Doldrums. The stagnant summer south. I'm a Louisiana coon-ass all the way, and I've spent most of the last 5 years in south Mississippi, so you'd think I'd be used to the sweltering climate. I'm not. The most drastic effect of the heat really isn't physical (I've endured almost 10 years of driving vehicles with no air conditioning). It's a mental fatigue, siphoning of energy and soul. Tennessee Williams is always the best at targeting the malaise and the craziness that can be caused by the heat.
I've always felt a kinship with both Tom and Laura in "The Glass Menagerie." I've got Tom's wanderlust and sense of adventure, but it's continually blockaded by societal mores and obligations. I'm currently searching for a new job, as my term with the Hattiesburg School District ends in late August. For once, I actually have a clear idea of my next path, for once. I've been suffering from a decided lack of intellectual stimulation, so I'm thinking it's time to hit grad school and get my masters (plus, my GRE scores will become defunct if I wait much longer). I want to move to Eugene and get my masters in Folklore and a grad certificate in non-profit management at U of Oregon. Unfortunately, I can't find a fucking job in Eugene. Or anywhere close by. I've found some great jobs via the Internet, things I seem to be expressly qualified for. But, I've been turned down for every one, without so much as an interview.
I guess I'm not getting these jobs because of the inherent difficulties in finding a job 3000 miles away. The folks in Eugene probably had people in mind already when they posted the jobs, and the search was simply a formality. I'm hoping that my failure isn't due to the stereotypes that someone from the Deep South sometimes faces when trying to move to northern areas. I know, all you Oregon folks are probably thinking, "he's full of shit, those stereotypes are clearly outmoded and are no longer applied." Unfortunately, not everyone is as open-minded and accepting as the folks in the SG community. I lived in Alaska for a time, and although I was never treated rudely, I often felt like a novelty. I never felt as though I was taken seriously.
Whatever the reason for not getting the jobs, I'm starting to get goddamn pissed off. I'm not applying for jobs that are out of my league. I'm applying for jobs that I have experience in and am solidly qualified for. I have to come up with some sort of plan. To keep my house and my job here, I'd have to sign new leases and contracts, which I refuse to do. But without a source of income, the move to Oregon is impossible.
Fuck.
It's hot. I'm going to drink a Southpaw in the shower.
I've always felt a kinship with both Tom and Laura in "The Glass Menagerie." I've got Tom's wanderlust and sense of adventure, but it's continually blockaded by societal mores and obligations. I'm currently searching for a new job, as my term with the Hattiesburg School District ends in late August. For once, I actually have a clear idea of my next path, for once. I've been suffering from a decided lack of intellectual stimulation, so I'm thinking it's time to hit grad school and get my masters (plus, my GRE scores will become defunct if I wait much longer). I want to move to Eugene and get my masters in Folklore and a grad certificate in non-profit management at U of Oregon. Unfortunately, I can't find a fucking job in Eugene. Or anywhere close by. I've found some great jobs via the Internet, things I seem to be expressly qualified for. But, I've been turned down for every one, without so much as an interview.
I guess I'm not getting these jobs because of the inherent difficulties in finding a job 3000 miles away. The folks in Eugene probably had people in mind already when they posted the jobs, and the search was simply a formality. I'm hoping that my failure isn't due to the stereotypes that someone from the Deep South sometimes faces when trying to move to northern areas. I know, all you Oregon folks are probably thinking, "he's full of shit, those stereotypes are clearly outmoded and are no longer applied." Unfortunately, not everyone is as open-minded and accepting as the folks in the SG community. I lived in Alaska for a time, and although I was never treated rudely, I often felt like a novelty. I never felt as though I was taken seriously.
Whatever the reason for not getting the jobs, I'm starting to get goddamn pissed off. I'm not applying for jobs that are out of my league. I'm applying for jobs that I have experience in and am solidly qualified for. I have to come up with some sort of plan. To keep my house and my job here, I'd have to sign new leases and contracts, which I refuse to do. But without a source of income, the move to Oregon is impossible.
Fuck.
It's hot. I'm going to drink a Southpaw in the shower.