Monday, August 9, 2010

Reading classifieds can make you even more depressed than giving up chocolate for a week.

With the new additions of Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, my experience with public relations and marketing is dinosaur ancient. The last time I typed APP into my computer, I was searching the best apple for pies, not free downloads that might help me with my paint colors, coffee calories or the weather. I guess “googling” is not what a future employer may desire in terms of computer experience. Writing is something I love to do, and blogging is a great outlet that lets me be creative while keeping my skills sharp. Yet, I have to actually blog about something ChaCha related. The beauty is that ChaCha represents all things fabulous women can do for themselves and others, so there are endless writing opportunities.

Today’s blog is about how I began searching for the perfect part-time job on Craig’s List and the Atlanta Journal Constitution on line newspaper. This non-existent job incorporates marketing, creativity, public relations, sales and writing. I even looked into non-profit work since my volunteer experience is in that area of expertise. My ideal drive is within 20 miles of my house and my hours are flexible. And, of course, the pay is excellent.

Being a realist, I know this won’t be listed in the classifieds, but I still believe the opportunity is out there, even if I have to create the position myself. ChaCha Girls make their own path in life. Sometimes luck, friends, or a divine intervention push you a certain direction, but ultimately you have to work hard to succeed and create the opportunity.

While Zach Braff playing a doctor on Scrubs makes $350,000 an episode or 7.7 million a year and the women of Desperate Housewives earned $450,000 an episode for 10.1 million a year, I was just hoping to earn enough to pay for a cleaning service and a manicure once a week.

Effective July 24, 2009, the federal minimum wage increased to $7.25 per hour. Some states go as high as $8.25, with Washington state offering the highest of $8.55 an hour. I am fortunate that I don’t have to work and I can raise my children, but there is something for actually wanting to work and making a contribution to society. I didn’t graduate with honors for the heck of it!

P.S. Did you know that I also write poems, roasts, and toasts for birthdays, bridal showers, graduations, retirement, or any fun event that you desire. It is of course done in perfect ChaCha style that will delight you and your guest of honor!

If you have been out of the workforce for more than 10 years and recently re-entered, share your story and win a ChaChaBella ring that screams “Yay Me!” Or, if you need a poem for a special event, contact Suzanne at s@chachabella.com