Employment

Guest blog by Kristin Raymond

I got a job!!! Finally, after one year, 8 months, and 18 days of being unemployed…

Work is amazing, and has also made me incredibly busy. I got out of practice with the whole “40 hour work week, get your other life stuff done whenever you can” routine. Making lunch the night before, figuring out what I’m going to wear the next day, heading to bed much earlier, and the morning making sure I remember everything before I leave checklist. But I wouldn’t give it up for the alternative of having nothing going on and sitting around all day.

I was hired on as a “temporary” advocate, to fill the spot left by a long-term medical leave. But I’ve come to understand that it might not be so temporary… and the fact I was able to sign up for benefits kind of validates that suspicion. In either case, the woman that hired me has wanted me to work in the office for quite awhile but was never able to get it all figured out. Moving into the county as we did back in June allowed her to get me in finally. And she basically told me that if the woman that is out on medical leave would come back for some reason, she would either be put somewhere else, or they would move me somewhere else, but I wouldn’t be completely let go. I appreciate SO much what she has done to help me get in the door, it’s refreshing to have someone actually HELPING you get a job, instead of making it impossible to do so.

I love my job. It is going to be intense some days – but it is crisis response, after all. The job description is a bit schizophrenic; we do a lot of different things as needed — responding to crime scenes to handle the families of victims, the victims themselves when not needed for statements for the police, and just handling general scene triage. Keeping people informed, finding out what the police or emergency personnel need, etc. If it is determined we don’t really need to be at the scene but maybe a day or two later the family has some questions, we are the information source for them. We make cold calls to victims based on the police reports we receive each morning, seeing how they’re doing, if they have any questions, concerns, if there is anything we can do to help. And then we have the office portion of the job – data entry, statistic generation, keeping track of paperwork for reports to the grant we are partially funded through. I am in a unique position where I’m not just filling someone else’s shoes but helping to restructure the position as well. There used to be more funding available and there were 5 people doing what I’m now doing; over time it went down to one person, and now we’re able to have two again. I’ll be working days 8a-5pm and my coworker will be handling the 3pm-midnight shift.

It feels really good to be able to provide that kind of service to a population that traditionally is not well served, or to those who just don’t know where to go for information.

Each day brings something new, training, learning more about the area and becoming more settled. Good stuff.  :)

 In fact, I know I had been rejected yet again, which still baffles me, if I can be honest. I had applied for a position with a government agency, one that completely suited my background, education and desired career field. The volunteer coordinator with the District Attorney’s office wrote me a really amazing letter of recommendation that she submitted by email as well as regular ol’ snail mail. I was called for an interview, went prepared with great questions and felt like I had knocked that one out of the park…

… Until I received rejection letters for the 2 positions they were hiring for. Something about someone with closer qualifications for the job. Hm, ok. Heard that one a few bazillion times…

Well, the search hasn’t ended quite yet. Still applying, still searching every day. I have, since the April post, started working for an area restaurant doing catering deliveries, which at least provides some extra money for gas, groceries and other incidentals. It gives me something to do almost every day, other than pour over job listings. In some strange twist of fate, I received a letter saying I have another extension of my unemployment available, so at least I can contribute my portion of rent – thus avoiding living in a cardboard box, which I was starting to think was going to be my only option. (Oh, yeah, I found a place – a GREAT place – closer to Milwaukee and within Milwaukee County to help with being able to apply for county jobs. Everything about it is working out really great, including the whole ‘living with the boyfriend’ part).

 So, as usual, I face this icky situation and just when it seems like there are no other options, something works out and I muddle through. I like to think I’m resilient this way, somehow. At least I have that going for me… now to get some employer to jump on the bandwagon as well.

~Kristin Raymond

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/kristin-raymond/6/b09/48a

I have such a great collection of bags from attending NeoCon for the last seven years, that I though it would be fun to rate them.

The top 10 NeoCon bags of ALL TIME:

#10: Momentum bag, 2008.

Great pattern. Could be used to carry file folders, swatches and sketch paper. Not really large enough for groceries or sturdy enough for a lap top, but shoulder worthy for sure!

#9: OFS Bag, circa 2005.

Made from plastic, this bag can withstand wet towels, leaky pens, or heavy metal tile samples (yes, I have put this bag through hell and back).

#8 and #7 AIS bags. 2008 and 2011.

AIS has been making this cute bag for several years now. I only have two, but I think they have four or five versions and colors. This bag is perfect for beach or picnic days. It is vinyl and easily washable, and sturdy enough to stand upright. The blue one has sun block stored inside from last summer, eagerly awaiting future use. (Come on Wisconsin weather… it’s June)!

#6: J+J/Invision bag 2011

Though new to me this year, I’m already in love. This bag is perfect for groceries! With the large handle and thicker fabric, I am able to leave the store with only one bag slung over my shoulder. Great for lugging goods up to my second floor apartment!

#5: Safco, 2011

Another newbie this year, this bag is also perfect for groceries, but with the added versatility of a more durable material. I think this could be a beach goer as well.

#4 and #3: Dirtt bags from 2006 and 2007

Like AIS, Dirtt made more than just these two colors over the last few years. These really are the ultimate multi-functional bag. Groceries, check! Beach bag, check! Small and light, but with a lengthy and sturdy handle, check! Durable and easy to clean, check! They also have great inner pockets for smaller items.

#2: Neutral Posture 2011

New this year, this bag has already made it to the number two spot for three reasons.

1. The fabric is thick, shiny and easy to clean (not to mention a beautiful shade of blue).

2. It has a zipper!

3. It has all the qualities of the #1 ranking NeoCon bag of ALL TIME! (drum roll, please)!

#1: Shaw, circa 2008 (2007)?

I am so in love with this bag I can’t even remember which NeoCon it came from. This bag has been to NYC, Atlanta, Chiacgo… etc. It is the perfect weekend trip bag. It is also great for the beach. It could be used for groceries. The canvas material is able to withstand heavy use. Not as cleanable at bag #2, however it seems able to withstand any plane, train, sandy beach or dirty closet. I heart this bag.

For it’s ultimate versatility, zipper, perfect size and shape this bag is ranked the #1 NeoCon bag of all time!!!!

In fact, too exhausted to recap the show in words, so here are a few pictures to tell the story of Julie’s SUCCESSFUL return to NeoCon.

The first ever “Mini Meeting,” held at the Sofitel, Chicago (organized by yours truly):

Dinner @ Tavern on Rush with the Mini Meeting Attendees:

The Spacesaver Showroom 11-117, newly updated and fabulous:

My short break from working to explore the other showrooms. Some of the highlights were Antron (really creative showroom concept):

J&J Carpet (great bag and some fun cocktails)

Neutral Posture. Not only are they a PROUD woman owned business, they color matched their bags, shirts and even drinks:

End Break. Begin Night at the Museum.

End Night at the Museum. Begin Tuesday (Oh yes, I was already exhausted).

Spent some time @ Steelcase (sitting as you can see):

Then back to work!

So there you have it, a glimpse into my personal NeoCon Experience. Until next year… (thank goodness).

I have always had a love/hate relationship with Neocon. It’s a blast. You get to see so many new and innovative products. The parties are killer, and the cocktails are free and abundant. There are lunches and dinners at fantastic Chicago restaurants, and late nights at Hang Ups. But it’s exhausting. You need to bring extra shoes, so your feet don’t give out on day one. People crowd the halls of the mart, so much so that you can hardly walk, and the line for the elevators is so long you usually end up climbing 11 flights of stairs out of desperation. By the end of two days I never want to see the mart again.

But, the next year roles around and I am just as excited to attend as the year prior.

Last year was the first time in six years that I did not attend. I was unemployed. I was unsure of my industry-to-be. I thought maybe I would never get to NeoCon again.

Well, it turns out I will be back! This year I am heading to NeoCon not just as an attendee, but as an exhibitor. This year I will be working in the Spacesaver showroom, explaining products, and giving away t-shirts (if you want one, click here). I have spent the last six months planning, promoting and stressing about the show.

New products, check.

New graphics, check.

Showroom painted, check.

Event planned, check.

In years past I have spent my time at NeoCon doing competitive research, attending events with reps, and usually partaking in some libations. This year I will be the one inviting and entertaining guests at our event. I will be capturing leads, I will be on the showroom floor standing in ONE PLACE most of the week. EEK.

Despite the changes, despite the stress around managing this show, I am thrilled to be back. NeoCon not only marks the two year anniversary of the biggest life changing event of my little life so far, but it marks my return to the industry! I’m back! I am working in a field where Neocon remains a part of my career. I am excited, and my love for NeoCon has returned.

If you’re curious about what I have been working on in preparation for the show, click here.

I have been unemployed for a year and 5 months, give or take a week or two. My “job” has become looking for a job. Ironic, isn’t it? Days are spent researching the usual lists I keep tabs on for new postings, trying to be creative and thinking out of the box for non-traditional opportunities, editing my cover letter to fit the (very few) jobs I find to apply for, and emailing documents or packing up an envelope to mail off with fingers crossed.

The biggest hurdle I struggle with is in the application to jobs. I have both a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s, and am working on a certificate that I could leverage into a second Master’s if I choose in the future.  I have work experience, of all shapes and sizes, and for all intents and purposes, am more than qualified for every single position I apply for. Yet the rejection letters come flooding in, and the folder I keep is quickly becoming more no’s than yes’s or pending’s. Last letter I got said they had over 300 applicants and were interviewing 12. The letter promised that they reviewed my application with detail and were very sorry they couldn’t offer me a position but they’ll keep it on file for the next year. Just in case. The best part is the “Dear Applicant…” at the top of the letter. If you can’t even address a letter personally, how can I be sure that you really, truly reviewed my materials with any kind of consideration?

Of course I get the “just apply to wherever, I’m sure McDonald’s is hiring” response from just about everyone that already has a job and forgets what it’s like to devote so much time and energy to educating yourself, trying to be more competitive, only to be told you’re just not quite good enough. The trouble is, I’ve applied for the part-time jobs. I had a few interviews that I thought were “it”, that for once, things were going to work out. On the whole I don’t even get contacted because they see my education and work experience and I’m labeled a “flight risk”. They know they can hire someone for less pay that will stay longer and don’t even consider me. Ahh, the great Catch-22. Lie and don’t divulge my education and experience, but probably not be regarded as having marketable skills. Or tell the truth and not be considered because I’m over-qualified…?

To check out Kristin’s mad skills, check out her Linkedin profile here.

Sunday night, I saw something amazing happen. I watched someone I know win an Academy Award. I watched him accept his award in his usual, easy and funny way. I watched him tell his girlfriend she was his dream come true. I watched him become a trending topic on Twitter. I watched our mutual friends fill up his wall on Facebook and tease each other about who was and who wasn’t an extra in the film (your MatchGirl, gentle readers, *was* an extra). I whooped out loud when they called his name. I can’t explain the feeling of excitement when you watch someone’s dream come true. When it’s someone who you know.

Read the full post here.

“Well I have hit a new low. I was rejected from the job I wanted — apparently they changed their minds about wanting to continue interviewing me. I think that I should just give up sometimes. Nobody will hire me. It’s been eight months since I lost my job. I don’t like living with Ronny and Barbie. I totally BLEW my phone interview with another company yesterday because I was sick and unable to BS my way through the questions. I know that all my friends think there is something wrong with me. ALL of these thoughts are against the “positive” thinking my STUPID self-help book tells me to do, so I can’t even do that right. I can’t even THINK the right way. I wish this were a video game and I could use up my lives and start the level over.”

I share this not to depress you, my readers, but to give you hope. I felt like giving up so many times. My confidence was at an all-time low. I didn’t see a way out. I’m not saying the road to recovery is easy (or fast), but I did find my way. I eventually found my path, I found a decent and inspiring job. I made it.

So can you.

And you’re never alone, because we have all been there. At that lowest point, when McDonalds seems like your only career alternative. But it’s not. So hang in there!

XOXO

Starting a new job is always stressful, as is going through a career change. Trying to navigate through both after a year and three months of unemployment, well, that is quite a challenge. There have been the usual adjustments to make, you know, waking up before 8am, trying to fit into clothes I bought a year ago, making lunches and trying to stay fairly active even though I sit at a desk all day.  Then there was getting the feel for a new company, the people, environment, expectations… and for me there has been a bit of travel. So, there were airports and planes and GERMS (sorry, hypochondriac moment) and hotels, and way too much restaurant food.

So, now, 10 pounds later, and four months into my new career I feel like I am getting the hang of this whole “working” thing again. I have finally been able cast my fishing line and set some goals (see week 27: Five Year Plan).  I have been able to dig a small tunnel out of the hole of debt I found myself in this year.  I have been able to learn and grow as a professional and person, and for me that is probably the most important thing.

As of late, I’ve been able to reflect on my experiences as an unemployed interior designer in some new and interesting ways (which I plan to share with you in due time). I have also discovered that it’s oh-so-easy, once working again, to forget all those out there still struggling to find a decent job, and so I am trying to make more of an effort to stay abreast of what is happening in, not only this industry, but in the national and global market as a whole. Because when 300 people lose their job, because a local paper manufacturer shuts down, it impacts us all.

So there you have it, folks. A 30,000 foot view of my life as I know it at this moment. Stay tuned for more brilliant insights.

Looking for ideas on how to save big bucks on energy costs? Look no further than Buildings Magazine. In the September issue, their staff member, Kylie Wroblaski shares 31 “Expense Slashing Solutions” for your building, that not only save money, but also….

Here are a few standouts from the article, (and we are proud to say, Spacesaver’s innovative heating controls retrofit is among them):

Innovations in Cleaning. State Farm Insurance uses a combination of daytime and cooperative cleaning to save as much as 27% on cleaning costs and 8% on lighting costs each year.

“The program includes cleaning the high profile areas before the building opens each morning,” says Steven Spencer, facilities specialist in State Farm’s Facilities Management Department. After the building is open, the restrooms are cleaned continually while break areas, entryways, and conference rooms are cleaned on a set schedule and with high-productivity equipment. In addition, “employees take their food waste to a collection area daily and additional trash can be disposed of when they deem necessary.”

Read the full blog here.