In the computer world there is the phrase "Perpetual Beta." It means something that's never quite finished, always changing, that can still be improved.
Back when I was much younger, my goal was to graduate from college, get a good job, and live happily ever after. During my undergrad years, I began working at the Goodell Library at UMass/Amherst, decided I liked the work and added getting a Masters in Library Science to my goal. Since I was going to school part time, it took many years to complete the goal.
Soon after beginning my professional career, I realized that finishing my MSLS and getting a job as a librarian was only the beginning, not the end. Somehow, though, I kept waiting for that plateau where I'd achieve what I wanted and live happily ever after. I thought I'd found it many times at different jobs, but after a few years I'd become restless in that position and move on to something else. When I began work at CMRLS, I figured I had a good job (regardless of the long daily commute) and would stay there until retirement which wasn't all that many years away.
Surpri-ise! Even though I was still happy with the job, the Universe decided I was ready for a change and here I am becoming an Independent Consultant. I'm finally becoming comfortable with that status and thinking about ways I can market myself and my skills. I have a couple of new projects starting soon that will likely continue for a while and a few others in the works.
Still, after all these years, way down deep, I can't quite rid myself of the feeling that there is a plateau not too far away even though intellectually I know that life is Perpetual Beta.
Adventures of a cataloger who has been laid off as she searches for another job - and possibly another career.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Problem Solved - Again
For the moment I'm in good standing with the Unemployment Office.
Even though I tried calling the 800 number 3 times yesterday, I never got through to a person. I arrived at the Career Center a little after 8 a.m. this morning and I was #26 in line. We weren't allowed into the building until about 8:15, but I (and everyone else) was bundled up. At about 11:00 I was led into the cubby of the representative who looked at my information on the computer screen, made a change to one piece of data, and fixed the problem. It took less than 5 minutes.
Instead of a thriller from the local public library, I had brought along the textbook that I'll be using for LIS415, so I got a lot of necessary reading done.
What relief. I expect I'll have a better night's sleep tonight than I've had for the last couple of days. I don't know why I worry about this stuff so much and no amount of deep breathing seems to help. Perhaps I should be thankful to the Unemployment Office for providing me with blog material.
Even though I tried calling the 800 number 3 times yesterday, I never got through to a person. I arrived at the Career Center a little after 8 a.m. this morning and I was #26 in line. We weren't allowed into the building until about 8:15, but I (and everyone else) was bundled up. At about 11:00 I was led into the cubby of the representative who looked at my information on the computer screen, made a change to one piece of data, and fixed the problem. It took less than 5 minutes.
Instead of a thriller from the local public library, I had brought along the textbook that I'll be using for LIS415, so I got a lot of necessary reading done.
What relief. I expect I'll have a better night's sleep tonight than I've had for the last couple of days. I don't know why I worry about this stuff so much and no amount of deep breathing seems to help. Perhaps I should be thankful to the Unemployment Office for providing me with blog material.
Monday, January 3, 2011
The Saga Continues
I arrived at the Career Center a little after 8 this morning to learn that there is no Unemployment Representative on January 3 (today). I'll try calling later today. I understand it is easier to get through if one calls after 5 p.m. Many people assume (I would have if I didn't know otherwise) that the telephone service ends at 5 but it continues until 6:30 - at least during this time of heavy use.
So it's back into my play clothes to prepare for Wednesday evening's Library Trustee meeting, a consulting job I have this week, LIS415, and to follow up on some other stuff. I may also have a chance to read my current book.
Watch for the next installment of this adventure.
So it's back into my play clothes to prepare for Wednesday evening's Library Trustee meeting, a consulting job I have this week, LIS415, and to follow up on some other stuff. I may also have a chance to read my current book.
Watch for the next installment of this adventure.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Oh, No! Not Again!
I logged onto the Mass. Department of Workforce Development - Division of Unemployment Assistance earlier today to file my weekly claim. I answered all the required questions and upon submitting my claim, a Red Message said "Call the Telephone Claims Center. Additional information is required to determine your eligibility for benefits." I thought this was all straightened out.
So I guess tomorrow I'll be back at the Hampshire/Franklin Career Center talking to a representative trying to find out what's wrong. The upside to all if this is that I'm in the middle of a really engrossing book called Die For You by Lisa Unger. I get a lot of reading done at the Career Center. I wonder how early I should show up?
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