Life is difficult at times. I sit here on a couch in the home of my soon-to-be mother-in-law as I type this out. The job search is going nowhere here in upstate New York. My degree is such that I am either entirely over-qualified for a position or completely under-qualified. Anything of value requires special certification to apply for. I can't be a teacher. I can't be a security guard. I can't be a children's worker. According to one site, I'm not even qualified to be a janitor.
A four year, one hundred thousand dollar education, and I can't even scrub skid marks out of a toilet bowl in the men's restroom. What kind of a sick world do we live in? I'm aware that the economy is particularly bad right now and everyone (especially employers) is nervous. But come on! I am supposedly in the top twenty percent of the most highly educated and financially affluent (until recently) state in the modern world and I have been unemployed - with the exception of a week long stint at a furniture store - since graduation. And believe me it hasn't been from a lack of trying. I am applying every single day, whether it be online or in person. Where in the name of Ba'alzamon are all the jobs?
I saw a commercial the other day that made the claim that one in four students drops out before finishing High School. How the hell are these irresponsible, unmotivated little shits finding work and being paid enough to raise a family, while guys with Bachelor's Degrees aren't even allowed to scrub toilets. Did I just waste the past four years of my life? With the very notable exceptions of my wife and my friends, I am tempted to say 'yes'.
And so, I continue to apply to local jobs here in New York, knowing that I will most likely never be called back for an interview - which is a shame, because I interview very, very well. At Jane's insistence, I've begun the process of applying to less conventional workplaces. I recently began drafting a writing sample to send to several Video Game companies in Texas, Canada, and the West Coast. I doubt the chances of my being hired by companies like Bioware, Obsidian, and Lucasarts are much above 0.025% but it can't hurt to try, and the thought of helping to create award winning stories that bring joy to millions of gamers the world over brings a smile to my heart. Jane convinced me to try when I saw that Bioware was looking for writers and the writing sample that they gave me (the one I'm supposed to do my best to emulate) was PATHETIC. I can do better than that. Much better. I'm going to prove to them. Damn it all, I'll show the bastards.
These past few months have taught me things.
First, never doubt how much your family loves you - be they your "real" family, or the family that has adopted you. Their love for you knows no bounds. Draw from it in times of need.
Second, a dog IS man's best. To those of you who doubt, or are "cat people"... May your blade chip and shatter.
Third, the love and devotion of a beautiful woman is to be prized and guarded above all earthly goods, loves, creeds, and causes.
Fourth, one's value MUST NOT be taken solely from the work one does, or the amount of money one brings home. This lesson is especially hard for young men with a more traditionalist upbringing.
Fifth, people WILL betray you. They are like serpents, even the Christian ones. Be ready for it. Show them love. Be polite and helpful. But don't dare trust them an inch. They can cut you to ribbons before you realize what's happened.
Sixth, death comes for us all. It must not be feared, dreaded, or anticipated. Instead, simply embrace it when it finally comes for you - not a moment sooner or later than it should have.
Seventh, Everything Japanese is AWESOME.
Eighth, be proud of your heritage. This is particularly applicable for those of you with Scottish, Irish, and Welsh ancestry. Never forget that the blood of Saints, Warriors, and Kings flows in your veins. Do not hesitate to draw from that wellspring of power. It is deep. And it is strong.
Ninth, don't EVER allow yourself to fall into the trap of the victim. You are a human being. And for all your weakness, frailty, and falleness, there courage, strength, and honor.
Tenth, Robert Downey Jr. is an amazing and hilarious actor. This isn't really that deep or profound... but that doesn't make it any less true.
Eleventh, without Christ, you are hopeless. I honestly don't know how those still in the thrall of the Dark keep going. If I was in their shoes, I would have killed myself by now. Life is hard enough when you HAVE hope. I don't know how people continue to breathe without it.
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