Someone suggested to me last night that I approach this time of no work as a holiday. It startled me and my reactions were pretty defensive ("You clearly don't get it; I don't have a JOB or any MONEY. How could I take a holiday now?! That would be completely irresponsible, etc, etc..."). However, it did give me pause to consider how I approach times of challenge.
Now, I am of the opinion that I have had quite enough challenges this year but clearly the Universe is not done with me on this one yet. And I have no fracking control over it at all, which drives me 18 shades of crazy. My desire to assert my influence on this circumstance is overwhelming. I. need. to. make. it. work!
Unh, uh (or however you type the negative form of Uh, huh, to indicate in typing the shaking of one's head...). Nope, not, nyet, nein, NO! I have no ability to consciously force this to go my way. That is not to say that I am not fully engaged in job-seeking, because I am. I spend hours each day exploring options, opportunities, applying for positions, researching organizations, figuring out who to talk to, finding people of influence in my circle and beyond - I am at work, finding work, just like "they" tell you to be. Never, in my life, have I worked so hard to find work and been (as yet) unsuccessful. Well, that is not entirely true - I have secured 2 days a week, for a third less per hour than they originally promised me at my interview, which covers about 40% of my monthly expenses...
I get it - this is a sign of the times, the cracks in the economy showing just how broken it all is and we are in a "recession" after all. And, I know that I am older than I was last time I took on a project like this and like one kind person who actually sent me an email to tell me I had not made the first cut said, "I have received over 350 applications for this position", when I asked why my combination of experience and skills, that seemed perfect, had not even made it to the first interview stage. There are a lot of people out there, like me, looking for work.
But, this is getting tiresome. I want to think that I have some power in this. I want to believe that my shiny, positive attitude will prevail. I want to consider that my commitment to people and making a difference will pay off with a great opportunity. I want to keep on having faith in it all working out.
And I am somewhat frustrated and notice a degree of (yes, I will say it) fear present in my head each morning. A wise friend suggested I take a look at the worst case scenario, work out a solution and let go of the fear. Great idea. And I have done that - I know what my 'back pocket' plan is. I just don't want to have to pull it out and to be straight, I am not ready to do that yet. Knowing it is there is worthwhile.
So, I will carry on today. I have calls to make with requests for ideas and assistance. I am present to and appreciating the glorious sunshine and this beautiful fall day. I will take some time and walk by the ocean and visit my daughter and I did sleep in this morning. That makes it kind of like a holiday, doesn't it? I am sure that when I am busy working/occupied in a paid circumstance that I will look back on this like a time of leisure.
1 comment:
My dear Carol! You have said it all. There is nothing I can add. Be the kindest to yourself you have ever been. Take your journals to the ocean. Spend time in the local coffee shop writing, on colder days. I'm thinking so much of you ... sending much love and light. Huge hugs enclosed.
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