by Chrystal Mahan

Created on: February 05, 2010   Last Updated: February 06, 2010

Times are tough and the stories here are real. Unemployment rate is high, especially in the state of Michigan, where I reside. Michigan’s unemployment rate stands at 14.1% as of November 2009. Many are underemployed, either they had to take a pay cut, were laid off, are working part time, or they are working two part time jobs just to make ends meet. The underemployed are also a category of folks who are not employing their skills. The underemployed often hold Bachelors, Masters, and even Doctorate degrees but are unable to make the money they were making. These worker's are thankful they even have a job in these hard times, even if they are working at the local fast food establishment or the trendy shop in the mall. With so many out of work, there is a lot to be thankful for.

I should know, I am one of those people. In July 2007 I had to make some changes in life. After the loss of both grandparents, I went through a divorce and moved across the country, from Oklahoma to Michigan. If it were not for family, I would have not picked one of the highest unemployed states in the nation. I started applying for jobs online before I even crossed the Oklahoma border. I was hoping I would have something to look forward to. Little did I know the adventure that was waiting for me.

For six months I sent out resumes to every possible job in my field, and even those closely related. I applied online through every possible outlet I could get my fingers on. Applying for work literally became my job. In October I was asked to come back to West at Home. A work from home call center I had worked for about three years back. They were in need of Christmas help, I accepted, making minimum wage.

In January of 2008, my West line ended, and I was able to get on at H&R Block.  I had worked for the company in the past and was able to do a transfer. Only problem was, I would not be preparing taxes. Instead, I would be greeting the customers, scheduling the appointments, and taking payments. Just like so many others, I was thankful to even have a job, even if I was taking a pay cut of half of what I had made before. A third of what I was making at the job I had left in Oklahoma.

January also brought on some other changes. I decided to go back to school. I hold an Associates in Accounting from the State University as well as Diploma of Accounting from a technical school. Also, there are the many years of experience, along with job training certifications I have taken. I am

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