I have been out of a job for 6 months. And I think I’m doing everything right in looking for a new one. I had a professional help me with my resume. I look at every job board known to man – every day. I tailor my resume to fit the requirements of the job I’m applying for. I write a strong cover letter to go with each resume. I apply for 2 or more jobs EVERY DAY! (In fact, today the number was 11) And how many interviews have I had? 2 And how many job offers have I had? 0
I broke down the other day and started applying for any job out there that I was even remotely qualified for. (I skipped the Director of the National Association of Collegiate Athletics Administrators job, even though it sounds interesting. Unfortunately, I don’t have 10+ years of Collegiate Athletic Administration experience). So what happened less than 24 hours after the first application to a job not in my field? You guessed it! I have an interview. I said to my spouse, “This is the first job I’ve applied for that I don’t really want.” And it’s not even a great job….part time, minimum wage…
It’s not like I’m not skilled. I have an advanced degree. I’m reliable. A hard worker. A quick study. I just think there are way too many applicants for every opening. And for whatever reason, I’m not the one picked. Over and over and over.
President Obama gave a speech yesterday at the Brookings Institute that was supposed to be his great plan for ending the job crisis. Well, after reading about it, I’d say he missed the mark. His biggest solution was “a complete elimination of capital gains taxes on small business investments along with an extension of write-offs.” After researching a little bit about what this meant exactly, I came across the opinions of economist Mark Zandy of Economy.com. According to a study he performed, this type of incentive only gives a $0.37 return for every dollar invested. That’s pretty small potatoes. There are other plans that could return ~ $1.50-$2.00 for every $1 invested. That seems more like it.
I’m not sure why Obama isn’t willing to make the hard decisions to help reverse the job crisis facing America today. Unfortunately, I think he has been unwilling to make many bold moves. And I know the arguments. I know he can’t go off crazy and make sweeping changes, but couldn’t he at least try something? I’m still waiting on the change that was promised during the campaign. Am I a fool for thinking that a candidate should keep his promises? Or at least try?
Clark Kent (don’t make me find a phone booth)
