Reflect…

Last year my New Year resolution was to be a better friend. That was a big thing for me because as we grow older we tend to loose sight of the ones we love and care for most. While this needs to be mutual thing, I made an agreement to myself that I would at least try to keep in touch on my end and if my friends do the same great and if not, then there’s not much I can do. While I did do a lot better this year with keeping in touch and even went to visit a few friends. I did not manage to keep in touch with everyone as much as I had hoped.  This year was a challenging year for me mentally, financially and emotionally, while this is no excuse I will not be as hard on myself. However I will continue this resolution into 2009.

This brings me to my new 2009 goals for the year, as always I will continue to keep good health and improve health in some areas. I had a few health problems in 2008 so I am and have been making strides to a better mean. I am also going to try to take more courses during a semester and hope to graduate sooner. It is hard to work 60 hrs a week and make 2 or 3 classes, but I was laid off and trying to find new employment. I only hope I find a good job with a better schedule so I can focus more on school. And for my last goal for 2009, I am going to improve my finances and start to save more money. I am going to really focus on what I spend, make sure I am smart buying and become more stable with my self.

While I hope everyone has goals to work on for 2009, whether you call them New Year goals or just goals in general for a better life…I wish you all the best of luck and a Prosperous New Year!