Job Fair - Take Two

Yesterday saw the scheduled Job Fair . The necessary personal preparations were made and we were off , Mapquest directions firmly in hand . Murphy's Law dictates a glitch when least expected and , true to form , I seem to have zigged when zagging was called for . I still find it amazing and heartwarming when strangers rise to the occasion and offer help . A wonderful lady at a bank there gave me wonderful directions and encouragement , insuring a timely arrival . What greeted my eyes looked for all the world like a giant ant's nest , thoroughly stirred up ! We were directed to a giant parking lot , where a line of buses waited to ferry us to the meeting site . Chaos reigned for the first thirty minutes , until reason prevailed and order was restored . The problem , you see , was the very same one encountered by the Library for the initial prep meeting for this event...they had vastly underestimated the response ! Five thousand people had responded and they were hard pressed to deal with us all . It would be with vast relief that the fifty vendors would finally stop smiling and talking , at the end of their day .
I had realized this would offer no hope of employment for me , but went to "get my feet wet " in this beginning stage of looking for work . Somehow , attending the Job Fair gave a far clearer view of the true unemployment picture...one not likely to make the evening news . It was explained to me that the stock market and unemployment figures have little to do with our current situation . Many folks who are unemployed are no longer reflected in the statistics...their benefits have run out or they're in training for a new hoped-for career or they never went to Unemployment in the first place . The numbers to watch , boys and girls , are those that indicate job openings . You see , right now , there are at least six people for each job that is available ! Until there are more jobs , there will not be less unemployment .
There was an article in a local paper that reported on another path out of this mess . Several folks who wanted to start up businesses stumbled onto a novel solution . In these unsettled times , banks don't want to repeat past mistakes (!) , and lend unsecured money . Realizing their plight , these resourceful people went to friends and family for their funding . Each "angel " loaned a small amount , the businesses are growing and successful , and the loans are already being paid
back ! This is pioneer spirit in action ! The solution isn't just to "pull yourself up by your bootstraps " , but while you're down there , reach over and help your neighbor with hers !
We are a truly unique country . Yes , opportunities abound , but what our enemies miss , is our heart . When that is combined with those opportunities and resourcefulness , they can't hold us down for long !
P.S. - Against all odds , I did finally find my car in that vast parking lot !