Don't Prejudge Me

I have a severe problem with people who prejudge me because I've been unable to find work since I was laid off in November. Let me explain that again: I WAS LAID OFF! NOT FIRED, DIDN'T RESIGN OR ANYTHING ELSE! You know, the first person people want to blame when someone loses their job is that person. Many times, it is you that did something to cause yourself to get fired or let go from your job. Not in my case. I did everything I was supposed to, and then some. I had excellent performance ratings from my supervisor. I lost my job because the school I was working for had a $3 million budget hole to close, so difficult decisions had to be made. That's it. That's all.

It pisses me off when people, ESPECIALLY females, beat down, degrade men, especially BLACK men, when they don't have a job. Yes, there are some deadbeat, nondescript bums who ain't trying to do shit in their lives, but I'm not one of those type of guys. I have my bachelor's degree. I'm currently working on getting my master's. I'm articulate, can hold an intelligent conversation, all of the above. I'm not wasting my life away like these other bums on the fucking street. Sure, right now I'm living with my mom, I have no car of my own, no job, but that doesn't mean I'm some fucking scrub.

If you haven't read the news recently, we're in a fucking recession. Unemployment in the United States is at 9.5%. In DC, the unemployment rate is almost 11 percent. People simply aren't hiring right now, and in the areas that ARE hiring, people simply do not qualify for those type of positions. Also remember, there are other highly qualified people competing for limited employment opportunities. This is the WORST time to be unemployed. Companies can't get access to credit to meet their payrolls, so they have to cut back. Those who are still hiring are offering salaries so low, it's downright laughable.

"I WILL NOT BE IN THIS SITUATION MUCH LONGER". If you're in the same boat as I am, take it from me: Repeat that last sentence. OVER and OVER! Keep your head up. Keep sending out those resumes, keep talking to your connects, keep looking. Thankfully, I am getting unemployment benefits, and my student loans are helping me survive this. I've been out of work almost 8 months, but I'm sure my day is coming. There's gonna be jackasses that work to bring you down, but remember that's just the work of the Devil trying to keep you in bondage.

Whew! I feel better now. Amazing how calming writing can be for a person!

Stay positive, and be blessed.