Crazy week!

You know how they say, when it rains, it pours? While it is, quite literally, pouring out right now. As I sit in Subtle Tea, the place that has been my home away from home for the past 4 months that I have been "offficeless," I can look back on the last 5 days and appreciate all the things that have happened. For one, I was lucky enough to be covering Internet Week for Pepsico and have been basking in the glory of being involved in all the excitement of the week, whether its been the seminars, the parties or just the tweets, its been fun to be a part of it. Check out all my posts so far, here, and keep checking back for more details here on my blog!

The second bit of excitement of the week is that I have officially accepted an offer for a full-time job starting very soon. Expect the juicy details soon...but I am very excited about this new opportunity and can't wait to continue my professional adventures at a new place.

So, on this rainy Friday, I am looking forward to my future and saying goodbye to Subtle Tea (at least Monday-Friday...). I'll miss you yummy Chai Lattes!

Good Stuff

Just a quick post to plug myself and a great event happening now in NYC. Internet Week 2009 is here and I was lucky enough to be chosen along with 8 other people as a social communicator for Pepsico. I will be blogging, photographing, video taping, tweeting and friendfeeding (not sure if that's a word!) for the next week about all the exciting things going on.

Check out Pepsico's website for great coverage of the event.

The Boycott Ends...

It's been over a month since my last post. Shame on me! Well I wrote that post at a hopeful time when I thought my next big thing was right around the corner. A month later here I am, still at a crossroads, still interviewing as if it's actually my job and still offering up my well rehearsed spiel to anyone who will give me a chance. I must admit I think I am starting to sound pretty good! Practice makes perfect I guess...

Anyway, I was putting off writing until I could announce some colossally exciting new title or that someone offered me a book deal, a column, anything! No such luck...yet :)

I'm still interviewing, picking up odd gigs, pimping myself out as a social media whiz, pr maven, brilliant writer etc. and waiting for someone to bite. I've met A LOT of cool people on my search so far. Some have been amazingly helpful and inspirational and some have made me question whether human decency and common courtesy exist at all anymore...

The funniest thing about interviewing for me is the little sayings or situations that have continually occured for me. For one thing, the standard procedures of "scheduled phone call" to deem you worthy of an in-person interview, followed by actual in-person interview, usually with an HR type, possibly if your special enough to be immediately (or not so immediately) followed by the coveted "second interview" with big wig, head honcho-decision maker, only to be followed by...silence. Yes, no response. No email. No phone call. Not even an old-fashioned rejection letter.

The kind-hearted souls that I have met in the business have explained to me the different reasons for this black hole of communication after a seemingly positive string of interviews. A) They aren't ACTUALLY hiring at this time B) They chose someone else but want to keep you on the back burner in case new person doesn't work out C) They REALLY didn't like you (I highly doubt that is possible though) D) They are just TOO busy to even respond with a one-lined email (this excuse seems really lame to me!)

So there you have it, this is what I've had to deal with at my current freelancer/consultant status. (editor's note, I'm totally getting one of those T-shirts that says, "I'm not unemployed, I'm a consultant!")

One other funny little tidbit is the actual scheduling of the interview. People always ask, "what's your availability? " or say "Why don't you check your calendar and get back to me?" It's like Hello, what do you think I do all day? You're right, let me check and see when I can squeeze you in between my leisurely breakfasts, people watching in the park, and watching Oprah. Obviously I am willing to come in anytime that is convenient for you because I am flexible, dedicated and a hard worker (really, I am, pick me, pick me!). I just find it funny when people ask me that, I mean I guess it's courteous and sometimes I may have something to do but at this point there is almost nothing that I couldn't reschedule for a great job opportunity.

I'm trying not to get discouraged but it's just frustrating knowing that I have the talent and would be an amazing asset to many of these companies. I can write, I am creative, I am passionate and dedicated, and I know what I'm doing when it comes to social media, public relations or anything online. If I am doing or saying something wrong in my interviews, I really wish someone would just tell me so I can fix it! Anyone have any pointers for me?

Stuff to do to keep your sanity...

People are always telling me to enjoy my temporary unemployment and do all the things I've always wanted to do but didn't have time for. Unfortunately without a steady paycheck most of these things are not actually do-able (for example, my yet to be taken trip to Central America) but these people do have a point. I know I should be using my time wisely because I plan on working, at least in some form, for the next 50 years or so.

Some days I think sleeping late, watching Ellen and reading the newspaper is a wisely spent day, but lately I have been really trying to fill my time with meaningful activities or at least I plan to from today on! Hopefully my free days are limited as I have some hopeful opportunities brewing...(fingers AND toes crossed!)

In no particular order, here are some things I have been doing/plan on doing/recommend doing until your back among the employed:

1)Drink coffee--especially at random spots. Since I have been laid off, drinking coffee has become more of an activity than something I just do at my desk as a quick way to fuel up before a hard day's work. I now have the time to leisurely sip coffee at relaxing/cool places such as coffee houses, parks, etc. Plus coffee is pretty cheap so it's a great time-passer for the unemployed. Tea works too :)

2)Read a lot. I have always loved to read but was usually too tired/burnt out to read leisure books. One of the first things I did when I got laid off was head over to Border's and pick up a few good books to get lost in.

3)Get organized. Make to-do lists, clean out your closets, organize photos, music, etc. It costs nothing, makes you feel motivated and is something you will NEVER have time for once you go back to work.

4)Visit museums, art galleries etc. I keep saying I am going to do this. I don't really know why I haven't yet, it seems like a lovely idea. I'll let you know when I finally cross this one off my t0-do list!

5) Get in shape. Again, this is one that I have SAID I am going to do, but have only taken very small steps in actually doing. I bought a new arm band for my ipod, dug out my spandex and Nike's and plotted all the scenic places I will run. I've only actually gone like 3 times but as the weather gets warmer I promise to go more!

If I am still unemployed in the summer, I will add a number 6, spend every free moment at the beach, but here's hoping that I'll be blissfully trapped in an office this summer dreaming of my weekends on Fire Island :)

Anyone have anything else to add to my list?

A little perspective...

Sometimes the right atmosphere can really put things in perspective...Some acoustic, soul-searching tunes, a little coffee and some creative vibes makes things suddenly seem OK...at least for now...

I realize more and more that I don't always follow the norm and that sometimes my idea of a great life is different than the typical American Dream. Sure, I want to be rich, who doesn't, but I want my riches to come from chasing my dreams and pursuing my passions, from leading a creative, adventurous and fulfilling life and from making a difference in the world at least in some small way. I don't want a cushy, high paying office job and I would be very happy to donate all my pinstripe suits to goodwill tomorrow.

I realize it's a little naive to think that I can make it without a "real job" right now. I know that my secret dream of being discovered and paid well to blog and twitter all-day long or to write a book is pretty far-fetched, but I'm hoping that this time to reflect will lead me to the life I have always pictured for myself. I am learning to be OK with waiting, I think I have slowly developed patience, which is a virtue I definitely didn't have until recently. I know that one day I will have my perfect Manhattan address, a jam packed social schedule, a creative job and a nice paycheck.

I would call my current state one of both peace and transition. I am enjoying the extra time with loved ones, the days free to read, write and learn and I'm trying not to take anything too seriously. I just read a blog post by a woman who quit her job after eight years to give herself one year to make it as a writer. It was really inspiring and also comforting. I figure if she can take that risk than I should look at my temporary unemployment as a gift and an opportunity. Some may call me a dreamer, but I think my day will come. Until then, I think I am doing all the right things and I am not going to let this setback change who I am and how I live.

Venting...

Sorry I haven't written in a while, but I've been tangled up in the web that is "the job search." I have been lucky enough to go on several interviews for several different jobs, but so far, nothing has been "the perfect fit." Am I absolutely nuts for wanting perfection, especially in "these economic times??" Sorry for all the quotes, but I am getting so frustrated!!!

Major gripe numero uno of my job search thus far...PEOPLE NOT GETTING BACK TO YOU!! Lately I have noticed the striking similarities between the interview process and the dating process. You go on that first interview (first date) and feel each other out. You may think it went really well and they may think otherwise or vice versa. Either way, it usually ends with those three little words..."I'll call you." Why, oh why do people say they are going to call and then make me sleep with my phone under my pillow waiting for said call?? Thank you to all those people who did get back to me, whether it was good news or bad...but for those of you that simply never called, never responded to my follow-up emails, etc...shame on you! One extremely well-known PR firm in particular whose name I won't mention but who really should know better promised to call me "either way"...I'm still waiting...

My other issue is that maybe I am living in a dream world, and not factoring in the whole economic meltdown, but I think there is a certain amount that is needed to live and work in Manhattan. How some positions can expect their employees to live off what they are offering is unreal to me...I mean, I totally get that times are tough, but rent is still rent and bills are still bills. Not all of us have a trust fund or some big savings account to fall back on. I think you get what you pay for and if someone is not willing to pay for talent and experience than they are not are not being realistic about what they can expect from a potential employee.

Am I being crazy for not refusing to settle?? I definitely want a job that I will love and be excited to go to everyday...I am totally willing to prove my worth, and I have always been willing to pay my dues. Life usually throws me opportunities at the randomest times, and most of the choices I have made and chances I have taken have proved worth it in the end. I'm sure whatever I end up doing next will be no exception. Until then, I'll keep on writing, keep on truckin' and keep on dreamin'!

Engage the Geeks, Conquer the World!

Last night, in my opinion, was one small step for Late Night TV, one giant step for Social Media!

Lately, more and more buzz has been seeping into the mainstream world about Twitter. My friends and family have asked about it, people have brought it up to me at bars or in casual conversation and many talk shows and news shows, outside the tech and internet genre, have begun talking about it and using it. Last night Kevin Rose and Alex Albrecht of Diggnation were guests on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and they introduced a whole new audience to Twitter and Digg. They conducted an experiment where they attempted to make an audience member (Bryan Brinkman) who was new to Twitter, more popular than Barack Obama (on Twitter at least). Last I checked this morning he has more than 23K followers from 7 the previous day. For those who still don't get it, that means he can now communicate instantaneously with 23k people from all over the world and engage in an ongoing conversation with these people.

In my opinion, Mr. Fallon has the right idea by choosing to gear his show towards the techies of the world. Twitter's active users have grown 900% in the past year. Digg.com gets more than 35 million hits a month. It's no secret that the brilliant minds and key influencers of the world are spending their time on these sites. I've always been a huge fan of Jimmy Fallon since his days on SNL, but now, thanks to his Twittering and his new tech-focused show, I am joined by millions of other tech-savvy, innovative individuals. I was lucky enough to attend a taping last week and had a great time. The Roots are quite possibly the best house band any show has ever had, and Jimmy's awkward charm is even funnier in person.

Since Jimmy has begun tweeting I have heard Twitter being mentioned more and more on TV. Just in the past day, Ellen DeGeneres has joined Twitter and already has almost 70K followers. Jay Leno mentioned it on his show last night as well and this morning, Martha Stewart was at it again trying to become "twitter-famous." She has been on Twitter for about a week, has almost 100k followers and I have to give her credit for trying to turn her typically less than tech-expert audience into loyal Twitters. This morning she asked for a show of hands as to who Twittered and about 5 people raised their hand. She did her best to explain it and probably contributed to more than a few first-time users jumping on the bandwagon.

In my opinion, Facebook has already become pretty mainstream and even the technically challenged folks are more willing to join it than Twitter. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been on Good Morning America and other talk shows recently and will be on Oprah this Friday. Even my Dad is joining the Facebook cult!

But at least among the people I know, folks seem more hesistant to start Twittering, and don't seem to fully understand how it can benefit them. If you're still skeptical ...just ask Bryan Brinkman!