Applying what we read to our lives.

Tonight I'll be attending a networking event at a church. Oddly enough I got this tip from a lady at the bank who called to offer to open a Money Market account for us. Weird. But a good tip. The group meets twice a month and they have 140 volunteers who minister to the unemployed. The good news is that my ministering they don't quote Bible verses, but are in a position to offer advice on job searches, career changes and opening new businesses.

Although I appear to be fearless, I hate going someplace alone for the first time. It's intimidating. My rational mind knows that everyone there will be glad to see me, since they're putting on a rather elaborate show. But there's still that awkward feeling of encroaching on a private club.

I will push those feelings aside and soldier on though, I need to make some connections. According to the Outplacement Firm, the more people you talk to, the faster you "land" (a job). It's about 50-100 depending on the market and your skills. It's nice putting a number on it. Also, it's good to know that if I only talk to two people (interview) that my chances are slim that I'll get either of those jobs. It's the way it's working these days.

The weird thing about jobs is that about a year ago people were concerned that with all the boomers retiring that there would be a shortage of experienced professionals. That's where I was going to fit in! I'm at the very tail end of the baby boom, having been born in 1962. According to Outliers, I'm in a population trough. Thus, I have better chances of getting into good schools, getting into good jobs and in general having less competition for the stuff I want.

But, with Boomers's retirement accounts disappearing and general uneasiness in the economy, a lot of retirements have been deferred, so now I'm competing with a larger population of folks with skills and experience more vast than my own.

So, what do I do? Rather than puff myself up and bluster through an interview for a job that would be a reach, I scale back and try to slice about 15 years off of my resume and pass myself off as a Gen X'er. Why? Because I'd rather not have too much stress in my life right now. The thing that would best contribute to a lower stress life would be a good, steady job, with benefits, that is something that I could do blindfolded with one hand tied behind my back.

My goals for tonight's meeting are:

1. Have someone explain how my resumes are coming across.

2. Make some good contacts for job leads.

3. Have a good reason to get dressed up, made up and feelin' sassy!

I've got a new dress to break in!