In November 1997, I was laid off from a company I thought I would work for my entire career. It took me five years to get back to close what I was making and now I start again from scratch. However, this time, the lessons learned from before will be applied here. Before, I wasted too much time getting the "same type" of job I had before, not realizing that I had to reinvent myself. Back then jobs were booming and one would think that it would have been easier to find one - not true at all. It was very difficult because unemployment was very low and the wages not that high. A global transition was taking place with India and China leading the way, outsourcing was firmly taking hold in America while in the paper industry, consolidation was churning at a rapid pace. I did no understand what was going on until it was too late and in the end, I lost everything. This time, even with the job market shrinking I feel I'm in better shape than 1997. I understand the dynamics occurring know that I will target my resume everywhere. I also live downtown, which makes it much easier to get from point A to B using public transportation instead of my car. I also have acquired several skill sets that I did not have 12 years ago. I have sales, selling, customer service and marketing experience I did not possess then. My whole set of skills are more well rounded than before, making it easier to get another job. I know that the obstacles are great and in the end, it will be up to the one factor I can't control, people. But, I am determined that failure will not be an option and besides, it's time to stab Georgia Pacific in the heart. THIS FIGHT HAS JUST BEGUN!