New job!

Unemployment is tough on every person who must unwillingly experience it.  However, I do feel it's a little tougher when you feel like you've done everything "the right way", yet you still can't find gainful employment.

Graduate high school.  Check! 
Serve in the military.  Check! 
Get a degree (in an actually employable field).  Check! 
Get a masters degree.  Check! 

Growing up, I was told that getting these things checked off would guarantee my employment for the rest of my life.   What I wasn't told was that depending on where I lived, none of it would really matter.  By that I (mostly) mean that I live in the middle of nowhere(ish).  I also have a young, school-age child.  And, up until a few days ago, all of my acceptable job options included a 45+ minutes commute each way. 

I know that plenty of people commute a long way every day. Yay for them.  But for me, rather than being able to enjoy being employed, I would be putting the majority of my paycheck into my gas tank and before/after care for my child; and the majority of my free time into driving.  As I stated before, tons of people do it all the time.  I choose not to.  And I have accepted the repercussions of that choice. 

So, given all that, no, I don't want to work a job that pays $12-$13/hour.  I also don't want to work a job with no dress code.  Believe me, neither do you.  And while I don't need (or really want) to be the boss, I certainly have enough skills and experience to not be on the bottom rung. 

I have, thankfully, found a job less than 10 minutes from my house.  The pay is acceptable; especially given the lack of commute.  I also have wonderful friends who are willing to help me get my kiddo to/from school if I need it.  The job is only for one year, and I'm okay with that.  Who knows, maybe I'll wow them, and they'll ask me to stay.

Peace and Love,
cas