Anyone who's ever been unemployed knows that job-hunting is a job ... and with supply continuing to outnumber demand in the job market, it's easy to become discouraged by the endless stream of news regarding bankruptcies, mergers, buyouts, and layoffs. But the key to maintaining one's sanity during these tough times lies in staying busy and thinking positive.
I started volunteering at Prospect Park about seven months ago, working with children at the Lefferts Historic House. On May 16 and 17, I assisted the staff and its Youth Council members with various activities for Potato Planting Days. It was a cool way to make history come alive, for there's a big difference between reading about life in the 19th century in a textbook and experiencing it firsthand. In addition, working in a field that's unrelated to my previous job gave me a greater appreciation for the environment (and modern technology).
Seeing the kids get excited over churning butter made me smile, and cheering them on in the potato sack race warmed my heart. Interacting with people from all walks of life is one of the attributes that drew me to a career in journalism ... and while that profession is going through its share of turmoil, I still believe it's an honorable way to make a living. Having said that, helping others is even more honorable, for it builds character as well as feels good ... but it's no substitute for rejoining the workforce as a full-time employee.
