Working in Limbo

Today was an early start. I got cleaned up (threw on the shirt, tie, khakis, sports jacket, and brown shoes) and was picked up by my friend Lisa. We left Indian Trail before 7:30am and off we scooted to the Job Fair! Now the career fair didn't start till 10am, but there was at least 50 people already in line before us when we got in line. It wasn't to cold this morning, but after a while your hands were chilly. So we waited, made small talk with the people in line, called our loved one to check in, and waited and waited. Till finally the doors opened.

We went through, down the stairs, and met our "potential" employers; or at least their representatives. I talked the best game I could muster, and even had a couple recalling my name. I spoke with engineers, executives, insurance people, firemen, federal and state employees, staffers, and industrial inspectors. I spoke of my history in the briefest way possible. I met each one with a firm hand shake in one hand and a resume in the other. and in a few short hours it was all over.

We left about 12:30, about two and a half hours after it started and about five hours since leaving home, with hungry bellies and content spirits. We are not sure what we accomplished today.

Like so many people in this nation, a veil of unemployment still hangs over our proud city and keeps those of us affected up into the wee hours of the night. And as I lay dormant in my bed, watching my loved one sleep content, I am assured that if everyday felt as successful as today, this will surely end soon.