Day 69...

I'm closing in on 70 days now. I've had some ups and downs, but I'm keeping in a positive mood.

I'm keeping myself busy too. Outside of looking for jobs, I'm finally reading more, working out, and getting to spend some more time doing community service work.

I've started a few books, reading some here and there. One of them I'm enjoying is Stephen Covey's "The 8th Habit." I'm trying to learn how to better myself while I have the time. Another book I've been reading is "Why Business People Speak Like Idiots: A Bullfighter's Guide." It was a gift from a former Director of mine, and is proving to have an interesting insight into the way the business world works. I'm also trying to, in practice, better my golf game by reading "Tiger Woods - How I Play Golf." Hopefully I can get out and hit the range a little now that the weather is warmer down here in Atlanta.

I've also taken to improving my physical fitness through a book I finished, and have started applying, called "The Body Sculpting Bible for Men." It works off the premise of switching the workout routine every 14 days, just enough that it confuses your body and keeps working it harder. I've never put myself through such a structured and intense workout before, but I think it's working!

Most exciting of all, I've gotten the chance to give back to the community in an active way! Through my Church, I helped out on a project restoring the entry way to a local elementary school. We had a good team, and got a lot of work done. It may not look like a lot, but you should have seen just how ugly it was beforehand.

I've been finding ways to keep myself busy, by either improving my skill set or giving back to the community. I'm looking forward to getting back to work, but in the meantime, I'll keep at it.

Day 54...

So it has been 54 days now. Coming up on the 60 day mark. I really hoped I'd be employed within 60 days of getting laid off. So just 6 days left on that one.

I know the economy is bad, but there are a lot of companies hiring. I just interviewed with a GREAT company up in Charlotte, NC called Red Ventures. They have a high energy and passion level I haven't yet seen. The work is in online marketing and analysis which is great, so I hope this one pans out.

I still have really high spirits through this whole process, and can't wait to get to work for my next employer. I know I bring a lot to the table, and all my past employers would say the same. Only time will tell.

Day 43...

I'm going on day 43 now. I'm actually going to collect the first unemployment check soon. How interesting.

I've been applying for jobs here and there, whatever is actually open and fits my qualifications. There are a couple of really good leads right now, and I can't wait to see how they play out. Hopefully I'll be employed before the end of April.

Does anyone out there have any good tips/tricks/websites that they would like to share with me? Leave a comment and I'll give them a try.

Adios for now!

Day 31, 1 month to the date...

Well, its been one month. I'm hanging in there. At least its baseball season again, and the Braves are 3-1. I keep applying for jobs online, sending out resumes here, there, everywhere. I have a Atlanta recruiting firm trying to find me a job, but honestly, I haven't heard from them (checking in on me) but once in this entire month.

Which brings me to a new point. I wonder how 'effective' recruiting firms and staffing firms really are. I mean, they aren't really a waste of time, as I don't really do any of the work for them, but they interest me as a business.

As for now, I'm about to actually do a weekly 'certification' for unemployment, which is a little scary. I guess we'll see what happens in the next 31 days...

Day 26...

Well then. Day 26. I'm really hoping to have a job soon. I don't want to go on unemployment really. I want to be able to have a job before I have to. It sure would be nice... I really have great qualities and experience. I've worked in communications, event and database marketing, sales, and have 5 years of experience.

I'm still really not sure if anyone reads this. Can anyone comment?

Day....23

Day 23 now. A pretty long while since the fateful day. I've had good days, bad days... It's working out though.

I went through an interview process with a local Apartment company, got through all of the rounds, and then... nothing. Oh well, keep the head up, keep on going.

I've opened up a few new contacts, have a lot of hopefuls, but just don't know the best way to get out there these days. In the mean time, I keep checking online, keep submitting resumes, and keep hoping. I know there are companies out there hiring, and I know I'll get hired soon.

Day 16...

Day 16... wow. It's been over two weeks since the lay-0ffs, and I'm still feeling pretty good. I attended the GT Alumni career fair and met with a lot of great people at great companies. Some of them even had marketing openings, which... that's kind of rare in this economy.

So I'm going to keep checking out online opportunities, keep with my contacts, and keep my head up. I know there are companies hiring, and I'm going to get a job.