2014-04-20 – “Congratulate Steve on his new job!” was the message that LinkedIn sent out to all my connections when I updated my profile to reflect the fact that I had actually lost my job.

The reason for the backwards announcement was that, instead of listing nothing as my current employment, I listed myself as a Senior Consultant of a firm called 809 Financial Education. I probably could have listed “Unemployed” as my current job and LinkedIn would still have sent out the Congratulate Steve message.

I got a lot of congratulations, for which I am very grateful.

Now 809 Financial Education is not entirely fictitious. My plan is to take in odd jobs while I’m looking for a steady gig. I created a website so freelance employers would have something to look at. I’ve posted my resume and some writing samples (you can find a link there that will bring you back to this blog). I also have a blog there for professional articles. You probably can guess where the name for my new site came from.

I’ve been out of work for a month now. I’ve already had two jobs and promises of more. Folks who preceded me in leaving my old employer (the “diaspora”) have been very encouraging. Some think I would do better to make 809 Financial Education my real job. I see a real possibility in that, but for now I am looking both for full time work and for freelance.

I have been reluctant to write about being unemployed in this blog. I have so much to write here that I don’t want to turn this space into boo-hooing over my plight.

To be sure, there has been some boo-hooing. Losing your job is a miserable experience. And looking for work is full-time and there’s not much feedback when you send out a resume or fill out an online application.

But it is finally Spring in Chicago. It will be in the 70s today and we’ll go for a walk in the country. And Monday, it’s back to the job hunt. I have a few meetings with old friends to do the networking thing. Everyone has been very helpful. And I have a freelance job that I’ll be finishing and another one coming in.

If you know anyone looking for a … whatever … just let me know.

That’s the last I have to say about this until LinkedIn sends out the next “Congratulate Steve On His New Job!” message.