Pissed Opportunity

So I've been trying to find a job.

I have no grand career plans.  Those days are far behind.  I just want to work somewhere with benefits.

When you are self-employed (or self-unemployed), insurance is ridiculously expensive.  Like as much as a small new sedan per year. Seriously.

This may ease a bit in 2014, or it may not - depending on the election.

I applied last week for a job at an employer with whom I have a long and positive history as a donor (in better days) and as a part-time employee (with great reviews).  The base salary is in the low 30s and coverage for my family would be about $500 a month out-of-pocket. True, I am over-qualified, but I would work so hard.  And I would be better than someone who is 25 and will leave in a couple of years.  I'm here to stay.  Not going anywhere. Want to work.

Guess what?

I didn't even get a phone interview.

The Reciprocity Problem

Last month, someone did something very kind for our family.

I'm afraid if I give too many details, I might jeopardize my anonymity.  But I will reveal that a highly skilled professional discounted services of close to $300.00 down to $75.00. This individual knows we're having trouble, and just helped. Out of kindness.

I know that many compassionate people do nice things with no expectation of gaining anything in return. This is absolutely the case with last month's bounty.

Maybe it's just the way I was raised, but I want to do something nice in return.  In the Good Old Days, I'd have dropped by a nice bottle of wine or sent flowers. Or simply told the individual, "Don't be silly! We can handle this."

I don't have any skills with which to barter.  I'd offer to admin the FB page, but I'm not particularly tech-literate.

Next time I have spare baking supplies, I suppose I'll take food (although this person is extremely health-conscious and might not appreciate luscious goodies.

If any of you have any ideas - other than writing a great review and sending waves of positivity - please let me know in a comment.