I am back in DC and the search continues! My day is non-stop. Unlike what one would expect, I wake up bright and early, the same time as normal job-goers. I don’t want to get into a routine in which I lie in bed because I have nothing to do. So, it starts with checking my mail, getting showered and up, I then pack up my laptop and my little booklet of business cards from contacts I have made, and head to Starbucks. After a good strong morning coffee I can start my day. I fire up the lap top and I start with bookmark one on my browser - mediabistro.com. If you keep up to date, it’s really easy to go through the available jobs, and there are jobs available. Basically, systematically I search through the sites, applying to relevant positions, restructuring my resume for each opening and hoping I will stand out as a candidate.

A few hours later it is time for coffee number two. As a jobless being, you quickly learn ways to cut costs. Register your Starbucks card and you get free refills!

Job searching at Starbucks

Notice the bloodshot eyes from too much job searching!

And then it’s back to the search, re-emailing people you have been in contact with in the past, sending follow-up emails, searching sites and job boards and going through my business card folder and contacting people I have been introduced to in the past few days. It’s a tedious, long task that consumes an unimaginable amount of time.

Volunteering is the next step. I currently volunteer as a Consultant for Special Projects, which mainly involves me attending evening political events and helping out. This is a fantastic networking opportunity. I am taking this time to gain experience in areas that positions I am applying for require specialization. I am currently looking in to HIV/AIDS organization volunteering opportunities, as I am interested in African relations. This is a great way to get a taste for what you are interested in.

And before I know it, it’s close to 5pm and time to find dinner. Living on a $15/day budget is not impossible, but not entirely easy either considering transportation costs and such. My walking shoes are well-worn, and I’ve most certainly become a coupon-cutter.

It’s strange, I never thought I’d still be jobless! Every one who looks at my resume is highly impressed and can only sing my praises, but this doesn’t help if your looking to get hired when everyone around you is being fired!

So, I leave Starbucks, join the rat race of professionals on their way from the office, wondering if tomorrow may be my lucky day.