A Chronicle of an Un/Underemployed Former Architect - Part 5

[celebrian_3]

I’ve been having a difficult time with the last installment of my chronicle, for the reason that this part of the story is ongoing, and I do not have emotional distance from it yet. I’m still processing, and lack the detachment to filter. Everything feels pressing-thoughts and feelings are entangled with physical and financial difficulties and

Comments

[locakitty]

I"m glad your body is starting to get a bit better. Working in a restaurant certainly does take a physical toll, which a lot of people don't realize. The SNAP thing is another thing that drives me bonkers, because, honestly, $15 is not going to supplement much, except maybe a few pounds of beans.
Is it possible to amend the resume a bit, focus on the Excel/Word elements? Managing time, etc?

I understand completely about how you throw your hat out there and just hear the crickets. It sucks, and it's soul crushing and you wonder "why am i not good enough to work as a receptionist?" and ugh. Would you and your SO be able to move? Would you be willing to move? North Dakota is crazy booming right now. I've contemplated moving there myself a few times.

I can't really offer you a solution, and I'm sure you have already thought about 99% of whatever I just typed. Positive thoughts out there for you. Perhaps you could shop this post to Slate or Alternet or something?

[celebrian_3]

I know you've spent a lot of time in restaurants and can relate a little to this part of my story :-). And it's funny how the food stamp thing works. I'm dirt poor, but not quite dirt poor enough to get help! To get help in this state I have to be totally irresponsible and get myself pregnant :-). Not exactly what I think our conservative legislature really wants to encourage

[locakitty]

I'm in the middle of job hunting myself, but I'm still working at the "main" job, so I know the psychological toll it takes. Trust me I do. I just don't want you to wind up in a soul sucking call center job. At the very least, with the kitchen job you can move around a little bit. That was what I hated the most about the call center, essentially chained to the desk for 8 hours a day.
it's going to work out. I got the faith. :)

[croneitude]

I'm so glad you are back here, even if only occasionally, and posting. I wish there were something I could say or do that would ease the pressures in your life, but I know that isn't possible. However, I'm here to listen and support you in whatever ways that I can! Always feel free to email too whenever you might need some soul strengthening.

[celebrian_3]

Thanks so much E. It is truly wonderful to hear from you again. I did not know how much I really missed being 'here' until I came back. It's a little quieter than it used to be, I suppose due to the Facebook/Twitter exodus, but not entirely silent at least.

It's always been difficult, owing to my shyness, to reach out with random messages to people, but I will make an effort :-).

[elf_owl]

I have thought of you often, and am glad that you are still around, trying to work through/overcome this. <3

[celebrian_3]

Hi! I have thought of you too, and have wondered how you are doing. I hope you are well. I miss coming down to visit you :-).

[elf_owl]

If I were still in Tucson, I'd suggest my coming up to visit you. Maybe when I am in Tucson this summer for my volunteering, we can have a visit. (I will be coming early or staying after for a few days to visit.)

[yonica]

Though I had hoped for a "happy ending" to your saga of the past few years, I am glad to know where you are and what you're up to these days. I truly have missed your presence here.

Like others, I wish I had something truly useful to offer, but you're already much wiser on the truth of the job market than anything I could provide.

Any chance of bypassing the job market and going freelance in design, drafting, architecture, or something? It's overwhelming and costly starting something up full time, but maybe less awful doing a little thing here or there (especially just as a supplement at first). A little etsy site or something? Also surely something you've considered, but I always loved your photos that you would post here. Do you have a gallery up somewhere? Maybe some of you're friends (ahem) might buy some prints from you in the meantime. :)

<3

[elf_owl]

I would buy some prints. I like this idea. Maybe that could help ease the financial burden some, and you'd be spreading beauty, too!