A few weeks ago I had a conversation with somebody who is in a similar situation as me, except that he has a job. He works in documentary filmmaking, which is a branch of journalism in a way. Like me, he feels stuck in an industry where there is a lot of competition and low wages. He told me that a lot of people told him not to do it when he first started, but he went for it. Recently stuck with grim job prospects, he founded his own small scale production company which caters to a very niche market, but since that niche market isn’t doing too well, neither is his company. So now, even with a college degree and six years of work experience, he spends a few days a week as a barista in a café. He’s also working as an apprentice to become a dog trainer. And, he moved back home to save money.
Who would have ever thought it would come to this? Doing a gazillion things and having a ton of back-ups in case what you intended doesn’t work out. I feel like I have loads of back-up plans since journalism has turned into a sinking ship. Sometimes I assist a stylist on fashion shoots. I also babysit for some friends when they need somebody to watch their kids. On top of that, I’m working on a novel and trying to get into screenwriting. A few weeks ago, somebody I met asked if I would be interested in running a gallery he plans on opening. I may even ask some people I know if I could possibly get a job waiting tables at their restaurants. At this point, I’m willing to do lots of things for work. I just hope I’m lucky enough to end up working somewhere I find stimulating.
Do you have a Plan B? What is it?
4 Comments
November 9, 2009 at 10:32 AM
I am actually living my Plan B. I was in Accounting/IT…now I am going back to school for Culinary Arts, working PT in a kitchen washing dishes/food prep. I also started my own home based business with a popular “kitchen tool” company.
My sister was in Manufacturing Sales…now she is going to school and also looking for PT work at a local market.
Sometimes you just have to “buck it up” and just find something that gets you out of the house and makes you feel like a contributing member of society!
November 13, 2009 at 12:37 AM
I am outraged at the situation that we are all facing. I was unemployed for 15 months and do not understand why every car in America does not have a magnetic car ribbon that states “Laid off and I’m Mad”, “Laid off-Need a Job Now!” or “Put the U.S.A Back to Work!”. Visit http://www.VoiceOfUnemployment.com and speak out today. We can do for this social issue what magnetic car robbons did for breast cancer research and support for veterans.
November 18, 2009 at 2:35 AM
When do you give in and suck it up? I can’t afford some of the plan B alternatives. I’d love to explore my love of the culinary arts, fitness, or languages, but I can’t afford it unless I read about them at the library. I have an offer for a job, but it’s not stimulating at all and would require me to stay in NY even longer. Do I just give in, get the paycheck and ride out the storm?
December 26, 2009 at 1:48 AM
I’m in the National Guard, when I got out of training my deployment request was denied. Since 9/15/08 I’ve been doing temp work. Today I find myself looking on the bright side of going to Afghanistan but afraid of coming home to an economic nightmare. Plan A continue to look for good stable employment, while Plan B, going back for a science degree. Wish me luck.