Sowing the Seeds of Work

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.

Karaoke Queen

The economic slowdown has altered the global landscape in ways that one never could've imagined. Industries that were once booming (e.g., manufacturing) are now heading toward irrelevance, and other professions (e.g., finance) have been hurt by massive job losses. Being unemployed is a scary position to be in ... but it's also a chance to explore other interests -- whether it's going back to school, doing community service, or indulging in acts of campiness.
I helped a former co-worker celebrate his birthday on November 14 at Winnie's. He's now employed at Condé Nast, which has seen its share of layoffs in recent weeks. Surviving a year of ups and downs with one's sense of humor intact is cause for partying ... and with its cheesy décor and potent drinks -- especially the Hawaiian Punch -- Winnie's was the perfect setting to show off my lack of singing skills.
Possessing a limited vocal range is no excuse for not putting your best foot forward. Mastering the art of karaoke begins with song selection; choose uptempo tunes that are easy to follow. Use the stage to your advantage, and don't be afraid to venture into the audience. Finally, feeding off the energy of the crowd reduces any self-consciousness about embarrassing yourself in public.
I put this theory to the test when I serenaded my ex-colleague with Steppenwolf's "Born to Be Wild" (it was his birthday, after all) and Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up" (I couldn't resist "rickrolling" him). My performance garnered such positive reviews until I added the Rolling Stones' "Start Me Up" and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts' "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" to my repertoire. Singing off-key and out of sync was an unusual way to bond with acquaintances and strangers, but it served as an outlet for my angst as I deal with my bout of unemployment.
Karaoke isn't about sounding good, but having fun. As one partygoer told me, "I rocked the place because I embraced my disability." (Go figure!) The amount of effort you put into a task determines what you'll get out of it, and that philosophy applies to every aspect of life -- whether you have a job or not.

The Old Man and Me

Walking away from my journalism career was one of the hardest things I've ever done. For several months, I held out hope that the economy would rebound from its doldrums and I'd find another job in my chosen profession. When I realized that wasn't going to happen, I turned to working temporary gigs advertised through word of mouth ... and my most unusual "assignment" thus far has been being a home attendant.
From October 21 to October 24, I cared for a widowed nonagenarian residing in Chelsea. I performed various household chores, from doing his laundry to preparing his meals. He wasn't a demanding boss, for we also spent time talking about his life as a former accountant (hence, his love for CNBC) as well as doting husband (his wife was a teacher who loved fishing in Southampton). Listening to him reminisce about events that occurred before I was even born made for a great history lesson, and what I enjoyed most about the four days we spent together was his gentle spirit.
Such positive vibes come in handy for dealing with the pitfalls of being elderly, like having arthritis and osteoporosis. Seeing my boss take pills for these illnesses made me think about my future as a senior citizen, for as much as I cherish my independence, I know the day will come when I may need someone to take care of me -- if I'm fortunate enough to live that long. The thought of depending on a loved one or stranger is scary, but it didn't stop me from extending kindness to an old man in need. (The New Old Age is recommended reading for those interested in geriatric issues.)
Working as a home attendant was a good experience. I impressed a member of the opposite sex with my domestic skills and lined my pockets with some cash. This isn't the livelihood I envisioned when I graduated from New York University in 2000 ... but, in this horrible economy, I'm willing to consider any job opportunity -- as long as it's a legitimate way to make a living and it pays a decent wage.

Sweet Dreams (of Fulfillment)

The Bible says it's better to give than to receive ... but doing both simultaneously makes for the best feeling in the world.
I joined dozens of dessert lovers on September 14 for the third annual Ice Cream Run to benefit Children for Children. Individuals, pairs, and groups assembled in Washington Square Park to help the not-for-profit organization raise money for its volunteer leadership programs and enjoy what's left of summer. Participating in this "scavenger hunt" was a fun way for me to live out my motto of "stay busy and stay positive" while facing indefinite unemployment.
Like most non-working stiffs, my top priority is to find a job ... but during my ten months of idleness, I've given what time and money I can afford to causes I support -- whether it's my alma mater, New York University, or professional initiatives like UNITY: Journalists of Color. Such charitable acts keep me connected to institutions that have meaning in my life, and it also reminds me that as bad as my situation is, it could be a lot worse. (God forbid I had to deal with a foreclosure or feed a family!)
This upbeat attitude came in handy when I became "The Ice Cream Fiend" for the two-hour race. My legs -- and a MetroCard -- took me to parlors in neighborhoods as diverse as Chinatown, Alphabet City, Chelsea, and Midtown East. At Ciao Bella Gelato, I bought a cup of strawberry sorbetto, and I couldn't resist purchasing a bowl of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream at Alphabet Scoop. While these brands couldn't hold a candle to Häagen-Dazs, I still had a good time sampling their products.
After staggering back to the park, I handed in my score card and headed for the nearest empty bench. (My calves were killing me!) The event organizers tallied the results, and my third-place finish landed me a Sex and the City bath and body kit. My stomach was full and my shirt was soaked with sweat, but I couldn't think of a better way to spend the day -- even if I was receiving a paycheck.

Unsung Heroes

One of the goals I set for myself when I was a child was to work in a profession that matched my interests and suited my abilities. Upon graduating from New York University in 2000 with a bachelor's degree in communication studies, I pursued my career aspirations, with a steady paycheck and some benefits serving as my entry into the workforce. But after years of toiling away in the cubicle farm -- I currently occupy a spot on the unemployment line -- I've learned it's not the management figures who are the most valuable assets to a company: it's the administrative assistants and the custodial staff.
These men and women perform underappreciated tasks that keep the office running smoothly, whether it's ordering supplies or dumping trash. Successful presentations and multimillion-dollar deals hinge on attributes as simple as making the boss look good while being surrounded by a nice working environment. It's easy to take their presence for granted until the secretary calls out sick or the janitors walk off the job.
Two observations I've made over the years are that most administrative assistants are female and the majority of cleaning people are immigrants. This is no coincidence, for women are the backbone of civilization and the United States was built on the shoulders of foreigners. Until the turn of the 20th century, history marginalized these groups' contributions to society ... but, in today's workplace, they’re making strides in visibility and importance.
Being a secretary or custodian isn't the most glamorous route to a middle-class life ... but, last time I checked, it's still a legitimate way to make a living. The people who hold these positions are using their knowledge and skills to better themselves and help their families. In my book, those are the goals worth pursuing in life.

Lost in Transition

I've been downsized out of a job ... and I couldn't be happier.
On October 8, my boss called me into his office to inform me that my days at the office were numbered. (A human resources executive notified the union -- in writing -- about the company's decision to eliminate my job on October 12, and my final day at the office was November 9.) Since many aspects of my job were reassigned and automated, I wasn't surprised by the move -- in fact, I was prepared for it.
I've witnessed numerous changes in my profession during the seven years I held my job, and I've seen dozens of colleagues come and go. Some of them found greener pastures within the industry, while others entered another line of work altogether. For me, being "between jobs" is an opportunity to figure out if I want to continue working in this field. Despite the office politics and crazy hours, I loved what I did for a living -- even if it didn't always love me back.
As unfortunate as my situation is, I don't consider it devastating because I never allowed my job to become my identity. I made a distinction between my professional life and my personal life, and having several hobbies unrelated to my career was the difference between being complemented by my work and being defined by it. With interests ranging from studying American Sign Language to dabbling in photography, my occupation was only one facet of what made me the woman I am.
I'm not thrilled about being unemployed, but it's better than being at a company that didn't want nor value my services. I attended countless workshops over the years to enhance my skills and learn new technologies, but it wasn't enough for management to keep me on their payroll. That act of rejection was a kick in the pants to shift my career into high gear.
William Shakespeare once wrote that "parting is such sweet sorrow" ... but, in this case, it's also for the best.

The Politics of Work

Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama addressed thousands of media professionals at the convention I attended on August 9 and 10, respectively, in Las Vegas. The Democratic presidential candidates spoke about issues of importance to the working class, from having access to education to overhauling the health care system. While both senators engaged me with their words, they also left me cold with their vague solutions to these problems.
The defining trait of a good manager (or, in this case, leader) is getting employees with different viewpoints to focus on the task at hand. If successful, they keep sensible ideas from being derailed by competing agendas (or, in this case, partisan politics). Clinton's plan to help at-risk children will remain a pipe dream unless she can rally members of Congress -- especially from the Republican Party -- to support her idea. Likewise, Obama's pledge to bridge the gap between Wall Street and Main Street won't be fulfilled without help from opposing lawmakers.
Like corporate America, navigating office politics in Washington, D.C., is about "playing the game." The senators said all the right things about ending the war in Iraq and rebuilding the Gulf Coast, but didn't offer specifics on how these goals would be met. Successful executives use transparent methods to achieve tangible results. Not only that, but they involve various groups to reach a consensus about its long-term impact.
Clinton and Obama impressed me with their promises. However, just like in the boardroom, talk is cheap.

Survival of the Fittest?

Las Vegas is more than just the perfect setting to indulge in bad behavior -- it's also the ideal location to make business contacts.
From now until August 12, I'm networking with my peers at our annual convention, which is taking place this year in Sin City. Between attending workshops all day and going to parties every night, I don't know how I'll find time to sleep ... but I do know that my agenda is about business, not pleasure.
Over the years, I've traveled thousands of miles and spent thousands of dollars on seminars to enhance my skills and advance my career. The profession I work in is undergoing a transition that's left me with the choice of adaptation or extinction. I have unwavering faith in my abilities, even when I question my sanity for pursuing my passion. More important, though, I can't see myself doing anything else: I've never worked in retail, and I'm not interested in joining the corporate world.
Change is a part of life, and I have no problem adjusting to new (or different) ways of doing my job. However, I can't help but worry that having such an outlook isn't enough to survive in today's workplace.

B for Brooklyn

My commute to and from work on the B train is usually a humdrum experience. If I'm not daydreaming about romance, a la Robert DeNiro and Meryl Streep in Falling in Love, I'm people-watching -- whether it's a student read a textbook while sitting or a businessman use a briefcase as a battering ram while moving between cars.
Seeing a local celebrity double as a straphanger isn't an everyday occurrence, so when I spotted John Noel riding the train with his fellow passengers on June 4, I did a double take. He looked the same in person as he does on television, and he didn't come across as being pretentious. Like myself, he was probably looking forward to going home after putting in eight hours -- give or take a few -- on the job.
This sighting reminded me of when I crossed paths with Ernie Anastos last summer at Dylan's Candy Bar. While Noel managed to go unrecognized in the subway, Anastos was immediately identifiable at the confectionary store -- thanks to the crowd of admirers surrounding him.
When I was younger, I dreamed of being rich and famous, traveling around New York in a Town Car as I ran errands. Now, as a working stiff, I value my privacy so much until I'm content navigating the five boroughs with a MetroCard.

Game Over

History was made at the Georgia Dome on April 2 as Florida defeated Ohio State, 84-75. With that achievement, I've been forced to eat my words that they wouldn't repeat as tournament champion.
I suppose eating my words isn't a bad way to kick off April, for it distracts me from the fact that I lost in both office pools. (Then again, maybe not ... but I digress.) In hindsight, I shouldn't be surprised by the outcome, for both schools met just three months earlier in the BCS title game at the University of Phoenix Stadium ... and the Gators were victorious over the Buckeyes, 41-14.
Being the first school to win a basketball and football championship in the same season is a major accomplishment. On that note, I applaud Florida as they join Duke (1991-92), UCLA (1964-65, 1967-73, 1975), Cincinnati (1961-62), San Francisco (1955-56), Kentucky (1948-49), and Oklahoma State (1945-46) in the exclusive club of winning back-to-back basketball titles.

Atlanta or Bust

March Madness is winding down -- along with my odds of a payoff in the office pools.
Ohio State and UCLA made it to the Final Four in Atlanta, while North Carolina's 96-84 overtime loss to Georgetown on March 25 was a heartbreaker. (My final choice was Wisconsin, who didn't even make it to the Sweet Sixteen.) As for Florida, I unwisely predicted they'd only advance as far as the Elite Eight.
Even though they have an edge over UCLA -- this year's semifinal matchup is a repeat of last year's title game -- I still don’t see them repeating as tournament champion. I think the winner of the Ohio State-Georgetown semifinal game will go on to win it all ... and I have Ohio State as the last team standing.
While I correctly picked the winners in 45 out of 60 games, I trail in both pools. In fact, I'm so far behind in one of them -- by 43 points! -- until I don't see myself winning it. (I submitted the same bracket for both pools, but each department uses a different scoring process to tally points.)
No matter what happens, I'm not going to let March Madness drive me insane -- that's why I have a job.

March Madness

Like many working stiffs across the country, I've been sucked into the men's college basketball craziness that is March Madness. Participating in the office pool -- or, in my case, two of them (in different departments) -- is the perfect way for me to combine my interest in the sport with the chance at winning money (along with some bragging rights).
A smothering defense may win championships ... but it's boring to watch. On the other hand, a lopsided offense dilutes the competitive nature of the game. I enjoy watching basketball because both elements are on display, and it's amazing to see players who have yet to reach their full potential blossom on a national stage. Its fast-paced action and athletic artistry make for an exciting sport that lures even casual fans into filling out those brackets.
On that note, the Midwest section of my bracket was shot to hell with Wisconsin's 74-68 loss to UNLV on March 18 ... but at least I didn't pick them to win the tournament. (Thank God!) Another choice I made that came back to haunt me was Maryland defeating Butler on March 17. (They lost, 62-59.)
As it stands now, I correctly selected 26 of 32 teams to advance to the second round, and 10 of 16 teams to make it to the regional semifinals (better known as the Sweet Sixteen). A champion won't be crowned for another two weeks, so I still have a chance at winning the office pool (or so I hope). In the meantime, I'll continue wallowing in March Madness.