Day 2

Tuesday, Jan. 5, saw the return to school for the kids, after a short Christmas break. Of course they weren't very excited to go back, but it was time.

I know I have a lot on my plate today, first and foremost is getting signed up for unemployment. I need to get my log on issues resolved with the state. Hopefully, someone will be able to help me reset my password and make it so I can access the system electronically.

I also plan on stopping by the Greensburg Learning Center to discuss options about taking classes and or moving in a direction to get an Associate’s Degree. I only wish I knew why I didn't pursue a college education after high school, 30 years ago. I was never pushed in that direction from my parents, but maybe I shouldn't have had to be pushed. Why didn't I just know that in order to obtain a great job, I would need a college degree?

Funny thing is, until this point in my life, I have done extremely well for a guy without a formal education. I am proud of the fact that I have been an award winning writer and photographer not only in the newspaper industry, but also when I owned Emsweller Photography in Rushville. I am most proud of the fact that one of my newspaper photos was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, and even though it didn't win, I have documentation that is was considered.

I am also proud of the photos I have taken and the life’s I have touched as a portrait and wedding photographer. I was the first in Central and Southeastern Indiana to offer trading cards with packages for sports teams. I was also the first photographer in the area to offer black and white photos with spot color to high school seniors. The other photographers in the area were two years behind me, back in 1984-1989. Plus, you should have seen people line up at my fair booth to watch my slide show presentations I put together with music. It was an awesome sight. Today, there are businesses specializing in transferring family photos to CD with music. Back in the 1980's, I was the only one doing it.

One would think that my accomplishments would speak for themselves. But so often, when applying for positions online, a candidate will be kicked out of consideration because he or she answers that they do not have a college degree.

I also have intentions on checking into real estate school, which may or may not be a full time gig, but one I think I would be good at and with my belief that the housing industry is going to eventually come back strong; it may put me in a position to make some good money on the side.

But first, I have to find a full time job and it is a full time job just looking for a full time job.