What Have I Been Up To?
As you have noticed, I haven’t written much in the past month and a half. I have lots of irons in the fire that I’ve been trying to juggle and that’s not something you want to do haphazardly!
I have a few drafts of blog entries lined up, I’ve been researching and polling for a new day and time for my BlogTalkRadio show, and have several shows scripted and ready to go. I’ve also been querying for various freelance proofreading, editing and writing gigs and I re-wrote a resume and coached a man, Joseph, so he was able to attain his dream job!
Being Open To Learning
Joseph has been at his new job for a month now and is loving it. He was great to work with: had a targeted position and company in mind, answered all of my questions so I could bring out his best in his resume (and himself), listened and took my advice on how to handle an introduction, how to approach the task of getting an interview, how to interview successfully, how to prepare references, and how to follow up on the interview. He truly put his best foot, no, feet…forward and nabbed that job! He was courteous, determined, patient, persistent, and willing to learn. I’m very proud of him for a job well done and couldn’t be happier for him!
He is now working with people he admires in a climate of cooperation and beauty (his office has a huge window overlooking a courtyard w/a fountain) and he is receiving a better and steadier paycheck. Where he works now is a very different environment than where he was and he knew he was taking a risk in applying for this job.
Job Search Risks
What were Joseph’s risks? The entire process was out of his comfort zone, especially after years of being worn down in his previous job. However, during the resume writing process, he rediscovered his strengths and his confidence grew. I could hear it in his voice each time I spoke with him. Joseph was also taking a risk that he might succeed and would then really have to prove himself to a new employer and co-worker! Those thoughts can be intimidating.
At the same time, he was also risking rejection. He might not be chosen for this job. Then what would he do? He chose to take the risk, and once he realized that he could, indeed, be hired for this position; that he really DID have a very good chance in getting this job, his excitement grew. He chose to learn new skills so he could meet his possible manager and begin a dialogue with her even before the job was formally posted. He began to recognize the depth of his own knowledge and skills, and he chose to learn how to handle himself at the interview successfully. Joseph chose to arm himself with common courtesy, confidence, knowledge, persistence, and professionalism and it paid off!
Is it time you chose to take a risk? To invest some time, effort and, yes, some money to achieve your goal(s)?
I have to admit. I’ve been doing just that these past few months. I’ve been taking risks querying editors and website owners with examples of my proofreading, editing and writing skills. Some respond, some don’t, some are very grateful and some even ask for rates. I’m putting myself out there and I know I have to be persistent. As in any job search, you have to take some risks.
Creative Risks
Since my resume writing and job coaching business has slowed, I’ve also decided to take another risk on a more tangible creative endeavor. Thinking outside of my comfort zone, outside of “the norm”, I chose to pick up sewing again. It’s been years since I’ve sewn. I have always had a blast with my son’s costumes over the years but have never sewn ‘real’ clothes. I’ve sewn sheets and pillowcases, hemmed jeans, slacks, skirts, dresses, karate uniforms, and the like. I must say there was always a sense of satisfaction when a project was completed. I could see and feel (that all-important touch sensation), the results of my time and effort.
I know this satisfaction is what my husband feels as a carpenter when he builds customized file cabinets, entertainment centers, trims out a house from top to bottom, demolishes a kitchen and installs new cabinets and tile flooring, paints the walls and puts up trim work. He can stand back each day, look at his work and feel a sense of pride.
In the writing world, it’s a little more difficult to get that tactile sensation of seeing and touching your finished project. When you begin your work, you have a piece of paper in your hands, when you complete your work, you have a piece of paper in your hands. There is no difference in the tactile sensation from start to finish. I’m sure that’s why so many writers love to have a book published. The pieces of paper have been transformed into a very tactile book that you can hold in your hands and say, “Look what I’ve created!” As humans, I think we need this ‘hands-on’ sensation to go with the visual sensation in order to feel a sense of satisfaction and pride in our work. In the job search, you don’t get that, do you?
My Own Creative Risk
In the hope of inspiring you to take a risk of a different nature in order to boost your self-esteem and confidence during your long and arduous job hunt, I want to share with you my own creative endeavor. I hope to create some more place mats for the Autumn/Thanksgiving and even Christmas table. It is a bit challenging depending upon the fabric I use, I’m using my math skills and motor skills in a different manner. And…I’m having fun and gaining that sense of pride on a job well done while handling my finished product!
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Halloween placemats
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Reversable Placemats: Holiday Print & Navy Fine-Wale Corduroy
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Navy Corduroy Side
Direction
Take a few moments to think about something creative you’ve always been interested in or curious about; whether it’s a new interest or an old one long forgotten. Invest some time, effort and a little bit of money into the endeavor (you don’t want to break the bank on this). The experience will free your mind, give you some much-needed confidence along with a boost of joy and pride.
Ask yourself: What can I do that’s creative and totally unrelated to my job search? What would be fun to spend a little time on each day or on the weekends? What can I do that will bring me a sense of satisfaction and pride while I look for a steady job? What brings me joy?
I want you to take a walk or sit outside and exhale your worries into the wind. Bring a pad of paper and a pen and jot down ideas. At the very least, this exercise will give you that burst of enthusiasm you may need right now, and it could even lead to producing some income or direct you into an entirely new direction in your job search! Either way, it will be a positive experience and give you a sense of purpose. Just don’t put any pressure on yourself for anything to happen other than learning and experiencing something new and fun.
Ready…Set…Go for it!
Are you ready to take a risk? I did and I’ve received only positive responses from my family and my neighbors, and I discovered how much fun sewing is in the process! Tell me your interests, tell me your successes with this ~ I’d love to hear about them. Your stories will encourage others to take a risk too.
And remember, whether it’s taking a risk on shooting for that dream job or for a job in a new direction, or taking a risk on learning new skills and tools to help you attain a job, or even taking a risk on a positive, creative endeavor to bring some joy and fun into your life during your job search, I believe any of these risks are worth a shot. Even if you discover that job isn’t really for you or gardening just isn’t your thing, you will have learned something in the process…about yourself, your wants, your likes, and dislikes. And that will get you one step closer to finding the best job for you and finding the best creative outlet for you as well, balancing out your life. It’s a win-win situation, don’t you think? 
Lisa
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