The End of Unemployment

02/10/2009 was the day I got that fateful call from HR at my previous employer. It would be my last day of of official US employment. I knew it was coming, but it was still devastating. That was followed by 3 months of unsuccessful attempts to get reemployed in Las Vegas, and the US. By mid-November, I knew I was coming home to Malaysia.

It was a scary process. Apart from my sister, I did not know anyone in the field. I had no contacts, only a list of agencies in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. And I had no clue of the work environment or clientele. The only thing I knew was that they're affected by the global economic crunch as well, and that it would be a long and frustrating process to get back to designing. And of course, I knew I was going to have to endure a massive pay cut and longer working hours. Its just how Asia is.

Coming back, I met an individual who used to be an AE in an agency here. Through him, I got a clearer picture of how things are done here. I also got a list of contacts and got to do some freelance jobs. But the issue here was that his contacts were outdated, and his freelance jobs were payless. In other words, I was doing pro bono charity work. I knew I wasn't going to see the money. I did it because I needed the contacts, the practice of designing again, and to just keep busy. And believe me, I was busy! A little too busy, in fact. I had no life or income, and I was constantly frustrated. It was ridiculous.

2 months passed, with me job hunting. It wasn't easy. There's only so much you can do. I encountered the same postings, if there are any (there wasn't much). I called up agencies and verified the e-mail addresses I got, so that I can send my CV to the correct people. No call backs. I can only guess that a hiring freeze is in effect, so calling me would just be giving me false hope, as they can't take me on anyways ... be it freelance, part-time or full-time, temporary or permanent. It was really depressing for me, and I felt helpless. Nevertheless, I continued sending out my CV, but I paced myself to 2-3 agencies a day. And I just relaxed the rest of the day (and did the pro bono freelance). No point in driving myself any more insane than I already am.

Then one day, towards the end of February, I placed a call to one of the agencies on my list (as usual). The receptionist told me to send my CV to the traffic manager. I found that weird, but did it nonetheless. 30 minutes later, I get a call from the ECD himself (from his personal mobile, no less). We spoke briefly, and he was saying that it must be fate, as they were just discussing bringing in a Designer that very morning. He was very enthusiastic, and we set up to have an interview next week. I was so excited! Its great to receive a response within 30 minutes of your CB submission, from an international agency no less! But I was still diligent and continued submitting my CV to other agencies down my list.

The interview was an interesting one, as it lasted for 2 hours. The ECD was a really fun and open minded guy, full of life an energy. In fact, it was 45 minutes in before I even presented my stuff. We discussed all kinds of things, from our past years living abroad to the current climate to the agency itself, and our personal goals. Towards the end, I also showed my portfolio to another CD who happened to wonder by. I left with the feeling that I had impressed them.

A week later, I was back there, as a 2-week, temporary freelancer. Like the rest of the agencies, they too had a hiring freeze issued to them by their global headquarters. But due to the fact that they were winning client accounts (a major feat in this economic crunch), they needed people. While they bargained for a full-time position for me, freelance was not a problem. I happily accepted. And actually, before I started, the global headquarters had approved me for full-time permanent, but of course, there was a ton of paper trails that had to be established, and I had to finish out my freelance contract first. As that approached its closure, I signed another contract. I'm employed! It felt good.

Now along the way, I made some mistakes as well. As I started my freelance with this agency, another small shop called me up. While it was nice to get another call, the guy was very cold and lifeless. A few days later, I turned down an interview opportunity. This had my AE contact fuming at me, and he was screaming at me about my pride, my priorities, my sanity, my appreciation for all he's done to try and get me a spot, and that this is the thanks I give him. Ok, I admit, maybe it wasn't the brightest thing to have done, but its done. Move on. I interviewed at another place too.

In the end, and the point is, I am working again. The recently received business card if my proof. And I am grateful it only took 2 months being home to get there. It could have been a lot longer.

TANKED!

That's the word of the day. Why? Because the US pretty much made history today. The Bailout Plan failed in the House of Representatives. Granted, it was a seriously flawed plan, but it was an option. Still, it got intensely heated, and thus, the 228 No - 205 Yes result. There's gonna be lots of scrambling this week. The (already slumping) stock market practically tanked immediately following that decision, closing at -777. That's lower than 9/11, and a record for a single day of trading. The global financial markets just had a meltdown. In other related news, Wachovia has also been picked up by Citigroup, making it the latest and largest banking casualty. Oh, and there's a not-so-hot stirring at my job.

Dontcha love Mondays? I know ya do.

The Fall-Through Weekend.

That is the official weekend title. Why? Because every single plan I had fell through. Cancellation. No follow-throughs. No follow-ups. It was always something. If I had made hookup plans, that would probably have fallen through as well. So the weekend ended up being lackluster. But after last week, it was still welcomed.

This is in addition to the fall through of the global financial markets. Merill Lynch & Co. selling itself to Bank of America. Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae getting taken over by the government. AIG takes a $85 Billion loan from the Federal Reserve (in exchange for an 80% stake in the company). Lehman Brothers filing for bankruptcy protection. Best Buy buys Napster. Arbys buys Wendys. Oil prices are wavering. Stock indexes everywhere are dropping! And they say the worst hasn't even come yet.

This is in addition to the horrible tragedy that is Hurricane Ike. My friend in Houston survived, as did his condo and vehicle. Other are not so fortunate.

Financial Fraud: Take Two.

I moved to Las Vegas last year. Within two months, someone managed to snatch my newly-established card number and stole $1000 from my acct. All in WeHo. We solved it. And now ... its happening again. Same bank, same account.

$800 e-check from Planet Hollywood. $70 from Dillards.com. A $750 paper check to Sears. I can see the gambling needs. I can see buying a new dishwasher. But Dillards?! What?! Hello? Saks Fifth Avenue? Barneys New York? Neiman Marcus? Anyone of the couture boutiques? What's next? Similac and Pampers from Wal-Mart? Wow. I'm dumbfounded. The check had my account and routing number, but the name and address was that of a woman. Probably a fake address and ID.

I have no clue how it happened, but I have an idea. My rent check never made it. Now, as it was a holiday weekend, I dropped it off in the outbox in the mail room of my condo complex. Somehow, I think someone managed to fish it out that outbox. Why? because I almost received a 5-day notice from my rental company (which would have led to an eviction notice). Thankfully, I had my savings account, with no overdraft protection. I had to speed-drop a cashier's check to cover my rent.

Anywho, my week was spent with 4 visits to the closest bank branch. During business hours (yeah, my bosses weren't too thrilled). They had to physically verify who I am, and only they can freeze my account and open a new one. Waiting for affidavits and such was just ... dumb. I got the last one signed on Saturday, and today my account was closed. I received my new card and checks.

Now the case goes into 'Investigation' status. Joy.

Having done online BillPay, I now have to reestablish it all again. But two payments went through ... on my old account. Great. Just what I needed. Bounceback charges from both sides.

This is coupled with my super busy week at work. You can imagine what I was like on Friday evening.

- 600 for Starbucks.

First it was their products. They brought back the old logo. That caused sparks amongst the conservative group. Then they cut 100 corporate jobs and eliminated breakfast sandwiches. After that, they announced the closing of 200 underperforming company-owned stores. Now its 600 stores slated to be shut down. Such is the life cycle of overexpanding their brand. Too many products. Too many niches. Too many branches. Too many little grubby fingers in too many different pots. Well, in a slumping economy, its fatal. People are buying less due to the insane gas prices. They can't get to the store, and instead forgo their morning lattes. And of course, shipping expenses, rent and utilities for underperforming stores spells big unnecessary expenditure. Not to mention paying the work force. Now, some people view this as just revenge, viewing Starbucks as a giant conglomerate that is hellbent on taking over the world by eliminating the mom-&-pop coffee shops. In some ways, I guess its true. But then again, almost every industry is being hit, and are forced to adopt cost-saving measures. Regardless, I hope the store I frequent doesn't get the ax. That would make my commute to work less pleasant than it already is.

Free Money from the IRS? Really?

So...upon checking my balance last Friday, I noticed a credit from the US Treasury. Now this is not your usual tax returns, but rather a bonus called the Economic Stimulus 2008 Fund. Available up to $600, depending of various factors. Now, we all love extra money, but will this plan actually boost this downward-spiraling economy? Only time will tell. But from a logical point, it doesn't look like its working the way they planned. If you have any outstanding debt, you'll use it to reduce that amount. That doesn't help because its already an existing expense. Anyone who can afford to shop don't need such aid. If you stash it into your savings account, it goes nowhere and does nothing for the economy. According to the statement they sent out, your $600 won't be taxed, nor is it an advance from next year's tax returns. So...how is this helping to stimulate the economy and make people spend money? What will you do with that money? Is the current political climate and foreign relations playing a much bigger role?

... I'm still alive ...

Well, the economic recession has started taking its toll on Vegas. Casinos are downsizing their staff numbers and reducing ad/creative budgets and retainers. What does that mean? It means it affects my company as well. In the last 2 weeks, we have seen a reduction in the amount of work, as well as the loss of 10 employees and some business. Friday Lounge has been stopped, and a salary freeze has been implemented. On the other hand, the amount of persnickety details have increased, as well as our stress and anxiety. No one is safe. We had an all-employee meeting today to address the current situation and what's being done. The whole agency had a tense, terse and just all-around negative mucky aura today. Everyone is all doom-n-gloom. As far as my team goes, all the designers are still here. And in my case, after all the agency has had to endure and expend to retain me, letting me go would just be plain stupid (at least, that's what I'd like to think). A production artist sent me this, and I think this is totally fitting. Get your geek cap on and enjoy this cute, happy and rather sarcastic tune. :)

Making your own gourmet $1 Menu.

Check this out. Okay, so I was in a very tight spot a few months ago. Still, I didn't need to go this far (thank gawds). I'm not sure how they did it, but they did it. In fact, I didn't know the 99¢ Only Store carried such stuff. Then again, I'd be leery of shopping for food products there. But logic would dictate that they can't sell food that has gone bad or past its expiration date, lest they get sued. Well, when the going gets tough, you do what you need to do to keep on going. A trained chef and that cookbook would be really helpful too.

A leap year, and a leap up the ladder.

Work has been BUSY! I've hardly had a spare minute to be lazy, but that's a very good thing! I like keeping myself occupied. Last Friday (2/29/08), I got a pleasant surprise. My (belated) annual review was done that day, and I scored a 3.35 out of 4.00. Not bad. In addition to earning my keep and getting the next steps in my green card started, there's potential for more leadership opportunities, which I gladly welcome. Be it switching clients or progressing further with my existing clients, I'm game. I also got a 4% raise. That was very nice, as my company could have easily not given me a raise due to all that they've done for me already in regards to my H1B. So all said and done, it was a great day and a great start to the weekend.

On a side note, I got quite a nice tax return this year. While I debated spending it on something nice for myself, I think I'm just going to keep the money. Logical rationality wins, and it states that the green card and car comes above all else.

... and 2007 transitions into 2008 ...

So I last blogged ... last year! Haha! Well, time for another entry.

We had our annual Christmas Soiree on 12/13, at Louis's Fish Camp in Town Square. It was a great place, with great food and live music. The open bar made it all the more fun. It was so good to see everyone again, and a chance to see them out of the office. I was also invited to the Designer's Christmas Gathering on 12/20. Designers only, no one else. It was fun to see the designers up close and personal, and to just have a fun gift exchange event. I got a travel set as my present. Someone is jinxing me, I swear! LOL.

With regards to my H1B petition, I was surprised when I went into the office to discover that Kim actually managed to contact and speak with my attorney, in person! Wow. Even I can't get her on the phone. Anywho, after a long discussion, my attorney agreed to file my petition under Premium Processing, and to pay for the $1000 fee too. The materials needed for the 12/20 deadline has been submitted, and the petition will be started immediately after that. What a weird turn of events, but I am glad to see that it is moving along. And now we wait. Joy.

I managed to squeeze in a viewing of The Golden Compass during these cold days. I liked it, despite what the critics say. Of course, the religious right demanding a boycott of this movie only escalated my interest in the movie. I think Google mentioned that the search for 'atheism' skyrocketed that weekend.

Bill surprised me by suddenly announcing that he was in Vegas for 2 days. So I met him and we walked the Strip those 2 days, catching up and all that. It was great to see a familiar face from Atlanta.

I met Stephanie at McCarran on saturday, and off we went! We got her necessities, and showed her the other side of Vegas that she never knew existed. For the remaining 4 days, we ate ALOT and walked it off even more! I think I lost weight for Christmas. She hasn't changed any since the days me, her and Michael were at UGA. Frugal as ever. It was so much fun to catch up, and to just be a little carefree. She paid for all my meals, but I did pay for at least 2 of them. Tea Planet had to be her favorite spot, as we went there 4 times in 2 days! She tried the famous In-n-Out Burger. She got her caipirinha fix at the brazilian steakhouse. When it comes to food, she goes all out! That's why she exercises so much. It was sad to see her leave, but the memories and gratitude remains!

Scott wasn't available for New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. I ended up meeting Don for coffee a few days before, then had dinner at his place and a few days later we went to Charlie's, a gay country bar. Not my scene, but I was game. We had fun. On New Year's Eve, we ate at The Orleans, went to Charlie's again, and saw fireworks on the rooftop parking level. They closed the Strip for the show, and we weren't going to deal with the horrendous traffic. And thus was my 30th birthday. On New Year's day, we saw National Treasure: Book of Secrets.

Oh, and apparently I must have been good at maintaining my credit card payments and credit score, because I got a letter letting me know that my collateral deposit for my secured credit card is being returned to me! Woohoo! Extra cash is always handy!

And now ... we're updated! Yay!

Wachovia Goes West

I have banked with Wachovia for quite a while when I was back in Atlanta. They didn't exist in Missouri. When I moved to Vegas back in January, I had to set up a Bank of America account, because Wachovia did not exist here either. In fact, many people here didn't even know what Wachovia is. The furthest they went out to was Texas. Well, not any longer. Wachovia is now on the West Coast. That means that I can now bank with them again (besides just swiping my debit card). They've also got a few atms here and there, one being not too far from me (if I drove, that is). But still, at least for me, Wachovia expanding onto the West Coast is a good thing.