Tough times call for good ideas...

[Robyn L. Coburn]

To all our friends,

Hard times have come to the Coburn family. Over the last couple of years the various disasters visited on the film industry and a period of bad luck in the professional arena has led to long periods of unemployment for James. This time last year he was prepping his first movie in about a year. He was very optimistic as he had bookings for three good pictures during 2009, and a promise of a full time job teaching at a film school, for between productions.

Through no fault of his own, just the state of the business outside of his control, none of these fine prospects has yet materialized. With dwindling enrollments, the full time teaching job became part time with no benefits, then even fewer hours, and finally changed to every other month. We have been living on our savings, perhaps not as frugally as we should, always expecting that one or another gig would be finalized and start shooting, saving us in the nick of time.

That hasn’t happened. Our savings are now exhausted, and like many in the world, we are now in credit card debt beyond what James’ pay can service, and we are unable to afford our health insurance.

We are both examining all kinds of work options. I continue to write, but the pace of publishing being what it is, the realization of any profit from my writing is at least two years away. We are contemplating everything from declaring bankruptcy to moving to Australia where at least I will be able to get health care for Jayn and I. We are both looking for work pretty much anywhere in the country.

I can do a lot of things, some of them very well, but it seems no-one wants to pay me to do them. Frankly with more than 30 years experience in the theater, five production design credits, and a sold screenplay, I am not willing to leave my daughter to work for free in either theater or student films. But I am ready and willing to work for reasonable pay, and have determined to apply for at least one job every day.

So I what I am asking for is a mobilization of thought and ideas from you, the wonderful unschooling community.

I am asking that those of you who pray, keep us in your prayers.

Those of you who work magics, keep us in your casting.

Those of you with positive vibes, send them our way.

Those of you who might be contemplating purchasing dolls or other handcrafted goods from me for the upcoming holiday season, especially if you are considering a commission of any kind, please order early.

And if any of you hear, in the vast network of connections, of any jobs working from home that aren’t scams or telemarketing (I suck at telemarketing but I type 50 wpm); if you hear of any jobs in theater, in film, textile arts, sewing, freelance writing or even (gasp!) teaching in theater, film or the arts – please let us know so that we can apply for them.

[Cindy]

There is a new music network you may be interested in: www.theindustree.com/socal77
Setting up a profile is free and easy. You can listen to, and purchase music. Whether you are an artist looking to promote your music and network, or a music fan that wants to find out about new talent and help promote them, there is something there for you. New music being added everyday. Become a part of the music revolution!

[Robyn L. Coburn]

I am trying out O-Desk which is company that works as a telecommuting facilitator. Someone on one of the lists reported that their friends have worked there.
https://www.odesk.com/

It might lead to some consulting, writing work. It's very time consuming creating the initial profile. I suspect they do it that way to weed out the uncommitted.

I'll post about any success or otherwise as time goes on.

[Frank Maier]

Sorry to hear this. We love y'all. Ronnie and I are both currently without employment, too. Good luck to us all.