[nabs-l] Stop Blaming the Economy

[Joe]

Yes, the economy could be better, but I have to say it irritates me to hear
people blame the economy for being unemployed. There are lots of jobs out
there. The shortage has more to do with unqualified applicants. Brush up
your skills. Don't be picky about the job you can grab. Prepare a compelling
resume. Be honest at the interview about what you can and cannot do. Think
outside the box, because if the training centers are as phenomenal as people
say, we ought to see more blind people working the fast food circuit. I'm
not saying you should settle for minimum wage for the rest of your life. I'm
not saying you're going to get hired tomorrow if you pound the pavement
according to the suggestions above. I'm not even saying that everything you
find will be easily accessible, but I am saying you need to stop blaming
life for not getting a fair shake in the job market. I met a guy once who
was really ashamed to admit he was working at a Lighthouse, and it pissed me
off to no end because to me what mattered is that he had a job. Eventually
you work your way to the job you really want, work up the corporate ladder,
and you know, you work your ass off to get there just like everyone else,
blind or sighted. Figure out your weaknesses and make it your full-time job
to strengthen them, whether it's screen reader proficiency, Excel, Word,
whatever. But, for crying out loud, stop blaming the damn economy, because
if you wait for a perfect economic state, you'll still be looking for a job
when you kick the bucket.

Joe