Deadlines

Deadlines - We all have them in some shape or form. We can not go on endlessly without an end in sight. When there is no light at the end of the tunnel, most of us become disinterested and/or slight deflated.

Just for a moment, let's go back to the groundhog celebrations. Even in warm climates, winter is dark with much less sunshine. When the groundhog steps out of his/her hole to predict the weather (almost as good as Tom Sklling), we know there is an end in sight. It's only six more weeks of winter and for the most part, winter is dwindling. Spring is on its way. The groundhog sees the light at the end of the tunnel.

In my long illustrious career, I once worked with a gentleman who explained deadlines to me. When you hit the end of the line and you are not prepared with your project, you are dead! It was that simple! I am very proud to say, I met everyone of those deadlines prepared and with a job well done. This gentleman and I understood each other and enjoyed a great working relationship.

Also, during my career, I worked with another gentleman who by nature was a procrastinator. Oh what a procrastinator. He gave the word new meaning. Each and every time we had something due to the client, he would scurry, then in turn, the entire office would scurry to finish the product by the end of the day - usually 6:00 PM. The 6:00PM deadline was set because that was the last Federal Express pickup for the day. (For good reason, we never told him about the 7:00 PM deadline at another office complex. ) At least one day a week, the office played "beat the clock." Each of us in our own way would try to prod him along the path. It was to no avail. It was what is was.

Personally, I live by the clock and the calendar. Alright, I can be anal. When I say I will meet you at 8:00 AM, I am usually there at 7:50 AM. Then I stand there tapping my feet, wondering why someone is so late when they arrive 8:05 AM. Over the years, I have realized my flaw and am always working on patience. I still usually arrive early.

The calendar rules my life as well. When I set a date for completion, I am usually on-time or most likely early. Rarely, do I set a time goal and not accomplish it.

Well, I have failed! When I was downsized in early November, my goal for re-employment was mid-February. Let me correct that. My first optimistic goal for re-employment was December. That came and went very quickly. My friend, Sweet Potato, and I discussed a more realistic date of mid-February. Next week is mid-February and I am no closer to employment than I was in early November.

Believe me, I am disappointed on many levels. While my "martha" activities have been fun and somewhat rewarding, they don't pay the bills. Each and every day, like millions of other Americans, my new job is to find a job. It is that single one thought that we focus on daily. Even the procrastinators are setting up artificial deadlines for re-employment.

It is my guess that the unemployed are asking themselves two questions:

1. Is it me? or the marketplace?
2. Where oh where is the groundhog for unemployment? He could tell us only 6 more weeks of unemployment.

MOM