What's next?

For the first time since I was 17 I don't have a job. I have no where to be in the morning, afternoon or evening. I held jobs during my Senior year of high school and all of college during the summers and some nights. When I graduated college I started "the real world of working." There were many years in my 20's when I held not one but two jobs working 60 hours a week to make ends meet. 

During my early 20's I jumped from job to job not sure what I wanted for a career. Then it happened, when I was 27 I took a job with the American Cancer Society. It was then I thought I had found it; the organization I would retire from. I held a position both in New England and here in Michigan. I enjoyed my time there. I met many amazing people; some of which I still keep in touch with to this day. Recently, my position was eliminated and I had to face a phase of my life that I never thought would happen: my last day at the ACS, being unemployed and searching for job once again. It has been six years since I had updated my resume, six years since I had to write a cover letter, six years since I had to visit websites like careerbuilder and monster. (Note for those looking - don't use those site they aren't great anymore). What was next? 

I always try to find the good in all situations. For the first month I was excited. I knew something great was out there for me. This was my chance to try something new and explore a different world. The second month, the constant applying was getting annoying but I was still hopeful that the "perfect" job would come around. Now, nearing the end of my third month unemployed I am frustrated, annoyed, and have a bitter feeling towards the ACS. I still have some hope that I will find something that is right for me, but that hope is diminishing. I am no longer searching for my perfect fit, I am searching for anything. Anything to get me out of the house, anything that will pay me.

I thought being unemployed I would get so much done around the house. Then I realized all those things I want to get done cost money. Money that I need to hold onto as much as I can since I don't know when more will be coming in. So when I am not on the internet searching for that perfect place for me I sit and watch tv, read, play with doggie and do whatever I can that is free and consumes some time. 

Who knew volunteering could be so hard. I have tried/offered to volunteer at several places. I am either told that I am not needed or they want me to commit to work week hours for 6 months to a year. I explain I can't do that because I might get a job soon and they are no longer interested.  

The not knowing is starting to weigh on me. Those of you who know me know that I like to plan things. I like to know what is coming down the road. This year I haven't been able to plan much. If I don't have a job things are financially hard to do, if I do have a job then I am not sure what my vacation time will look like. I no longer have the 27 days of vacation a year.

I am trying to see the bright side: some down time to recharge, a new adventure in life, and a chance to excel somewhere else. 

All in all my experience at the ACS was wonderful and I loved those I got to work with, but now it is time to move on. So I pose the question for you - What's next? I don't know what's next for me, but I still have a feeling it will be wonderful!