November, 2006
On November 1st, I was a guest lecturer at Marquette University. I was 'holding court' with a group of bright eyed, bushy tailed communications students - who had all assembled to hear me speak about Broadcast Journalism and Marketing. Two industries I'd worked in successfully.
Initially, I felt like such a fraud. Here I was, giving them advice and tips on how to 'MAKE IT in the REAL WORLD and I had just begun my sixth month of unemployment. It blew my mind!
Although, as I drove away from the University that night, I actually felt rejuvenated. I had shared stories with them about what I did in the early days to 'get noticed' in the business.
I told them about my days of freelancing for ESPN Sunday Night baseball - and how I used to 'fetch' coffee for the Director and 'chauffeur' around the broadcasters, John Miller and Joe Morgan. I explained how I began working in the business at "the worlds smallest jazz music station, making $3.50 an hour, working six days a week, on-air with no benefits."
They sat before me, mesmerized. I told them, if any of this "freaks you out, then...you're pursuing the wrong business." I went on sharing..... I'd worked for three years as a sports talk-show producer...and when I'd gone to management asking for more on-air opportunities, the Program Director told me, "Not gonna happen".
The students absorbed every syllable as I continued, "So, a few days later, I gave my two weeks notice...packed up a moving truck and moved to Charlotte and within one week of arriving, I was the on-air sidekick of the number one sports talk show in the market." After a mere 13 months in Charlotte, I was offered a job at a sports station in New York. I spent five years in New York, before returning back to Milwaukee and entering the world of corporate America.
In my effort to get the students excited about working in the broadcast and marketing industries....I had actually jump-started myself. I too, had been a bright eyed and bushy tailed younger version of my current self - and I'd followed my dreams like a torpedo aiming for its mark. It was on that drive home, I began to think..... it may be time to shake-things-up.
However, the next day I had an appointment with a Cleaning Company, I'd called them the week before, looking for something...while I continued the search for the next great gig. I arrived at the location, resume in hand. I introduced myself to the lady I'd spoken to over the phone and she reviewed my resume while I filled out the one page job application.
(One page was a treat compared to the Hours of paperwork I'd filled out the week before at the Temp agency.....that never did place me anywhere. )
As I handed her the completed application she commented, "You were the Director of Marketing at So & So."
"Yes I was" I smiled
"My husband takes clients there all the time, he says it's a really nice place"
"It certainly is," I continued to smile.....
It was at this very moment - that our eyes met. I stood there and looked at her as she tried to connect the dots. It was like she was doing a Rubik's Cube in her head. I could just hear her brain trying to process.....So, you were the Director of Marketing...and, now you want to clean office buildings?
As I put my coat on, I said, "Yes, it is a lovely place.....I redesigned their website and marketing pieces....So, not only could I be your next cleaning person...keep ME in mind, if you need help with your marketing effort!"
She smiled sweetly, we shook hands and I walked to my car. Quite certain I would never hear from this woman again.
About a week later, I was sitting in my condo as I reflected back on my conversation with the cleaning lady. My thoughts drifted to the six unanswered calls I'd place to Rob (the highly inappropriate) HR guy at UPS. For six months.....I'd interviewed, answered ads, networked, done free lance work and volunteered.....yet, still was coming up empty.
What was I doing?
I had work experience at the highest of levels. I'd interviewed legendary sports figures from Michael Jordan and Dennis Rodman to Mike Piazza, Vinnie Testeverde and Bill Parcels. I'd covered games at Madison Square Garden, Yankee Stadium and Giants Stadium. There were many times I was the only woman in the locker room, yet I persevered and navigated through the male-dominated industry of sports.
In 2001, I transitioned into health care and in a brief four years, I developed an innovative music program for senior-learners that was recognized by seasoned geriatric professionals throughout the region.
And, I couldn't find work.....are you kidding me????????
Then, it came to me...it was time to RE-INVENT myself. For the first time in six months, everything became crystal clear.
Friday, November 10th, I met with my parents and told them my intentions. They responded with complete and total support - which gave me the 'green light' to follow my heart.
On Sunday November 12th, I met with a Realtor and explained my desire to put my condo on the market. He absolutely LOVED my place and said, "I would really enjoy showing your home." On Wednesday November 15th, we signed the contract and on Thursday November 16th, he showed my condo to a potential buyer. An offer was made on Saturday and I accepted that offer on Sunday November 19th. I never even had an open house.
For the first time in months....something was actually going right for a change. The rest of November was filled with details and planning...as things began to fall into place.
I was melancholy and hopeful at the same time. Melancholy, because I just couldn't believe that it had come to this. I was selling my home because I hadn't found a job. Yet, hopeful that the next phase of my life would be filled with promise and opportunities.
As November came to a close, I started sharing my news with family and friends... I was re-locating to Charlotte, North Carolina.
That was my sixth month of unemployment.
