Con Dole Ad says

My parents want me to go on the dole (I'm sorry, I meant "Newstart Allowance"). Actually, it was my brother's fault b'cos we were all at dinner tonight and he asked what I did all day and whether I was making money. My answer was "Look for jobs, apply for jobs, look for publications, apply for commissions" and "not much". Then he suggested I should apply to go on the dole while I was looking for a job because that's what it's for, after all.

The thought has crossed my mind but the reason I'm not on the dole is b'cos:

1. I have money


2. I have no expenses (except the occasional transport fares to interviews)


3. I'm technically self-employed (though it's true I have no regular income)


4. I am selective about the positions I apply for*


5. I am too proud

* The conditions for the Newstart Allowance state that one must "be willing to take any job that you are capable of doing including full-time, part-time and casual jobs". This means that I must be willing to apply for jobs like cashier positions, reception roles, admin support, a job as a cleaner etc etc in addition to the ones that I want like the journalist/writer positions or communication positions.

I understand the concept that any job is better than no job, especially if you're living on taxpayer's money, but I'm afraid that's not going to cut it with me. I am choosing to be selective about my next career move because I believe that what I will do next will affect the course of my career. For example, if I take a job as a cashier, it's going to leave me less time to pitch articles to editors, which is supposed to be my main source of income in my chosen industry. And even if I do get commissioned, I can't just say to the cashier job "see ya in two weeks while I finish this article" - it wouldn't be fair to the people who hire me as a cashier.

Capability is one thing to look for in a job but sustainability is quite another. I am able to do a lot of things but I want to develop my skill base for a career in the media and I'd much rather wait for the right position to come along than plod away in a job that won't get me where I want to go. I mean, I wouldn't mind doing reception work at a publishing company, but I don't see how doing the same at a construction company would get me anywhere. Plus, I'm looking to devote a good 4-5 years to my next position and I don't think it's fair to employers that I would ditch one undesirable position in an instant to work for a company in my chosen field. They'd only have to spend money re-hiring. Gaaah!

Didn't do too badly this week in the pitching stakes. Got off my butt and actually contacted editors. Australian Traveller are due to print my Shoot Out article (the one with Stuart pre-relationship in it), Camille (DSB) said 'pending' for my fashion business article, Notebook said 'no' for the two that I submitted (but one idea I think I might try for a more specific mag) and Frankie hasn't replied. Camille asked if I would be keen to do their cover story for May, (a solid 1600 words) but says she needs to finalise things with the interviewee's 'people' first before anything happens.

Have decided to volunteer for charity publications (like Taronga's ZooNooZ or you know those newsletters that come out of Oxfam and WWF etc) perhaps once or twice a week, to get more experience for things like subediting/proofreading because that seems to be the skill/experience that I usually lack. So that's what I'm going to arrange this week. In addition to attend the info night for the Australian Volunteers International program.

Valentine's Day was pretty good, nothing material from Stuart but we spent some quality time together - a lot of laughs and plenty of love (aah!). The only other social engagement was Assumpta and Sireesha dropping by on Saturday to have dinner, play board games and watch Little Britain (we had to educate Sireesha) in lieu of going to see Shakespeare by the Sea. 'Twas supposed to be 'Much Ado About Nothing' but it stormed like crazy and we didn't think it was worth hiking out to Balmoral. Next week some school friends have planned a dinner get together plus I'm going with my mum to see Amici (the opera band - her Christmas present) on Wednesday. Am supposed to meet up with ex-workmates at some point too - will see if I can juggle things.

Sorry about the whinge. Rather preoccupied with employment at the moment. It'll be great for all of us when I finally get a job. Like a real, decent-paying job. Pretty please?