Hm. Well, apparently roustabouts do manual labor, and that’s not me. It’s also a movie starring Elvis, which I wish was me. Really, I am just unemployed. But roustabout sounded better.
This post isn’t about me begging and pleading you to ring up your contacts and find me a job, though (mostly because I’ve already done that, several times). I’m just here to tell you, as some unrelated campaigns have recently reminded us, it gets better.
Okay, I can’t say I speak from experience. It’s not like I have a job yet. I barely even have job prospects. And I know what you’re thinking: if this super awesome, bestselling, energetic, spunky, and oddly attractive young woman can’t find a job, what does that say about our economy (you were totally thinking that, right?)?
It’s a tough time for education and the arts, no doubt. When I visit my usual job banks in the arts and culture field, it gets me legitimately bummed out to see that most of the positions are fundraising. The only jobs many arts and culture organizations can afford to fill right now are jobs that will directly lead to more money. That is sad. But, on the plus side, they are still hiring. They’re not going down without a fight. And if you ask me, they’re not going down, period.
It’s a rough time to be a job-searcher, but it may be an even more difficult time to be an employer. I’d love to work for a local theater, or educational non-profit, or arts organization. But just because none of the places I want to work seem to be hiring, it doesn’t mean I love them any less. I try to bolster up the organizations I am passionate about however I can. I attend events, retweet their updates, and donate my time and money whenever possible. I’m not too cool to file paperwork or do database entry. And it gives me work experience, in the meantime!
So when I say it gets better, I mean we can make it better. Let’s shift from kvetching that our favorite organizations can’t help us to trying to help them. When they’re back and better than ever (and again, I really do believe this will happen) they might have jobs for us. And even if they don’t, they’ll keep providing our communities with the wonderful services they already have.
Now I’d like to take this opportunity to give shout outs to three of the most awesome organizations in my area. I’ve got my Philly pride on, and these guys deserve every ounce of my love.
Amazing shows, and $5 tickets for students! You guys rock!
http://www.firstpersonarts.org/
This is an organization dedicated to the art of storytelling. And they’re all nice people, to boot!
http://www.wwscholars.org/index.php
White-Williams works with students who can and want to go to college, but might not be able to otherwise.
My tutoree, Manny, is going to his dream school in the fall!
In conclusion, Philly arts organizations: I still think you’re the greatest. And even if it’s a few years before you can hire me, I’ll be here when you need me.
What amazing organizations make you feel great about your hometown? How do you support them?
Alice Ozma 
Alice, I went to Rowan too! Graduated in 2007 with a history degree. I can’t agree with you more about supporting local arts (and history organizations!). Many are really suffering right now financially. These organizations do so much to enrich our lives, yet so many individuals and families do not take advantage of them or even know they exist. There are so many museums and cultural institutions that I tell people about that they knew never existed…some many call it ignorance, but I just think it has to do with our fast-paced society today. If only things were different…So keep up with promoting and supporting them! You have my support!
I’m a big fan of the Philly Fringe and Live Arts Festival. I support the organization by attending lots of shows during the Festival, and by telling my friends and students about shows I’ve seen that I think would interest them.
I’m excited to see that the audiobook is available on Audible! I’d seen your earlier posts about recording it, but if there was an announcement about it being published (or whatever the verb is for when an audiobook is published?), I missed it. I don’t find as much time for reading as I’d like, so most of my book “reading” happens via audiobooks. And it helps keep me engaged and motivated on quieter days when I don’t have many students working in the costume shop. Some of my favorite audiobooks are read by the authors themselves (David Sedaris, Barbara Kingsolver for example), so I have been looking forward to hearing yours in your own voice. 🙂
I read your book and i think it’s amazing. Reminded me of when my Dad would read to me. Some of the stories he read were from books and some just from his head but children just like to be read to. I have been writing a spiritual blog and a few ramblings but i needed to find my passion and my passion is books. And your book will kick off my new blog (still a work in progress) called orange and blue and my own reading streak. Thank you.