Takin' the Blog for a Walk

The good news is I'll have more time to Take the Blog for a Walk

Posted by Brien Lee on May 2, 2010

6) when I'm feeling sad, let us pray, St. Vincent, Workforce

The bad news is I lost my job of 24 years.

Was looking forward to the 40th anniversary of Earth Day if for no other reason than to spend the day thinking about nature and the environment. It was a beautiful day. I just wish they would've picked a different day to let me go, though probably no day is better than another when it comes to that.

I'm going to remain positive and do more than my best to find another job. My hope is something closer to home. The 35 mile drive to Racine County every day wore me down and didn't help my attitude.

I've been taking advice I've been offering other unemployed workers for years through St. Vincent de Paul: I've been getting help from Workforce Development out by WCTC. I've been going there every day for resume' or interviewing classes, to meet with some of the best counselors in the Midwest, or taking free computer classes. 

There are nine computers in the computer lab and we're allowed up to three hours per day. I'm currently in the middle of the Microsoft Word and Excel tutorials. Each of the courses take ten or so hours. Have to say I'm happy to be learning something useful which I never had time for before. The lab is only open from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.. I'll be taking all the courses I can and wish more were offered. However, next semester less courses will be offered.

After a week spent perfecting my resume, I finally used it for the job fair at the world headquarters of Triad Group in Hartland yesterday. Just ten freeway miles from here, it would be a good company to work for for many reasons: good insurance and pay, clean environment, opportunities to learn and advance in the company, manufacturer of recession proof products, three shifts. . .

I hesitated writing about my job loss because I didn't want to sound negative or sorry for myself. However, as this is a "web log" to not mention it would be leaving out a major turning point in my life. It's already been an occasion to learn more skills and give more thought to the future. I dream of a less stressful job closer to home. Some positive can come of this.

I've been getting more done around here. I now have time to clean out the basement and garage. The yard is looking good and the garden went in weeks earlier than usual. Though looking for work is a full time job, I still need to get things in order and keep them in good repair.  Hopefully I'll have good news to report soon and won't be boring with job hunt updates.

As for Sir Fido? He gets out for one, sometimes two walks every day.