Jobless is not the new black

I don't care much for the word "jobless."

It's a term I avoid using to describe my current status. "- less" is not more. Nor is it the new black.

It's a big diminuendo, without the pretty music. Less lunching with colleagues. Less money. In fact, jobless reminds me a bit too much of its separated-at-birth evil twin, homeless.

Both the jobless and the homeless in Fort Worth are catching a few breaks this summer from Tarrant County churches. Before I was downsized, I didn't realize to what extent that was happening.

It's a terrible time of year to be without air conditioning. Just imagine trying to sleep without it. During the hottest parts of the summer and the coldest nights of the winter, a network of local churches invites individuals without a roof over their heads to come inside for dinner, a comfortable night's sleep and breakfast. The program is called Room at the Inn, and I'm happy that my church participates.

I knew about Room at the Inn, but I didn't realize that so many churches also host ongoing programs in support of those of us who are looking for work.

The Career Solutions Workshop is a 12-session, one-night-a-week workshop that is hosted at a handful of Metroplex churches. Thus far, I have attended a session at All Saints Episcopal Church in Fort Worth and was impressed by the panel of three managers who told us the truth about what they like to see in a job candidate.

Learn more about that program at http://www.careersolutionsworkshop.com/. I've been told that the program is being disbanded at the Turning Point location because, it seems, attendance is low because former attendees have been getting hired. 

That's the kind of downsizing I like to hear about.