There is no question we live in a tough economy. It's difficult enough for most of us to find any job, let alone one in which we've had training and skills. Desperate times called for desperate measures in several of those cases, and during a recent job interview, you could say I was one of the desperate.
I was living on my savings since my unemployment compensation benefits expired after the last extension, but it wouldn't be much longer before they too depleted. I already cashed in on some of my investments to pay off my condo. During the entire time, I've hunted for the same kind of career position I'd held for almost twenty years before the newspaper was sold to a major company was a tough feat.
Journalism students straight from college rarely had success putting their newly acquired degrees to use; at forty-two, it was much more difficult for me. I still sold some freelance articles and stories from home, but I needed a steady income to stay afloat financially.
When I received a response to my online resume to interview for a position at one of the local TV stations, I was thrilled, yet somewhere in the back of my mind I knew that my chances of getting a field reporter spot were slim to none. After all, why should they settle for someone my age when there were so many young, attractive, and equally ambitious women?
I arrived at the studios and gave the receptionist my name. She consulted a list on her desk. "Oh, yes, Jeff will be conducting your interview. Second door on your right down the hallway."
I found Jeff's office and knocked on the door. A man's voice yelled for me to come in. When I opened the door, I faced a well-dressed man who didn't look much older than twenty-one.
My God, he's still a kid. This should be fun, I thought.
I cleared my throat and introduced myself. I immediately apologized for being late.
Jeff eyed my body from head to toe and I felt the color rising in my neck. I've always tended to blush when people stare at me. "Yes, you must be Susan. Harmon," he finally said and took my resume.
"One thing we emphasize is punctuality," he continued not looking up from reading the resume. "Not being on time today is one strike against you, and from what I see on your resume, I don't think you'd be cut out for one of our open positions."
I was right; this was a waste of time, I thought. I'm just too old.
I explained that I had other qualifications and assets and he should reconsider my application. I was willing to do anything.
