Click here to watch Paula tell her story on TV.
Good Morning:
Have you ever had "those days" when you just know you should have stayed in bed with the covers over your head ?? When things just don't go as planned ?? When no matter how well intentioned you are - nothing seems to work ?? When you just want to yell out "WHY ME" ???? Ya, I've had a whole week of "those days" !! I knew when I started my journey the road would not be paved in gold - but - hey - give me a break already !!!
I checked out a couple of dog grooming schools and the price for training is something that I just can't afford on my own - so - I went to seminar on how to get financial assistance from the state for unemployed individuals - and - I don't qualify because I have marketable skills as a Credit/Collections/AR Specialist and they want me to concentrate of those skills to get back into the work force :-( The next day I went to another seminar on how to save money in this downward economy. This was given by a Financial Advisor and although he appeared very knowledgeable, his main focus was on investment strategies, etc - NOT what I was looking for :-( In the meantime I've been placing calls to local grooming salons in the area - trying to get some insight into the industry and maybe some helpful hints along the way - and - not a single one would speak with me or return my calls :-( I also sent out my resume and a cover letter to a number of Veterinary Clinics and the one that did respond has no opportunities for me but would hold onto my resume for future reference - I guess that's a better response than I have been getting :-) !!
I can only hope that better days are ahead - well - I know they are - because I start me week off with going to an orientation at the MSPCA. I signed up to be a volunteer with the MSPCA and I am also going to look into the possibility of being a foster for animals. I'll let you know how that pans out.
So wish me luck and keep those magic dreams alive !!!!
Thanks, Paula
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Hi Paula,
I got this from a friend of mine the other day. He has been out of work for 14 months and just got a job. It inspired me and hope it might inspire you as well even though the circumstances are different than yours.
On Apr 9, 2010 I accepted job offer in the HP StorageWorks group as Mgr, NAS Product Management. For 14 months I have been engaged in a new job search - with varying levels of personal intensity and dedication. During my job search both Acton Networkers, and Concord Professional Network Group were wonderful support groups where I developed friendships, buoyed spirits, and acquired many insights and ideas. I would like to share my story with you in the hope that others may benefit from what I experienced.
The beginning of my search was precipitated by the economic crash, and coincided with the worst months of it, so at the beginning activity was slow. After many months of unemployment I did receive the question, “what have you been doing for all this time?”. In addition to full time search activities of emails, phone calls, lunches and networking meetings with friends, colleagues, and acquaintances, I ran a fund raising auction and project managed a $460k building project at my church; volunteered as Director of Programming for the Boston Product Management Association; provided paid phone consulting about the storage industry for financial investors; developed and delivered a one day Finance for Non-Financial Managers course (for pay); helped colleagues with their ppt skills; provided website support for multiple organizations, and attended numerous seminars and webinars on industry technology, product introductions, venture startups, social media, Agile, Constant Contact, SEO, and other topics. Keeping busy was very important in maintaining a positive outlook.
All in all, I applied for 75 jobs, had initial interviews for 17 of them, and 5 second round interview sessions. On March 2nd I saw the HP job posted on the Boston Product Management Association job board; applied for it; and was contacted by the hiring manager that week. Six phone interviews followed, leading to the written offer, and my start date is April 26th.
Networking was an absolutely key factor in my conversations with HP! The senior manager of the organization that I’m joining was a colleague at EMC in 1995. We reconnected in 2007, while working with a joint customer, and I interviewed with him last year for a fairly junior job where he was working then. In his current role, he was on my 2nd round of interviews, and since he knows me, our interview focused on the business directions, rather than my background and experience. Not only this time, but for all of the last 7 jobs that I have landed, a network connection was a key element in the hiring process.
My message to all job seekers still working on finding that next great job is: keep your spirits up and network everywhere – with friends, with colleagues from years ago, and with strangers in all types of situations. Keep plugging away at it. As NASA’s Director said many years ago “Failure is not an option”. Best wishes to all, and let me know how I can help you in the future.
Paula,
I love your honesty. And I love how you keep going even when there are bumps in the road. Here are two great quotes that keep me going:
“Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach.” – Tom Robbins
“Sometimes you have to just take the leap and build your wings on the way down.” – Kobi Yamada
I can tell that your wings are building every day!
-Kate
Post a Comment