We want Jobs-Jobs,Jobs,Jobs!!- So what?

     I remember looking through the classifieds in the newspaper a few years and seeing the plentiful job listings. I wasn't looking for a job (I was busy enough being a stay at home mom), but was just browsing to see what kind of jobs were available in case I needed to work. Now, the classifieds are empty with only a few postings. It would be a discouraging feeling for the unemployed especially if they have a desire to work!
     Finding a job is one of the most uneasy feelings and stressful times in your life. I've always hated looking for a job. The feeling of inadequacy and lack of confidence becomes apparent especially when you've been turned down numerous times.
     I remember getting my first job at age 14. I would hit the mall and stores asking for applications and if they were hiring. I was turned down many times and those who were afraid to tell me no would give me an  application and tell me to fill it out and return it. And I did. I doubt they ever looked at it, but by filling it out, it gave me hope. I really thought I would get hired at McDonald's because every teen works at McDonald's, right? Sadly, McDonald's wouldn't even hire me.
     I remember feeling desperate. I wasn't trying to find a job so I could have brand new clothes (that's a big deal for a high school student), but so I could help my mom pay the rent and so I could eat. I don't wish poverty on anyone, but I am thankful for that situation because it taught me that I had to learn to help myself.
     My first job was at in the basement of a hotel near the airport selling restaurant coupon books via phone. I was a telemarketer:) The job paid by the hour and it wasn't commission. I was glad that they hired me that I actually became so overwhelmed that my nose started bleeding. I was afraid they would change their mind because of how embarrassing the situation was, but glad they didn't. It was an after school job, about 15 mins by bus, but many times I would walk to work which took 45 mins in an effort to save money. I remember working hard. Trying to convince a total stranger to buy a  coupon book is not easy and the numerous times they hung up on me could be depressing. But I was grateful and worked as hard as I could and eventually found success on the job. My experience only lasted a few months because they were changing all the positions to commission only and I knew that I needed a steady paycheck so I left. I will say that that was the first year I was able to buy Christmas presents for my parents. I was happy!
      My second job was at Centre Island. I knew the chances of getting that summer job were going to be competitive. Students from all over Toronto would be applying. I am thankful for the Job preparations classes that my high school offered. I learned how to write a resume, how to interview, how to talk about myself etc. I also took a job Co-op program that year and worked in a travel agency. That gave me experience. And when the time to interview came, I knew I had only one chance to impress and I was  only  17. I dressed in my very best, practiced interviewing in the mirror and read over my resume. I arrived at the job early and saw the numerous applicants. My heart sank because I knew my chances would be tough. But I had a blast of confidence. I remember smiling through the interview. I remember  being cheerful. I was applying for a food service position and though I had no experience I knew that my attitude would make a big difference. I left the interview not knowing if I had the job, but was ecstatic when I got the call back that I was hired.
     I remember working hard that summer. I was punctual, I didn't take long breaks, I tried my best,I did all the rookie not so nice jobs, I tried not to gossip (working with a whole bunch of teenagers stinks and can get tense once in awhile) and just focus on the job. I know was probably called nerd and geek because I would only focus on the job, but I was blessed
     My employer (who was intimidating and scary because I swear would never smile) knew I was reliable. Everyone was required to work on Sundays. It was an amusement park and Sundays were the busiest day. But I wanted to attend church and believe that Sunday is the Sabbath day. Everyone said she would say no and not ask. Somehow I got up the courage and asked for Sundays off and told her why. She said she couldn't guarantee it and told me that I could get many hours, even overtime,and get paid more if worked Sundays. It was tempting. I needed the money but still needed Sundays off. Yet each Monday, when the weekly schedule came up, I had Sundays off. I think I was the only one and in the end I was blessed even more. I actually made more money because sometimes they would send everyone home except for the minimum crew to operate the park on rainy days and I always got to stay. I needed to make a lot of money and I did. They even requested that I return the next summer to work for them and I did.
     My job experiences were never glorious. I worked through college as "The Fry Girl" in Ricks College cafeteria and as the custodian in the dorms. I cooked, did laundry. ironed, vacuumed and mopped my way through college. In my early years of marriage without a bachelor's degree and feeling inadequate once more I was a butcher's counter help slicing rib eye steaks and making BBQ sandwiches. I worked in a hamburger joint with annoying teenagers and eventually found myself back to telemarketing in Utah. Wasn't the ideal job, but continued working hard and found myself getting pay raises and bonuses. We  were able to live on my paycheck as my husband finished university. After he graduated  and we moved to Vancouver WA I found myself searching for a job, feeling inadequate, but eventually got hired as JC Penney's jewelry sales associate. I continued working hard and got paid my base salary plus tons of commission and made some decent money. I left that job to give birth to my first child....that was 10 years ago
      Today, jobs are scarce. People are shouting JOBS, JOBS, JOBS. We want JOBS...So what!  Even with the creation of new jobs you can't sit around hoping that the job will be given to you on a silver platter. It won't! Actually, if the economy does turn around the jobs will be even more competitive because there is a high demand.
     Fathers are out of work and children are going hungry. Unfortunately, there is a trend that unemployment and welfare are the solutions since I can't find a job. This sense of government dependency is enabling people, especially men to stay home, twiddle their thumbs, and wait for the economy to turn that around. They are playing the victim game, yet depending on others. Some say they have a strong desire to work, but won't go out and find one because there are no jobs-so they say. There are jobs-few jobs-but jobs. I have more respect for the person especially fathers who spend 8 hours a day writing resumes, checking out work source services, networking, job hunting, and even begging for work than the one who stays at home and twiddles his thumbs. You will probably not find the ideal job and will have to humble yourself to accept a job, but you will build a sense of pride, self confidence and freedom when you provide for yourself.
     I know those feeelings of inadequacy are real. I hate them. I had to rely on prayer and faith many times in my job seeking adventures. It was so hard, but so worth it.
     Now finding a job may take months. It may require you lean upon the government, but it should always only be temporary...not years! Job seeking may require you to  think outside the box and do some deep soul searching, but never give up. Our society needs more hard working people regardless of the economic situation in our countries.
      Job seeking may also require sacrifice. It may require you to give up some of your most treasured possessions so you  can make ends meet. I am grateful for the choices my husband has made and for the security his career brings to our family. But we live with an attitude that we are willing to give up our "toys" if times ever got hard for our family. We know his boat is the first to go. We would do everything we could, sell everything we could before we dare ask help from our family, the church and the government
     Financial freedom and self reliance requires sacrifice not entitlement. This sense of I should be on welfare because there are no jobs is a cop out and is not taking responsibility for your actions.
     So how do I get a job? This blog is mainly on changing your attitude, but there are many resources to help you. First, pray. Heavenly Father is your biggest supporter. He will help you overcome those feeling of inadequacy. Lean on family too. Let them know of your desire for work and use them as a network. Check out employment centers. Talk with counselors. The LDS church has great resources. Use the employment specialists. They are there to help you and want to used. Take action and go out and look. Keep on looking even on your greyest days.
    Am I out of tune with the unemployed. NO! My mom was the unemployed. My father did not take his role as provider seriously. Our family went through unnecessary stress and heartache because of poor financial choices. We did not have freedom.
     I write this blog to give others hope. Financial freedom and self reliance is an attitude. It is taking responsibility of your life and choices. My hope is that you can see it is possible even to achieve self reliance when everything is grey around you.
     I haven't been in the workforce for over 10 years. I've been doing the most noble job for the last 10 years without a vacation, without a paycheck, not much recognition and even sometimes feeling inadequate too. I actually fear entering the work fore. On my resume,  under experience, I would be considered "Displaced Homemaker"...Displaced...really?. That would make anyone feel inadequate. Thank goodness, I have lived my life in a responsible way that allows me to stay home. I am grateful for that. But I know our home is not immune to the hardships in life. If I ever find myself having to work and trust me it won't be for personal satisfaction, my attitude towards work has not changed. I know the job seeking process will be hard, stressful, and yucky!  But when you have an attitude of personal financial responsibility and self reliance that pride will sustain you through the process. And of course, don't forget to pray!

We cry, JOBS, JOB, JOBS!!! So what are you going to do about it?