By Audrey Gup-Mathews

Special Contributor

“Waaaaaahoooooo!” That’s the sound of someone who has just landed a job, after months of unemployment. Yes, I have finally re-joined the workforce – specifically, at the University of New England. 

“Hey, Audrey, congratulations! I heard you got a job,” a parent at my daughter’s track meet called over to me. “How did she know you got a job?” my daughter asked me later. News travels fast in a small town.

“Are you going to keep writing the column?” someone else asked. The dreaded question! I love writing The Unemployment Chronicles, but it just wouldn’t be the same, writing the column as an employed person.

Nobody wants to read about my workday. (“I got up this morning, dressed, put my daughter on the school bus, made a turkey and avocado sandwich, filled my travel mug with coffee, and headed off . . .) 

It’s also hard to chronicle the “adventures” of an unemployed person when you are no longer unemployed. Regretfully, I think it’s time for me to hang up my spurs and retire the column.

In parting, I would like to thank the many readers who responded so kindly to my anecdotes and advice. The positive feedback and encouragement I received – whether at the grocery store checkout, on the way into the bank, at the school bus stop, or in line at the Redbox video machine – made a big impression on me. Not only did it keep my spirits up when the job search looked bleak (as it often did), but it made me feel like I was making a difference to others who had lost their jobs as well.

Before I “sign off,” here’s to all of you out there who are still looking for that next opportunity. My thoughts and hopes are with you. Don’t give up – have faith in yourself! Do whatever it takes to find a job, but don’t forget to live your life, love your family, and take care of yourself – mentally, physically, and spiritually. You will find a job, and you want to be ready for it when it comes along!

The Post congratulates Audrey on her fortune and thanks her for sharing her thoughts and experience with humor and positivity. It is with positive energy that we hope Audrey never submits another installment of The Unemployment Chronicles! - Ward Peck