Hello Lovelies,
How has another month flown by already? I cannot even fathom!
This month has been frantic with trying to apply for jobs, networking for jobs, adapt my social media to make me more desirable for jobs, and digging into what I really want in an “ideal company” and not getting a single interview or follow-up after over 200 applications.
To say that it is disheartening would be a grave understatement.
Especially as James got notice that as he transitions to long-term disability his company will no longer be holding his position.
I know that I am applying for roles that normally take 3 months or more to hire. I know that so much can come from these applications, and to be fair only 3 have sent notice that the roles have been filled. (While also knowing that only about 30 acknowledged applications being submitted at all so follow-up from the rest unless it is for an interview is extremely unlikely. But, trying to be positive.)
We got our taxes back and that will cover us for one more month. But our savings are all worn out. I am supposed to be doing the next 30 Days of Marketing Challenge for June but after not having a single sign-up last challenge, I am wondering if it’s even worth it. I really need the money, though. I hate that it is such a motivator for me as usually my motivation is helping others.
On a plus note, I made progress on my Maximize Your E-newsletter Masterclass re-release. I have to work on something and feel I have some control and forward momentum as this interminable throwing stuff at the wall in hopes something will stick just goes against everything I believe in. I can totally see how people can get really depressed during a job search. It is as bad as querying, but your whole life is on the line. Geesh.
On another plus note, my weight loss keeps steadily trucking along. While someone pointed out that I should perhaps not post “all your business on social media while looking for a job” so I won’t go into details. But I am steadily continuing my progress despite a small plateau and that plateau was just my body catching up as I had excellent inches lost this month as well. I will keep looking at the positives and fighting for the life I want and will not let fear cripple me.
In the meantime, onto some fun and happy goodness!
IWSG Question Of The Month
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and return comments. This group is all about connecting!
Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post. And please be sure your avatar links back to your blog! Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Remember, the question is optional!
May 3 question – When you are working on a story, what inspires you?
Every story is different, of course, but I find inspiration from life and from asking questions. A common inspiration for a start of a story is reading or hearing something and asking “What if….” and I have a dozen notebooks full of ideas for those.
Once I’m into a story, I find inspiration from noodling on the outline during quiet moments, such as when walking the dog, swimming, or doing household chores. I am not like many who get inspiration in the bath or shower, lol. I need to be in some sort of physical motion that requires little to no mental effort. Still very inconvenient, but thanks to technology I can often record a few notes to get me started during my next writing session. My sweet spot for writing schedule is to take an early morning walk with the dog, then settle in for a good writing session. I miss those 5 am sessions and long to get back to them in the near future. *Fingers crossed*
The awesome co-hosts for the May 3 posting of the IWSG are Joylene Nowell Butler, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Meka James, Diane Burton, Victoria Marie Lees, and M Louise Barbour!
Be sure to check out their posts and check out the other awesome authors in the blog hop.
Until next time,
Keep Reading!
Janice Cooke