Good people of Edmonton…my readers…our commentators and posters:
I run Edmonton Bangers solo, and I’ve been doing so since July of 2009.
It was important to me to set up Edmonton Bangers (the Tumblr blog/Twitter/RSS feeds network), when I realized that not a single independent site of it’s kind existed in Edmonton.
Sure you can go to PM Events, Club Zone or Cool Vibes…but they’re advertisement boards. The bigger the payer, the bigger the player.
Then there are local promoter/label/DJ Syndicate blogs and sites. I’m sure you understand what they prefer you read.
There is so much content that I want to post, write, review and share…but as I will describe later in this message, I just don’t have it in me:
•Large collections of downloadable music that’s new, fresh and unreleased.
•Event listings worth mentioning, from parties, club events, concerts and festivals. All underground and cutting edge, with a little background information to help you decide if the event is for you.
•The local community scene, and what’s happening or changing.
Here’s the problem….
I’ve been out of a job since I worked as a Researcher at the University of Alberta. My entire division was shut down in July 2010, and nine of us lost our jobs.
I’ve found a few part-time jobs, here and there, while re-cooping from the devastation of losing my ideal job.
I have a Master’s degree in Political Science from Florida Atlantic University (a large, 60,000 student, state school). When I graduated in 2006, our regional South Florida economy was beginning to collapse (started by the greedy parties involved in the housing bubble…and soon to be credit default swaps…derivatives…toxic assets…the bailouts).
The only one hiring people with my degree in Florida were K-12 schools. My entire graduating class looked for teaching jobs. I was lucky and found one myself, even though it was a lower paying Episcopal school.
It Doesn’t Make Any Sense
When I moved to Edmonton in mid 2009, during the city’s deepest economic decline in 20 years, I had a much easier time finding work in my career field. Within a couple of months I landed my U of A Research Associate position.
This time around, since February 2011, I’ve worked harder, and looked broader for a job. I’ve applied to 180 jobs (in my career and outside of it), and I’ve found nothing.
I’ve gone to Alberta Works for help. I sought help from two counselors, and not to generalize the agency as a whole, they proved more of a waste of time, energy and gas.
Many times my counselors at Alberta Works were slow to return calls/eMails. They led me in the wrong direction, and their advice has proved as being useless. Nevertheless, I remain thankful for the small amount of financial assistance I get from the agency, while hoping to secure a job.
I went to several staffing agencies, and they don’t know what to do with me. Because I have experience and education in research, policy analysis, communications/public relations, government and non profit coordination, I don’t fit into any of their temp, or entry level positions. No matter how willing I am to do ANY work, they don’t return my messages.
On top of all this applying and searching, I’ve gone to five career fairs. Expressing interest and credentials, I am not considered, because they assume I’d expect higher pay, and they doubt my willingness to work for any period of time (because I’d would supposedly drop an assignment when I get a position in my career).
All I want is to work. I have great references, transcripts, and a letter of recommendation from my previous employer at the University of Alberta.
I have professional experience in:
RESEARCH and ANALYSIS (Mostly Social Science Policies: Public Policy, Health Policy, Energy, Environment, Economic, Social, Urban Planning, Population and Demographics).
COORDINATIONS (Studies Projects Campaigns, Marketing, Research, Planning, Communications, Public Relations, Inter Departmental, Internet and Social Media).
SUPPORT (In Everything Above)
TEACHING (Without needing a long recertification process in Alberta, I can teach College Social Sciences. Otherwise known as junior college to Americans)
…but of course any reasonable job will do. It can be wage earning…I even know and do less complicated carpentry).
…and of course (though not done since 2008) I am still skilled as a DJ, Remixer (I’ve done authorized remixes for Bran Van 3000 and Cassius), Producer, Sound Engineer, Promoter, Event Marketer/Blogger (paid).
Back to my original point about this blog:
I’ve been broke for nearly 4 months. Over these months I have sold everything of value I own, even most of my furniture, and my wall paintings. I get food from a food bank, and all of my bills are (way) past due.
My parents in Miami, help as they can, but it’s very little. Thankfully, it’s helped me go this long without income…and going homeless.
I don’t have very many friends here, and no family at all. I haven’t had a relationship with a girl since I left the States in July 2008. It can be lonely at times - most times. Added together, my life is just getting depressing.
When I’m not in a state of disbelief, I’m just sad. I think too much about my doubts, regrets, and future.
So for now…I don’t have it in me to update Edmonton Bangers. Sorry.
As Soon As I Start WORKING Again, I PROMISE To Bring Updates Back On A REGULAR Basis
Hopefully, you’ll still be around by then.
Thank you for understating.
Please, check back once in a while. With a little luck, I’ll be writing for the scene I love, in my newly adopted city
