Dear Ruthie,
I’ve been unemployed for over a year. I’m fucking freaking out! Talk about hitting rock bottom. I feel like things are spiraling out of control. Any leads, ideas or anything about getting a God damn job in this city?
—Career Crazy
Dear Career,
I feel for you, and I hope things turn around soon. I’m no Donald Trump, but here are a few ideas. Find organizations with volunteer opportunities such as hospitals, schools, clinics, libraries, food banks and professional societies. Once you secure yourself as a regular volunteer at such places, you’ll have an inside edge on job openings. These opportunities may not be the stuff dream jobs are made of, but they could lead to paychecks.
Speaking of which, don’t turn your nose up at jobs you think are beneath you. Cashiering, fast-food work and other jobs offer flexible hours that allow you to keep interviewing or take a second job. In addition, such work might lead to promotions and larger paychecks until something in your career opens up elsewhere.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
May 28: Be Out with ‘Into the Woods’ at Skylight Music Theatre (158 N. Broadway): Believe it or not, before the movie Into the Woods, there was a snappy little Stephen Sondheim show that took the world by storm. Come see what all the fuss is about during this evening hosted by the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center. For $30 you’ll mingle with LGBTQ friends, take in the show, and enjoy drink specials and free appetizers. Stop by tickets.broadwaytheatrecenter.com for tickets, but be sure to use the code BEOUT30 for this special.
May 29: ‘Ruthie’s Starry Night Review’ at Hamburger Mary’s (2130 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.): The stars will be out when you join me and my gal-pals, Symphony Alexander-Love, Nova D’Vine and Shawna Love. We’re bringing a bit of Vegas to Milwaukee with two shows (8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.) that feature incredible impressions of Tina Turner, Cher, Liza, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Whoopi Goldberg and others. I’ll emcee the night as Joan Rivers, so call 414-988-9324 for reservations.
May 29-30: All-Male Gay Weekend at Chanticleer Guest House (4072 Cherry Road, Sturgeon Bay): Hot tubs, fireworks, bonfires and saunas…who could ask for anything else? How about these amenities coupled with a weekend of men! The popular guest house is cranking up the testosterone for a few days with this mano-y-mano event. You must have reservations, however, so call 866-682-0384 to book your room.
May 30: Mary’s Market Day at Hamburger Mary’s (2130 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.): Love a radical rummage? Can’t drive past a fabulous flea market? Have I got a Sunday for you! From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hamburger Mary’s opens its parking lot to vendors of every sort—from artists to jewelry makers and from crafters to photographers. If you need an excuse to shop (and who does?), remember that a portion of the proceeds benefit AIDS Walk Wisconsin.
May 30: David Tutera at Northern Lights Theater (1721 W. Canal St.): The Ghandi of glitz, glamour and all things gorgeous brings his party-planning know-how to Cream City. From organizing White House dinners and celebrity weddings to being an out TV personality and single dad, David brings his Midas touch to Potawatomi with two inspirational, insightful and interactive shows (1 p.m. and 4 p.m.). Get your $25 ticket at paysbig.com.
May 30: ‘That Sixties Show’ by City of Festivals Men’s Chorus at Plymouth Church (2717 E. Hampshire St.): Get your groove on as the men of Wisconsin let lose with songs from the ’60s. (And by “let lose,” I mean sing.) Milwaukee’s City of Festivals Men’s Chorus teamed up with Madison’s Perfect Harmony chorus for a groovy gig sure to bring out the hippie in everyone. Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. show are $20 at the door or $15 in advance via cityoffestivalsmenschorus.org.
May 31: Patio Grand Opening Party at Kruz (354 E. National Ave.): What the what?! You haven’t seen the snazzy new beer garden at Kruz? What are you waiting for? Come check out the new space and enjoy drink specials and two quick and crazy shows featuring my friends and me (4 and 6 p.m.). Summer’s here! Let’s drink outside!
Have a question for Ruthie or want to tell her about an event? Email DearRuthie@Shepex.com. You can also find Ruthie on Twitter (@DearRuthie) and Facebook (Ruthie Keester).
