DISPATCHES FROM THE GHOST MOOSE

A beautiful fall day. Last year, we went through those weeks of storms from Hurricane Katrina. As I get more involved in things at work, I continue to see colleagues of mine still affected as I check LinkedIn. I wish them all the best of luck, because you need a healthy dose of luck. I read the stories about the recession being over - what exactly does that mean? Have we gone a month with no job losses? Are companies hiring high level professionals? hardly. Hopefully, things will open up soon, if not then by Q1 2010. When I was off, I kept hoping that hiring would start after the election....then at the end of the year.....then in Q1. at any rate, good day to be alive.

A year ago was the date I got let go. I suppose I was on the front edge of the massive layoffs that were to follow. I know a few people that were let go around the time that I was that are still looking. Things are not getting better at all. I have spent a lot of time in the 6 months I have been re-employed getting ready for the next time I am unemployed, which I hope never happens again. That was the first time I had ever been let go, and while I saw it coming, nothing can prepare you for the frustrations and depression you will face as you do the job search. I guess I am about written out on the topic of being unemployed. I got so many comments from others, it encouraged me that there were/are plenty of good people that through no fault of their own found themselves jobless. Living on unemployment, thinking the worst, dreading the holidays, feeling like a failure. During my time off, I found that I do enjoy writing, and reading some of my posts makes it looks like I can put a...

Seems like we're marching right into fall. It gets dark at 7:30 or so now. The fall weather is the nicest time of the year, but the winter is by far the lousiest. I continue to watch my contacts on LinkedIn, and still see people I know getting let go and seeking opportunity. Knowing these folks are quality people, I can see that this economy is a long way from recovery. When I see a colleague has been cut, I cringe, as I know the road they are probably about to embark upon. I usually reach out with a note, and offer what help I can. the lesson here is to keep active with your network at all times - join clubs on LinkedIn, or other networking sites. Unfortunately none of us are secure beyond our last paycheck. At the end of the day, it's just a job, right?

Summer marches on. Soon it will be 1 year since I was let go from my previous job. I suppose I dwell on that event too much, and getting one year of distance will probably be a good thing. I have been in my new job for 5 months, and it is going very well. I can't tell you how good it feels to go to a job that you actually want to go to. At my age, and at this point in my career, that has been the exception. I spoke to a colleague that was let go from my previous company a month before I was, and he is still searching. I can't imagine where my head would be at if I was off a year. Other unemployed professionals I know comment on the fact that there is still no professional courtesy in the hiring process - calls not returned, no rejection letter sent, nothing. that's too bad. I have been fortunate to hire 2 people that were unemployed. they know how important a job is, and take nothing for granted. My team is that much better having a few of us that have been though...

A week and a half since I last posted. funny how time flies when you are working. never enough time to get it all done. I had lunch today with a friend that was downsized not long after I was. Again the topic comes up about the complete lack of professional courtesy in the job search. You spend time getting ready, going to the interview, putting your best foot forward, and usually leave the interview with high hopes only to never hear a word back either way. absolutely no way to treat a person who is looking for a break. Back in January, I went to a party and told my tale of being downsized, of the search, etc. I went to a party Saturday night, and the song is the same, it's just different people who are apprehensive about their situation, or who the axe has fallen on. such a lousy time. but, on the bright side, my son has started football practice, and last football season was one of the bright spots in an otherwise crappy time for me. if there are folks reading this that ...

Today while driving to work, I saw a former boss of mine crossing the street while I was stopped at a red light. Because it has been 4 years since we worked together, it took me a few seconds to verifiy that it was him. I rolled down the window and called him (good thing it was him). I gave him a ride to his office - where we had worked previously, and we caught up in those few minutes. He had left the company, moved to MN, and was now consulting. I had left the company, went to 2 more jobs, consulted, and was now at another company. Small world, huh? Nice to know that I worked for someone that I can still relate to so well. I have also spoken to a few currently unemployed former colleagues in the last few days. They remain much more upbeat that I would be if I was still off. I guess I was in that group of people that take it way too hard. At any rate, it was good to catch up with these guys, and to offer what I could. I have had lunch with these folks, and others, as we mad...

Beautiful summer day today. It won't be long and we'll be seeing leaves on the ground. soon it will be a year since I was laid off and started my odyssey from the depths of frustration to back to work. I spoke to a colleague that was let go before I was and he is still looking. He remarked about the caliber of unemployed/laid off HR professionals he is competing with for interviews and jobs. I am lucky to have found a good job that meets many of my criteria for a great job. I have a few days off banked, and am getting involved in a number of areas within the company. I try to do the things that you read about: visability, having a positive impact and helping other departments, doing whatever it takes. None of these are new skills, of course, but during these tough times, you need to keep that mindset, lest you be let go again. From what the business pages say, we are not at bottom yet. at any rate, all I can do is all I can do. and I will keep doing it. enjoy the day,...