Job Hunting

Sometimes I wonder about our government agencies. I am now on another extension of unemployment benefits. After all, in rural areas (particularly in a state as corrupt as this one) there is little or no need for "environmental cops." For the privilege of getting my $1.98 every two weeks, I must keep track of all the employment contacts made. At a minimum, I am required to submit applications to 5 jobs each week on a minimum of 3 days during the week (this flies in the face of the outplacement services and on-line job hunting tips, which clearly state that you should only apply for jobs that you are totally qualified for and that will meet your needs). On the other days I am required to continue job hunting activities. I must fill out a form and provide it to the state every two weeks to ensure the benefit. Should I not meet the minimum requirements for any given week, I am supposed to "waive" the benefit for that week. If I do not, the agency will stop my benefit and it will not be reinstated until I have worked for 4 months being paid more than the benefit. Whew!

I have met 80% of this week's quota. Today I hope to complete the quota - I have spotted a potential position in St. Louis to round out the applications. Of the first three that were submitted, I have been "rejected" for two (the environmental engineering ones - go figure). Yesterday, I completed the Wal-Mart application for a supervisor position (yes, dear reader, you thought I would go for the "greeter" - but it was not one of the choices). It is easier to get a government job for a senior-level engineering job and answer the KSAs than complete the Wal-Mart series of questions (the multiple choice answers left much to be desired).

In my next life I am going to be a cat. Clearly a career in the electronic communication field will not do - I still can't get the photos of Nicole's move to come alive on this blog.

"More people out of work leads to higher unemployment." - Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933)