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

I am guilty.

I have wasted more than a few hours of my life watching infomercials, and even more time, researching some of those products online. Yes, I did make a purchase (or two) but I had very valid reasons. My face was feeling tired and I needed a miracle lift that their products promised to deliver. In addition, my wooden floors needed to be super steam cleaned to prove that I was a worthy housekeeper. Who says that you and your home can’t be beautiful at the same time?
If you have ever indulged in watching the infomercial, you know you must act fast for either the extra special give-a-way or the super payment plan. I am smart enough to know that if I purchase the product days from now, it will still be honored, but it keeps flashing on the bottom of the screen that this is only a limited time offer, which definitely hastened my purchase.

Now, I am not going to reveal which skincare line I bought, but I had to watch several different famous and beautiful models tell their secrets before I made my intelligent decision. After googling all the choices and reading real user comments, it appears that each had their positive and negative statements, so I went with the best price package. I was happy with my selection but not enough to purchase again, and I think the over-the- counter products are just as successful. Perhaps, I should wait for the gift with purchases from the department stores to entice me next time. I am a true sucker!

Can you even imagine if ChaChaBella rings were on an infomercial? By the end of the show, you would have ordered the 5 must have rings to mix and match with every possible color combination outfit. The models and rings would be so dazzling that you just couldn’t decide and the super package price would have made you dizzy! Oh, if there was a “gift with purchase” special, ChaChaGirls would rejoice with “Yay Me!”

If you have ever made an infomercial purchase on something life-changing, let me know so I can check it out, and if you want to know my 5 must have rings….I am happy to share. But, respond fast, as I have a super secret blog special if you are one of the first 10 responders!

Suzanne Taylor at s@chachabella.com
Blog contributor