He called me a while back, frustrated, and angry. He had moved to Southern California from Seattle with dreams of making it big. Don't they all? What he has found is a pile of debt lying next an even greater pile of heartbreak. Dashed hopes, rising bills and now, not too far away- the hills are on fire, literally. This certainly feels like hell.

What do you say to someone that has followed all your suggestions, that has done his homework, that is a good man..., but just can't seem to catch a break. John got a job at the Magic Kingdom within the first few weeks of living here. He was the guy cleaning up after us, the thousands of daily visitors, and yet, they still called him a cast member.


Thriving at the happiest place on earth is a little more difficult than one might think. Especially when you see your dream slip through your fingers one sweep stroke at a time. He left his ears at the gate after six months.


John is first an actor. Not your typical actor though, he actually does what a director tells him to do and doesn't try to give reasons why or blame others for the choices he made. He just says ok when given direction. OK. Of course, most actors have dreams of making it big, of surviving auditions, of actually being paid for their craft. Their very little chance of this happening. It is only slightly more difficult for an astronaut to get a moon gig, than it is for an actor to get a paying gig. That gig has not been the focus of his year long job search - he has been looking for a real job. Anything.

I sat across from John the other night and listened to his dreadful story of student loans, car loans, stacking credit card bills, as he uttered the hushed words of bankruptcy. Angst bannered his face and without asking for help, he told of what will happen if her is unable to find a job quickly. It is a familiar tale. LinkedIn, craigslist, temp agencies, want ads, job boards, recruiters telling him to get lost, and close to thirty interviews. No offers. No jobs.

I jumped in the deep end on this one and sent out a "vulnerable" email to my local network. I told his story and vouched for him. By mid-morning, I had received 10 replies with suggestions and job openings in the area. And the emails are still coming in. Like millions of job seekers, his resume makes him look like a job hopper. Yes, he is struggling. Yes, he is angry..., but I saw it. That glimmer of hope. That may just be enough to get him through the next go-round. Just maybe.


by rayannethorn


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