Happy New Year! Miss Pink Slip is Refreshing Her Perspective for 2010

Yes, I’m aware that it’s January 25. I’m also aware that I’ve already slacked on one of my biggest New Year’s Resolutions: Blog more.

So here I am. Did you miss me? That’s a rhetorical question, by the way. 

Over the holiday, I began wavering over whether I would continue Miss Pink Slip. I’ve been gainfully employed since March 2009 (by the grace of God!), and I just wasn’t sure how relevant my voice was to the unemployed/ recessionally challenged population.

But recently, after a bottle of Pinot Noir and a conversation with my UPiC (Unemployed Partner in Crime), I realized that we are all still feeling the stings of joblessness, fear and anxiety. Even a year after the hoopla surrounding unemployment seemed to die down a bit. My friend is still looking for full-time employment as are the many women she’s encountering every day. They’re still out there in droves, and they still need our support. So that’s the angle I’m taking with Miss Pink Slip in 2010: Support. I’m not collecting unemployment, but I know how it feels and I’m among many incredible women who are sure to land on their feet this year. And I want to be there when they do!

Happy Weekend – Quit Reading Blogs and Go Outside!

It’s gorgeous outside in Atlanta today. I just spent two hours by the pool reading magazines and am about to go do some porch drinkin’ at a friend’s house around the corner. She’s doing a BBQ, so it should be fun.

So, if it’s sunny outside where you are, quit reading blogs and go do something fun! The summer will be gone before you know it!

…I’ll be back on Monday with some – I hope – fabulous words of wisdom and commentary on the pink slip experience.

Patron Saints of the Jobless: New Kids on the Block

It’s been a while since I’ve saluted a Miss Pink Slip “Patron Saint of the Jobless”.

For the uninitiated, I periodically honor one of our unemployed friends in entertainment who has managed to buck the system and, in some cases, make a legit comeback. Past honorees include Mickey Rourke, M.C. Hammer and Tori Spelling. 

The New Kids on the Block absolutely fall into this category. Now, many will tell you these boys have worked on and off since their days rockin’ gelled versions of the fade in BOP and Tiger Beat. But it wasn’t until last year that they reappeared on the musical stage for a reunion tour (which is still traveling the country and ends July 18 in Houston) and began gathering steam in the press. They were everywhere – even “Today” – and women in their 30s have been flocking to their shows screaming just like they did when they were 12 and in denim jackets encrusted with tiny buttons featuring their “boyfriend” Little Joe. I think my friend Rachel even wore a side-ponytail to the Atlanta show.

The bottom line is that these guys are raking in the bucks and have made girls the world over giddy again with the falsetto strains of “Please Don’t Go Girl”, “Hangin’ Tough” and “The Right Stuff”. We may stiffle giggles, but they’re guffawing all the way to the bank.

Here’s to you, NKOTB.

Introducing the Miss Pink Slip Mix Tape!

Oh, I love a mix tape. Don’t you? I think I still have one frommy high school boyfriend filled with Material Issue, The Smithereens and The Cult. Ahhhh….

The first rule about a mix tape is that there’s always an occasion for a mix tape. It’s a personal soundtrack featuring your own theme songs. When I got laid off, all I could think of were tunes that reflected my existence. When I was shocked, then pissed, there was 80′s alternative angst. When melancholy, there was Fergie. And on the climb up, some certifiable cheese worthy of any chick flick. I sang every song at the top of my lungs, sometimes in my car on the way back from a networking event or in my apartment after a bottle of “I feel sorry for myself” vino.

Now that warm, festive weather is upon us, I want to debut my Miss Pink Slip Mix Tape. I hope you enjoy it and download a few of these tunes for your own enjoyment! You’ll go through the requisite roller coaster of emotions and, hopefully, end up in a happy place. After all, isn’t that the end goal of all mix tapes?

1.       State of Shock                                                         The Jacksons

2.       Kiss Off                                                                   Violent Femmes

3.   Somebody’s Crying                                                  Chris Isaak

4.       Big Cry                                                                     Sara Evans

5.       I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues              Elton John

6.       You’ve Got a Friend                                                 Carole King

7.   Big Girls Don’t Cry                                                   Fergie

8.   You Can’t Always Get What You Want                    The Rolling Stones

9.       Birth, School. Work, Death                                      The Godfathers

10.    Under Pressure                                                        David Bowie (w/ Queen)

11.    Tomorrow                                                                Aileen Quinn (“Annie”)

12.   Respect                                                                    Aretha Franklin

13.   Hit Me With Your Best Shot                                     Pat Benetar

14.   Livin’ on a Prayer                                                     Bon Jovi

15.   Holding Out for a Hero                                            Bonnie Tyler

16. New Attitude                                                            Patti LaBelle  

17.  I’m Every Woman                                                     Chaka Kahn

18.  She Works Hard for the Money                               Donna Summer

19.   9 to 5                                                                        Dolly Parton

20.   I Will Survive                                                            Gloria Gaynor

21. You Really Got Me                                                    Van Halen

22.   Don’t Stop Believin’                                                  Journey

23.   I Have Confidence                                                    Julie Andrews (Maria, “The Sound of Music”)

24. 25 Miles                                                                    Edwin Starr

25.   Happy Girl                                                                Martina McBride

26.   Good Vibrations                                                       Marky Mark & the Funky Bunch

27.   Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough                                Michael Jackson

28.   Superman                                                                 R.E.M.

29.   Time for Me To Fly                                                   REO Speedwagon

30.   It’s A Great Day to Be Alive                                     Travis Tritt
31. We Are The Champions                                      Queen

Have I forgotten one of your favorites?

Dear MPS: Should I Bite The Hand That Fed Me a Pink Slip?

A reader needs YOUR help! Please weigh in on her dilemma.

Dear Miss Pink Slip,

Now they want me back???

It’s been about three months since I was laid off. From hearing the words “we’re cutting back, and we won’t be able to afford your salary” to the roller coaster of emotions that followed, it’s been one of the most difficult experiences of my life. First, I wondered, “why me? Do they value me less than my colleagues?” Then, I began scanning the job sites religiously, looking for something…anything was better than scrapping by on a measly unemployment check that doesn’t even cover the mortgage. After three months of relentless job searching and networking, I’ve scored a couple interviews, but still no full-time gig. I’ve felt sad, depressed, anxious, nervous, helpless and finally, after a few months of going through all the emotions, I’ve come to a place where I’m actually…should I really say it…happy!

I’ve learned to enjoy the small things again, like cooking, organizing my closet, watching “Oprah”, working out, spending time with my family, actually getting a good night sleep — all the things I was constantly trying to fit into my schedule to no avail when I had a full-time job. I’ve also had time to do some soul searching and realized I was really unhappy. My former boss was, well…in three words, “Devil Wears Prada”. I worked crazy hours and I felt unappreciated. I was burned out, to say the least.

I’ve finally come to a place where I’m thankful I was laid off. I’ve been doing freelance work and even considering starting my own business. Then, today, I get a phone call from my former boss: 

“How are you? We miss you around here! It’s not the same without you.” Blah, blah, blah. This is what your previous employer is supposed to say, right? And of course it feels good to be missed since you wonder if they even thought twice about laying you off. Then she dropped the bomb: “We’d love for you to come back and help us. Can you work on a part-time basis?”

Now I’m stuck between continuing to collect my unemployment check while searching for a job I actually like, doing some freelance work and seeing if I can develop that into a business, or returning to a job I hate because, to put it bluntly, I need the $$. I mean, it’s part-time, so I could continue to do some freelance work, right? But, after three months, I’m actually happy. Do I put up with the emotional turmoil and drama that comes along with the job for the paycheck? Then, of course, there’s the question: does part-time really mean part-time or will it turn into full-time with part-time pay? If that happened, I’d have to put my foot down and possibly quit, which would mean I’m not eligible for unemployment benefits. It’s like the boyfriend you know you shouldn’t go back to, but the sex is so good.

I’m torn. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Pink Slipped Actors: They’re Just Like Us!

It’s been really busy this week, but now that I have 5 minutes to myself, I wish to reflect on something very important in my life. Television.

The TV upfronts have taken place, and we’re getting a look the folks giving the Pink Slip Nation some star power.  Like all of us, I’m sure they’ll land on their feet…or on “Dancing with the Stars” (wait! That’s the same thing!). But for now, let’s reflect on a small snapshot of this affected talent:

• Cast of “My Name is Earl” — though I hear there’s a “save me” campaign in the works
• Christina Applegate, “Samantha Who?” — Guess that People‘s recent “Most Beautiful” campaign didn’t quite pan out as hoped
• Kristin Chenoweth, “Pushing Daisies” — At least she’s got Broadway. She won’t be out of work for long
• Henry “Hank” Rutherford Hill, “King of the Hill” — Hey. Animation’s got its own unemployment line!
• Kitt, “Knight Rider” — Was there ever a question about this one?
• Brooke Shields, “Lipstick Jungle” — Now it’s officially official
• Joanna Garcia, “Privileged” — Oh, you can’t go further downhill than “Reba” (which you know I watch like a trainwreck!)
• Selma Blair, “Kath & Kim” — I’m sure Selma will return to the world of wearing black, Dieter-like dresses and getting f’ed up hairstyles. That oh-so-relevant publicity should get ‘er something new

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2009/04/fall-tv-cheat-s.html

Go visit Michael for more details on your Fall network lineup!

This Just In: National Unemployment at 8.9%; Men Losing More Jobs Than Women

The government just announced that the national unemployment rate has taken a leap from 8.5 percent to 8.9 percent and that 539,000 jobs were lost last month. It also reported that more men than women are losing their jobs due to hard-hit, male-dominated industries such as construction and finance.

Honestly, I know more women than men that are laid off. I guess that’s obviously my little microcosm. Regardless, the stink continues and we must persevere in keeping ourselves up, confident and steadfast. Pink Slippers, stand tall. Something’s coming soon! I just know it!

Happy Earth Day, Pink Slip Nation!

10 free things the jobless can do to help save the Earth:

1. If you aren’t interviewing, skip a hair wash. Better yet, if you’re staying in, skip the whole shower and save water!
2. Email all resumes, if possible
3. Use a job search tracker online like HappyJobSearch.com instead of filling up various notepads with contact names, random notes, etc.
4. Turn off the TV and read to escape (something fun–not the latest unemployment numbers)
5. Leave your car in the garage and take a stress-relieving walk outside
6. Join your neighborhood clean up crew
7. Give your laptop a much needed “coffee break” (i.e., turn it off and unplug it when not in use)
8. Volunteer some free time to an environmental organization or charity
9. Hook up with your neighborhood community garden. You could come away with some awesome tomatoes or squash in the process
10. Search for a Green Job: 
    http://www.environmentalcareer.info/index.asp
    
    
    http://www.greenjobs.com/public/index.aspx
    
    
    http://www.greenjobs.net/
    
    
    http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/jobs
    

Got any other ideas? Send them my way!

Pink Pick: Tory Johnson on ABCNews.com

You’ve probably seen Tory Johnson on one of her many “Good Morning America” appearances. If you have, you know that she is THE resource for women and work.

On her full, vibrant site, Tory features archived segments, links to the best job sites, how-tos and what-not-to-dos, social networking tips, etc. etc. etc. She is the woman! If you get a pink slip, this should be your #1 stop.

www.abcnews.com/toryjohnson

Pink Picks: It Ain’t Easy Being in a Recession

Found two sites I wanted to alert you to:

http://www.itainteasybeingpink.blogspot.com/

http://www.recessionwire.com/
 

It Ain’t Easy Being Pink is a great “Story Corps”-esque chronicle of layoff stories. As the site says: “It is a living collection of stories about and inspired by that strange 10-minute meeting that changes lives forever.” I love it! The stories are hopeful, and the San Franciscan’s posts are fun and inviting.

Recession Wire was (per the site) “Inspired to capture the stories and improve the lives of urban professionals who, like them, were getting effed by the economy.” These gals are professional journalists (former Conde Nasters); the writing is smart and informative.

Enjoy!