Unemployment- Fourth month

September, 2006

As all the employed people returned to work after the Labor Day holiday, I reflected on the thought of beginning my fourth month of unemployment. It was nearly impossible to wrap my mind around the idea.

Although unemployment wasn't exactly foreign territory for me, for some reason this stint was getting harder and harder to navigate through. I kept relying on previous experience. Hell, my radio show was cancelled in December of 2000 and I was still looking for a full-time gig when tragedy struck on September 11, 2001. I'd survived that upheaval, I certainly could bounce back again, right?

The one thing about not having to BE anywhere everyday is that you tend to just STAY IN YOUR HEAD 24-7. You become so consumed with your current situation that it's hard to take a break from it. And, it's a double-edged sword because everyone knows that the first rule of job hunting is to present a positive and upbeat attitude to all perspective employers.

Clearly the folks that write the RULES for job-hunting are gainfully employed!

Just the like authors that write all the DATING books. 'How to Marry a Millionaire in 100 days', 'How to meet the man of your dreams,' 'Understanding the female brain' -
these are OBVIOUSLY written by folks in relationships because the books would have TOTALLY different titles if the authors were actually hopelessly single and searching for love.

I haven't had a steady boyfriend in five years, I should be the one writing the books. My titles would read: 'He didn't call back? stay away from the fridge', How to be sober when meeting Mr. Right', 'Friday nights, feeling frisky and home alone'.

Now, those are some REAL self-help book titles!

Early September, I get a call from another recruiter. She had heard about my experience in program and business development and she was certain she had an opportunity for me. We spoke for approximately 20 minutes and I liked her instantly. She was smart and aggressive....my kind of lady! I couldn't wait to meet her.

I drove to her office on Wednesday September 6, 2006. After filling out the obligatory paperwork, she led me into her office, closed the door and told me about the potential job. We bantered back and forth for nearly an hour. She was confident, professional and very savvy.

On my way home, I began to picture myself in the new professional role. Although, I knew enough not to get too excited. I certainly had learned that lesson during month one and two of unemployment when I got dragged around by a potential employer, only to be told two months into the interview merry-go-round that they were "going in another direction". Now I was a student of the 'wait-and-see' method.

But, none-the-less, this new connection gave me hope that this unemployment nightmare would soon be over. Until my phone rang on Monday and the recruiter was informing me that SHE HAD LOST HER JOB! I actually began to laugh. I quickly assured her that I wasn't laughing at her, I was just giggling at the irony of the situation.

I was now in a stage of unemployment where even the people whose job it is to find you a job.......are losing THEIR jobs! Good lord, what chance did I have now? So, I wished her luck in her hunt for a new career and I hung up the phone. Once again, I was speechless.

I spent the middle of the month attending networking events, lunching with business contacts and volunteering at Marquette University (my almamater). All that paid off when I got the call from a local ad agency. Someone who knew someone who knew me had told them I had experience in health care. The agency was expanding their health care division and wanted to meet me.

September 27, I show up at the slick downtown location. I was well-rested and ready to be the answer to all their business needs. I was told I'd meet with Mr. X first and then I was to meet with Mr. Y and Mr. Z. No problem, I was ready to handle that.

Mr. X and I sit at the glossy conference table. He hands me his business card, which I tuck into the folder I had with me. He explains to me that he's a real casual guy and we should not treat this as an interview, we should treat this as a "getting-to-know-you" conversation.

I smile as I nod my acceptance. We begin. He lets me know that they have devised a five year strtegic plan and their health care division will be a large part of their growth. He then asks me to describe my experience, and I do so with enthusiasm.

Approximately 30 minutes into this "getting-to-know-you" conversation, he stops short and says, "You know Ellen, I believe in honesty and I have to tell you, I don't think this is a good fit. I think you'd be bored here and you wouldn't be challenged enough."

I'm stunned and perplexed at this point. I ask for clarification. He continues by telling me that they need someone who will be fine staying in-house and dealing with clients over the phone and handling the minutia of the mundane details. "You're used to developing the business, and I don't think we should waste anymore time here."

I realize I've lost this one. However, I say, "so, I guess I'm not meeting with Mr. Y and Mr. Z?"

"No," he assures me "there really is no point, they would only ask you the same questions that I have."

We both stand up, he escorts me to the front door and within seconds I'm standing on the sidewalk outside their building.

It was then, that I looked at his business card.

Mr. X

VP of Business Development

Lovely.

That was my fourth month of unemployment.