First one down

I have had a couple of people advise me to take it easy at the start of the job search. I see the reasoning and don't disagree, but I feel like the clock is ticking.

I have goals for the winter and next summer -- especially getting in a trip to New York City so my girls can see a Broadway play -- and that'll be difficult to do if this drags on for a while.

And I realize it might. Former WREX TV anchor man Eric Wilson announced this week that he took a position with Rock Valley College. Eric was out of work for seven months. I wonder how many solid offers he received before settling on that one. Or was that best thing out there? Seven months is a long time.

Yesterday's lunch meeting went well. I wanted him to say something along the lines, "hell yes, we want you. Come by the office and let's start talking money."

Instead, it was more of a strategy session. The organization doesn't have an opening right now. How could we convince the powers that be to create one for me? That in itself is encouraging.

I also made another phone call on another opportunity and was encouraged by someone who would be one of the deciders to apply for a position that I originally thought I wouldn't be qualified for. So last night I updated my resume -- which didn't need much updating from when I created it in 2013 -- created a cover letter and sent them in. I like my references. I have really good references.

I continue to get messages from people who have just found out what happened last week. It reminds me of an athlete who suffers a major injury. At first, there's this tremendous outpouring of sympathy from coaches, fans and teammates. Then, after a few days, weeks, people move on and the athlete has to go through rehabilitation alone.

Right now, I'm still in the outpouring of sympathy stage. I know soon enough I'll get into the rehabilitation stage where it's just me and how badly I want to get into a new career.

Today's agenda is pretty full. I'm stopping by a restaurant in the morning to talk to an old friend who is pretty well connected. Then it's off to see about what what me be essentially a sales position. I'll be honest. I don't think I'm a salesman. It's hard for me to ask anyone for money having spent so many years budgeting every penny. I've always been one who connected people. If someone has a need, I know people who can help. I also shouldn't prejudge the job. I really like the person running the office. At the very least, it's another option.

Then it's another lunch meeting at 11:30 a.m., a meeting with the chamber president for a couple of things at 1:30 p.m. I might have time to stop in another office downtown before having to pick the girls up at 3:30 p.m. from school.

Tonight I really should read up on all the unemployment rules, get what's expected of me down, and then start researching the Affordable Care Act. My insurance runs out at the end of the month.