... unemployment ...

Perfectly permed hair, pimple free olive skin, a Barbie doll body and not a speck of lint on her black pencil skirt, she taps her pen on the clipboard in her lap.   Looks me up and down.  Scribbles something on my resume.  Asks:
                      
                "Where do you see yourself professionally in five years?"

I squirm.  Begin to babble semi-coherent English -- something art related, maybe an art teacher, maybe an art therapist -- who knows, maybe I'll try my hand at advertising?  I cross my cheap vinyl boots and unfortunately become acutely aware of all the gray lint my sweater jacket is leaving on my once black dress.

Ten minutes later, as I walk out of American Apparel, I realize... I'm walking out of American Apparel.

Albeit, I was really hoping this interview would lead to an easy part-time job to see me through my next semester of art school, and I am certainly not above retail, but really?  Is there any need to feel like a lesser person because I'm not quite American Apparel material?

With many people taking being downsized as an opportunity to go back to school, you could say I took the opposite approach; I sought out my own unemployment.

That's right.  You heard me.

Even in this economy ... (oh whoa is me -- the economy!) ... I decided to do this.  I decided to leave my good job with good benefits to pursue a path that will yield potential (almost certain) poverty.
                              
                                  But hey, it's about happiness... right?

Thankfully, my boss asked me to help out with one teacher's pregnancy leave until mid-December, so until then, I am officially employed.   And with the end date fast approaching, I have a feeling I'll be okay.  Parents always need babysitters and teachers always need the occasional substitute.

As I walk away from the store that didn't want me, I look back to rethink its sleek and simple facade.  Who wants to be a part of that skinny girl's cool click anyway?  The store next door, however, catches my eye as its windows display multitudes of fun Fall hipster fashion -- perhaps Urban Outfitters would be a better fit...

                  ... and the job search in this economy continues ....