Where has all the talent gone?

As serious scribes are well aware, writing takes time, effort, and skill -- as do most interests.  But while a stamp collector, for example, can get by with minimal knowledge on the subject, simply acquiring philatelic wares which catch his or her eye, writers must have focus, direction, and ability.  Training is helpful, too.  I certainly credit my own years in journalism school for providing me with much-needed feedback and guidance, not to mention a forum of preparation for future career endeavors.  But with the advent of self-publishing auspices, whether online or otherwise, genuine talent is not necessarily a criteria for writing and publishing.  Anyone who wishes to do so can with the simple click of a button on a mouse.

But while some bloggers/self-publishers possess legitimate skill and deserve a forum in which to exhibit their talent, others are foisting unpolished written product on the public with neither ability nor respect for the rules of grammar to which serious writers adhere.  I personally believe that anyone who spends the time and effort to compose an article, poem or any other written work should be applauded for the attempt as practice is a prerequisite for talent acquisition.  But there are some who believe that the less gifted who self-publish make the craft and the forum seem a little less legitimate. But should amateur writers, regardless of ability, really be discouraged from exhibiting enthusiastic creativity and developing fledgling skill?  Who amongst us has the right to judge the talent level of self-publishers?  And should professionals not embrace the technology of new media and its energetic participants?  Or are we content to remain in a strident, almost snobbish rut?

This point was reiterated in Mathew Ingram's 2012 article, Publishing is no Longer a Job or an Industry -- It's a Button (http://gigaom.com/2012/04/09/publishing-is-no-longer-a-job-or-an-industry-its-a-button/).  Commenting on author Clay Shirkey's assertion that publishing as an industry may very well be dying a slow death due, in part, to amateur writers and online publishing auspices, Ingram doesn't necessarily agree.  Rather, he believes that professionals in the industry need to focus less on stringency and more on skilled service in an effort to distinguish themselves from non-industry writers and editors.  Editing, proofreading, fact-checking, and research remain as in-demand skills for all writers.  Ingram also believes that professionals need to acknowledge the accomplishments of their counterparts in the alternate publishing world, pointing out the success of the self-published Amanda Hocking, who recently garnered over $2 million dollars in revenue utilizing Amazon's Kindle as a platform.  Ingram also cites the success of John Locke, another do-it-yourself publisher, who has moved over a million units of his written wares.  Ingram's observations are certainly on-point with current trend and his advice is undeniably sensible, but it may not do much to boost the esteem of skilled writers and publishers who have spent years honing their skills, many in a professional environs.

So, where has all the talent gone?  Skilled writers will always remain and they'll always find a way to publish.  And the good news for the gifted is the aforementioned online and self-publishing auspices.  Ingram is correct in his assertion that we need to roll with the times and embrace new mediums and burgeoning talent, regardless of the source.  Technology is opportunity and opportunity should be widespread.  The last thing writers need is to revert to the days of the typewriter, the printing press, and narcissistic isolationism.  Sure, online and self-publishing forums are available to all, but the inclusion of eager amateurs doesn't mean the exclusion of those with the genuine gift of writing or the professional credentials to back up these skills.  Rather, it provides greater opportunities for everyone and ensures that publishing, regardless of its platform or participants, will never perish.

The Return of the Pensive Proofreader

The Pensive Proofreader is back... and armed with an array of editorially oriented adventures!

*     *      *

 

Okay, so maybe my proofreading life isn't all that exciting, but I have been working in the corporate world for roughly 1-1/2 years now, which is why I haven't been blogging very much.  My days are full to overflowing and my commute is a lengthy one -- roughly two hours door-to-door.  But thanks to my trusty iPhone, I'm able to pass the time in a productive/semi-productive fashion.  I pay bills, send email, read newspapers, spend quality time on social media, and keep the pace with multiple Words with Friends matches (a given for a wordsmith such as myself), all from the comfort of my very own smart phone.  Technology -- it's such a boredom-alleviating gift.

Which brings me to the return of The Pensive Proofreader.  As much as I enjoy my work (and I do enjoy it), I sometimes feel stuck in a rut with the daily grind of editing and expediting my wares to an anxiously awaiting clientele.  So what's a pensive proofreader to do when they're in the doldrums?  Technology to the rescue. of course!  So, the plan is to begin blogging on my laptop on the weekends again.  I don't believe my smart phone would be very serviceable for blogging purposes, not to mention that public transportation tends not to lend itself to the serenity writers require as part of the creative process.  In any case, I'm back on track again and I'm looking forward to journaling the world as I see it.  Join me on my online journey.

 

Better Late Than Never

I really need to stop the random Google searches on names from the past.  Sometimes, you're better off not knowing what's become of old friends, long-lost neighbors, and former co-workers.  I found this out the hard way when -- partly out of curiosity and strictly out of boredom -- I recently Google'd the name of a former colleague with whom I'd lost touch a few years ago.  I hadn't seen Lenny since 2008 when he was laid off from the proofreading job in which he took fierce pride.  After the layoff, we kept in occasional touch, primarily by swapping holiday cards.  Last I'd heard, Lenny had been diagnosed with cancer, probably about two years ago, but I'd been told by another former co-worker that, for the most part, he was holding his own.  A health supplements enthusiast and a feisty former Brooklynite, Lenny was the ultimate survivor, so I just knew he could spit in the face of cancer.  He wasn't going anywhere.  He'd be fine.  That's what I thought, anyway...

But cancer spit back and Lenny passed away last December at the age of 74.  Having lost touch with the one former colleague closest to Lenny, I remained unaware of his passing until today when I randomly Google'd his name for an update.  I didn't expect to find much of anything when I initially keyed his name into the search engine, but there was his obituary right before my eyes.  And what followed was an incredible sadness... followed by a rash of respect and admiration.  The Lenny I knew was a solid proofreader who always showed up to work on time, ready to tackle the day with determination as well as whatever job was placed before him.  A cantankerous curmudgeon through and through, he was always primed for battle with any publisher, typesetter or graphic designer who dared disagree with his professional assessments.  Clutching his ballpoint pen, Lenny boldly confronted any number of colleagues, and when things didn't go his way, he simply dismissed it all with a decidedly declarative "To hell with it!"  No standard red proofreader's marker was ever found on Lenny's spotless desk.  He couldn't be bothered, so he stuck with his black ballpoint pen with a vengeance.  Occasionally, he clashed with management, and while I didn't always agree with his stance on certain departmental issues, I had to admire his unabashed zeal in stating his case, as well as the unmistakable pride he took in his proofreading -- a profession he continued in until his early 70s.

But Lenny was so much more than just a proofreader.  He was also a devoted husband and loving parent.  He frequently spoke with love, affection, and fatherly concern about his grown children, who were clearly an integral part of his life.  As for his better half, it just so happened that Lenny and his wife had the good fortune to work at the same firm (albeit in separate departments), so they commuted to work together, took their lunch at the same time, and drove home in each other's company.  Some spouses might have found it tiresome to see so much of their partner during the day, but Lenny's first priority was his wife and his wife's first priority was Lenny, so too much togetherness was never an issue for this loving couple who married in 1958 and would stay together until the final day of Lenny's life in 2010. 

When I first began writing this blog entry,  I was initially experiencing some remorse over Googling Lenny's name and learning of his fate in such a removed, behind-the-keyboard manner.  But in retrospect, I'm glad I took the time for a keyword search.  Granted, it's nearly a year after Lenny's passing, but as the old saying goes, better late than never, so it's time for a tribute to this very deserving man.  So, I'm grateful that that Google search has given me an opportunity to reflect on the life of this fine, feisty gentleman.  It's allowed me to express written appreciation for a person who was once an important part of my life.  It's also given me the chance to continue to value those who remain part of my living cast of characters.  And it's finally time for a very fond farewell...

Love you, Lenny, and I'll never forget you.  Ever.

All Caps Madness

I have a confession to make.  I print in all caps.  It's a terrible habit for someone with my academic and professional background to have, not to mention it's a direct violation of the sensible rules of punctuation.  Yet I continue to persist in this style of scribing.  I certainly would never type in all caps for fear of offending the recipient(s) with what could be considered an angry or hostile tone in an email or letter.  However, this concern does not carry over to handwritten missives.  So why the distinction between the two?  And why do I continue to write in all caps knowing that it's incorrect to do so?

The short, simple response is that I just don't have answers.  Stylistically, I guess I'm guilty of attempting to emulate the printing of my late father, who possessed some background in drafting, tirelessly served in an electrical engineering capacity for close to forty years prior to his retirement.  His printing was perfect -- extraordinarily neat, extremely organized, and just plain effortless.  His brother -- a former civil engineer -- possessed nearly identical printing, so either their scribing abilities ran in their family, it's an engineering/drafting thing or perhaps it's a combination of both.  In any event, the reality is that I'm not nearly as blessed in my own printing capabilities, and my all caps style -- though legible -- is not nearly as polished as my father's or uncle's printing.  So why am I bothering?

On rare occasions when I actually do adhere to the traditional rules of style, my printing isn't awful.  It's easy enough to decipher, and is -- to my eye, anyway -- far from chicken scratch.  But it isn't close to copperplate and it seems to lack an identity.  It's not pretty, it isn't messy, but it doesn't seem to stand out much stylistically.  So perhaps the issue is one of handwriting identity.  It's possible that my all caps printing is an attempt to distinguish my handwriting from others.  But it still begs the question as to why I'm continuing to break punctuation's rules of proprietary when, of all people, I should know better. Call me a rebel, if you will.

The handwriting identity issue, however, is an interesting one to ponder and I've now come to realize that there may be a method to my all caps madness after all.  I'm making a statement with my handwriting and I didn't even know it.  But it really is all about personal branding.  It's about conveying messages through handwriting which express care and concern.  When a scribe takes the time to painstakingly print nicely, neatly, and orderly on any given document as opposed to just scribbling in rapid-fire fashion to get whatever message across, it says something about the person behind the print.  Our handwriting is who we are as well as the message we convey, so if we take pride in ourselves, it follows that we should take pride in that which we write by hand. 

I recently went on a job interview for a proofreading position.  It was a rare opportunity as regular, full-time proofreading jobs are few and far between, not to mention that the hiring company was located a very brief car ride away.  During the interview, I submitted to a proofreading test, which usually isn't an issue for me.  The test certainly seemed straightforward enough, but I later learned that my final score, while certainly respectable, could've been even better.  This, in turn, caused me to wonder if perhaps my all caps scribing style had something to do with the scoring.  I know I've been guilty of this sin in the past at my previous proofreading jobs.  After all, what right do I have as a proofreader to indicate that a capitalized letter needs to be converted to a lower-case -- or vice versa -- if my own printing defies the basic rules of the English language?  In such situations, it has to be confusing for the typesetter or graphic artist charged with making corrections to any document I pass along, so going forward, I have vowed to follow the standard rules of spelling, grammar, and punctuation in a professional setting for everyone's sake -- especially my own.  But on my own time, it's all about me and my handwriting brand.

When Bad Copyediting Happens to Bad Copyeditors

I recently received this very appropriate forward via email which definitely seems worth sharing with this audience, although this is more the work of slip-shoddy copyediting rather than poor proofreading:

Proofreading is a dying art, wouldn't  you say? 
Man Kills Self Before Shooting Wife and Daughter  This one I caught in the SGV Tribune the other day and called the Editorial Room and asked who wrote this.  It took two or three readings before the editor realized that what he was reading was impossible!!!  They put in a correction the next day.     I just couldn't help but sending this along. Too funny.  

Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says    Ya think?  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers          Now that's taking things a bit far!    ----------------------------------------------------------- 

Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over          What a guy!     ---------------------------------------------------------------  

Miners Refuse to Work after Death   No-good-for-nothing' lazy so-and-so's!  ---------------------- --------------------------------   

Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant   See if that works any better than a fair trial!   ----------------------------------------------------------  

War Dims Hope for Peace    I can see where it might have that effect!   ----------------------------------------------------------------  

 If Strike Isn't Settled Quickly, It May Last Awhile     Ya think?!  -----------------------------------------------------------------------  

Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures         Who would have thought!   ---------------------------------------------------------------- 

Enfield (  London ) Couple Slain; Police Suspect Homicide  

They may be on to something!  ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges         You mean there's something stronger than duct tape? 
 ---------------------------------------------------------- 

Man Struck By Lightning: Faces  BatteryCharge        He probably IS the battery charge!  ----------------------------------------------  

New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group   Weren't they fat enough?!  -----------------------------------------------  

Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in Spacecraft   That's what he gets for eating those beans!    -------------------------------------------------

Kids Make Nutritious Snacks          Do they taste like chicken? **************************************** 

   Local   High School Dropouts Cut in Half          Chainsaw Massacre all over again!   *************************************************** 

Hospitals are Sued by 7 Foot Doctors          Boy, are they tall!  *******************************************   

And the winner is....   Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead    
     Did I read that right? 

Staying Motivated

This is for all the lonely job-seekers out there...

It's so important to stay motivated while searching for a job.  It's also incredibly difficult, given the current job market.  Certainly, I've had days rife with discouragement where it's a struggle to send out resumes, knowing that most of them will be immediately deleted from someone's inbox before they're seriously scrutinized.  It's not personal, and it isn't because I'm unqualified.  It's simply that competition is extraordinarily tight, and as good as the credentials on any given resume may be, there's always going to be someone out there whose credentials are even more impressive.  It's an employer's market these days and hiring companies have a range of quality job candidates from which to select.  So how does one stay motivated when it feels like you've been forgotten by the world?  It isn't easy, but it really is crucial to stay in a proper, professional frame of mind.

A positive attitude can carry a job-seeker far.  I know this from personal experience.  When I was laid off in 2008 from a proofreading position that I'd held at a midsize firm for nearly 3-1/2 years, it was en masse, as I was joined by roughly 40-plus of my fellow employees.  As we received our respective pink slips and glumly exited the premises, one of the IT guys -- who'd just lost his job -- called out above the crowd and proclaimed, "Remember, when a door closes, a window opens!"  It was a simple cliche, but it needed to be said and it immediately changed the mood in the room for the better.  We were still shell-shocked about the loss of employment, but we were better able to cope, as we had been given the priceless gifts of hope and comfort.  And this guy really did practice what he preached because he kept a positive attitude all throughout his job search and was the first in our layoff group to find work six weeks later.

Now I'm sure you're thinking that the IT guy had all the right credentials, and since there's a constant demand in the IT industry for qualified folk, he wasn't in any long-term danger of remaining unemployed.  But the truth of the matter is that this man does not have a Bachelor's degree.  He has years of experience, but lacks the educational validation.  But ultimately, the education issue was moot point as his best credential was -- and still is -- his positive attitude.  He has an unwavering belief in himself that he can find work, do the work, and do it well.  And he does, which is why his job search was both successful and short-lived. 

What is your coping mechanism?  If you're unemployed and discouraged about the job-search (and it's easy to be distressed), what has helped you deal with the reality of unemployment?  Or are you still searching for a way to stay motivated?  For me, the real lifesaver has been this blog.  It provides me with a sense of accomplishment, gives me a daily sense of purpose, and it's definitely a good thing to have on a resume.  It's a practical, economical pursuit as it helps keep my writing skills sharp and the only cost is the internet connectivity, which I need in any event so I can search for work and email those resumes -- a positive frame of mind fully intact.

Pressure's On!

It's not easy being the scribe of The Pensive Proofreader.  While I started this blog with the greatest confidence as a commentary on the state of proofreading and all things editorial, the truth of the matter is that I'm constantly in a nervous sweat that there may be errors in my own copy.  Obviously, this is not acceptable.  What's more, what right do I have to point out the proofreading shortcomings of others if my own copy contains the occasional mistake here and there?       

   
It's every proofreader's nightmare.  However, it's also every proofreader's reality.  As difficult as it is to accept, we must embrace the simple fact that we are all human beings with both the potential and probability to err.  It's going to happen, and when it does, hopefully the damage will be minimal.  It may even go unnoticed for awhile.  But when we slip up and the error is eventually sighted (by others, not ourselves), the repercussions can be harsh, irreversible, and potentially career-damaging.  A misspelled word or name, a missing logo or an inaccuracy of any kind can earn us an unwanted one-way ticket to the end of the unemployment line, our dignity destroyed, our professional credibility shaken, and our confidence shattered.        

Proofreading is a unique profession.  There isn't much of a safety net, especially if you're the sole proofreader on the team, and the pressure to produce perfect copy can be intense.  It's somewhat akin to being a goaltender on a hockey team where the position tends to be less about the physical game and more about the mental game.  It's not about how you do something, but rather, what you do, what you see, and what you correct and clarify.  A proper frame of mind is critical.  Proofreaders, same as goalies, must retain mental focus and concentrate intensely on that which surrounds them.  The slightest distraction, be it physical, natural, reactionary or entirely unintentional, can disrupt the proofreading process, throwing it into complete chaos. 

What's a proofreader to do?  We've all been disrupted by the call of nature, a ringing telephone or a litany of assorted distractions which dare threaten the sanctity of our focus.  Unfortunately, there are no easy answers.  Spell checkers, of course, are helpful to weed out certain errors, but we can't trust them to catch everything.  It's our job.  So what we're left with is our focus, our sound judgment, and our common sense.  We must employ these not-so-secret weapons all throughout the process without fail.  Or in other words, in the end all we have is ourselves and the tools with which we started the job, along with our stalwart determination to persevere in our quest for quality proofreading.   

Freelance, Schmreelance

Why can't I get excited over freelancing?  I know it's a perfectly respectable way to make money, yet I continue to shun the very notion of applying for -- or accepting -- a freelance proofreading assignment.  Maybe it's the seeming lack of commitment on the part of hiring companies.  Or maybe it's the lack of long-term commitment on the part of the party who accepts freelance assignments.  Or maybe I just have a bad attitude in general regarding freelancing.  I don't know.  Personally, I prefer the permanence of a regular, full-time job.  It probably has to do with the fact that I enjoy structure, routine, working in an office, socializing on a professional level, et cetera.  But for some, freelancing lacks an anchor they don't wish to be weighed down with and allows for flexible scheduling around other pursuits.

Having never freelanced, I'm really in no position to pass judgment.  So, I figured if I'm going to write about freelancing, I may as well research it first.  So I jumped on Google and (to quote my buddy, Margaret) went "in search of" articles on freelancing and the apparent joys thereof.  My first stop was at http://www.wahm.com/, a website for mothers who work from home while raising terrific tykes, teenage terrors, and everything in-between.  According to their article, An Introduction to Freelance Proofreading Jobs, business is booming for proofreading freelancers.  Proofreaders who work at a good clip can earn up to $20 an hour, your working hours are flexible, and you're more or less the captain of your own ship -- unless your client deems that you must walk the plank for whatever reason.  The downside of freelancing is covered as well, which only seems fair.  Proofreading freelancers must constantly work their own public relations by getting out there and selling themselves, usually as cheaply as possible.  Benefits aren't part of the package, and there's also the business end of freelancing which entails bookkeeping and administrative chores.  I would assume that most proofreaders are people such as myself who tend to be more creative than mathematical, and for whom the logistics of accountancy would be a minor nightmare.

Jan K., author of So You Think You Want to be a Freelance Proofreader, shoots that aforementioned theory to complete hell on http://www.absolutewrite.com/ by unintentionally sliding into the freelance life when she doesn't win the lottery and lands an assignment which requires a combination of accountancy and proofreading know-how.  Fortunately, Jan K. possesses the skill set, having served in the corporate world for well over twenty years when circumstances conspire to send her in a different professional direction rather than the regular, full-time world that she knew so well and for so very long.  She begins her accidental freelance career by signing with a temp agency for a gig with a firm which lasts for nearly a year until she and her husband decide to relocate.  She continues to freelance off-site for that same firm, and eventually builds a freelance client base by simply shopping her talents and expertise around.  It's an approach that she recommends to anyone considering freelance proofreading.  She encourages proofing wannabes to take stock of their surroundings and scan out proofreading possibilities in their immediate area with the help of a little shameless self-promotion.  Websites, business cards, and brochures are her weapons of choice amongst other things, and she believes they should be yours, too.  Patience -- that elusive virtue I'm desperately attempting to master -- is also key.  Jan K. counsels fledgling freelancers to be prepared to wait... to build up a client base... for paychecks... and patiently between assignments when things are slow until the next freelance opportunity turns up.

I am less impressed with the advice I receive at my next stop at http://www.ecopywritingjobs.com/.  Their article, Freelance Proofreading Jobs: The Big Secrets of Sucess immediately rubs me the wrong way as Sucess is misspelled.  How can a proofreader -- or anyone writing an article on proofreading -- expect to be successful if they can't spell Success?  Since spelling is an issue, therefore compromising their professional credibility, I really can't be bothered much with the article.  I understand that proofreaders are human beings and typos are an unfortunate part of the process on occasions very few and far between, but a titular misspelling is unacceptable.  Perhaps the author would've been more successful as a proofreader if he/she had actually proofread their own work prior to publishing it online.  Oh well.  The article does offer some advice on finding freelance work through websites such as guru.com, elance.com, and odesk.com.  I have not yet paid these sites a visit, so I'll reserve comment for the time being.

In my Google travels on freelance proofreading, I have come to learn a few things.  Not all proofreaders are created equal, not all proofreaders should freelance, and some proofreaders shouldn't proofread at all.  As for my own position on freelance proofreading, I'm starting to reconsider.  Maybe someday I'll wade into the freelance pool, but for now, I still think I'd rather swim in the regular, full-time sea.

"In Search Of..."

Whenever my buddy, Margaret, is trying to find something, she usually prefaces her hunt by muttering, "In search of..." and then her voice trails off until she locates the missing item.  In my quest to find gainful employment, I'm starting to think that maybe I should do the same, especially if it'll bring me closer to the job I really want.  Whatever works, right?  Or maybe not.

Prevailing job-search wisdom dictates the following:

• Never apply for a job for which you're unqualified -- under any circumstances.  The unpleasant reality is that this is a waste of everyone's time, especially in a tight job market where even the qualified are struggling to stand out.
• Resumes should always be professional, detailed (without going overboard), organized, and compelling.  If your resume writing skills are lacking, hire a professional or find a talented friend/family member to help you out free of charge.
• Generic cover letters and/or overly personalized cover letters are a no-no.  In other words, no blatant form letters or missives which wax enthusiastically on your love for skiing unless you're applying for a slope instructor position in Vail, Colorado.
• Do not talk money upfront unless a salary request is included in the classified ad.  Ever.
• Kindly refrain from showing up uninvited at the front door of a company which may or may not be hiring -- unless you already have an appointment.  No one likes unexpected company, so do yourself a favor and don't be that person.

And my personal favorite:

• All resumes and cover letters must be thoroughly proofread prior to being sent.

So I'm following the rules with an absolute vengeance, and have netted one interview after almost two weeks of hardcore job-searching.  Considering the current job market, I'm probably doing quite well, response-wise.  Proofreading is a notoriously difficult profession to break into, and because it's so niche-oriented, jobs are scarce.  Fortunately, I have options with respect to the range of jobs for which I can apply.  My undergraduate degree is in journalism, so I'm qualified for myriad positions including copywriting, copyediting, public relations, marketing communications, et cetera.  I also possess secretarial skills, which have come in handy during times of professional hardship, so I am certainly not averse to accepting an administrative position.  After all, it's honest work which pays a decent wage, and while I'd prefer a position more in line with my academic achievements and professional goals, it's important to be practical and remain flexible in today's topsy-turvy job market.  So while I'm always proud to proofread, I'm equally proud to accept any position for which I'm qualified which will enable me to continue paying my own way -- with my head held high and my dignity firmly intact.

The Reality Check is in the Mail

Nearly two weeks ago, I was laid off from my job as a proofreader at a large firm in the Tri-State area -- which shall remain nameless.  Ever since I began my "enforced vacation", as I like to call it, I have ceaselessly scanned the classified ads, searching daily and diligently for gainful employment.  I spend hours on Monster, Mediabistro, and Indeed -- just to name a few sites.  I compose cover letters, I continuously polish my resume, and I work hard at staying positive -- default smile firmly on my face.  So far, my efforts have yielded the following fruit: four rejection emails, countless ignored CVs/cover letters, a minor online back-and-forth with a chronic Craigslist complainer who likes to place rant ads in amongst the classifieds, and... one interview pending.  So the news is not all bad, although it could be better.

I have come to learn that unemployment and patience go hand-in-hand.  I must wait until new classified ads are posted, I must wait for a response to my resume, I must wait to see if I'll be invited for an interview, I must wait to see if I'll be hired post-interview, et cetera, et cetera.  So lots of time is spent in limbo, but with patience being the virtue it supposedly is, I'll assume only good things can come about as a result.  One waiting game which has not been particularly beneficial, however, has to do with my final paycheck from my former firm.  I have been assured that "the check is in the mail", and I'm sure it is.  I don't question the company's honor in the slightest.  However, whatever virtue I'm allegedly acquiring from waiting for these funds isn't helping to buy groceries, make my monthly car payment or satisfy other bills which need to be paid. 

While I wait to learn my fate in the working world (as well as the whereabouts of the aforementioned paycheck), I spend time reading online articles and blogs on the unemployment crisis and how to cope.  I'm counseled to exercise, pursue home-based projects, take up new hobbies, engage in free activities in the community, and to volunteer.  All good suggestions, so in the spirit of spending quality time in post-layoff reality, I trudge to my local boardwalk for daily seaside constitutionals.  I get on a fall cleaning kick and empty my pigsty bedroom.  A longtime vegetarian, I am now attempting a vegan diet and spend many mealtimes trying out new recipes.  A rabid craftsperson, I've decided I'd like to learn to knit, and I am also considering volunteering my time at a local thrift shop.  So I fill my days with resume-expediting, cleaning, crafting, and above all... patience.