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How many unemployed writers in Austin have more than 15 years of experience? Can't be that many, can it?

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5ksandcabernets: How many unemployed writers in Austin have more than 15 years of experience? Can't be that many, can it?

5ksandcabernets

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

How many unemployed writers in Austin have more than 15 years of experience? Can't be that many, can it?

Sorry to continue bludgeoning you with bad news on my job search front, but this was in my in-box this morning:

Thank you for your recent interest in our posting on Craigslist for a Public Affairs reporter for (blank online publication). We received a number of very good applicants and have contacted those we will interview.

However, our needs can and do change rapidly, and we will be keeping the information you sent us on file in case we have future openings.

Again, thank you for your interest.

Ok, so, I have 18 years experience as a reporter/editor. 18 years. I've interviewed city councilmen, college presidents, cops, community leaders, crazy ass soccer moms, crooked preachers, and Cowboys football players. ... And you mean to tell me that this online publication didn't even want to bring me in for an interview? You've got to be kidding me!

I'm not sure how many people became a finalist for that job, but let's say the number is five. Ok. You telling me that there are 5 people living in Austin, who are unemployed, who have more experience as a writer than I do? Come on, man. I'm not saying I'm Edward R. Murrow, but I'm sure that publication is not interviewing him for the job either.

*****

From the department of, I Hope This Doesn't Become a Trend: Nancy brought Noah over today. Noah thought the three of us were going to go to the mall. But when Nancy got in her car to leave so it would just be the fellows hanging out, Noah started crying.

"Mommmmmmaaaaaaa!" he cried, over and over.

Eeeeesh.

If there were any doubts that Noah would be a momma's boy, that erased them all.

I put Noah back in his mother's car, gave him a big kiss and a hug, and we promised we'd take Noah together tomorrow to Town Lake. We're going to do our best to get along for Noah's sake. But I hope this doesn't become a trend. I mean, this is the first time Noah cried when he saw his mother leave. I mean, cried big tears. I guess, however, this happens to all dads, so I'll just have to get used to it.

I see black people: I've blogged often about how I rarely see someone who looks like me while on the trail. And even rarer has been the time that I've ever seen a black person working at a running retail store. I don't mean a place like Academy or Foot Locker. I mean a hardcore, specialty running store, like Luke's Locker or Run-On in the Fort Worth/Dallas area or Run Tex or Rogue in Austin.

Actually, change rare to never.

Until today. .... Run-Tex on Riverside and 1st Street. About 6:30. I'm in the area and need some GU and some recovery workout powder. I pull in. And there she was. A black woman. I wanted to ask her all kinds of questions, like, 'Do you run,' and 'How did you find a place like this?' But then I thought, 'Silly me - she is just like a white/hispanic woman. She probably runs. And she probably needed the job.' ... Still, though, it was a site I have never ever ever seen in the 5 plus years I've been plunking down money at specialty running stores.

Maybe I'll interview her the next time I'm in the shop.

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7 Comments:

Blogger Billy said...

That settles it - time to expand the search to LA Kevin.

August 27, 2009 at 1:58 AM  
Blogger Allison said...

What, you've never run into Gilbert or any other black men working at Run Tex on S. 1st/Riverside? I can't think of a time when I haven't seen them working at Run Tex.

As for the thing with Noah, that is totally normal, especially for his age. I would have said don't send him back. It's hard for a parent to leave when their kid is crying for them, but they really do recover quickly once the parent is out of sight. (Lots of day care dropoff experience here.) And, yes, I have had it be the other way, too ("I want to stay with Papa! Waaah!")

August 27, 2009 at 9:03 AM  
Blogger Kevin said...

Burger - I wish, man. I wish.

A - Yeah, that was the first time I'd ever shopped at that RunTex. Usually I go to the one on Mopac.
And as far as Noah, I would have not taken him back to his mother on any other occassion, but they have not been living in their home for the past week (living with sister) and things have not been normal for Noah, so I gave in on this one.

August 27, 2009 at 9:26 AM  
Blogger Kathleen said...

Sometimes having too much experience is perceived as a problem (been there, had that happen to me), particularly if the hiring manager is 25.

I say good for you for recognizing the stress Noah was going through. But I agree with Allison that it's totally normal for that age. Oh, and my 13-year-old was a total mama's boy when he was Noah's age (and for quite a few years later). We still have a good relationship, but he's moved on in a developmentally appropriate way.

August 27, 2009 at 9:32 AM  
Anonymous Allynson said...

Regarding Noah, she's going to have to let him come with you even if he cries when she leaves. My kids cry all the time if I leave them with Daddy, and Chuck and I are together. They are almost 6 and almost 3, so it has nothing to do with your not living with him. He'll probably cry for 10 seconds, so he needs to have one on one time with you. Hope you find a job soon! We miss you!

August 27, 2009 at 11:12 AM  
Blogger Ulyana said...

Man, sucks about the rejection. Ridiculous.

August 27, 2009 at 3:30 PM  
Blogger Kathleen said...

OK -- forgive the double comment -- but I was at a specialty running store today. That Had a Black Male Salesclerk! I was being helped by a different employee, and they both looked like runners.

August 28, 2009 at 12:40 AM  

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