Sunday, June 7, 2009

O Hai--Still Breathing

Now, I've been off in job-search land. Last December I got my intern certificate, allowing me to teach (within certain parameters) in Pennsylvania. Problem is, I can't find a job. It's not just that there's a glut of English teachers--though, let's face it, there are since what else do you do with a degree in English? it's not like the publishing houses are hiring. I've gone to job fairs, and been told that there just isn't room in the budget for more English teachers. Science, math, those are the fields where there's a lack of teachers. I've only two years left to finish this intern certificate before I either pass, or lose it entirely. So time's ticking, and I'm nervous.

But! At least I still have a job. Right now, the U3 stands at 9.4% (probably will be revised upwards, as so often the monthly numbers are), and U6 (which is a lot better picture of what's really happening) stands at 16.4%. Sure, our wages are frozen, taxes have gone up, raising our mortgage payments, but at least we still have a job--even if I'm stuck in one while unable to find what I really want. Honestly? I'm lucky, and I realize it.

And our current job is only a ten mile commute, which is better than a lot of my past commutes. Meanwhile? Gas has jumped from around $1.60 last December to $2.50 this week. In six months. The pendulum has swung again, and it won't be long before we're hit with $150 a barrel again.

Yeah, I'm rambling--I'm trying to get back into the swing of blogging.