Most of my readers (all three of you), know that I'm currently out of work, and looking for a job. As those safely ensconced would imagine, it sucks right now. Especially in my industry (Theme Parks), or any discretionary-fund kind of industry right now.
The funny thing is that there are open jobs out there... If you can get at them. The problem is this. As you'd imagine, parks have a very cyclic nature. Most jobs start coming open in January, get filled, and then another round in March, and then it pretty much peters out come April and May, as parks start opening. So right before the hiring cycle this year, the industry experiences some of the same layoffs that others are familiar with. Now the job market is flooded, and instead of competing with 3-5 other qualified candidates, you're looking at 15-20. Great for employers, who now get the pick of the litter, but not so good for the rest of us. Which honestly is just a "free market" hiring market, and if I were a better candidate, I'd be hired. True, but still sucks.
So I've thought about completely changing careers, even if just temporarily to get through this economic drought. But what would I do? I think my skills translate, but I honestly think that HR Managers get my resume (and I think its a damn good resume), and say, "Hey, he was a professional lifeguard." There is, unfortunately, a lot of truth to that. What they don't see is me directing the daily operations of a $22.5 million asset.
Honestly, that's just the first of many excuses. The truth of the matter is that I love what I've done these last 15 years. There are some that would say that I'm damn good at it (As, invariably, there are those that would disagree). Good, bad, or indifferent, I love doing it. I like working with younger staffs, and the challenges and opportunities that it provides. I like working in an industry where the best payoffs in a given day are watching kids laugh and play, or by your team providing proper care in an emergency situation. This job is incredibly rewarding, and I'm not sure that I'm ready to walk away from that.
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I'm sorry you're going through this, Ivey. I wouldn't know what to do if I lost my job. Like you, there would be little in the way of jobs for a journalist, esp. with tons of papers making job cuts and even closing.
ReplyDeleteWhat can I do to help?
I can relate to your situation. While I am still employed, my job was eliminated and I was put in another less rewarding and challenging position. I am not thrilled with the work, but it is a job. So, I am thankful for that.
ReplyDeleteI have thought of leaving, but it is situations like yours that help me make it through. Though I am unhappy, I have an income. So, now the decision becomes to hold out or look in another industry. I love my industry as you do yours.
I wish you lots of luck in finding a job that you love. If you decide to look in another industry, write your resume to highlight the skills and experience you gained. Put that you oversaw operations of a $22.5 million asset. That is transferable!
The economy is going to turnaround and there will be a pent up need for entertainment. If I can help in anyway, let me know! Esp. if you can move to the Midwest.
I've been in the Midwest the last three years, and am happy to be back east. I liked Omaha, but never really settled in Kansas City, despite living there for two years. My old company was actually based in Chicago (At least the office of the arm of the company I worked for).
ReplyDeleteThere was a time I was unemployed... moved back home and it was hard figuring out the next step. You are more then a lifeguard! I can relate since it was hard having people look at my resume and realize that I have alot of skills and talents. MOst time is spent at work and most people don't have rewarding jobs - the fact that you have worked places that bring people joy is wonderful! Keep your head up! It's easy to get discouraged and you will, I hope you find something soon and in the mean time since you are on a lake close to me and it's getting nicer outside - let's take advantage of it and I'll come visit!
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