Unemployment-It's up again in California

(04-17) 12:06 PDT SAN FRANCISCO -- The state unemployment rate soared to 11.2 percent in March, the highest since before World War II, leaving a record 2.1 million Californians out of work, according to a report issued Friday. (San Francisco Chronicle)

It's up again, the unemployment figures continue to rise. One person out of every nine in California is unemployed. It's hard to believe.

The good news, some companies are hiring in spite of other companies having to still layoff staff.

To check out the top 200 companies in the bay area, check out this link to the SF Chronicles CHRON200.

And here's to all of us out there looking for work in 2009. vlb

Jobless claims top 6M; housing starts plummet

"

WASHINGTON — The number of people receiving jobless benefits exceeded 6 million for the first time, the government reported Thursday, and housing construction unexpectedly plunged to its second-lowest level on record — fresh evidence that the recession is far from over.

Analysts expect the labor market to remain weak for the most of this year with companies reluctant to hire new workers until an economic recovery is well under way. And the latest housing data show the slump in that market, a major factor in triggering the recession, has yet to hit bottom." (from Comcast.net news and information)

Well, this was the first bit of news I read this morning as I logged on to work on school projects, and do my job search research. Finding a job in 2009 is going to be tough. So here's to the unemployed out there, stay steadfast, because in spite of this news, Craigslist, Monster.com, Ladders, and a host of other sites out there continue to post tons of positions, and although they may not yield what your looking for, these sites do give way to new directions of possibility for work, that maybe you have not yet thought of. Be creative!:) vlb

Never Give Up

Whatever it is you're dealing with today, don't give up, never give up. The path may be steep, maybe you can't see an end to the path. But hindsight is 20/20. Sometimes it helps to look back, as you move forward.

In my ongoing job search I'm learning many lessons, sharpening many skills, and learning to be present and grateful, not just for where I've been, but for where I'm going to be. vlb

Magnitude 4.3 Earthquake this morning in the South Bay

This is Pacifica, California and this is where I live, Pacifica is 20 minutes south of San Francisco. This morning I was working at my desk at home when the house sounded like it was settling into the ground. A couple of minutes later the house shook, and the chair I was sitting in swayed and shimmied left to right a few times. There was no doubt that an earthquake had just hit the bay area.

Fyi, no reports of damage or injuries, Bit it definitely felt like a strong quake. vlb

Friday Already:) Oh, Yeah

This beach is located about 40 minutes south of San Francisco, and only 5 minutes south of Devil's Slide, Devil's Slide is well known in the bay area because about every other year it closes down hwy 1 to through traffic, after winter storms cause weak areas in the rock to slide into the highway, shutting it down for several days, while the cleanup and repairs are made. But, a major highway project underway will make those closures a thing of the past.

Yesterday as I took a walk along this beach, and took in the beauty of God's creation, and took time to breathe in the fresh air, and had time to play with dogs, and spend time out in nature with the love of my life, I found renewed strength, and began again to count my many blessings, and name them one by one.

My life will always be in development, there will always be new things to learn, and new places to go and explore, this period of career change is showing me these things more than ever. A stranger once prayed for me this wonderful prayer of encouragement, and part of the prayer went like this, "God keep her reminded, that you are always going before her, preparing the way for her." Hindsight has shown me how this prayer is being fulfilled day by day, as I look forward I hope to begin to see it as well, with more conviction and assurance, while at times there may just be one set of footprints in the sand. (get it?) vlb

Monday came quick!

It was a very cold and windy weekend. But today the sun is warm, the wind has calmed down somewhat, and the search for a job continues.

I take a daily walk for exercise and fresh air. I noticed last week for the first time on my walk, that more cars are parked along the street than ever before, more people are staying home. The headline on this Saturday's SF Chronicle showed unemployment in California was now at 10.5%. I can certainly see the impact where I live with more neighbors staying home these days. Back when I was first home from leaving my job, this area was a ghost town during the week.

So with renewed effort, here's to the week ahead, the job search continues. So send positive job energy this way! The sun is high in the sky, there is a cold breeze blowing, you can hear the distant sound of lawnmowers running as the wheels of industry are turning. So here's to hard work, play, and taking the time to smell the roses. Happy Monday! vlb

sunset in pacifica california, weds and thurs night