January 13, 2010

Dead ends

Once again, as I’m writing, I’m crying. why would anyone want to read my posts when they are so depressed and discouraged?

We had been somewhat excited about a possible opportunity for David, which would help with career advancement and education, but we realized today it was just wishful thinking. Nothing is ever as simple as it first appears.

And so we are literally back to square one. Neither of us in the past year has gotten any useful education, and neither of us is particularly employable. And once again we are living off my part-time salary.

I’ve been given an ultimatum that I must either get a full-time job or take classes so that at some point I will be able to support us financially. After all, if I’d done this a year ago, we wouldn’t be in this predicament. I am obviously selfish and don’t care about my family.

Call me what you will, when I think of dropping Timothy off at day care every single weekday, my heart breaks. The thought is just devastating. I was really lucky to have a stay-at-home mom who was always there.

But you know what, I’d be willing to sacrifice and get a job if I could find a job. I’m willing to move anywhere in the country if I can just get a worthwhile job. I’ve applied for so many jobs and have only had one interview in the whole past year.

And I’d be glad to take classes, but for what?? It would need to be something with a good job market. The only thing I can think of is a health-related field, but I’d have to start from scratch, having only taken biology and chemistry in college – and not even a full year of biology at that. My English degree is only useful for teaching and publishing. If I were to be forced into a teaching career in K-12 (for which I’d have to get my MA in Teaching), I would lose all faith in a loving God, since that career would be for me a living hell. And the job market for English teachers in institutions of higher education is dim at best. So that leaves publishing. Well, unfortunately, the publishing industry is also headed into oblivion.

Everyone says there are jobs out there great for English majors because we have better communication skills than most. But where are those jobs?

People keep telling me they are praying for us, and that God has a purpose for our lives. Yeah, well, He’s not being very helpful in leading us to anything right now. It’s just been one closed door after another – Bam! Bam! Bam! Am I doomed to bag groceries for the next three or four years, just so we can pay our bills? if I could even get a job doing that?? What was the point of my $100,000 education? What is the point of education at all if you can’t get a job??

Okay, enough ranting. Tears alone will have to do for now.

4 comments:

  1. Anonymous20:18

    People like to read your blog when you're being REAL; it's what true friendships are all about (at least that's what I put on my blog last night).
    Have you ever thought of working for the government? I have a coworker who is involved with asset forfeiture that was an English major; she is trying to get a better job as a criminal research specialist once she has enough experience. In my experience, English majors make great administrative people too. And there's no place like the government for fabulous benefits (like flexible schedules, vacation time, health insurance, etc.). Think about it:
    http://www.usajobs.gov/

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous11:50

    My heart bleds. I came here hoping to read dome cheering news. Thank God you are not in Jos. But then again what is David doing? He needs to try and get a job too.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous11:50

    My heart bleds. I came here hoping to read dome cheering news. Thank God you are not in Jos. But then again what is David doing? He needs to try and get a job too.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I feel you pain with every word I read. I have been there. That nawing feeling of hopelessness in your gut. I know it. I was there for years.I am now made it through to the other side. I found peace when I truly gave my dreams to God. I used to hold on to them so tight it hurt. email me and I will give you details. Keep your head up. It does get better. Really I am living proof.

    ReplyDelete