Working--Part 2

As many of you know, I am a victim (I hate that word) of our struggling economy and my job was cut, just before school was to begin--too late to find employment at another school. What an emotional roller-coaster!

I am one of those people who identifies with my career. A couple of weeks ago I had to meet family at a reunion, humiliated because I was laid off.

Strange things go on inside your head when you're unemployed. Your self-worth disappears like sand, slipping through your fingers. Your interview follows that of a young spunky kid. Then you wait for the call back that never comes. It becomes harder and harder to even apply for the next job.

Last week I got a call-back from a tutoring company where I did some part-time work over the summer. The new job is only part-time, but it feels so good to get up in the morning and know I have a place to work, even if only for a few hours a week.

People have remarked that I appear cheerier, too. I am looking through the classified ads with renewed enthusiasm.

I know that the news reports are gloomy, but my friends, family, and I are praying that all the right connections will be made. They scan the classified ads for me and the personnel boards where they work.

I may not be as spunky as the young kids, but at least now I feel optimistic again.