Dear Employers - I Want a Job!

That's right. I WANT a job. A full-time job. A job where I get up every single day and go do something I like. (No retail. No food service. No sales.) A job where I feel like I am making a difference. A job where I earn my paycheck. Is that too much to ask?

Apparently, yes.

How is it that I am not qualified to do 100's of things that I perfectly capable of doing? What's that, I don't have the appropriate degree? Here's some food for thought: I have spent approximately 7 years in higher education courses. 7 years! That means if I had been taking the appropriate coursework I would be 1 year and an exam away from being a doctor. But here's the thing...I'm not applying for jobs that require me to perform surgery, rocket science, or repair computers. I am NOT qualified to perform those tasks. However, I would be perfectly capable of performing the duties of a bank teller, a bookkeeper, an office assistant, I could supervise, manage, or direct. I was a teacher for Pete's sake...a MUSIC teacher! Oh, and did I mention that I managed to run my own business WHILE I was working full-time? I'm like Wonder Woman and Supergirl all wrapped up in one! 

I'm amazing and you can't get past the fact that I majored in music.

I worked for a government program when I finished my undergrad - nothing to do with music. I went back to school because I was asked to implement a general music program in a school where one didn't exist. I didn't possess all of the skills I felt were needed. I found a way to learn. After 6 years, the school district cut the program. I took that job because I felt as though I could make a difference - and I DID. When they cut the program I knew I would never teach in a public school again. I married and we moved to Ohio. It isn't worth the hassle for me to switch all of my certifications only to once again struggle to find employment and always wonder if that will be the next thing on the chopping block. That season of my life is over and my heart isn't in it.

I am an intelligent woman. I am very organized and detail-oriented. I have many strengths that would serve employers well. So, why have I been unemployed for almost 18 months? That's right...I don't have the degree you seek. Here's a thought: Hire me and teach me how to do the things I can't figure out. You're going to do that anyways - even with the person who has the appropriate degree. Higher education is over-rated. Hire people and train them to do the work you require of them. Hire ME. I want a job!

PS- Why do you call something entry level if you're going to require an MBA and 4 other certifications?

A Letter of Thanks

To those who clear roads in the winter - the city workers, the highway department workers, the state workers, and even the farmers who take their tractors out (because they're awesome like that!) - thank you! You spend LONG hours in nasty conditions - sometimes going more than 24 hours without sleep. I just want you to know that you are appreciated very much. Stay safe.

A Letter to the Weather

Dear Weather-

I am sick and tired of not knowing what season the next day is going to be. You have jacked my allergies up!  However, the last 2 days have been delightfully winter like, so I thank you for finally remembering what season it is and getting your act together.Now I would like a little snow please.

With anticipation,
Sheena

Dear Parents

Dear Parents of talented and not-so-talented kids:

So, you think your kid could be a star? Maybe. There are a few things you should consider:

Your child is NOT the greatest.

Everything your child does is NOT fantastic.

There will ALWAYS be someone better...a better singer, a better actor, a better dancer.

Please encourage your kids to do their best, but stop encouraging them to be snots. What's that? You're not encouraging them to be snots? Umm...yes. Yes, you are. Every single time you voice your over-rated opinion about how terrible someone else is and how great they are and how they weren't given a fair shake, you're encouraging them to be snots. Stop it. Just stop it!

Here's a little secret about conducting auditions: IT SUCKS! After years of conducting auditions for community theater, I've learned that you rarely make anyone happy. My job in that instance is not to make you happy. My job is to cast a show for the script and score that has been given to me. There are always people who aren't happy with the outcome - not because they were involved in the process, not because they've spoken with someone who could tell them WHY certain decisions were made, but because they didn't get their way. I'm looking for talented kids, who are easy going and are willing to make the most of whatever is thrown at them...kids that really just want to have fun and hopefully learn something in the process. Some kids are SUPER talented, but have arrogance issues. Some are semi-talented, but are good kids (I will take these kids any day of the week!). Some aren't very talented, but they have parents who have told them that they are, so they're super heart-broken (and snotty) when they don't get a lead...and while we're on the subject:

EVERYONE CAN'T PORTRAY THE PRINCIPAL CHARACTER! Duh! Every story is full of characters. Principal characters, Secondary characters, bit parts. Sometimes there are people in a play or musical who never say a word! WHAT? Doesn't that mean they shouldn't be there? No. What kind of story would there be if it was only a story about the principal characters? For those of you who encourage your kids to quit because they didn't get the 'part they wanted' - SHAME ON YOU! Teach them to make the most of every situation (and role!).

When getting a role makes a difference in whether or not the rent gets paid or if someone lives or dies, then you can get upset. Until then - CALM DOWN! People are starting to think you're a little crazy!