New York City and Jobless

New York City, the Big Apple, the greatest city in the world!

The land onto which our forefathers first stepped on when coming from our motherlands. When the words "land of opportunity" chimed in their heads, it was New York where they first thought of. All sorts of people from around the globe, United States included, come to this city to sightsee, and take in the hustle and bustle of NYC- even for most of us residents, it's a relatively quick skip and a jump to one of the most interesting places we've ever been. Its a wonderful place to visit and live, but the purpose of my writing to you all lies within the boundaries of my next few words... finding good work in this state is a bitch.

Where does this stem from? Well, I'll try to make my story short, and leave some room for my next post.

After getting laid off in August 2007 by that quick to grow, quick to fall mortgage lending company, American Home Mortgage, I was in a scramble to find work. What a nutty period of my life- I was engaged at the time, had wedding bills to help take care of, need I say more? Off to the races I went. Needless to say, the economy wasn't garbage like it is right now, and not a month went by and I received a call from Estee Lauder Companies. Apparently, I applied for a VP job posting on Monster.com, and they found a fit for me as a business analyst. It was a long term consultant position, and boy was I thankful. I was back in the game now.

Not more than a few months in, I was a "permanent" member of the team. I got married in 2008 and life was good. Not the greatest paycheck on the planet, but for me, I was smooth sailing. Another few years in that position and I planned on moving up in the ranks- hopefully.

The company slogans and mantras were all motivation boosters. "Bringing the best to everyone we touch", was a real nice one, but the too good to be true words of wisdom were "hire to retire". And with these words my friends, we must laugh out loud. In June of 2009, I had a nice call into the CIO's office with our Executive Director and HR representative, my position was to eliminated immediately due to cutbacks. There it went. It didn't matter what I thought, I had no choice but to get up and leave. And you know something else? They got rid of me, but kept the consultants. Nobody else in my department got laid off, they just got picked and placed in other areas of the company. So, tell me, what was the problem with me? "It was just our only choice at the time" was the explanation given to me. Bullshit.

I must admit - I can only complain so much about the company- they were good to me and my severance package was actually quite pretty. Since I was going to be absent from work and still getting paid, my wife and I decided to enjoy a most wonderful summer. Knowing that when I returned, I had to start my next adventure, and claim unemployment. Just like most of you who are reading this right now - whoopee, right?

The way I see it, I'm essentially getting paid to job hunt. And hunting, I have been. It is now nearing Februrary 1, and since June, after sending 1000's of resumes out, just this week I've gotten a few nibbles. But oh, let me not forget- that PANIC is starting to set in. In a few weeks, I'll elaborate.

My stories, thoughts, feelings and whatever else I have to say should be enough to fill these pages. Maybe it will land me a writing career that I've been dreaming of. Maybe someone out there will read my thoughts and want me to work for their company. Others may not, and that's cool. I am glad that where we live, there is something called freedom of speech, which is what's allowing me to speak relatively freely at this moment and inform my fellow humans and citizens on what is going on out here. It tuly is not fair.

As we enter a new month, I'm getting stronger and more vicious. I will land the job I want. I will survive this crazy time.

Pray for me. Pray for us...all of us.

Stay tuned....