Thursday, March 11, 2010

Job Hunting - Not Just for Old Ladies



The closest to perfection a person ever comes is when he fills out a job application form.
Stanley J. Randall


All this talk of weddings and college visits and choices has bypassed another son in my house. One embarking on a new adventure. Remember Jordan? The boy who raises fawns?




And kills rattlesnakes?

Tucked in the middle of that wedding and high school graduation is the completion of a Bachelor's degree in biology -- trip to Arizona for my husband and me to see that boy grasp his diploma. And, of course, college graduations bring gainful employment where children elope from parent's payrolls. Permanently. Right. RIGHT!

In the file of resumes I've kept on my desktop for ready use this past year, Jordan's has the freshest face. Young, unattached, eager to take on the world -- everything he owns will fit in his car, opening up the many possibilities he's finding countrywide that offer his next adventure.

While completing 17 hours of study to adhere to the four year tuition schedule allotted by his parents (those dwindling funds now assigned to his younger brother) each day he searches the wildlife websites for open positions, adjusting his resume and cover letter to fit the job. A science guy, he has utilized his mother's typing fingers to tighten up the verbiage. Makes me feel useful and I'm glad he's asking. (I can fix other people's sentences much better than my own.)

Impatiently, he checks his email to await responses to his applications. Nothing yet. But the windows keep opening, he keeps applying, and he is ready to fly.

If I compare his possibilities to mine, the Midlife Jobhunter, I see a much broader skyline in his search. Youth backs his flight. Although his credentials may not contain as many skills or as much experience as mine, he is more employable simply because he is young, flexible, willing to relocate, and has the energy to work long hours and get his hands dirty.

Not to say midlifers can't do that, but a definite difference exists for those of us no longer trained in the newest technologies. Those that have too much baggage to pack up all our belongings in our Civic and head off down the road. Those that can physically no longer take on the tasks that younger years offered.

Makes for a most exciting time for this young son. One that will strike out on his own and has not completely figured out how exciting life will be.

Another one - that I once carried in my arms - all grown up.



24 comments:

  1. What a handsome young man. He looks like he will do just fine in the job world. Unlike my 22 year old college grad (last June) who wants to quit her job, and travel between music festivals...
    Even the threat that she will have to move home if she runs out of money is not deterring her from wanting to fly that boring job she disliked while attending school and really hates now that she working it full time. But it has been heaven being tuition free for the first time in nine years!

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  2. "Another one - that I once carried in my arms - all grown up." - Oh! That got to me! I don't know which picture hit me harder - the one of him as a child, or the one where he's cradling the spotted fawn - or maybe it's the juxtaposition of the two of them together that made me tear up.
    Lovely post. You should be quite proud.

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  3. Two down, one to go. They are ALL such great boys and it's been fun to hear you share their stories one by one. Jordan looks so much like you in that baby picture, in fact you do that same thing with your mouth all the time when you laugh!

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  4. You and hubby made the most beautiful babies....now all young men. He will do fine and you will do better. Wishing all your boys the very best of luck Julie, they sound like such fine young men and hey there is something really special about a young man who takes care of fawns.....:-) Hugs

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  5. This is a lovely piece, Julie. I really enjoy your writing, and your son looks like a wonderful guy. Man, and I thought PUPPIES were babe magnets!!!
    Good luck to you both.

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  6. He can always do what I did when my parents thought I was finished with school ... go to grad school!

    I wish your son and you the best of luck in finding meaningful (or at least gainful) employment. But I have to say that we midlifers still have bountiful energy; we are just more judicious with how we spend it!

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  7. Wow, what a lovely creature...you are sure to be proud of your mom accomplishments!!!! Give that young man my best for the job hunt!

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  8. Best wishes for your son's job search--persistence always wins in the end.

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  9. Oh yes, I remember your young man with the fawn AND the rattlesnake. All three of your sons are entering exciting times of their lives, Julie, so much for them and you to look forward to. I'm sure they will make your heart sing!

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  10. What an exciting year for everyone. And a challenge to find a job no matter what the age or experience. Fortunately, I believe, he does have the flexibility to relocate...and relocate again.

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  11. Good luck, Jordan. I'm sure you will find the perfect job soon.

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  12. You are a lucky one. He is really to battle the world, with your help and your encouragement. Handsome and prepared for anything!

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  13. You have got the cutest boys! Er, sorry, men!

    Interesting reflection on how different this adventure of seeking our purpose is when we're longer in the tooth.

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  14. I would not want to changes places with him but I wish him luck.

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  15. As a mom of three girls, I rarely miss having a boy...until I read stories like yours. :)
    Looking forward to hearing of all his successes! Because he will be.

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  16. Aw... how cute!! YEs, life's big adventures start now! I agree.. Funny enough, my last facebook status reads: One of these days, I'ma pack me a suitcase, board a plane and go find me an adventure!! I'm with this post in spirit.

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  17. I'm sure he'll find something, he seems like an amazing boy.

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  18. Looks like you're doing a great job, mom!

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  19. I think this one looks most like you. Especially in that sweet little baby picture. Except for the toehead, you're twins! :)

    So nice to be young and unattached (versus old and unattached, dontcha know). He will find something soon, I'm sure.

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  20. What strong, handsome sons; what an incredible blessing in your life! This is one of your best ever posts.

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  21. You have raised strong, gorgeous sons. Be proud! (put it on your resume) Best of luck to Jordan on his quest--he seems like the type of guy who will do what he loves no matter what. Good for him!

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  22. Oh this was just beautiful. I wish your son all the best, it sounds like he knows just what he's looking for.

    And you're right about the challenges facing those of us who are looking for a job at mid-life....it really is quite a challenge.

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  23. Oh you've done a good job of raising an independent, caring young man. He'll do great. So will his wonderful Mom.

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  24. I hear you, girlfriend-I'm doing it too. Keep the faith and you'll find your paycheck rainbow.

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