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Job Hunting

"In the midst of a Pandemic"

By Pam ZeePublished 3 years ago 6 min read
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2020 has taught us a lot of things. From the constant uncertainty of your job security, health condition, family wellbeing, keeping afloat, and simply breathing. From the moment this pandemic hit US soil, Tomorrow just never seemed promised. Everyone scrambled with the agony of what will become of our lives and when will this virus be contained and cured. Unbeknownst to us at the time, precisely beginning of March when Corona virus cases began rising in Texas. I had just returned from Celebrating my Birthday a week after the first curfew was issued/announced. Magic Kingdom Park, Disney World had ultimately shut down. A place I freely graced through its surroundings a week prior for my Birthday. Cases were rising at a fast rate daily nationwide, and the world stood at a standstill as corporate offices shuffled with effective ways to transition. This Pandemic became our new normal and no one had a clue of when it would be contained or over with. Workplaces across the nation ultimately became toxic, God forbid if anyone sneezed or coughed next to you. We now tend to glance at our peers with that shameless stare instead of simply saying “Bless You”. Nevertheless, it was inevitable for corporate offices to succumb to their employees working remotely.

Since no one felt safe anymore and going outside became a struggle. I was lucky enough to work remotely by end of March. To help curb the spread of the virus, I felt at ease knowing I was no longer too exposed to civilians. As we celebrated that win, another problem erupted. Social distancing became the new trend and family cookouts, gatherings, celebrations, was now a thing of the past. Simultaneously, a lock down was issued sometimes in mid-April as cases continued to skyrocket. I knew then that this challenging time was going to be long-term. I was blessed to have had to opportunity to celebrate my Birthday worry-free, with loved ones, and mask-free, something many people now longed for. Coming from a close-knit Family, I went from seeing my siblings weekly to monthly, sometimes even longer. Nevertheless, I was fortunate enough to escape from contracting the virus all year long, but ultimately lost my job back in August. One month later I lost two relatives to illnesses unrelated to the virus, within the course of one week. Their burials had to be conducted within the course of the following week due to new Corona Virus state regulations overseas. Travel regulations had been imposed as well, so our travel movement was eminently limited. We opted and attended a Live Virtual Streaming service for both burials instead. Something I never in a million years ever imagined I would partake in. Amid all of this, job searching became hectic as well. Most companies had low census, and no one seemed to be hiring now. In juxtaposition, majority of employers were skeptical in conducting in-person interviews and zoom became the new trend. I lost count of the numerous zoom interviews I have attend since, and still no luck in securing gainful employment.

My life turned upside down as my bills/expenses continued to flow at a steady pace, yet no passive income was coming back in return. Being that I was half-way done with school at the time, I shifted and divided all my free time between job searching and school. I knew my life was falling apart and decided to take control of it back by investing, what seemed like failure ate the time, to schooling instead. Eventually, my hard work paid off and by the end of September I completed my Certificate Program. I began seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and convinced myself to keep job searching while pushing through with school. It is one thing to finish school, another thing to pass your board exams, and an even harder task to secure a job in that career field. Upon completion of my school program, it took two weeks to be fully cleared via the exit exam and given authorization to test for my boards. Just when you think it is over, the journey had just now begun. From the look of the exit exam, the Board Exam was going to be stressful and I knew I could not afford nor want to retest. I immediately went on another two-week binge study mode to help prepare for the ordeal. Within the course of studying, I started having migraines and had to change my game plan from long hours of studying. While I prepared for the board exams, I also shifted my job search exclusive only to my newfound career and began applying for opportunities. I ultimately succeeded by passing my board exams within the first trial on Halloween, 10/31/2020. The anxiety that comes with this exam day is a story for another day; however, I did keep things to myself untill after testing. No one knew when I went for the exams nor when I scheduled the exams. I made sure it was early in the morning so I can sneak out when everyone was still asleep just help curb my own anxiety for testing. Being that it was Halloween also helped-out since everyone was focused on that festive holiday instead.

I received my license the following week and embarked on an even harder task right after. Everywhere I interviewed; they asked for 6months to 1yr experience, in correlation to my newfound career study, something of which I did not have/lacked. From numerous assessments to what seemed like a trail of NO’s, I decided last week to expand my job search to include prior work experiences. Unfortunately, I am yet to secure any job opportunities under my career certification yet, due to lack of hands-on experience. If you or anyone you are affiliated with knows of a facility, Hospital, Clinic, Cardiac Centers, or urgent care needing an (EKG) Electrocardiography Technician; please reach out to me. Any Entry level, no experience, or even internship within the Houston area surroundings, kindly reach me at [email protected] and 281-631-3219. In honor of a festive season, spread the love by liking and sharing this post with your friends, contacts and on social media. Remember to keep shining through despite life’s many tribulations. Out of the many life lessons 2020 had to offer, I personally can resonate with not taking anyone or anything for granted. Materialistic things no-longer brings/add value to my life. It is my well-being, mental stability, laughter and living in the moment. You see, your life can change in any given moment, it can take a turn for the worse or a turn for the better. You control the long-term effects depending on how you handle your demeanor within the current situation. They say, “Luck is when Opportunity meets Preparedness”. I can attest that I am more than equipped and prepared to take part in telemetry field, opportunity is what awaits me. You see 2020 was that year where everything fell apart for me while simultaneously shifted my life to a higher ground. Do not let your current situation define you. Take charge of your life and be encouraged. For me 2020 was a Blessing in Disguise and definitely a year to remember.

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About the Creator

Pam Zee

I am Author/Writer living in TX. I strive to create narratives that resonate deeply with human experience. I hope my stories can bring people together, allowing us to find common ground, and understand the beauty in our diversity

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