Pedaling furiously down a traffic-infested arterial, I’m jolted forward without warning. My chain skips violently as it misses a tooth, the fourth time this ride. More than likely a cog or the cassette is in need of replacement, if not the chain also. I make a mental note and check when I reach my destination. Sure enough, half the teeth on the middle cog resemble the fin of a dolphin. Add it to a growing list along side brake pads, handle bar grips, a new helmet, front wheel and a mirror.
Which jeans to wear today? Dark and 2 sizes too large in the waste? The trusty former-favorites sporting uber trendy crotch holes? Perhaps I’ll try the pair that are all but shreaded at bottom, victims of a time when I didn’t roll up the pant legs while cruising two wheels. Who am I kidding? I have nothing to leave the house for anyway today. Sweatpants it is!
Waiting for laundry to finish, I stroll down the Ave toward the local produce spot. Passing a computer repair shop I recall applying to the week previous, I wander in and have a look around. Tracking down the manager, I inquire if maybe they would be doing interviews this week. “If you weren’t contacted by the recruiter, you must not have met the qualifications.” I shake my head laughing and leave in haste, steam jetting from my ears as I push onward to the market. This guy clearly didn’t know he was talking to The Brandon “TF” O’Connor! I recall the job posting in some detail. It stressed in all caps, “THIS IS AN ENTRY-LEVEL POSITION. PREVIOUS TECHNICIAN EXPERIENCE PREFERRED BUT NOT REQUIRED.” I hesitated four or five times before hitting the send button on this one, knowing this was lowering my standards five if not six levels. I could have done this job well 5 years ago. In a moment of weakness (or maybe strength) the deed is done and 100kb of carefully written material disappears forever into cyberspace oblivion, probably never read, much less replied to by a human.
This is to speak nothing of the nightmare that is dealing with financial institutions who seemingly never get a request right the first time. That is, unless of course, it’s in the form of greenbacks headed their direction. I hate you so much citibank.
The word picture paint you is of course a portrait of a recent college grad in the modern American economy which, at present, remains firmly in the pooper. Specifically, these are my accounts of living jobless for months on end, struggling to not end up homeless, constantly being denied work well below my experience and skill set, all the while trying to maintain some level of sanity. Dramatic as I make it sound, it could be a lot worse (thank you times a billion to friends and family). Through weathering this mess, I’ve found a handful of simple ways to ease getting by financially, psychologically, socially and physically. These things, I hope to share with you dear reader.
I want to make it clear before I go any further that I absolutely take a good share of responsibilty for not having a job right now. At some point soon, the search will end whether it be landing a less than ideal gig at a help desk or putting on an apron in a kitchen (let’s talk wasted education). To shift blame entirely to the external would be irresponsible and unrealistic. That said, I’ve done what I can to line myself up for success as best as possible. On the job search front, I’ve applied for upwards of 120 positions over the course of the past three months. Some of them push my current capabilities, others fit well below what I have done and can do for an organization. I’m a university graduate with plenty of people to vouch for my work. I’m technically savvy in a handful of arenas including Linux administration, networking, Python/bash scripting, Windows support and server administration, hardware troubleshooting, (I’m boring you already so) ect. I’m broadly knowledgeable in sciences and politics, debatably socially inclined and slightly above average in appearance (someone once told me so). What about that screams “I should be unemployed!” I don’t have the first clue.
I should also add that the anecdote I give in no way reflects my opinion of the folks in the Obama White House. To implicate fault on the current administration when financial overlords irresponsibly ran amok over the past decade (plus) leaving us in the current mess, would be both short sighted and dishonest. Say what you want about the stimulus, this recession won’t reach great depression levels precisely because action was taken. Argue whether more or less action should have been taken, but it’s pretty clear that he’s improved the economic landscape or at least saved it from ultimate disaster.
This post doesn’t (just) serve to vent frustrations or to extend an e-tip jar, but rather to set up a series of writings focused on living frugally while maintaining good overall health and wellbeing. I’ve lived with poor folk of all walks of life and a consistent trend I’ve noted is markedly bad economic decision making skills. Practical day-to-day economics are cake when you understand the basics, yet the obvious pitfalls happen all too often and serve a primary role in perpetuating poor living circumstances. Hopefully someone out there can take a note or two from what I’ve learned and extend their dollar a little further or track down a killer event on the cheap (or free!). I’ve got a few topics in mind, but suggestions are always welcome. Today, I bid you cheers with a glass of water.
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