I've read one - count that - ONE job posting out of hundreds that was well written - clear and concise as to exactly what skills were needed, what the job entailed, and a proposed career path. Though I didn't get the job I did complement the HR contact for their listing.

Most positions I've read for a sloppy and vague. But it gets worse.

I've had a few interviews. The scenarios usually went as follows:

THEM: "We love you! We are sooo impressed with your skills!" yada, yada, yada.


ME: "The feeling is mutual! I love you too!" and so on.

Then after the mutual lovefest as they escort me out the door with gushings and cooings, they promise to contact me within the week.

And they don't. They don't even return calls. And these are MAJOR companies and corporations.

I've had two out rejections letters, both from smaller companies. I sent replies expressing disappointment at not getting a position but complementing them on their professionalism for letting me know.

What gets me about hunting for a job is, simply, I feel I have to get a job. Not that I'm wealthy but that as the man of the house I have to get a job. I'm not pulling my weight although my wife does work and we are surviving on her salary.

OK, I've said it but I'll say it again. Without a job, I'm not fulfilling my duties as a man, as a family provider.

Sure, I've taken over the household, doing most of the chores, picking up the kids and all that. But, dammit, my oinky-piggy, non-PC, male ego says my place is not at home but working.

And, worse, is that I'm pretty much willing to accept any position that I can do with my skill set, even if the company isn't sexy or the job not an ego inflater. Yes, I'm willing to sacrifice my happiness as long as I can provide, and I hate that!

I want both: a position that I'll be happy at, where I can prosper, AND to be a provider.

But I've been looking for over six months now and it just ain't happening.

I tell myself that things aren't bad. They really aren't and although I didn't find a job today, a job - my job - may be found tomorrow. Until then get off the freaking computer and go scrub those toilets!!!

But if anyone knows of a data analysis position in the Los Angeles area, drop me a line.