*UPDATE* 5 Years Later...

Psalm 3:3 But You, O Lord, are a shield for me; my glory and my honor,
 and the One who lifts my head. Amplified Bible

I started this blog in January 2013.
I didn't know it still existed.
Even though I was relieved to find it, it's not so much a relief that, after five years, I'm back in the underemployed boat.
Actually, I got out of it, but not for long.
I work 2-3 part-time jobs, and I'm still applying for the seemingly elusive full time job with benefits.

If you recall, when I composed this blog, I was desperately seeking a full time job.
I worked 16 years in a newspaper as a journalist, in a job that I envisioned retiring from.
Then came the massive "reduction in force."
Between 2008-2012, I saw our newsroom alone dwindle from 40+ people to less than 20. We were still expected to produce as much as the original team.
The stress of the daily deadline and my job hanging over my head became too much for me.
My doctor took me off work for 2 weeks on medical leave -- stress and depression.
Two weeks led to a year.
The week I returned, I was pink-slipped.

So after being  downsized in 2012, I shortly thereafter completed my master's degree. My thought wasn't so different from that of many others--with an advanced degree, getting another job will be a cinch.
Not so.

I applied for many different gigs, from professional to, yes, hospital housecleaning.
I had a family and a mortgage. I was willing to do what I had to do.

However, not a nibble, not a bite. I couldn't understand it.

What a relief when my local community college offered me an adjunct gig teaching freshman English. Didn't pay much, and there were no benefits, but it kept my resume active. I was so thankful for the experience and, of course, the checks.

Sometimes I would cry on my way to and from work, wondering when my situation would change. But I would pray through my tears, and keep saying that I believed God had something for me. I didn't know what and I didn't know when, but I asked for strength to endure until things changed.

So the purpose of this blog was and still is this:
If you are currently unemployed or underemployed, hold on.
I know it's difficult. It's a job in itself just looking for a job.
I've had many rides on that awful emotional rollercoaster.
I'm all too familiar with the rejection emails and phone calls.
I know you get weary filling out application after application.
I know you wish people would see you as a person, that they would see what you have to offer, and not just words on a resume.
Please don't give up.
And as I talk to you, I'm talking to me...our change is coming.

Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for giving me a heart to work. Lord, you know my frustrations. You have seen my efforts. I ask you to bless my job searches, my applications, my networking. Help me to be fruitful and not to spin my wheels. I don't have time to waste--I want to get on with my job and/or career. In the meantime, help me to hear from You. Lead and guide me today. When I lay down to sleep, refresh me, rejuvenate my mind and my body for the next attempt. Help employers to look with favor upon my resume and applications. I will give you all the glory both now, and when the job is obtained. Thank You in advance. Amen.