At that time, Gibbs graduates could almost write their own tickets when it came to jobs. I, however, was not the typical Gibbs gradutate. That said, I had never been unable to obtain gainful employment within a short period of time (until 2018) and I have Gibbs to thank for that - because while I wasn't the model student, I learned very important lessons that have stood me in good stead for most of my career.
Until now. I was unemployed for 20 months. I had very few interviews. The unemployment money ran out at month 9. Living as I did all those months is detrimental to more then just a person's confidence, it hurts your psyche, your heart and even your physical body.
I did finally get a job - and while it is office work of a sort, it is nothing like what I have done in the past. I'll admit, I am struggling. Professionalism in this time and at this company is completely different then what I was taught all those years ago and how I have worked for the last 30 plus years. It is what it is but I am scared to lose this job but at the same time, it seems the harder I try, the worse I do.
Some of the folks I work with are very passionate about what they do. We have a couple of folks who are total dynamos - I don't think they ever are still. One dude should be on the stage because no one tells a story like he does. And still others have given me glimpses into their unique worlds and I am reminded every day that the more different we are the more we are the same. I also believe in what the company does - it creates a good, honest product and that makes me feel good to work for a company doing that. I have even met a couple of people whose friendshop I hope to keep if I have to move on.
But honestly - it isnt like any factory where Ive previously worked and especially not like any office, either. But every day I go in with a 'Im going to do better today' attitude and on the days where it goes to hell in a handbasket, I hope onto clinicaltrials.gov and look at the study I ran, I delve into the history of page changes so I can see my name and know overall in those 3 years, I did great work and in the future it will make a difference.