Pigeonholed to a Parish

Those who have been following me know I lost my job in April. Currently facing inevitable eviction unless my fortune changes, I’m at a crossroads in my life and trying to figure out options. And in so doing, I’m beginning to wonder just how much free agency folks like me possess in times like these.

In such cases, many Americans are often constrained by circumstances that ultimately dictate our destinies. How much reasonable choice do we really have in said situations? If I lived in a previous era — even as recently as the mid 20th century — I would likely just find another job wherever I currently resided, which would likely be where I was born to begin with or nearby. But in this interconnected global community, someone like me has to follow the jobs wherever they may lead.

So, I’ve been sending out resumes left and right. But, as prognosticated in my initial Facebook post when I revealed my termination, I’m getting no response whatsoever from any outfit that isn’t a religious organization. Never mind my diverse skillset; never mind my extensive education; never mind the fact that I’ve repeatedly had to learn complicated new tasks at numerous jobs; never mind that I am a quick study with high efficiency. My resume reads like I’m a Jesus Freak: Head Verger, Saint Thomas Fifth Avenue; several positions at St. Bart’s; youth group director for 2 churches in Irvington; singing in various church choirs over many years; seminary degree; religious studies undergrad; extensive involvement in Episcopal church youth programs as both participant and leader.

I wrote in that initial post that I would be pigeonholed due to a document listing what I’ve been involved in over many years. And that claim is bearing fruit, as the only interest being shown by possible employers are ALL from Episcopal churches.

I never set out to be a full time church employee as a life vocation. It literally just accidentally happened that way. But, thanks to that (un?)lucky accident, it seems my ONLY choice is to go work in some church somewhere. And NYC is not currently replete with openings, which forces me to search elsewhere. So I find myself compelled to apply to churches in random geographical spots: Woodbury, NJ; Skaneateles, NY; Memphis, Chattanooga, and Columbia, TN; Winston-Salem and Raleigh, NC. Other than these last two, which would put me closer to my family, I honestly have no desire to move to any of these cities. After living here for 25 years, I’m pretty much a New Yorker through and through. This is where I live! I have created a home here, where I know my neighbors, am comfortable in my community, am familiar with all the “hot spots,” and depend on certain amenities wholly unavailable in most locales — such as 24 hour public transportation, late night food delivery, bodegas on every street corner, etc. It’s hard to imagine how I would even function in some suburb or remote setting. And yet circumstances could dictate having to relocate to a place I never would dream of moving simply because I need to chase after the almighty dollar in order to survive, else I end up on the streets.

If there were a place I were excited to live, this process would make sense. But to entertain the idea of moving to some random place I’ve never even cared to visit — just because money — seems insane.

Do any of you agree? Have you ever had to “make the move” simply to survive? How did that work out for you? Did you regret taking that job? Did you wonder “how the hell did I end up here?”

I’m curious if I’m alone in this thinking.

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