Age and religion are not in my corner...

I have had one of the worst emotional days of my life.  One more cut off notice, one more disconnect of a utility service, has just about put me in a deep stoop.  Spending my days, begging to have things turned back on.  Begging to be hired.  I am just at a lost for words.  Hard to imagine...I know.  (I don't even feel like laughing about it anymore.)

I have an impeccable resume.  I have skills coming out of my ying-yang, education and great references.  I have gone way past my field and way below my normal income to try to find any type of work.  And yet...I keep coming up empty.

I recently had a wonderful conversation with the hiring manager at the corporate headquarters of Lifeway Christian Bookstores in Nashville, Tennessee.  Despite the fact they see my creditentials as impressive...there is only one thing standing in the way of me getting into their management program.  My religion.  Or should I say...my Christianity.  That's right.  You heard correctly.

Despite the fact I was willing to relocate.  (FYI...  They say 99% of all managers are asked to relocate 4 months after you're hired.  They will pay for all moving expenses, but won't pay the second mortgage until your house is sold.  It would be hard for me to pay two mortgages, but I was willing to do so.)  It didn't matter how flexible I was...

Even though I was willing to take only an assistant management position, so I could stay in the area.  Despite my experience...they still can't hire me because of just one reason.  That reason? I am not a Baptist.  If I become a Baptist, then I can get into their management program.  I thought it was against the law to discriminate because of religion?  Obviously because of their affliation it is not.  I told them that I was a born again Christian and had been for 34 years.  It didn't matter.  I had to become a member of the Baptist coalition and a member of the Baptist church.

To me...I think they should rename their store.  Instead of calling it Lifeway Christian Bookstore, they should call it...Lifeway Baptist Bookstore.  Seems more fitting.  Don't you think?

I was also trying to get assitance because my Internet was cut off, which caused my only phone to get cut off, because my phone is hooked up through the Internet.  I did finally get it back on, or I wouldn't be writing this post.  Anyway...I told the lady my dilemma and about all my futile attempts to find work.  She too...thought it was strange that I had not yet found work, because of my impressive credentials.  Then it came to her.  Like a lightbulb that finally came on.  I told her that it never dawned on me, that I would be in that category yet.  But I guess, I have finally reached it.  The category of age discrimination.

Oh...it is definitely against the law.  But companies now-a-days can come up with some very nick-picky excuses why they can't hire someone.  I turned 50 last year and when I reflect back during that time...it was from that moment on that I found myself no longer getting phone calls returned, much less any interviews.  Before that time...my phone would ring off the hook with opportunities.

Oh...I am sure that there are some companies who still feel I have a little life in me.  But they are few, far and in between.  Can God give me favor?  Yes.  But for some reason...He doesn't. Despite my great resume, I can't even get Macy's to call me back either.  No one is willing to hire me.

At this time...it's a waiting game I guess.  For God to help me and give me favor.  For man to be willing to listen and see that I still have a lot to offer someone.

With all this being said...I can't be on Gather much any more.  And yes...many of you will move on, because I can't contribute as much to your causes.   A few minutes here and there is all I can spare now.  I think I have done pretty good sharing what I have with you guys, in the short time I have been here.  But I have to focus on Teresa now, more than anything else.

Playing games and doing what I can in the prize department is not going to get the bills paid. You all have been very grateful and I appreciate that more than you know.  I know in the past I have thought about slacking up.  But it's for real this time.  Jobs aren't going to come easy for me, like they used to, despite how much talent I have...

Also...  Many of you showed concern because I was playing the lottery.  I only did it to try to get some cash.  Well...the scratch cards are definitely a waste.  But a lot of people are playing the smaller lottos and winning.  They don't cost as much and are more doable in the long run.  Some people are against it and some for it.  But when you come to the point in life where I am at right now, and you have run out of what seems to be every option...you are willing to do just about anything...to get ahead, even if there is risk involved.

I will always be a part of Gather.  I like it too much.  But I am no longer going to be a heavy active participant.  I have given this a lot of thought.  I have given out more than I have taken in and like I said...I need to focus on me now.  I will still do the quotes and small stuff like that... but that will be it for a while.  Those 50 points I need for cash out are dragging like a snail in an ice storm.  But they will be there soon enough.

Anyway...I'm not mad or upset with anyone here.  However, I am disappointed in life though.  It has been a fun ride and I have enjoyed helping as many of you as I possibly could.  I appreciate every friend that I have made here.

God bless you all.  You will see me pop in from time to time, to do a post or make a quick comment.  Unfortunately...you won't be able to see my views.  But trust me...like an angel who is looking over your shoulder...I am there for you.