Health & Fitness
Murrieta Jobless Rate Rose Just A Bit
Regular mom faces nearly one year of unemployment with an unusual perspective.
Slightly, unemployment rose during the month of January the paper said. There were 8.3 percent unemployed in Murrieta, but what does that really look like?
Me. It looks like me. I have been looking for a job now for 10 months and have essentially found nothing that met my specific criteria in the city, yet. Looking at the demographics for our fine city, I am Murrieta. I am a married momma of two who is active in the community and pays her taxes. I volunteer several hours a week at the my church and at my kids' schools and shop locally for most items I need. But, where I differ from the norm is...I am one of the little over 8 percent that is unemployed in our city.
That long awaited time off you are thinking? Hardly! :) Starving? Definitely not, in fact I've put on about six pounds since I became unemployed. Homeless? No, thankfully I am well taken care of and we have all our needs met. (Thank you Lord!)
Find out what's happening in Murrietawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
So what does the unemployed do during the day? I spend the first several hours responding to emails, emailing resumes, returning phone calls, filling out electronic applications and doing personality profiles and if I'm lucky, set up an interview. Then, I take kids to school, run a couple of errands and then come back to work on volunteer stuff. Right now I am looking for local businesses to sponsor the Murrieta Mesa Track and Field Team so they are able to get all 300 kids to the away meets. I am also looking for sponsors for the Second Annual American Heart Association Heart Walk at Lake Skinner April 21.
I do this for a couple of hours then tidy up the house and myself and then pick up kiddos from school or the track, come home and work on homework, dinner and family. I have learned to take advantage of this time with my kids that I haven't had in years to listen, encourage and pray like I have never done before, because this precious time may end soon. When I say it like that, it makes me realize what a blessing this time at home has been.
Find out what's happening in Murrietawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
This time has made me more compassionate for those looking for employment and more aware of my spending habits. It has made me thankful for all I have in my family and friends and all of their support. But most of all I am thankful for this time to identify what is really important for me and my household. I am grateful for the opportunity to have my character tested and to have a positive outlook even when things don't look so lovely. It's all in the perspective, and I am truly blessed. Unemployed but greatly blessed.