SUPPORT - whatever thoughts or images this word congers up for you - NEVER underestimate it's power !!!!
There are many types of support out there - some women might see their Mom as their support or have a best friend - or maybe even several best friends, a loving spouse or significant other, or even a pet, maybe they belong to a support group, and some of you might just be lucky enough to have it ALL. Whatever "it" is that you use for support, it's power is amazing. Support can mean many different things and come in many different forms. Whether it's to put a smile on your face on a bad day or to give you a bigger smile on a good day, someone to tell you that everything is going to be ok or maybe someone to tell it to you straight. Someone to chat with, shop with, share the good and the bad, explore the future, reminisce about the past. Whatever the system you have and however you use "it", "it" has amazing powers and should be used generously.
During my time of being unemployed I have been lucky enough to have several good friends that are very supportive, kind & caring, especially over the past several months as I research my "re-invention" opportunities. I can call and chat with them, get together for dinner, even have a "put your head together and hash this out conversation". I have also been VERY lucky in connecting with a wonderful group of women thru "The Magic Parties, Girls Night Out" events. This is a group of amazing women who come together to both give and receive support, knowledge, friendship, ideas, and inspiration. This has been such a positive, uplifting experience for me. I have received more than I ever could have anticipated and hope that I have helped make the day of someone else along the way. So, you women out there, reach out to the friends you have and to those who you don't realize are your friends yet.
"We Women have a sixth sense about each other's needs. We understand the value of a comforting word, a heartfelt prayer, a reassuring smile . . . a quart of Rocky Road" ("Just us Girls, written by Julie Sutton)
Paula
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
Paula journals 5-3-10
Ahhh - the saga continues !!
In my first two blogs I mentioned going to a meeting to see if I could qualify for funding so I could attend school. At this meeting the opinion was that I have too many viable skills to qualify for any schooling. I did receive a follow-up phone call and - yes - they feel that the Accounting field is doing well, and with the skills I have in Credit, Collections and Accounts Receivable they feel I should be able to find a job in the Accounting arena. I again asked about updating my computer skills and they advised they would re look at that request, but if they did approve my request they have no funds for any programs until July.
I just pulled up a list of open jobs in the accounting field and checked out EVERYthing that was close to me geographically - how depressing. Most everything required degrees and/or skills that I don't posses. I even checked out part-time positions which I would not be opposed to at this point and I did find one that sounded very interesting - but - at 8 to 16 hours max a week - well - needless to say - I don't think that would fit the bill. I'm also signed up with several employment agencies and did an updated interview with one a couple of weeks ago. They advised me that the temp jobs are rapidly picking up and I should look forward to seeing some results soon. That was over two weeks ago and no a word back from them. SURPRISE - I just got a phone call from an agency - and - yes - they are working on things, but nothing that fits my needs at the moment. HMMMMM - ok - 18 months and counting !!!
I had a thought last week that maybe starting at the retail level would not only give me a job but good exposure at the same time !! I went on-line for a major pet store chain and went thru their application process and after 45 min I got to the end - only to have to answer a 90 question test - not only for one position but for all 5 positions that I showed an interest in (per their instructions)!! - ok - that was it for me. The next day I went to one of the store locations to speak to someone directly. The first women I spoke to was pleasant and tried to assist me - but - the Manger couldn't have been any more rude if he tried. One of the sales staff spoke up and advised that they weren't even hiring anyway and when I questioned about the open positions on their website she stated again that they were not hiring - again - very rude. This may be the store "where the pets go" but rest assured this is one place this pet owner will NOT go !!!
A couple of days later I went to a store of another major pet store chain and what a difference - everyone I spoke to was very pleasant and helpful. They were in fact hiring and advised that I go to their website to complete the application process and then someone gave me a business card and suggested I call to follow-up in a few days which I will do tomorrow. Wish me luck - again.
Ahhhhh the frustrations of being unemployed, job hunting, and just trying to get thru each and every day and keep a positive outlook.
A very special and smart person shared the following saying with me and I have it posted next to my computer and read it each time I'm at my desk - I hope it helps you as much as it is helping me.
" Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach" (Tom Robbins)
Till next time !!
In my first two blogs I mentioned going to a meeting to see if I could qualify for funding so I could attend school. At this meeting the opinion was that I have too many viable skills to qualify for any schooling. I did receive a follow-up phone call and - yes - they feel that the Accounting field is doing well, and with the skills I have in Credit, Collections and Accounts Receivable they feel I should be able to find a job in the Accounting arena. I again asked about updating my computer skills and they advised they would re look at that request, but if they did approve my request they have no funds for any programs until July.
I just pulled up a list of open jobs in the accounting field and checked out EVERYthing that was close to me geographically - how depressing. Most everything required degrees and/or skills that I don't posses. I even checked out part-time positions which I would not be opposed to at this point and I did find one that sounded very interesting - but - at 8 to 16 hours max a week - well - needless to say - I don't think that would fit the bill. I'm also signed up with several employment agencies and did an updated interview with one a couple of weeks ago. They advised me that the temp jobs are rapidly picking up and I should look forward to seeing some results soon. That was over two weeks ago and no a word back from them. SURPRISE - I just got a phone call from an agency - and - yes - they are working on things, but nothing that fits my needs at the moment. HMMMMM - ok - 18 months and counting !!!
I had a thought last week that maybe starting at the retail level would not only give me a job but good exposure at the same time !! I went on-line for a major pet store chain and went thru their application process and after 45 min I got to the end - only to have to answer a 90 question test - not only for one position but for all 5 positions that I showed an interest in (per their instructions)!! - ok - that was it for me. The next day I went to one of the store locations to speak to someone directly. The first women I spoke to was pleasant and tried to assist me - but - the Manger couldn't have been any more rude if he tried. One of the sales staff spoke up and advised that they weren't even hiring anyway and when I questioned about the open positions on their website she stated again that they were not hiring - again - very rude. This may be the store "where the pets go" but rest assured this is one place this pet owner will NOT go !!!
A couple of days later I went to a store of another major pet store chain and what a difference - everyone I spoke to was very pleasant and helpful. They were in fact hiring and advised that I go to their website to complete the application process and then someone gave me a business card and suggested I call to follow-up in a few days which I will do tomorrow. Wish me luck - again.
Ahhhhh the frustrations of being unemployed, job hunting, and just trying to get thru each and every day and keep a positive outlook.
A very special and smart person shared the following saying with me and I have it posted next to my computer and read it each time I'm at my desk - I hope it helps you as much as it is helping me.
" Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach" (Tom Robbins)
Till next time !!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Paula journals 5-1-10
Click here to watch Paula on TV tell her story.
Hello Again (isn't that a song ? )
Well - to follow-up with you all - I went to the orientation at the MSPCA, Nevins Farm, Methuen, MA on Sunday and when I walked away after a full three hours all I could say and think was - WOW !!!!!! What an amazing facility and operation they have. This shelter has been in operation since the 1800's and currently takes in over 7,000 animals per year - and to think there are only approx 20 employees - EVERYthing else is done strictly by volunteers - 450 of them to be exact. The "Shelter Animals" break down into three groups, 1) Dogs, 2) Cats and 3) Small Mammals - which would be Bunnies, Ferrets, Birds, etc. - basically anything else that's not a dog or a cat. I first went into this with the thought of working with Dogs, but after listening to the people speak and taking the tour I decided to work with the Small Mammals - specifically the Bunnies. I made this decision because they had the greater need for volunteers and it is the area where I have the least comfort & knowledge - so I thought what better time to fill a need and learn something new at the same time.
I went back to the MSPCA today (Wednesday) for my Mentor Session. I'm not sure what I expected but I'm sure it wasn't cleaning out bunny cages for three full hours - but when I finished it felt sooooo good. I am even more impressed than I was on Sunday. What an incredible system they have -the facility, the animals, EVERYthing is so neat, clean, orderly. There are specific ways of doing most everything and it works ! Again, I am totally impressed with the fact that this is all done with volunteers that do this out of the goodness of their hearts and for the love of the animals. Speaking of love - I laid eyes on a dog at the Adoption Center and I lost my heart to her - I sure hope this doesn't happen each time I go there ??
My next step is to pick a specific date & time to volunteer then go back in for another Mentor Session to learn a little more about the basics of Bunny care & behavior so I can spend time helping to socialize these adorable, furry, loveable little friends.
My quest continues as I try to keep my magic dreams alive !!!!!!
Paula
Hello Again (isn't that a song ? )
Well - to follow-up with you all - I went to the orientation at the MSPCA, Nevins Farm, Methuen, MA on Sunday and when I walked away after a full three hours all I could say and think was - WOW !!!!!! What an amazing facility and operation they have. This shelter has been in operation since the 1800's and currently takes in over 7,000 animals per year - and to think there are only approx 20 employees - EVERYthing else is done strictly by volunteers - 450 of them to be exact. The "Shelter Animals" break down into three groups, 1) Dogs, 2) Cats and 3) Small Mammals - which would be Bunnies, Ferrets, Birds, etc. - basically anything else that's not a dog or a cat. I first went into this with the thought of working with Dogs, but after listening to the people speak and taking the tour I decided to work with the Small Mammals - specifically the Bunnies. I made this decision because they had the greater need for volunteers and it is the area where I have the least comfort & knowledge - so I thought what better time to fill a need and learn something new at the same time.
I went back to the MSPCA today (Wednesday) for my Mentor Session. I'm not sure what I expected but I'm sure it wasn't cleaning out bunny cages for three full hours - but when I finished it felt sooooo good. I am even more impressed than I was on Sunday. What an incredible system they have -the facility, the animals, EVERYthing is so neat, clean, orderly. There are specific ways of doing most everything and it works ! Again, I am totally impressed with the fact that this is all done with volunteers that do this out of the goodness of their hearts and for the love of the animals. Speaking of love - I laid eyes on a dog at the Adoption Center and I lost my heart to her - I sure hope this doesn't happen each time I go there ??
My next step is to pick a specific date & time to volunteer then go back in for another Mentor Session to learn a little more about the basics of Bunny care & behavior so I can spend time helping to socialize these adorable, furry, loveable little friends.
My quest continues as I try to keep my magic dreams alive !!!!!!
Paula
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Paula's journal 4-29-10
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
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
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
How to Deal with Being Out of Work
Panel: Wendy Capland, Founder of The Magic Parties and CEO of Vision Quest Consulting with Jen Cohen of Seven Stones Leadership, Kate Harper of Kate Harper Coaching, and Melanie Holden of Physica Center for Healing and Education. Special Guest: Paula Field
Paula has been out of work for a year and a half and talks about the challenges she is facing and how she is trying to sort through her options and make some hard decisions. Our expert team helps her along her hard journey to get re-employed.
You may be able to help Paula. Watch her show, read about her journey and follow her as she blogs about it. You can post a comment and give her ideas, resources or just a shot of inspiration as she moves forward.
Paula's Story: Hello & welcome to my first official blog entry.
I started on my journey to "re-invent" myself after attending my first "Girls Night Out" gathering on January 4, 2010, aptly titled "re-inventing yourself" - so - I made a resolution for the new year to change what I was doing out of necessity and to do what I really wanted to do - what I am passionate about, and my passion would be to work with animals. I have done a lot of research, looking into Grooming Schools, Vet Tech training and any other opportunities available. I have had a lot of ups and just as many downs over the last several months. One of the highlights of my journey was when I was invited to join a wonderful group of women and be a guest on the local cable show "Waking up with Wendy". I was thrilled and excited with this opportunity as well as - should I say - a tad bit nervous over the prospect of being on television and sharing my story with others. The show was taped last week and it went just g-r-e-a-t !!! It was like sitting around talking to a group of gal pals, and I'm hoping that I might be able to inspire others as I have been inspired by the women at "Girls Night Out". My journey continues tomorrow with a meeting regarding possible funding so I can pursue this dream of mine.
Keep those magic dreams alive !! Thanks, Paula
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Marry Your Passion and Your Work
Guest: Sue Blaney Sue Blaney is an author and speaker. Sue shares her story about moving from working in the fast lane for an advertising firm and realized through a life crises that she was working too hard and was missing out on spending enough time with her family. She used this crises moment in her life to re-invent herself and her work. Sues story is helpful if you are someone looking to re-create your work life and will help you answer the question, Is what youre doing what you want to be doing? Sues work can be found at www.PleaseStoptheRollercoaster.com
Monday, March 1, 2010
Keeping Yourself Healthy Through Food
Guest: Debra Stark
Debra Stark is just another woman on the search for balance, harmony and a good piece of chocolate.
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