Ed. Note: Click here for Part 1 of Howard K. Young’s “Nightmare.” Enjoy Part 2 of 2 below.

Writer’s Preface: Time to get nervous.  One of my network contacts told me that they went through three interviews with a prospective employer.  The company promised a response by the end of last week.  When my contact followed up to see if a decision had been reached, she was told that they have not made a decision yet.  She was further informed that the company will make their decision by the middle of this week.

I have had similar experiences with this job search, as well as with some of my previous searches.  I can understand not getting a response if there are several hundred applicants for a position.  It would be unrealistic to expect that a prospective employer would contact all applicants.  If however, you were called back for a second interview, and then another candidate was chosen, I think it is only fair that the company contact you, and let you know that the position was filled with another candidate.  It seems that there are too many instances where, after two or three interviews with a company, they do not answer your calls or e-mails when you ask them about the status of your application. Yes, being upset about not getting the job is to be expected, however, I would hope that the top candidates could get a response, so that there is some degree of closure regarding that position.

As promised, here is the second, and final installment of the piece that has the working title “Nightmare!”  Now, it is back to the job search grind.  I am hopeful that both my contact and I are successful this week…but a little luck wouldn’t hurt :)  Take care.
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Previously, I mentioned that job search was only just one issue that was making my life…interesting. My computer had crashed, and without it, I felt separated from the world. It was an arduous task, but I finally managed to bring my computer back to life, so I guess Windows 7 will have to wait. I was also concerned about my mother, who was gravely ill. All these issues combined to make up a night from hell…

I had 2 nightmares so far. I had just fallen asleep again and I was hoping for some peace. Often I found that listening to music helped. So with my ear buds in hand, I set my iPod to play disc 2 of the Beatles White album. This helped me fall back to sleep.

I found myself outside, staring at the sky. The whole sky had a strange glow. One of my neighbors was standing next to me. “The scientists have no idea what caused it”, he said, but there is nothing that we can do about it.” The sun was out, however, it seemed strangely dim. I thought it might be a solar eclipse, but I do not remember anything about it in the newspaper, or on the internet. It was then I noticed that I was feeling lighter, almost as if I were standing on the moon. I remember seeing some children crying, their parents strangely silent. “I decided not to explain this to my children”, said my neighbor. Then I realized what was going on! Something was eating away at the sun! Regular programming had ceased, and what remained were emergency broadcast bulletins on how long we could survive and how long the sun would be able to support the earth in its current orbit! I went into my house and the TV was on. The newsman, looking grim, was talking to a Nobel prize winning scientist. “I estimate that we have about 24 hours left. Beyond that, earth will be pushed out of its normal orbital path. I do not know whether the result will be extreme heat, or extreme cold, but most of civilization will be gone. There will be earthquakes and tidal waves caused by, what looks like, a major change in our sun!”

I looked up at the sky, and it appeared that more than three quarters of the sun was gone. I remember my mother saying that I should not stare at the sun, even during an eclipse, as it can result in permanent blindness. With the end of the earth so near, did it really matter? I found myself thinking about my job search, and wondered if it would be different if this crisis never occurred.

This time I awoke with a start! The I-pod was playing Revolution #9 by The Beatles. I meant to remove that song from the I-pod, but I never got around to it. I figured that could be the reason for my the latest nightmare, so I took out my ear buds, turned off the I-pod and fell back to sleep. Little did I know that the strangest dream was yet to come.

I found myself at my parents’ home in South Merrick. I was in the kitchen and the kettle just started whistling. My mother preferred instant coffee over fresh brewed. I never understood why. I looked around the kitchen and found myself confused! Something was not right. My mother is in a nursing home. She is very ill! Now she seems to be alright! What is happening???

My mother, sensing my worry, looked at me very calmly. “Son”, she said, “Do not worry about me. I can see you are hurting. Have a cup of coffee and let’s talk about it.”

“Mom”, I said still feeling somewhat disoriented, “I don’t understand why I am having so many nightmares!” I have never had this much trouble finding work before. Finding a job was always second nature to me. I know the right things to say, everyone loves my resume, but I just can’t seem to get offers! Am I doing something wrong?”

“Son,” a slow smile crept over my mother’s face, “We all have difficult times, yet somehow we always find a way to solve our problems. You will get through this. I know we are going through tough times right now, but America is a wonderful country! No where else will you find people with such drive, and motivation!”

My mother continued: “Even when the problems seem insurmountable, we always find a solution. It is just the way we are. As for the nightmares, we need to find a way to deal with all the pressure in our daily lives. I have it, you have it, and your father has it.” “Dreams are like a pressure valve; a stage where all of our problems play out! During tough times, we all have bad dreams, but if you look at them very closely, they may also help you work out your problems.”

I started to speak but my mother gave me a stern expression which always indicated that she was not finished. As she began to speak again her expression changed to her bright smile. “Son”, I know things seem difficult right now, but you just have to shake it off and say to yourself that today is a new day, and I will look at things differently.” “Just do your best! For now, why don’t you go home and get some rest. You have a wonderful wife and a beautiful daughter. We are all behind you. But just remember one thing. No matter how bad things get, never give up! You are a very resourceful person and you see your way through this; and also remember, Dad and I will always be here for you and we love you very much.”

It was 7AM and the alarm went off. I found I had a tear in my eye. I could not help thinking about my last dream. My mom was right. Somehow, even though she could not tell me in person, she found a way to reassure me that everything was going to be alright. I will always treasure the good times I had with my family and do my best to set a shining example for the generations to come.

Good Hunting to all!

-By Howard K. Young, Contributing Writer & Member of The 405 Club.

View all of Howard’s posts here.