Monday, December 14, 2009

HOW YOU DOIN'?

It’s turned into a common greeting when we meet someone: “How are you doing?”, or, from around where I come from, as popularized in the Rocky movies: “How you doin’?” Of course, you don’t really want to know how the other person is doing, and they don’t really want to know how you are doing, but we say it anyway, and nod politely if somebody tells us anything but, “Good”, or “OK”.

Well, I’ve been out of work now for over 1 year, and for most of that time, true to the common convention, my response to that greeting has been: “Good; I’m semi-retired now and enjoying my free time reading and writing and dabbling in real estate, and just looking around for that perfect opportunity which would have to drag me kicking and screaming back to the working world.” When, in actuality, I’m not good, I’m unemployed, too depressed to do much reading or writing, real estate sucks, and I would gladly take any job that was offered. I just recently applied for a job as a dog walker, and I am anxiously waiting to hear if I’ve been accepted!

My wife suggested that maybe I should start telling people the truth when they ask how I’m doing, and maybe, just maybe they might be interested or sympathetic, and might be able to help me somehow. So, I tried it, and funny thing, nobody was interested!

Those people who already knew I’ve been out of work for an extended period, don’t ask anymore how I’m doing. I guess they feel funny or are embarrassed for me or for themselves. Those who don’t know, just nod politely and walk away. Nobody has once said: “Maybe I can help”, or “Send me a copy of your resume and I’ll pass it around my company”, or anything like that. Not that I was really surprised, although, looking back, I think I tried to be a little helpful to the less fortunate in those days when I was still working.

Hint: If you know someone who is out of work, don’t be afraid to really ask how they are doing and be a little sympathetic and interested in their plight. Humor them (us). Even if you just throw it away when they are out of sight, offer to take their resume, and keep your eyes and ears open for jobs in your area or company. It’s not fun out here, and it helps to have a little hope and maybe something to hang onto.