Lessons From Unemployment

Hey Blog world, it's been a while. I'm sorry about that!

I don't have too much of an update here, but I figured I should write something so you all know I am certainly alive. It has now been over 3 months since I left LiNK, meaning I've been unemployed for over 3 months. It's getting extremely frustrating. I really didn't think it would be so difficult to find a job. I was originally looking for full-time office/receptionist work, and came really close to getting a job in that field (3 interviews with one company) and didn't end up getting the job. After that, I felt so defeated, and wanted to switch things up. I started looking for full-time Nanny jobs. I had an interview with a family, but didn't end up getting that job either. I really would love to Nanny, because I feel that would be such great experience and it would be really fulfilling. I created a profile to put up on several different Nanny websites, but haven't really had much luck. I am not giving up on this just yet though!

I really want to find a great job, one that I am proud to be at and love going to, but maybe it's just not my time yet. I struggle with this idea since I just came from devoting the last few years to a job that I was passionate about, and loved doing. To do what? Go backwards? I am realizing, I need money. I don't need much of it, but I do need enough to support myself, and to move out. I've been living on my mom's couch for the last few months, and although I am grateful for that, I am just longing to have a place I can call my own. I've come to a place in my life where I need to make the decision, do I stick it out, and find that one great job, or do I buckle down and take a job that can pay the bills enough to get me out on my own?

I've decided it's time to buckle down. 

I am going to try to get back into waitressing. I never thought I'd see this day come, but here I am, and it's pretty humbling. Serving is great money, and not a lot of demanding hours. I am trying to focus on the positives that can come of this. Serving will allow me to move out, support myself, and also still have the freedom to be involved in other things like community, church, events, volunteering, etc. If I do get a job as a server, I will still continue to search for other work, which hopefully will lead me to being a full-time Nanny. I need to knock down my pride, and realize this is only temporary and it's a means to an end.

This is teaching me so much about life. My mom is such a wise woman, and her words keep replaying in my head in these tough moments: "Make plans, don't plan the outcome"

That is truth. And, that is hard for me. I like to plan things out as far in advance as possible, but that is just not how life, or God, work. I surrender to the season I am in, and I just need to keep pushing forward.

I hope you are all well, and if you are finding yourself in a season like the one I am in, know that you're not alone, and know that we are all just trying to find our place in this big world. It'll all be okay.

XO

Bren

Unemployed

Being unemployed has its perks. You get to go to bed and wake up whenever you want. Be the person who is completely available at all times, so hanging out with friends is pretty easy. Explore, read, write and do just about whatever your little heart desires.

But then, it also has its setbacks as well.

I think I have found myself in that second season of unemployment; the season where it's just downright frustrating.

I have been applying everyday for jobs, and so far the only place to get back to me was a scam. Sigh.

I am trying to stay positive, and continue to trust that God will provide an opportunity for me soon. I guess the 'right one' has not come along yet. I am beyond blessed and grateful to be receiving unemployment though. It's not a lot of money, by any means, but it is helping.

In the meantime, however, I am making it a point to be as productive as I can be. I refuse to allow this season to be one of laziness. I wake up every morning, have myself a cup of coffee, get into the Word (right now I am studying through the Epistles. It's grand!), read my daily devotional from My Utmost For His Highest, journal and then job hunt. I feel like hunting for a job is almost like a job; it usually takes up most of my morning and afternoon. I am glad I am in this routine though, because if it were any other way, I would feel like a bum. No offense, but that just ain't me.

I am still aiming for Financial Health for 2012! I am just going to have a late start on that one...