Seeing Signs

When you have been unemployed for a long period of time (more than 6 months), it can become frustrating and downright depressing to look for work.

I began to notice how bad things were back in early 2008 while driving home from work. Although I was fortunate to work only 6 miles from my home, I would pass many businesses on the way to and from work.

I started to notice businesses closing and many of the customers were coming in and sharing how they or their spouse had just gotten a pink slip. By the end of 2008, I also was a victim of the recession.

Since I began my journey to find new employment, I encountered many obstacles.

Back in the old days, one would be able to find work through newspaper ads. Now there are a handful of ads and most are for positions like telemarketing or driver positions.

Online applications are time-consuming and frustrating. Many times they are never seen by a human eye and instead seem to disappear into cyber world. The annoyance of spending 40 to 60 minutes going through a company's online job application only to receive an impersonal email stating that you do not possess the qualities that they are looking for is enough to make you scream.

Gone are the days where you have the opportunity to sell yourself in person to an employer.

News reports are full of stories about hundreds of people who stand in lines for hours to apply for a handful of available positions. Desperation is rampant.

After my last in-person interview I decided that I have had enough. Although I will continue to look for work outside my home, I am throwing myself into self-employment fully.

I have been doing web content writing for over 2 years now basically to keep my mind working. I have revisited my love of making crafts and have turned again to selling them online.

Back in the day when I did have a job outside the home, I earned money selling items on eBay. I found that eBay fees cut back on the amount of profit I earned so I have found other sites to sell my vintage items.

It helps to have parents who are hoarders. I will not soon run out of stock.

The bottom line is that if you find yourself stuck in the rut of looking for work and not finding success- it may be time to take control of your future.

Re-invent yourself!

We all have skills and talents that we can use to earn money. It takes hard work and determination but you can do.

Look for the signs that are all around you. Stop fighting the uphill battle. You have abilities that you are not using. See what they are and believe in yourself. Put these talents to use and soon you will find that the money will follow. It may be slow going at first but in time, you will stop looking for someone to hire you because you will be self-employed.

Life can be a scary ride or it can be exciting. You choose. You make it happen. Believe in your own power to make it happen and it will happen.

(above is an example of one of the beautiful Christmas ornaments I make and sell on Etsy- check out http://www.etsy.com/shop/TreasuresbyMimi