Pongo Resume

Thanks to Twitter's growing popularity, I found out – in real time updates – what everyday people are saying about their current jobs, past jobs, unemployment, job searching, and more.

Here's a list of job-related tweets from 1/16 and 1/19. Does any of this sound familiar?

malcontentist:@markdavidson well said, and so true. don't use a sword for a job that calls for a scalpel.

Go ahead, read that again. Don't use a sword for a job that calls for a scalpel. I'm not really sure what it means, but I like it.

mabernathy: trying to do nails, job hunt, eat, and manage two pups potty training and play time, yay multi-tasking!

I've noticed more and more job seekers taking this multi-tasking approach. When you're unemployed and desperately searching for your next opportunity, you can't job search 24/7 or you'll burn out before you get your first interview. A healthy mix of other activities to keep you busy will make the task less daunting and more manageable.

thinkingmama: Why can't people follow directions when applying for a job? Any responsible pdx'ers want a summer job?

This is a valid complaint from an employer's point of view. All you job seekers take note: Read each job ad carefully and follow the directions for applying, word for word.

ChristinaFaith: @anthonycoppedge I will read it when I get can the $5 :) at the time I don't have a job so I use the library and net resources ":)

If you haven't thought about it before and don't always have a computer available for job searching, follow this woman's lead and use your town's resources!

The_jimski: all I want out of this job, regardless of what else may happen, is permission to obliterate this PC with an aluminum bat.

Do not – I repeat – do NOT take out your anger issues on company equipment. But I'm sure lots of unhappy employees have thought about pulling an Office Space move every now and then (just like this guy)!

RadioMaverick: The worst part when looking for a job ... is when the phone doesn't ring.

That does sound pretty depressing. Do you agree? Do you think there's something worse?

photojennic: after 1 1/2 hour dr apt- 6 new messages from work. thank god for job security.

This is one of my favorites. If you're not currently unemployed, you probably know someone who is. And you can't help but thank your lucky stars that you have a great job that won't be saying goodbye to you anytime soon.

vinitha: I walked out of my job today! Anyone looking for an environmental engineer in Houston

Given the state of the economy and the alarmingly high unemployment rate, it's hard for me to see how anyone could even think of voluntarily quitting their job right now, especially without a new one lined up. But I guess, as vinitha proves, if the job is that bad, sometimes the only thing you can do to be happy is walk away. I just advise those of you who hate your jobs to think twice (or three or four times) about following in vinitha's footsteps.

Are you a Twitter user? Follow username PongoResume to get helpful career-related tips and links!

What's going on in your world of unemployment? Or if you still have a job, tell us what you think about the job market.

@Michael Quale: Twitter's popularity is growing steadily - I imagine it'll get a lot of blogging attention in the next several months.

@brown bag: Great idea about the link! Thanks for sharing.