Finding the Hook to an “All-Access” Pass
Posted by: Fatima on: July 20, 2009
I feel bad. I haven’t posted in a while. It’s strange how time flies—one would think that being unemployed would have left me with ample time, but I sort of packed it up to the brim these last couple of weeks—for both work and fun 
Lets see…first the work part. I’ve been trying to figure out which sector of the market I want to focus on. Clearly, PR agencies are hemorrhaging, so no point in trying to go back there. But health care is still surviving, and in some cases, growing (yes hospitals still need PR support). While I was researching the industry, I realized that there was a major medical conference right here in my back yard. This conference was partially social, hosting lavish banquets, fashion shows, etc throughout the week, while also maintaining some academic semblance by offering continuing medical certification programs.
A great networking opportunity with physicians from around the country, I really REALLY wanted to attend this. But I’m unemployed and can’t afford to spend hundreds of dollars just to get in some banquet where I might make a contact. I’m also not a doctor, which may have been an easy way to get my foot in the door. But I AM a trained professional whose career relies on looking at all angles of a situation to find that special “hook”—one that opens doors and makes people interested in what you have to say.
And what hook I found! It got me an “All-Access” pass, helped build my resume, and let me work with some of the local physicians and organizations in the Bay Area. A week before the conference started, I managed to get a hold of the organizer, and after a 30-minute call, I had him sold on the idea of using Twitter at his event. I explained how major companies, including my former client HP, have all successfully used Twitter at conferences, and that they could do something similar to create more buzz and excitement during the event. And of course, as the new manager of their social media program, I needed access to everything so I could send interesting and timely tweets.
Very simple idea, but one that the organizers loved! It all went well, the attendees liked the concept, and I got to eat great food, dress up, meet interesting people, and slap one more thing onto my resume. Win-win from all ends
And right after the conference, which consumed a good two weeks, my sister came out to visit!! Yay!! And the best part was, I didn’t have to take any vacation time—I just plunged into my forced vacation and made the most of it
Staring Back at a Banshee
Posted by: Fatima on: June 22, 2009
I’m a little strange– I like interviews. If I didn’t have to don a suit, I’d interview all the time. These days, I’ve been going to several, and they’ve been great– the conversations are interesting, and I get to learn more about different industries. But today’s call from an HR department took me by surprise. In addition to an in-person meeting, they also want me to VIDEO TAPE myself and submit it as part of the process.
Is this becoming a trend that I’m not aware of? This isn’t a hi-tech company, nor does the job require pretty people or performers. And given that they’ll meet me ANYWAY this week, do they really need video footage?? Oddly enough, as a PR person, I’ve prepared many people confronting the camera–offering advice on everything from how to sit and speak to what clothes to wear. I’ve made small talk to soothe an exec’s nerves before an interview, while gently coaxing him to smile and button his jacket. I’ve helped a candidate practice strange words so he doesn’t look ignorant on screen. I’ve even cut short a taping to prevent a “gotcha” maneuver by an aggressive reporter. I have no problem calming someone before the lights flood their eyes, the blinking red dot warning that every action is under scrutiny.
But now it’s my turn. Where’s my support staff? Who’s going to chat with me and fix my hair? And why on earth does this elicit mortifying fear in me? You see, I look HORRIBLE in most pictures. For some reason, the camera hates me, usually transforming me into a banshee/skull-faced weirdo. I have no clue why, but there are very few pictures where I actually look, well, human. I suppose this isn’t the first time I’ve had to sit on the other side–but I haven’t done this in a loooong time, and I forgot (or perhaps blocked) how much I HATE my televised image staring back at me. Public speaking has never been an issue, but when you add a camera to the equation, my stomach starts a hyper dance, predicting all the potential flaws the lens will mercilessly expose.
I suppose I’m just going to have to give myself that pep talk, grit my teeth, appear personable, and get in front of that camera. After taping, I’m sure I’ll be traumatized enough to permanently erase the memory….until the next time of course.
Procrastination: Frenemy to the Unemployed
Posted by: Fatima on: June 20, 2009
My friend called and asked what I’ve been up to all day. “Um…” I gathered my thoughts. “I, uh, sort of took multiple naps throughout the day. And when I finally decided I was done napping, I took a shower (at 5pm). Oh! I also cleaned the apartment.”
Never one who naturally bends towards structure, I’ve discovered that while unemployment allows me to do ANYTHING I want, it can also trick me into doing NOTHING at all, even things I’d normally do like clockwork when I had a job. For example, I had a Saturday morning routine in which I’d scrub down my apartment. That way, I could just rearrange and dust throughout the week, and my tiny hovel would seem brighter and livable. If I didn’t get my place sparkly clean before I jumped into weekend activities, I knew I’d likely end up in a disassembled apartment for the next 7 days. That fear got me running for the Scrubbing Bubbles. But now, knowing I don’t have a REAL schedule, just one I conjure up on a whim, I find myself echoing a fictional Southern heroine’s famous mantra: “I’ll think about it tomorrow.”
So the list gets longer:
- Figuring out health insurance options–even if it’s going to be COBRA: putting off till, uh, tonight?
- Paying the bills: I did manage to write the check, now I just have to buy a stamp and mail it…Monday hopefully?
- Applying for jobs: The government makes me accountable for this if I’m going to receive benefits, so I’ve been on top of that one.
- Creating that LinkedIn account for my job hunt: Still thinking about it.
- Responding to emails: If I’m at the computer, I’ll shoot one right away, otherwise, it may take a bit longer….
- Laundry: I pushed this out a week longer than usual, but still had plenty of clean clothes, so I guess that’s not too bad, right?
- Load that antivirus program my friend Randy suggested: Soon?
- Take another nap: I think I may do that right…about…now.
Unemployment terms you should know
Posted by: Fatima on: June 20, 2009
As if you don’t know by now, funemployment is a real word. Seriously. Well, at least according to the Urban Dictionary. See this article on CNBC on the new terms propping up during our recession. Some other terms I hadn’t heard of: “bridge jobs,” as in those jobs us unemployed folks take on to pay the bills, even if its not our true calling, and “prayoff,” which refers to all my employed friends who’re secretly annoyed at how much fun I’m having without a job.
Funemployment perk #257: Everyday is a Weekend
Posted by: Fatima on: June 19, 2009
Another local enjoying the city from my favorite hill
“Happy Friday!” IMed my former co-worker (who’s still employed). I indulged her structured delusions by sending back a smiley face. When I was employed, Friday was critical for survival. It marked the end of all the craziness that work slung your way, at least for a little while. At times, that work seeped into the sacred days of the weekend, forcing me to grudgingly turn down invitations from friends who were actually enjoying their time off. But now, it’s as if every day is Friday. Actually, it’s better than Friday–it’s more like a perpetual Saturday! I can do whatever I want, whenever I want.
In fact, today I scooted into the city and had tea with a friend who still has a job. While I enjoyed the warm air, the ice tea and good company, he had to keep track of time and hustle back to work. After tea, I scooted around the city and leisurely got home to do some of the obligatory job search. Yes, I really AM looking for a job. Honest. After sending some emails and making a few phone calls, I sprung back on my scooter, and went to the optometrist (need to use my vision insurance while I’ve got it!), and then up to a nearby hill.
I love this hill–it’s a 10 min walk from my house, has better views than Twin Peaks, and offers peace away from stampeding tourists. Peering down from the rocks, I never seem to get over the fact that I’m so lucky to live amongst such natural beauty. Yes, we may have many scars and issues on this tiny peninsula, but we also boast amazing weather and dramtically gorgeous scenery. And of course, my hill is always free Now that I think about it, one of the best perks of unemployment is being able to run up this hill and soak in the city whenever I want.
My New Friend Randy–Pothead, Geek and Unemployed
Posted by: Fatima on: June 19, 2009
In my last post, I promised an update on my meeting with the other unemployed people I found on Craigslist. I wasn’t sure who’d respond to my ad, but figured there was no harm as long as I met in a public place, and since I had been very clear that this was strictly platonic, it probably eliminated all the creepy stalkerish types. Two people responded to my ad–one girl who was on the verge of losing her job, and the other, Randy, who had been out of a proper job for a year. I planned to meet them after my volunteering, so after scooting back home form the legal advocacy group, I quickly changed, swiped on some eyeliner, and rushed out.
The girl was pretty much a dud. She came in late, didn’t say much, fiddled with her hair, and then left abruptly. She asked if we could include her in any other “events,” parting with a friendly “well, I’m glad you guys weren’t psychos” remark. Gee, thanks. I mean, sure, I may have been thinking the same thing, but it’s not like I actually SAID it.
Randy, the other unemployed person, ended up hanging out with me for the next three hours. After spending some time in the cafe, we walked over to Haight Street and found a place to grab dinner. I learned a lot about Randy over the course of the evening. Turns out that he lost his dead-end software developer job a year ago, and has had bad luck ever since. The one thing he’s grateful for is the marijuana prescription card his doctor offered recently, which means he can get unlimited pot legally. He spends most of his days high, claiming he’s “high functioning” (no pun intended) and knows his limits. It occurred to me that even though I live in San Francisco–in the Haight district of all places!–I don’t really have any pot-smoking friends. None. So I guess Randy will be my token pothead friend.
Of course, there’s much more to Randy than his pot brownies, which are delivered directly to his house. He’s also a bit of a geek, and helped fix some of the issues I was having with my phone, while also offering great computer/antivirus advice. I learned a lot about cool things I could do on my phone and computer, as well as some random facts about cars I’ll probably forget within the week. While Randy was giving me the 411 on his semi-relationship with his pseudo-girlfriend (who incidentally ALSO got laid off this week), I realized that this guy was probably severely depressed. An East Coaster, he practically ran to the other side of the country to get away from his family, and sadly, still feels stuck. His lack of income hasn’t helped the situation, and apparently he perceives himself as uber-anti-social. Given that he was talking more than me (which is quiet a feat in itself), I’m assuming he was just having a brief episode of normalcy that night.
What I liked best about Randy was his willingness to open himself up to new people and ideas. Inspired by the book/movie “Secret,” he figured that instead of living a secluded life, where he just plays video games in solitude, he’d actually make an effort to meet and talk to new people. And I guess, that’s why we met. I don’t think either of us would have naturally spoken to each other– we certainly didn’t share similar activities. But somehow, we started forming a friendship, both open to the other’s differences.
Randy’s emailed me since then, offering some great links and information on computers, as well as health insurance options (no, I’m not trying to get a pot card–but I DO want to find something cheaper than COBRA). So we’ll see where this goes– hopefully he’ll find a job, and get out of his rut. And in the meantime, I’ll continue on my journey, make great friends, and remain open to the possibilities funemployment can bring.
Interviews, friends and potential friends
Posted by: Fatima on: June 18, 2009
Wow, two days since my last post, and so much going on! Yesterday was crazy busy– I had a second interview for a job, but not sure how well that went The interviewer was late, and then had to rush to another meeting–oh well….perhaps that one was just not meant to be. Then, after the interview, I went into the Financial District, took half an hour to find parking–even with a scooter!–and spent the rest of the “work” day helping at a non-profit legal advocacy organization. The ACLU had released a report that day, and this group needed some media assistance….one thing I’ve really enjoyed about funemployment is the ability to just help your friends. In the past, I lacked time and/or could not help because of conflict of interest issues with my own firm. Now, a free and unemployed agent, I can do anything I want 
There’s something liberating about creating your own schedule, and choosing causes or friends to work with. I’m not earning any money, but I actually get to do what I enjoy (PR) for people I care about. Win-win!
After all of that, I scooted back home, and rushed out to a nearby cafe to meet up with my new unemployed potential friends from Craigslist. I have never done anything like this before–and definitely had my reservations. But within 30 min of sipping hot cider, I knew that these two people were definitely not the stalker/killer types. Always a good thing. I’ll have to post about the Craigslist folks later. Right now, I’m going to take a well-deserved nap
Ready for my unemployment checks!
Posted by: Fatima on: June 16, 2009
I FINALLY received my unemployment documents!! Yay! They sent several packets, instructing me to sign up for CalJobs, and providing a form I have to mail every two weeks to prove I’m actually LOOKING for jobs, and not just scooting around town and dawdling at the beach. I was supposed to mail my form out yesterday (which is a Sunday, so that makes no sense). Since I wasn’t home this weekend, I missed the deadline, but will post it first thing tomorrow. Hoping they won’t mind–and will fork over my weekly allowance of $450.
Now–on to figuring out how to apply for COBRA…
The Wonders of Craigslist
Posted by: Fatima on: June 15, 2009
I love how you can find almost anything on Craigslist. I have used it to find my apartment, sell unwanted gifts, and purchase electronics. So I figured this would be a great venue to find other unemployed optimists in my area. Surely, if I could find products on Craigslist, I’d have no issues finding people.
So off I explored the “Strictly Platonic” section of Craigslist, located next to all the other sections for people looking for anything from a soul mate to an unmemorable encounter. Given that Craigslist has so many sections for people looking for romance, or anything down that spectrum, it made sense that the postings in “Strictly Platonic” would be just that, right? For anyone who hasn’t scanned this section let me warn you: the Strictly Platonic section is anything but.
Apparently, today’s ideal friend can give plenty of massages, must be supermodel attractive, enjoys cuddling and can act like an adult nanny. Men claimed to be married, but only wanted to be friends with someone who happened to be an attractive female. Another man promised he wanted nothing more than to just hang out with someone–a supremely attractive female–and buy her stuff. Though tempted to respond to that one, my better sense told me that this guy would balk at the idea of me hanging out with him at Best Buy and the mall. Besides, I probably wouldn’t fit his criteria of what attractive was anyway.
There were a couple of posts that fell under my definition of “platonic.” Some girls were looking for hiking partners, others needed a workout buddy. A few people were simply depressed and felt they had no connection to the world. I decided to post–without specifying my gender, and clearly writing “THIS IS STRICTLY PLATONIC.”
Two people responded to my ad–one girl who lives nearby, and will become unemployed later this month, and a software developer who’s been out of a job for a year, and has started working part time in retail. Both sound cool, and very willing to make the most out of their forced vacation. Neither one sounded like the psycho/stalker/killer type, so we’re planning to meet up tomorrow at a cafe in my neighborhood. I’m not really sure what to expect, but figure it can’t hurt. I may even make a few great–strictly platonic–friends! Can’t wait!
New Beginnings…
Posted by: Fatima on: June 13, 2009
I saw the writing on the wall. Like so many others, my PR firm was not immune to the current economic downturn. When I joined two years ago, we boasted about 85 staffers in the Bay Area. Today, we’re squeaking at just about 25. So it was no surprise when I was called into the HR office and grimly told that I could pack up and go home. Prior to that fateful day, I was stressed out–sending my resume everywhere, wondering where I would land my next job.
But when I got dumped by my employer, something strange happened. Waking up the next morning, with nowhere to go, and nothing particular to do–no looming deadline, or client crisis to handle–I wondered what exactly it was that scared me about unemployment. Was it the lack of structure and the unknown? The drastically reduced income? Did I really miss having to account for all of my time, and billing long hours of work?
Before I continue, I should mention that I do recognize that countless families are struggling. Just a few months ago, my close relative was panicking about how she would pay the mortgage, get medical insurance for her son, and offer her kids the education she had planned for them. Another friend, new to California and ineligible for unemployment benefits, went through a divorce, and now just scrapes by. I personally struggled with finances as a teenager when all of my family’s bank accounts were drained, and the nice expensive house I lived in mocked me as I shivered in the cold, picking at my meager meal. So believe me when I say this–the economy sucks, and we really need to figure out a solution quickly.
But for once, I’m actually at an advantage by being single–no liabilities, mortgages or mouths (other than my own) to feed. I’ve never been an extravagant spender, so I managed to accumulate decent savings without even trying. And, on top of it all, I’m looking forward to getting my unemployment checks–something that will help me pay the rent and stay sane while I look for another job. I have a couple of interviews lined up, and I hope I’ll find something eventually. But in the meantime, I’m determined to make the most of this forced vacation. Instead of loitering around, I’m discovering an unknown ecstasy emerge from within–coaxing me to utilize my time and cheering me as I learn new things, immerse myself in neglected hobbies, help friends and make new ones along the way.
Unemployment can seem like a scary, unpredictable beast, but from where I stand, it can easily turn into an exciting adventure, where every day is my own, and every move can lead to new beginnings and opportunities.
It’s been about 10 days since I joined the ranks of the unemployed, but so much has happened in that time. I’ve had a blast, met new people, reconnected with old friends, and have even been able to volunteer my PR skills to friends and non-profits. While I don’t know how long my unemployed status will linger, I’m hoping to make the most of it–and share those experiences along the way.
