by kgettelfinger | Jan 8, 2009 | Job Transition
Today I had a leadership breakfast scheduled that I attend monthly. It’s free and 80% of the time it is really good. I introduced a couple of my coworkers to it and they had started attending with me. If I’d been in the wrong mood I could have skipped it. I mean seeing coworkers, feeling bad about being let go, them feeling bad about staying behind, yuck. But, I was actually very glad to see them. Also, I got to see two of the people from my network of professionals who have always been very encouraging and help me create ideas. I set up a breakfast meeting and learned about a job transition group at a church that was happening that night.
Hmmm, a church. Could I do that? I’ll confess (and I was raised Catholic so that comes naturally to me) I’m not the most consistent church goer. Sure it says “open to the public” but will God be annoyed that I’m showing up now? So I turned to mom for encouragement. I knew she’d make me go. I just needed a push. I called her from the parking lot. It had been a long exhausting day and I was having a weak moment. So with my little push I went to the meeting. I’m so glad I did. When you’re feeling like a misfit it is really great to be with other people who are feeling that way too. I met a really helpful couple of gentlemen who told me of another church program they say is excellent. I’m going to check it out Monday and I’ll let you know. Also, I learned some things about contracting that I would probably not have investigated for another week or so. Thank you Cheryl for encouraging me.
by kgettelfinger | Jan 7, 2009 | Job Transition
Today I got up and went to my mother’s house. I could have stayed home and worked on things but I knew I’d need to be in a different environment to help me stay in action. Last night I sent out an email letting people know I have been laid off and what I am looking to do next including what I can do on a contract basis while I’m searching for my dream company. I sent this to people who I know and respect who know me and I think respect me and have expressed an interest in helping me careerwise in the past. First, I believe they will be willing to help. Second, they are people I would want to reccommend me to others as I believe others respect them as well. I’m sure I missed a few and next week I’ll go through the list of people I know and see if there are any more who might want to help.
The response has been very heartening, it has run the gamut of warm wishes, search ideas, forwarding my information to their respected colleagues and contacts sent back to me. I am so grateful for these people. Having ideas and paths come in is really great for keeping up the momentum of my search. I think gathering momentum is very important. I know it is tempting to rest and recover and take your time to figure out what you want to do especially if you were lucky enough to get a nice severance package. I don’t think I would do that. Months go by quickly for one and you want to form your search habits now because it will be harder later. Don’t be afraid of going in the wrong direction. You don’t have to know where you are going to end up to start getting there. Spend time getting clear on what you want yes, don’t ever stop that so you recognize it when you see it or feel it. Don’t wait until you know, that’s the Workforce Nomad way.
by kgettelfinger | Jan 6, 2009 | Job Transition
Today I was laid off for the first time. I’m going to keep a journal of my experience and my search for my next adventure so maybe other people can get some ideas to help their search. I’d love to hear from you if you have ideas on what has worked for you.
