Alyice on September 7th, 2009

Thanks For Hope

On Sept. 4, 2009, the U.S. Labor Department announced that since the recession “officially” started back in December of 2007, 14.9 million Americans have become unemployed with more expected before our economy bounces back.

I have been reluctant to admit this publicly, but I have been one of those Americans affected by the economy—and it stings. In an effort to “trim the fat” companies have started doing more things “in house” and letting go of anything that doesn’t help bring an immediate profit or somehow contribute to their immediate needs—like writing services and ad revenues. On top of that, the consumers who would normally purchase my e-books and crafts haven’t had the surplus money to do so. I’ve been struggling to keep my business afloat and feeling like a failure every step of the way.

Nothing stings more than working hard to prove yourself in the industry only to feel like you’re starting all over again. Nothing stings more than bringing in a steady income only to find yourself on the “hit and miss” end of things again. And nothing stings more than applying for regular jobs in your area only to be turned down again and again—talk about a blow to your self-esteem.

I’ve been beating myself up; constantly asking myself questions like “What more could I do?”, “What could I change?”, “What could I improve?” and of course, “What’s wrong with me?” For as long as the recession has been around, I’ve watched my business decline at a steady and alarming rate and nothing I’ve done to change the outcome has helped.

You’d think that knowing others in the industry—those with multi-million dollar budgets and experts on staff—haven’t been able to beat the recession would make it easier for me to accept the fact that “it’s not me, it’s the economy”. But it hasn’t.

On some level, I realize that while I will always have room to improve and grow, the real problem lies not in my talents, my determination, or my work ethics but in the reality of our economy. On some level, I know that the only way to survive this recession is to keep pushing forward, to not give up hope, and to believe that things will get better. But when you’re constantly beating your head against the wall, fighting for the crumbs, it’s tough.

I’m a worker-bee. I like to work. I enjoy helping others. I get pleasure from knowing that, in some small way, something I’ve worked hard on has helped another’s business improve and grow. I get pleasure in knowing that something I created with my own two hands adorns the home of another—and brings joy to the recipient. And I get pleasure in knowing that the money I’ve earned has made life easier for my husband and my kids.

And yet, despite the harsh reality of my business’ profit and loss statement, or my apparent unemployability in the traditional job market, I have not given up hope. Hope sustains me. Hope carries me. Hope gives me strength. Hope says that all is not lost. Hope says that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Hope says that we will overcome this recession and be stronger and better because of it.

So today, I am grateful for the hope that still lives in me—and in you.

Give thanks…

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Comments (3)

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troubledteen says:
Just know you are not alone. There are many of us feeling the same way and doing the same thing. Pressing on and working harder for less money. We will make it through our beliefs, hopes, and dreams. Keep up the good work, you will come out stronger.
Posted at 11:19 am September 7th, 2009
Bear Chick says:
Most artists are in the same boat. Thanks for reminding me that I’m not the only one. For the time being, I’m working full time but I don’t know how long that will last, so that keeps me on edge. And, as a jewelry artist, I know what I provide is not a necessity so sales are low to non-existent. But I keep plugging away and hope that things turn around soon. The cyclical nature of economics tells us we will eventually pull out of this but in the mean time, keeping busy, trying to be patient and hopeful are what buoys me.
Posted at 11:27 am September 7th, 2009
Alyice says:
Thanks gals for letting me know I am not alone! It really does help.

It’s hard to admit the truth sometimes because we never like to appear “less than” but I think I needed to be publicly outted so that I could release the negative and allow for the positive to flow and grow.

I hope we can all get back to that “comfortable” place again–and before it gets worse.
Posted at 12:43 pm September 7th, 2009

AlyiceEdrich.com
I'm a freelance writer, mixed media artist, SMVA, and the owner of The Dabbling Mum.

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