Very Important Mini-Micro Economic News

(Cue Elton John)

You could never know what it's like
Your blood like winter freezes just like ice
And there's a cold lonely light that shines from you
You'll wind up like the wreck you hide
behind that mask you use

I have important economic news to report: the number of unemployed people in the U.S. just decreased by one. One out of 15 million does not seem that significant except this report is very personal. I have found a job. I am back at work.

The nine long months of my job search have been filled with many contradictions. Last June I was preparing to speak as an expert at an upcoming industry conference. Industry experts are not supposed to lose their jobs. I cut short my vacation to come into the office on a Friday to pick up some reports so I could work at home over the week- long July 4 break. That was my last day. Loyal, hard-working, employees are not supposed to lose their jobs.

Don't you know I'm still standing better than I ever did
Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid

And thus began the battle. You’ve heard the saying “What doesn’t kill you, only makes you stronger.” That is true, but “What nearly kills you, still hurts like hell.” And what a battle it was. I have stared down the devil, blinked many times, but never retreated. I have literally sweated blood (yes, really). I started off this journey weak, but I got stronger as it got tougher.

This was a battle of endurance. You get knocked down many times, but you learn how to get up and keep on fighting. That is the only way to win it. But winning is not so much the thrill of victory as it is survival. But survival is underrated; there is a deep satisfaction that comes from slaying the dragon and living to tell about it.

And did you think this fool could never win
Well look at me, I'm coming back again

Another contradiction is that out of negative circumstances come positive things. Through this trial I have emerged with a renewed faith in myself and a renewed faith in God. Through being helped by others in my time of need, I have learned how to give of myself in a deeper way. I have also met some outstanding people, most of them fellow jobseekers who should have never been put into this situation. And finally, I have rediscovered my ability to write. Writing this blog weekly greatly sharpened my skills and I am now writing better than I have in my entire life. Which leads naturally to the question you have right now…..

Are You Going to Continue To Write the Blog?

I never expected to continue the blog after I found a job. But I never expected to have this many readers. I knew I had a real issue a few weeks ago when people started telling me, “I hope you find a job, but I hope you continue to blog.” My friend Bob, who isn’t easily impressed, told me I have to keep writing the blog. So I will.

The blog will have to change some. Due to time constraints I will probably include more opinion and less statistics. I may not be able to post every week depending on my circumstances. The month of May will be especially tough since I am teaching two night classes. Please be patient during this transition. Also, please give me feedback on the new format and post comments to the blog when you think I am off base.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that helped me in my job search. Whether it was a job lead, an encouraging e-mail, a prayer, a suggestion, a kind word, whatever. It did make a difference.

I'm still standing yeah, yeah, yeah
I'm still standing yeah, yeah, yeah
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