Aaron Crowe

Photo taken about 4 years ago of Emma taking her first steps forward, and is why I work.

October marks another step in my move out of unemployment, or rather, underemployment.

After working for months as a part-time editor at WallePop, a personal finance Web site run by AOL, my hours are increasing from 10 per week to 25. For people who work more than 40 hours a week and have full benefits, they may not sound like much. But to someone who has been looking for full-time work since being laid off in June 2008, it’s a big step I’m thrilled with.

I’ll work five hours per day. Three hours will be in the morning, and the other two hours will be flexible throughout the day.  I’ll continue editing and writing, although my writing will include heavier reporting.

I’m also a “section editor” for the site, responsible for writing and editing stories on these topics: Recession, Career, Sports and Money, Technology & Personal Finance, and Swine Flu.

I’ll keep on top of those beats and will search for writers with expertise in those areas to contribute to WalletPop. I’ll continue doing a weekly podcast for WalletPop, called “Your Job Will Come,” about the job hunt, and hope to soon start having guests on the podcast.

While the expanded job doesn’t include benefits, or even 40 hours of work, I’m thrilled to have the expanded hours and extra pay. The goal for next year will be to expand it more, with the ultimate goal being a full-time job.