I have finally secured a job here in Phoenix.  For professional reasons I never discuss my job position or location through social media platforms.  I will admit that although I am grateful for a job opportunity, the position I have accepted isn’t what I had hoped for.

I’m trying to stay positive and realize that this is all part of the journey.

One of the reasons we moved across country was to shoot for our dreams.  Needless to say finding jobs has been much harder than expected.  After countless resume submissions D has yet to find employment. If anyone knows anything about our past they know that we are not opposed to getting down and dirty or trying new things.  In addition, we are not too proud to take on positions that some others may think are lower than them. Not to mention, here you have D, a person that was willing to put his life on the line for our country, and yet he cannot secure a job. We’ve hit road block after road block.

One of the most frustrating experiences is that although I have a two-year degree, companies will not give me the time of day due to my lack of four-year degree. Don’t get my wrong, I understand the importance of a college education in certain circumstances, but in most of these job postings a four-year degree won’t help complete the job specifications.  It’s all about experience.  Mind you, I might not have the appropriate experience but neither does a new four-year college graduate either.

Some may say, “Well, you weren’t willing to put the time and energy into a college education.  You reap what you sow.” I hear that, however college isn’t for everyone. Not to mention, I did go to college, even if it was non-traditional.  I was prime college material.  I carried a 4.2 GPA through high school and a 4.0 through my degree program.  There’s a good chance that I could’ve chosen any field I wanted and dove in.  But that’s not what I wanted. I wanted real-life experiences.  I wanted to wake up every morning, ready to take on another day at a job that I loved.

EDIT: Someone posted the comment “a 4 year is an example of taking on a 4 year task and completing it. At which they had to show a certain level of aptitude.” I take note of this comment.  However, I would like to state this. My degree program was a “two year program”. What most people don’t know is that it took me longer to complete than a four year program.  I was working 45+ hours a week and continually working towards my degree. In addition, financial aid was not available so none of my education was financed.  I had to pay every dime out of my pocket without the assistance of loans.  There were many times I could have given up and thrown in the towel. But no, I had perseverance and determination to keep on.

I thought I had found that profession. But after 10 years I’ve found that although I excel in the field of my degree I now want to go in a different direction.  Unfortunately my degree is so specific that it is non transferable to other fields.

D and I have not given up on our dreams and I can guarantee we will keep striving until we achieve them.

What am I looking for?  I’m open to most anything but would love the ability to get my foot in the door in the profession of social media or some sort of marketing. Trust me when I say I have a proven track record.  In 2002 I was hired off the street with no knowledge of veterinary technician work whatsoever.  It didn’t take me long to excel at my field, gain an education/degree, earn my license, and go on to be a head registered veterinary technician. Given the chance and training I can guarantee I would not only meet an employers expectations, but exceed them.  And I know the exact same could be said about D.

Employers need to stop looking at degrees and start looking for people that have character, drive, and determination.

Feel free to check out my LinkedIn Profile…..

Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)