The World According to Papelbon

Watching Jonathan Papelbon in last night's Game 2 of the World Series, I couldn't help but think that this guy really gets it. When it's time to compete, he's all business (see picture). But when it's time to celebrate, he's all in too (see video clip). Definitely the right attitude to have about life. And a job search. However, I'm thinking that "the Pap stare" might not be the best tactic to win over a future employer. Anyhow, Go Sox. Bring it to them in Denver. And then bring the trophy back to Boston.

Jonathan O'Papelbon from County Kerry

A Preemptive Message from the Chief

I'm trying to stay one step ahead of the game. Right about now I'm thinking that you are thinking, "Why is he wasting his time writing a blog about searching for a job? Shouldn't he be out there looking harder for a job?" Well yes, and no.

When looking for a job is your full-time job, there needs to be some sort of relief. A hobby, if you will. So when I'm not checking out the classifieds or sending in resumes, or refreshing my e-mail a hundred times a day waiting for a response, this blog can fill the gap. Deep down I'm hoping that since I've started the "I can't find a job" blog, one might come my way. Sort of like deciding to walk after waiting for the bus for an hour only to see it whiz by 5 minutes after you set off on foot. I also felt that this website would be a cathartic experience. And it has been, so far. Plus, it's a lot cheaper than paying to see a shrink.

Finally, when a hunk of cheddar cheese in Somerset, England can have its own webcam, I don't feel a job-hunting blog is too bizarre. (Check it out - http://cheddarvision.tv/- last time I checked it had 1,637,813 views)

On another completely random note, I've been able to take in some great films this fall during this stint of unemployment. Matinee prices are unbeatable. I've been impressed with two Westerns that have recently come out. 3:10 to Yuma and The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. Both are well-told stories fantastically shot and acted. The Greeks may have had their battlefields and the Romans their coliseums, but the American contribution to the morality tale canon played out on the wide open spaces of the West. Both of these films are a must-see.

3:10 to Yuma



The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford





Now back to the point: I hope now that here I've preempted any un-American terrorist comments about why I've created this blog. Mission Accomplished.

The Red Light District of Business Cards

Okay, so last post I wrote how difficult it is to get "face time" around here in DC. So this past week I figured I would be pro-active and head into the lion's den. I signed up to attend a conference downtown which focused on counterterrorism and civilian protection. I'm really interested in these topics and the panelists listed were really impressive, so I figured I would check it out. Plus, there would be some interesting people attending who I could meet and talk to about their careers and job paths. So I brought some resumes. Why not, right?

Long story short - the conference was fantastic, the panelists were really interesting, and the food was great, too. So all around, a nice two days. I even got a chance to talk to some of the other attendees about their jobs and who they work for. Perfect.

So call me naive, but I was in awe at the entire "business card" protocol. I'm sure it is standard procedure, but I was amazed at how quickly into conversation the business cards come out of the coat pockets and are exchanged. "Hi, I'm..." BAM! Before you hear their name, you get their card.

Don't get me wrong. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this, particulary coming from my perspective where A) I tend to forget someone's name 2 seconds after they tell me and B) I'll take whatever connections I can get at this point. But the process was almost too easy. Too fast. Too nonchalant. Reminded me of the Tupac song (yes, Tupac) "I Get Around":

"Hate to sound sleazy, but tease me, I don't want it if it's that easy..."

Tupac was obviously rapping about something else, but the point is the same. Little did I know that I had entered the red light district of business cards. And I don't want business card STDs (which I assume would resemble paper cuts more than the clap). Sure, I'd love to network. But if everyone gets a card, no one gets a card... Lata suckas.

Welcome to the Outside

Oops, I did it again. Never thought I would venture out into the blogosphere, but here I am - and here you are, too. Which works out well because the point of this blog isn't about me, but "us" - those out there who are on a path looking for that elusive means of employment. Don't be turned off by the "DC" label - that's where I'm located, but this blog is for everyone, anywhere.

Up front first and foremost - this is not a place to whine, cry, or feel bad about anything. Complaining is alright, as long as it's in good fun. Contrary to popular belief, the job search should be positive and enlightening, though right now it probably feels degrading and more difficult than getting a date to the senior prom (too much information from my past, you say?).

Anyhow, the dc outsider is there to act as a forum to share ideas and thoughts and yes, to vent, about trying to get hooked up in the professional world. There's no shortage of job websites out there - monster.com, careerbuilder.com, craigslist.org, idealist.org - but I feel it's time to have a place for all the anonymous masses to unite and realize we're not alone in trying to forge something for the future. There might be competition trying to get that job, but at the end of the day, we're all in this together. (I took similar comfort in college during finals time while sitting in the cafeteria looking around at the rest of the students and thinking, "Everybody's in the same boat at this point, we might as well laugh about it"- after which I proceeded to down Red Bulls and M&Ms to pull an all-nighter)

Well, there's no all-nighters here, but feel free to respond to the posts and keep the conversation going. The more stories, the better. What are you doing? What has been your experience so far? What are you feeling? Any advice? So keep the stiff upper lip, and take heart that in forty-five years or so, we can all meet up again to launch the "retirement blog." See you in Ft. Lauderdale...

(P.S. I'll take the red one)