Changes, changes everywhere, but if you, sit and stare, they stay the same

As this year slowly but inexorably drags to an end, I find myself looking for another job

Having worked for the past 4 years in my current role under a federal government initiative, the government have decided they would like to achieve the same outcomes but in a different way, so have closed down my program, thus (selfishly) leaving Rita with valuable experience in many things but no actual job of work!

This decision actually involves many thousands of similarly qualified and experienced people across the country, so it’s not like they said one day “We don’t like the shoes Rita in Hobart is wearing today so we’ll close down her program”!

Whilst totally understanding and condoning the reasons behind this, it has resulted in once again my being in a situation where many people ranging in age from early 20’s to 60+ are being forced into the position of job hunting. Having already gone through that scenario in 1996-8, when the, at that time, new Liberal federal government (under Mr Howard) got elected into power and proceeded to implement many startling reforms, one of which was closing down the Commonwealth Employment Service (CES) where Rita was gainfully employed, this time round has been much easier to contemplate.

The reaction in general to facing an unknown future is daunting for most. When people have specific living expenses, standards and expectations, to not know how they will meet all their obligations, and survive in the way they have till now, is scary.

Observing those around me as they go through the paces of scouring the papers and internet, writing job applications, going for interviews, the rejection letters or calls, is at times heartwrenching.

However, the biggest thing I learnt from the 1998 period is that it really is true – that old chestnut about one door closing and another door opening. So many people faced the turmoil of uncertainty at that time, and look at them now. They’re still alive, and they’re fine. And so will my comrades at work today be fine. We’ll all go our separate ways, and meet each other occasionally in the future, maybe in a supermarket aisle, and fondly reminisce, and we’ll all be OK.

Change is good. It should be obligatory. Rita is looking forward to whatever 2010 brings, whether it’s pauperism or prosperity. It looks to me like an unopened present under this year’s Christmas tree. I don’t care whether it’s washing up in someone’s restaurant kitchen, or running a company – bring it on! I’m excited about my mystical future. I’ll probably take you along with me too, if you want to keep reading this blog into 2010!

PS – anyone want an enthusiastic worker who loves singing Neil Sedaka songs?