Paul,
   Cheer up.  At least you don't (I'm assuming) have a folder of
   rejection letters approximately 3 1/2" thick.  I've stopped being
   discerning about where I send resumes--if I'm even remotely
   qualified, I send one out.  Hey, you have to TRY right?

   Regardless of all the frustration and the fear that within a year
   I may be working at the local grocery store, I won't give up--and
   neither should you, if this is what you want.  We knew it would be
   tough--if I had wanted a profession because of the money I could
   make, I would have stayed in engineering.  And you would have
   chosen something different too.  Point is, we are trying to do what
   we love and we have to take the good with the bad.  We are smart
   and resourceful and young.  If you have nothing now, the only place
   to go is up, right?  (This pep-talk is as much for me as it is for
   you  :)  )

   Word of advice, CONTRACT WORK IS THE WAVE OF THE FUTURE!!
   Especially if you are collections management focused.  Many places
   can't afford to hire registrars or collections managers full-time
   permanently but many CAN hire for special exhibitions or to
   assist with grant-funded projects.  You just have to keep an ear to
   the ground.  (Contracting is what I'm doing now, albeit for the
   Feds).  Contract work seems to be SO prevalent that I actually have
   begun thinking about starting my own business--"Registrars for
   Hire" or some such nonsense--in the absence of any lucrative job
   offers...in the absence of ANY job offers.

   Anyway, hang in there.  I am and so are others.

   A fellow Minnesotan (by birth) and U of M alum (BA),
   Jennifer
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