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Fran Hopkins

Long-unemployed writer-editor-PR specialist who's found a full-time job at last!
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Blog Posts

Reflections on the Beginning of a Job, the End of a Year, and What About Next Year? (in Verona-Cedar Grove Patch)

Even though it's great to have a job again, why do I feel this vague uncertainty about the New Year?

Tired but Happy: My Experience of Full-Time Employment After Prolonged Joblessness (in Verona-Cedar Grove Patch)

I've only been on the new job for a couple of weeks, so I'm sure it's too soon to be completely adjusted to the dramatic changes in my life. I'll get the hang of this working full-time again, though!

It's Finally Over: A New Job, a New Beginning Start This Week (in Verona-Cedar Grove Patch)

After all this time, it's hard for me to believe I'm starting a new job this week. I'm glad for me, but I'm pessimistic the economy is getting any better for millions of us.

What if They Offer Me the Job? (in Verona-Cedar Grove Patch)

It's been so long since I've had a full-time job that, if I do get an offer soon, how will I know if I should accept it? What if I get two offers? What if the moon is made of green cheese?

Not Taking 'No' for an Answer: Is It Ever a Good Idea When Jobhunting? (in Verona-Cedar Grove Patch)

Is there such a thing as applying for too many jobs, or applying too many times, at one company? Yes and no.

Why the Unemployed Make the BEST Employees (in Verona-Cedar Grove Patch)

Some employers think that people without jobs make worse new employees than people with jobs. This is a ridiculous generalization that only does more harm to the long-term unemployed.

Why I'm 'Holding Out' for a Full-Time Job (in Verona-Cedar Grove Patch)

It may be easier to get a part-time job these days than a full-time one. I just don't think that a part-time job (or two, or three) is the best option for me.

Are the Long-Term Unemployed “Damaged Goods”? (in Verona-Cedar Grove Patch)

Unemployment -- is it "catching"? Worse, does it make us "rejects"?

Lessons from Unemployment: The Good, the Bad and the Philosophical (in Verona-Cedar Grove Patch)

Can you learn anything worthwhile from being unemployed for a long time?

Feeling Angry About Unemployment (in Verona-Cedar Grove Patch)

Anger comes with the territory when you're unemployed. Channel that anger by letting everyone know what unemployment is doing to us. We're real people, not numbers and percentages.

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