Phase One....

I have created this blog as a means of tracking my career search, or "the hunt" as I like to call it, as I careen through the economic white waters that we are all trying to navigate. The economy has officially been personified: we all speak of the economy as though it were this bully at school that we are trying desperately to avoid. I hear things such as, "how has the economy been treating you?" or "we've been hit hard by the economy" or even, "the economy took my lunch money."

I thought it would be beneficial to track my process and progress. Beneficial to whom you ask. Well, anyone who wants to read it and any one who can associate with the journey that I am going through (as well as beneficial to me). One of the things that has helped me tremendously during this time is realizing that I am not alone. The day I got let go I spoke with my friends who had either been let go themselves or had a roommate or friend who too had been let go. I guess it seems easier to deal with if you know the bully isn't picking on just you. My heart goes out to everyone who is without a job now because the bully got the better of them (or of their company). I am fortunate to be young, without children or a mortgage. I recognize that there are people out there who are struggling more than I am and I wish the best of luck to all of them.

I had a great job working with people I loved when my position was eliminated. I was a Video Producer in the Corporate Multimedia Department at a prestigious Magazine. While my job was great and creatively stimulating, it was in the wrong city. I had left DC for CT/NY almost 4 years ago and had been looking to go back ever since. I LOVE DC. I see pictures of DC and get happy. The history and the beauty of the city are never lost on me and with my boyfriend of almost 6 years, family, and friends there it was the place I was longing to be. I saw the layoffs as a blessing in disguise. It made a decision for me that I could have never made. I would have never left my job without having another one lined up; however, now I am faced with the reality of trying to find a job in these hard economic times.

Fortunately my love of historic monuments, the Potomac, Dupont and the Georgetown Waterfront proved to be beneficial not only to my soul but potentially to my career.

http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/oct2008/bw20081014_006902.htm

While cities like New York and Chicago are drowning under the tidal wave of the economy, the District is managing to stay afloat. Granted DC is still being affected, but the Government can offer a bit of a cushion, the "big brother" that stares down the bully in the hall.