Spring Training

Last night, as I watched the NCAA basketball championship and cheered for the Tarheels - I realized my last “home” team was about to end their season, win or lose. Watching my favorite teams – the Carolina Panthers, Davidson Wildcats and UNC Tarheels - has definitely been my favorite post-layoff distraction. When I learned about my upcoming job loss in December, it was right in the midst of the Panthers’ promising playoff run which ultimately ended in a defeat by the underdog Arizona Cardinals. I reacted to the loss quite personally for someone who couldn’t name five NFL teams before 2003. When I moved to Charlotte, I lived uptown directly across Cedar St. from the Panthers’ practice field and stadium. My father played college football so I grew up with a vague understanding of the game, but never jumped on a team bandwagon until moving to Charlotte. My arrival in the Queen City coincided with the Panthers winning a spot in the 2004 Superbowl and spending lots of time with my football fanatic friends. After just one season, I was an official Panthers fan.

After recovering from the disappointment of this season’s Panthers loss, I switched to cheering on our Davidson Wildcats in their mission to return to the NCAA tournament after last year’s magical trip to the Elite Eight. We pulled out our “Witness” shirts and watched in admiration as Stephen Curry continued to bring national attention to our tiny school. Although this Wildcats season didn’t recapture last year’s glory – the pride that the team has brought to Davidson is electrifying. Whether they are in the NCAA tournament or not, we love that our basketball team has put us on the national scene.

Finally, I’m also a Tarheel fan thanks to my mother’s North Carolina roots - I remember watching UNC’s 1993 victory on my tiny black and white television in Worcester, Massachusetts. My grandparents plan trips and events according to the Carolina schedule to ensure they’re seated in front of the TV (with cocktails in hand) for games. My 94 year old grandfather loves watching all North Carolina college teams play basketball - one of the few people I know who roots for Duke and North Carolina with equal enthusiasm.

The end of the college basketball season leaves me more time for writing, career reflection and of course endless Law & Order reruns. Cheering on my teams provided much needed diversion and inspiration this fall/winter as I’m sure is true for many people. To celebrate the Heels' big win, I’m going to pick up a 2009 UNC championship shirt to inspire productivity in my new work space at home. I’m reviving my career approach with new space and a new focus on creating my own “yet to be determined” job. And of course contemplating whether this spring I’ll finally get into baseball.

Downturn Diaries Debut

I have always loved to write, but in recent years rationalized that work-related projects left no time for experimenting with words. But after five years of public relations/marketing work in Charlotte, North Carolina, I am on an unexpected career hiatus since my lay off in January 2009. My previous employer was a quirky athletic clothing company and my job description included wearing workout gear every day and attending yoga classes. After my last day at work, I happily indulged my fantasy of lounging around the house before thinking about my next career move. Since polishing up my resume, the job search has been more challenging than expected with many waves of hope and frustration.

I know I am just one of many Charlotte residents seeking work as our beloved hometown churns at the epicenter of this economic downturn. The recession’s effects are increasingly visible in our city with “for lease” signs posted in closed boutique and restaurant locations, and frequent layoff announcements. I feel especially lucky during this time to have an amazing husband, family and friends who offer constant support, love and laughter.

I find lots of reasons to laugh in the midst of my unemployment woes, while trying to recall the day of the week or attending a chick flick matinee at Phillips Place. My dwindling bank account balance however is not so amusing thanks to my historically minimal personal finance skills. I wish now that I had invested more money in savings than must-have footwear from Neiman Marcus. To prepare for the next time I have money to manage, The Suze Ormand Show is definitely on my DVR list. For now, I am attempting (so far unsuccessfully) to make my unemployment funds last through an entire week.

I am excited to write about the unpredictable adventure of navigating the downturn on this blog – from job searching to budget-friendly style and Charlotte nightlife. I’m also on the lookout for stories about Queen City residents who are creating new possibilities after a lay off. Even in the midst of uncertainty, I know there are amazing opportunities waiting around the corner. And until then, pass me a glass of Chardonnay.