off to the races…
Monday, October 5th, 2009I have just bid my husband adieu as he heads out the door on a four day whirlwind tour of the southeast. The purpose, you might ask? Two very promising job interviews. Finally!
Robert just completed a year back at Auburn University to finish the degree he started 15 years ago. After graduating (cum laude, I might add) in August, his part time job search quickly became all encompassing. It has been a roller coaster of emotion. Waiting for the phone to ring or email to ding. Watching the job postings dwindle as the economy continues to suffer. Listening to Robert report on yet another phone call with someone who thinks he’s great but doesn’t have the money to hire him right now.
Frustrating does not begin to cover how we feel. For me, I know that Robert can do anything if given the chance. He has been successful with everything he’s ever done. But with most companies requiring an online application just to get a phone call, it is very difficult to separate yourself from the masses of other applicants. Last summer, Robert couldn’t get past the online stage because he never finished his degree and could not check the degree box. Automatic elimination quickly ensued. I understand that companies have their pick of the litter these days but I think they are missing out on a whole group of highly talented and capable candidates just because they don’t perfectly fill the cookie cutter. Now that Robert can “check the degree box”, no one is hiring. It seems that the job market is all about who you know. What happens when everyone you know is just trying to keep their own head above water?
Enough time on the soap box. We are down to our last month of job searching. Robert has these 2 interviews and we have a back-up plan. I know in my heart that everything happens for a reason. I believe that we have been through this trial on purpose. We have discovered more about ourselves and each other and grown closer as a family. We have learned who our true friends are and how fortunate we are to have them. But we are tired. Limbo is an exhausting place to be.
As our Uncle Will says, “It’s always darkest before the dawn.” My alarm is ringing…time to get up!