The Fighting Men of the U.S. Merchant Marine

As many of you realize, the holiday season can be a boost to your career search with a fresh new look at things entering the new year or it can be a down time, especially if you have no new opportunities in the coming months for those without jobs. I have had several conversations with former friends and colleagues recently that are struggling in this job market. It seems many are finding out that the recruiters and HR personnel are real bad at getting back to the candidates. There was always some of this, but it seems more and more are experiencing a lack of professional courtesy these days. In my part time job of officiating basketball games, we are experiencing a rash of technical (T's) fouls lately. It seems this year the T's have increased by over 30%. Believe this or not, but some are blaming this on the economy. The stress of the day to day grind is affecting the temperament of coaches, parents and players. Stress levels are high and if you are out of work and have been for awhile, that stress level can be very high. At these times we have to dig down and come out fighting in a good way. Start attacking your network again. Making calls and sending emails to everyone and anyone. Let them know that you are still out there looking for a job. The job boards, such as this one, are good up to a point but you need to make that personal contact and get the interview. The face to face is critical. You must recommit yourself to the effort of getting motivated and staying motivated. It is time to be a warrior in the job market. As was said many times in the merchant marines during WWII, "Damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead!" That is where we are. Full steam ahead.