Category Archives: job loss

Latino Gay Poets & Writers

Posted on by
Reply

There are some incredible Latino gay poets and writers making their mark in the New York City scene. Some have been around for a while and others are just starting out. In either case, there is an enormous amount of talent and passion in the field and much more should be written about these amazingly fearless people who put their personal and emotionally-filled stories on paper and on the stage.

Charlie Vázquez is someone who has contributed greatly to Latino gay literature and also created ¡HISPANIC PANIC!, a monthly event in NYC showcasing Latino gay poets and writers. I get a great deal of inspiration listening to poets and writers reading their work publicly. I attended Charlie’s most recent creative occasion at Bartini in Hell’s Kitchen last Wednesday night. Brandon Lacy Compos was the evening’s MC and read his work as well. He did an awesome job keeping the energy and flow going and presenting each performer. The lineup of poets and writers that night was extraordinary including such legends as Robert Vazquez-Pacheo, Charles Rice-Gonzalez, and Emanuel Xavier. They were joined by up and coming poets/writers Jimmy Lam and Cristina Izaguirre.

Latino gay poets and writers have a long history and the outstanding individuals above are just a few that represent its past, present, and future. I greatly appreciate their work and commitment to the art of the written word and I am sure many others do as well. Keep up the remarkable work!

Share

The 4-Hour Workweek and Slow Dance

Posted on by
1

A few weeks ago I finally finished reading The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss. I had started it earlier in the year, but put it down several times. No reflection on the book, though. I just had a lot on my mind and had to make some major life decisions. The book helped me figure out a career change, which I plan to post in greater detail sometime later. Basically, life is too short to be stuck in a job you hate. Even in this economy, where some would say it’s best to have any paying job, hating your job can really suck the life right out of you. I know this firsthand. Tim Ferriss outlines ways to start your own business, gives great suggestions for time management, and offers excellent ideas on how to travel the world with very little money. Overall, the book was quite inspirational, and allows one to truly believe that anything is possible if you know what you need to do and how to do it. If you’re thinking of starting your own business, finding time and money to travel to exotic lands, or want to change careers, The 4-Hour Workweek will provide you with a wealth of useful information.

Ferriss ends his book with a powerful, enlightening poem entitled “Slow Dance” by David L. Weatherford. Weatherford passed away earlier this year, but his poems will live on forever. The full poem is provided below with permission from his brother, Charles Weatherford. Enjoy.

Slow Dance, by David L. Weatherford

Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round,
or listened to rain slapping the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly’s erratic flight,
or gazed at the sun fading into the night?

You better slow down, don’t dance so fast,
time is short, the music won’t last.

Do you run through each day on the fly,
when you ask “How are you?”, do you hear the reply?

When the day is done, do you lie in your bed,
with the next hundred chores running through your head?

You better slow down, don’t dance so fast,
time is short, the music won’t last.

Ever told your child, we’ll do it tomorrow,
and in your haste, not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch, let a friendship die,
’cause you never had time to call and say hi?

You better slow down, don’t dance so fast,
time is short, the music won’t last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere,
you miss half the fun of getting there.

When you worry and hurry through your day,
it’s like an unopened gift thrown away.

Life isn’t a race, so take it slower,
hear the music before your song is over.

Share

Marketing Skills While Defining a Career Change

Posted on by
1

Last week I lost my job. While venturing out into the world of the unemployed, I decided to market my skills directly as a freelancer and consultant. I aim to continue the full-time job search, but with millions of people losing their jobs now may be the perfect time to work for myself.

I am a writer by nature who loves to tell a good story. I’ve decided to combine my media and communication expertise into my own business venture. I hope to take time defining a career change and carefully reviewing future full-time employment steps. In the meantime I believe this transition is an opportunity in disguise. It’s a time to re-invent myself and clarify what I want to do with the rest of my working career.

Networking is key. If you know anyone looking for a freelance writer or communication consultant please pass along my new business blog: Velez Communication.

Share

We Need This Stimulus Package Now!

Posted on by
Reply

How much longer must we wait before our elected leaders approve the desperately needed stimulus package? The present economy is extremely weak, however how bleak does it need to be before our fearless leaders decide to get their collective act together? More and more companies are laying off thousands of people, interest rates are going up, and mail for the first time ever may now only be delivered five days a week. Imagine, no mail on Saturdays? If that’s not a sign things are getting bad, I don’t know what is. I do now that if something is not done soon we may begin seeing public hospitals, schools, and libraries close. Democrats and Republicans must come to an agreement real soon before a national financial panic grips our land from sea to shiny sea.

Share

What If You Lose Your Job?

Posted on by
1

In today’s economy thousands of people are losing their jobs every day. It’s a scary time and those of us with jobs should do what we can to stay employed. However, no matter what we do, unfortunately some of us will lose our jobs. This experience can be devastating, however it can also be an opportunity in disguise. An unemployment period can be a time to re-invent oneself. If you lose your job, use the unstructured time to find your passion, as well as your next job. There are a great deal of resources available online. Keep the faith no matter what happens.

Even if you have a job, it may be a good idea to save your 2008 tax refund and hold on to vacation days in the event you may need the cash later. Work and maintain your networking sources. What ever happens, keep a positive outlook. Our weak economic time will get better. For now, find ways to cut expenses. Begin researching what you would do if you did lose your job. Find ways to become more of an asset in your present position. No matter what, everything happens for a reason and you can find the silver lining in any situation if you look close enough.

Share