In my blog "Finding and Keeping a Job" which was posted on July 13, 2008, [Ctrl+Click to see this blog] we talked about the fact that in recovery it is often best if we measure our functionality in relative terms, i.e. How did we do today in comparison with the day before?  We also discussed the fact that for society it is necessary to measure functionality in absolute terms, for example: Is the airline employee piloting the plane on which I'm riding certified to fly the type of airplane being used?  Either the person is, or is not, certified.  If the pilot is not certified, I would take a different flight.

In my blog "The 800 Pound Gorilla" which was posted on July 20/21 of July, 2008, [Ctrl+Click to see this blog] we talked about the fact that, whether or not it is discussed in our job interview(s), economics is always an important issue in finding the right job.  It is an issue that we cannot ignore.

In my blog "Finding a Job - Critical Answers" which was posted last week on July 27, 2008, [Ctrl+Click to see this blog] we discussed the fact that a successful job search always starts with a little soul searching; that one of the best ways to do this is to ask ourselves a few pointed questions; and, finally, that the nature of our answers to these questions is critical.

First, our answers to these questions must be our own, i.e. they must be honest answers (not what someone else believes about us or wants for us).  Second, the answers must reflect our dreams and yet be realistic.  Third, each answer must take into account our tolerance for risk.  We must explicitly weigh the value and cost of obtaining and performing a specific job, including the cost of what we may have to give up, in contrast with the costs of having no job.

I also warned that although the questions may seem simple enough, if our answers are to meet the above criteria, these may be anything but simple.

Question #1 - Why do you want to find a job, i.e. why do you want to work?

[Instructions: Select all, but only, the reasons that apply in your case.  Make each of your selections by marking it with a number from 1 to 10.  Marking a selection with a 10 indicates the reason selected is of great importance; marking it with a 1 indicates the selection is of concern to you but of relatively little importance.  Different reasons may be of equal importance, so more than one selection may be marked using the same number.]

Economic Goals:

____You need the money to -

       ____ Establish your financial independence.

       ____ Obtain better housing

       ____ Pay for medications

       ____ Cover medical expenses.

       ____ Cover day to day living expenses.

       ____ Supplement entitlement income [Please circle one -    SSI    or    SSDI    ]