I most humbly must beg DU for help.....again

[Blue_Tires]

I've been here for awhile, and even then not many here know me well, but those that do know the unemployment ordeal I've been going through...I know the current economy has been hurting us all!

Long story short; I'm 30, I have a BA in English and an MS in Journalism---Took 14 months to latch on to my first paper, stayed there for close to two years, tried to jump up to a larger paper, stayed there for a year but they could not keep me, mother had health problems so I had to move back home (she is better now)...

Hard to imagine, but it has been two years since I came back, and my job prospects are shittier than ever (I've been working a series of part-time and odd jobs that pay a decent wage, but not enough for me to ever move out, get healthcare, or get out of debt)...Right now journalism is dead to me (which is a shame, because I was good at what I did), and I'm looking in other fields, like media relations or technical writing, something, ANYTHING!!!!

I'm asking for career suggestions, advice, untapped job search resources, any networking leads, you name it...I live in VA, but am single with no kids, so I have the freedom to move or travel anywhere within reason...I'm hoping in my heart of hearts that someone in the lounge or elsewhere knows somebody that knows somebody that is trying to fill an opening...

Thanks for taking the time to read this, and I'll try to kick the thread from time to time...I can also add more detail about my situation (including where I'm currently looking for jobs)...Please send good vibes and thanks in advance...

--Scott

[SeattleGirl]

1. Good vibes to you, B_T

That you find the perfect place for you to utilize your skills and education, and make a good living!

[Blue_Tires]

5. thank you for your support

hopefully things will work out sooner rather than later

[Nicole]

2. All I have to offer is best wishes.

I hope you find a job that fits your needs soon.

You might have better luck in the VA forum as fara as local leads & contacts go.

Good luck.

[Blue_Tires]

6. i thought about that, but

the lounge is where it is going to be seen the most (and i'm not looking to stay in VA)

[fizzgig]

3. it's a tough field right now

are you keeping up on journalismjobs.com? that's a good place to start. mediabistro.com is another good site. i'm also guessing you're keeping up on all the professional association sites.

good luck

[Blue_Tires]

4. yes, i have been

but like i said, i'm trying to change careers now, and have given journalism jobs a rest....

[Chan790]

7. Try non-profits...

Many non-profits are always looking for people who can write a great press release...they'll find (or create) a job for you to do between press releases (usually writing development material, website content, and other documentation)...just to have you on staff for when they need a press release.

I suspect you think I'm kidding...I'm not. One of my best friends is quite frankly...not smart. She's made a career out of being able to write a decent release. If I were starting an organization tomorrow...she'd be the first person I'd hire. I can teach the rest. You can't teach talent. An organization lives and dies by its' ability to express its views, mission, and purpose.

[1gobluedem]

8. And grant writing

Non profits live and die by grants and need qualified grant writers. It's perfect for a journalist; when you write a grant you're telling the story of the organization.

[Blue_Tires]

14. do you have any ideas where i should start my search first?

[1gobluedem]

17. Try here

Ann Arbor, MI has a resource center called-Non Profit Enterprise at Work (NEW). Their website is www.new.org. They have links and resources that can point you in the right direction.

[Blue_Tires]

18. thanks, i'll give it a look tonight

[Blue_Tires]

12. thanks...i'll look into that field

and see what i can find (and who i know)

[Kali]

9. You could try teaching. High school or community college...

Oh you want to be able to make a living. Nevermind. (might get insurance, though???)

[Blue_Tires]

11. one of my part-time jobs is substitute teacher

and i've been doing it for more than a year...it is NOT something i'm cut out to do full time...

[crispini]

10. Networking advice...

have you checked out Linked In? It's very good for tech jobs -- especially if you want to go towards tech writing. Check out LinkedIn.com and when you have your account, send me a PM and I'll add you to my contacts. Basically it's like MySpace for adult professionals. It's really good, I have gotten two people jobs through there. :D

[Blue_Tires]

13. thanks....now i think we're getting somewhere

i'll look it up when i get back tonight

[Blue_Tires]

15. now registered....thanks

[Blue_Tires]

16. regularly scheduled kick nt

[Rising Phoenix]

19. good vibes

journalism is a tough field...try any connections you may know from school....a lot of it is who you know. best wishes

[Blue_Tires]

20. ttt nt

[Blue_Tires]

21. final kick

i'll revisit this with an update next week....

[grasswire]

22. what about joining a political campaign for pay?

They certainly must be hiring people who can communicate.

[abbeyco]

23. Technical Writing

There are several large companies that employ technical writers - Thomson is the first that comes to mind. Also take a look at Accenture Consulting as they use technical writers on their project teams.

Best of luck in your search!