And Finally…

I had wanted to do a blog for a long time. CNN has some tough rules on outside activities, so I passed on doing one while I was working there. Although the official word from the Communications bosses at FedEx is to embrace online methods of communicating with the world, I had a feeling that anything I said might rub some of the brass the wrong way. Since I was doing enough of that already, I took another pass.

So, once I was jobless, I figured I had both time and topic. I think I’ve had the opportunity to talk about a number of things that come up in the lives of people without work. I’ve been lucky enough that I haven’t had to deal with many of the more serious problems. While the number of jobless claims is down slightly, there is still a record number of people without work in the U.S. And even if the president believes we’re turning the corner, that’s like watching an ocean liner make a 3-point turn – it’s gonna take some time.

People are losing their homes. Going without medical care. Finding themselves unable to provide for themselves or their children. It’s a frightening situation, one that should make us worry about the very fabric of what America is.

I say that to say that I’m reaching the end of this particular string. I lost my job on April 3. I’ve been offered a new job, one that will begin next Monday, making this a pretty short stretch of not having a job, as far as that goes. I’m not going to go into where or what yet; more on that in a moment. Suffice to say, I’m staying in the business (TV), and don’t have to leave Memphis.

A lot of people, I mean a whole lot, have reached out to help me during this nearly two month stretch “on the beach.” I’m not going to name them all here, but you know who you are, and I want you all to know that I appreciate everything – from forwarded job postings, to advice, as well as the sympathy and understanding.

Another benefit of all this is that I have had the good fortune to reconnect with people in my life that had dropped away over the years.  I’ve lived in 9 different places since the mid-80s (10 if you count the two times I’ve lived in Memphis). Picking up and leaving can mean leaving people behind. No one means to lose touch, it’s an unfortunate part of moving on. I think I’ve made up for some of that.

So, do I give up this? It seems arrogant to opine on joblessness when you have a job. I do enjoy writing as much as anything else I do, and more than most of the things I do. Several people at my old office at FedEx reminded me that they check in the blog regularly (mostly Tuesdays, especially Morgan), to keep in touch.

Taking that into account, I’ll find something new to write about. I will have the opportunity to look at re-entering the workforce, so that’s a topic. I live in Memphis and there’s always something going on around here to write about. My social life is a lot like the Zippin’ Pippin (old and rickety, with a lot of ups and downs), so something will come up there.

So, join me Monday to find out about my new job with some old friends and how I’m adjusting. After all, we’ve gotten so used to meeting like this.

News & Notes

Graduation Day!

Buster (photo by Dale Pearce)

This is my friend, Buster. She works at FedEx and is an Austin Peay alum (Let’s Go Peay!). When I asked her to be sure and read Monday’s blog, she asked whether it was going to be about her, which would give her more reason to read it. That seems fair, but why wait until Monday?

She’s talking some time off Friday to attend her husband’s graduation. Jordan Richardson (J-Rich to some), has been working to become a physical therapist.

So, if you’re near the FedEx Forum around 1:30pm, duck in for the commencement exercises of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center for the Colleges of Allied Health Sciences, Dentistry, Graduate Health Sciences, Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy.  If you see either Buster (and yes, you should call her that) or Jordan, please say “hey.” Here’s a shot borrowed from her Facebook page so you can recognize the happy couple.

Jessica & Jordan

Congratulations you crazy kids, and good luck on whatever comes next!