Dear God,
Four months ago I left my high pressure job in fashion advertising, for a much needed rest. I was confident that I would soon find another role elsewhere.
Summer came and went, and now it’s mid April - the months are slipping by, I’m struggling to provide for my son, I can’t pay my bills and I’m being hunted by creditors all over town. I can’t sleep and start to cry at silly times. You see, I have applied for so many jobs, but can’t find the right fit. I don’t know who I’m supposed to be anymore, or why the last four years of my life hold no significance to the rest of the world. I believed once that I was a beautiful, creative and talented career woman, with much to offer. Every time I smile right now, it’s fake. I’m suffocating on my life and can’t believe that this is what I’ve worked so hard to become.
Mel, Melbourne/Australia
May 21st, 2008 at 2:56 am
Perhaps you need to be more specific with your request to the Universe….What energizes you?!? What would you fight for?!? What are you passionate about even when you are tired or discouraged?!? Where do you envision yourself working? What kind of work would you rather do than fashion advertising? What does your work space look like? What kind of people do you want to work with? What is your commute like?….As for those dreadful creditors..know that being in debt is not your natural state. Abundance will return to you…
p.s….I’ve been in your shoes…right down to the same industry…be patient, love yourself, and everything will fall into place….Meanwhile, do what you have to do to ensure your son’s well being…find something to make do, whilst figuring out where you belong…
May 21st, 2008 at 3:20 am
Seeking for the path is getting away from it, seeking does not necessarily help you find, just be, your essence is in you, not out there…just be… all the best
May 21st, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Take a moment, make sure it’s what you really want/need, and say out loud what you want to have in your life.
Do you have any friends who are also out of work? Take a little bit of time and try to help THEM find work. You may be surprised to find that by helping one, one may be helped.
Goo luck and make sure Ad Agencies in NYC have some sort of promotional mailer from you - even if you have to charge it. Just use the time you do have to promote yourself.
Also- take jobs assisting. Where do you live? You may be in the wrong geography. Can you make a move?
Start a wedding photography biz. It stinks compared to fashion, but how much, really? You can share a lot of joy with folks by doing that…
Check out http://www.unruephoto.com <– a friend of mine makes a KILLING doing this. Maybe think about a move to Orlando… there are still a lot of jobs there, and housing is cheap…
My prayers are with you… one artist to another.
-The Chaperone
May 21st, 2008 at 4:42 pm
“I believed once that I was a beautiful, creative and talented career woman” - Remember Talent is something you can never lose, you might misplace it now and the then, but its with you always - Everyone is in debt, losts of debt, mountains of debt, unless you can repay its all now, there is nothing you can do for the time being, focus getting back your mojo, the money, happiness will come
May 24th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
I have felt so overwhelmed by the kindness and empathy from complete strangers. Thank you! I have actually now paid some of those awful bills, and am back in fashion. Plus I’ve started a fashion blog. Thanks so much much for your advice! My faith in humankind has been restored.
May 28th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Hey Mel,
One big-ass recommendation for you: READ THE BOOK “EXCUSE ME, YOUR LIFE IS WAITING”
I been in similar spots to the one you’re right now. And that book helped a big deal.
God Bless & all of us too
GR
March 19th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Dear Mel,
I lost my job almost a year ago. I thought I would be in Sales (particularly the auto industry) for the rest of my life. After I lost my job I was so lost (and I still remain lost). I have two young children and I feel your pain, fear, and every other emotion in this matter.
I can only offer you this…
I am concentrating on being a blessing to other. I am trying to think of the needs of others instead of myself. I believe that the Lord is in control.
Try and be a blessing to others, do what you can for yorself adn let the Lord do his work. It is not as easy to do as it is for me to write here, I realize this. But while I struggle and do my best for myfamily, I will do my best to be a blessing to others and not think of myself so much. I’ll pray for you to find peace, strength in Christ, and for you to be able to see the Lords plan when he shows you what you need to be seeing.
April 16th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
My thoughts having read this. If u have not done so already. Then talk to your creditors and explain your situation in relation to not having a job. And try to come to an arrangement. Also isee if there is is a government run financial agency that can help you in talking to the creditors. So that this relives the pressure so that u know u are makin some payment aeven if it is small amounts. Also type on the on internet personal finance or even the question sorting out your debt and and see what websites u get up and look at one that give u ideas in relation to dealing with your debts. All the best for the future. Do not give up. Take one step at a time.
August 7th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
Girl, I know. I’ve been there. Everything that you’re talking about. Oddly enough. I passed on a dream in fashion journalism. I would have killed for your job… but I chose to have a happier life in another city. All I can say, is…. Fake it until you make it. If you stop believing in how fabulous you are… no company is going to believe it either. Gas yourself up. Know that God made you the head and not the tail. He made you in the image of Himself and you are truly indeed WONDERFUL. What’s more, study cover letter writing skills again. Companies get so many of them now, that they don’t ever read them. They just look for key words. Look for ways to make yourself stand out. Never give up… Know that everyone else is struggling too…. and don’t be afraid to take less than what you deserve. You’ve got bills to pay and kid to take care of. We’re all settling even though we don’t want to. Times are hard and the people who would be retiring right now, making room for more people, aren’t leaving their jobs. When you get this next one ( and you will get one), don’t leave a job until you’ve got a new one. And know that nothing comes for free. Keep your head up! You can do it and God’s got your back as long as you stay in His will!
p.s remember that happiness is a choice. it has nothing to do with your circumstances, but with your attitude. if you’re satisfied with nothing, you’ll be overjoyed with everything.
November 11th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
Our greatest lack is not money for any undertaking, but rather ideas, If the ideas are good, cash will somehow flow to where it is needed.
November 17th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
A great secret of success is to go through life as a man who never gets used up.
November 20th, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Change is the constant, the signal for rebirth, the egg of the phoenix.