Job-less, still?

Most of you know I was laid off at the beginning of August. As of today, I'm still unemployed. It isn't as if I haven't looked or applied for anything. I'm even signed up with two temp agencies. Nothing. I don't have any skills that I can fall back on temporarily either like a hair dresser or nail tech. I either don't hear back after I've sent my resume or the job is some sort of scam. That's right, scams. It's becoming very frustrating & dejecting. The last interview I had was for a place that, when they called me, told me they were interested in me for a management position. When I drove 45 minutes for a 20 minute group presentation on becoming a sales person for this company, I knew it wasn't really to start out in management. What a waste of my time & gas. There questionnaire they had us filled out asked why they should hire me. I answered "you probably shouldn't hire me if the position is a sales position as I am not a sales person". Yes, I answered that. If I was good at sales, I'd be a lot better at selling Mary Kay and not blogging about this particular topic.

Maybe part of the problem is I just don't know what I want to do. That's right. I don't know what I want to do. I know, I've been out of college 10 years. Sure, I've worked as an admin assistant for 10 years. Yes, I'm great at what I do. That's not conceit, it's confidence. I look good on paper, my resume shows it & I'm even better in person.

I have a great personality. I'm extremely well rounded & adaptable. I'm smart & funny. I have great speaking skills & have tons of common sense. I can multi-task well & I have excellent communication skills. I have charm & I have grace. I'm one of those people who has all the extras you look for in an employee. It shows in my experience when you read my resume & it shows when you talk with me in person. I am a good & diligent worker who shows up every day & on time.

So what's the problem? Who wouldn't want me. I'd want me. But here is where I am at.....

I don't want to be an administrative assistant. It's just something I know I can do and I can do it very well. The problem is I don't know what I want to do. I've been trying to figure out what type of job would make me happy. I'm not quite sure. Yes, I do joke about acting, particularly in Lifetime movies, but that's not going to happen. I do know I want to do something fun & that will be enjoyable. I was given advice by someone I worked with that his most wealthy clients started their own businesses when they were at rock bottom. I'm not quite sure I'm at rock bottom & I've been racking my brain to figure out what I love & what I can do to employ myself.

A little while ago, my friend Amy posted a new entry in her blog, Byline to Finish Line. Amy is a wonderful writer who blogs about her journey as a triathlete. Her writing is amazing in the fact that you don't need to be a triathlete to relate. There is something for everyone. Anyone can identify with what she writes and to me, that is what makes her writing amazing!! If you couldn't tell, I admire her a lot & think she makes a great role model for women. You should check out her blog.

Her most recent post Taking, and creating, chances is about that. As she re-posted something a friend of hers had posted on Facebook: Is life about taking chances or finding chances to take, it got me thinking.....

I need to continue to figure out what it is that I want to do. A lot of us do jobs we aren't 100% happy with. It wasn't that I hated my job, because I didn't. I wasn't completely fulfilled. Then I was laid off which was a major shock & has left me slightly devastated. My choices are to continue to seek out a job that I know I ca do but won't leave me fulfilled or I can take the chance & figure out exactly what I want to do and will be 100% happy doing. I know that with the qualities I listed about myself & the fact that I have some other abilities, there is something in all that for me. I just have to figure it out. I have to figure out how to put aside the fears I have & the answer will come to me & it will then be my time to take & create some chances.

:)

Welcome to the Garden State

My "idea" of NJ was that it was all like Newark - concrete, industrial & iron bound. Boy was I wrong!! I mean, NJ is called the Garden State. We have awesome tomatoes & corn. I live in a rural county with a lot of state land with so many places to visit, you'd be surprised. I wanted to share some of those things with you. It might inspire you to come see how great NJ is & maybe even see me!!! Maybe we could even do a little touristing together!

First, let me just say that the NJ is wonderful. The beaches are nice, the ocean is there, it's just glorious. These are some pictures I have taken while I was down the shore, which by the way, is what people in NJ say. They don't go to the beach, they go down the shore.

The next pictures I'm going to share with you are from Luna Parc. It's a local artist's home, his name is Ricky Boscarino. It reminds me of Beetlejuice. It's lovely & disturbing all at the same time. Luna Parc is only open twice a year & for free. It is Mr. Boscarino's home. He asks for donations, I believe the last request was for glass Mrs. Butterworths syrup bottles, he is/was intending on making a tribute Mrs. Butterworth out of her bottles. I've included just a few of the pictures I took. Feel free to check out the website for Luna Parc. You will not be disappointed!!! I do think *some* of the jewelry is beautiful. Some things, well, as you will see, are for those who have eclectic tastes. The website does have more of the items for sale. I'd love to know what you think!

This is a ring he made

Unfinished Vase which I just loved



And you thought balls could only hang from your trailer hitch!!! You can dangle them from your ears too!!



This is from inside his bathroom. Everyone who visits Luna Parc asks what you think about the bathroom.

My next set of pictures are from the Camden Aquarium. I do believe Camden has been referred to as the murder capital of the US. Anyway, the Aquarium is really nice. It's right across the water from Philadelphia. Jay & I had a really enjoyable time there, worth the ride!

They have several touch tanks in the aquarium, a jelly fish touch tank being one of them!!!

My last set of pictures are from local hikes I've taken. Most have been in Stokes State Forest. I prefer to hike in the spring & fall. Less bugs, better temperatures, just nice all around.

Highpoint Monument, the highest point in the state of NJ

Highpoint again

Tillmans Ravine













Buttermilk Falls

The top of Buttermilk Falls

That concludes my photo documentation of some of the great places in NJ to visit. I have learned to love NJ, a lot. I don't think I'd ever move away from here. Don't get me wrong, I do not forget my roots & there are some things I say or do because they are what make me who I am. I've now become a blend of one person, from one great place, now living in a new great place.

Enjoy!

Elizabeth