A new route

One of the things that I’ve enjoyed most about the morning walk with Bruno is his inquisitive nature and his intense desire to always take a new route. At every crossroads, he undoubtedly will pull in the direction we’ve never gone. Recently I’ve been exploring those new routes with him. It only adds one block, maybe two to our walk. Sometimes it makes the walk an hour, not just 30 minutes. I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to just try something new with him but it has.

On these new routes, Bruno has met some new “friends.” Bubba, another basset hound, is a tri-color with as big of a mouth as Bruno. His sleepy owner came out the day we met, at 6:30 in the morning, and implored Bubba to “Quiet down!” and told him, “It’s too early for this.” Bubba, like Bruno, doesn’t listen. I think some bassets just like to hear their own voice, especially when it’s particularly melodic.

I got to thinking about my new routes with Bruno and starting doing some research about my interviewing history and the lack of success in getting an offer that I’ve had. I talked to a couple of hiring managers who passed me by, an HR director or two who know me well, a few friends, and asked for advice. What I learned was to me surprising news. In my career search, I have been submitting to positions equal to or somewhat lower than my most recent position. My “panelists” all suggested that I wasn’t digging deep enough into my strengths, that I needed to re-evaluate what I am really good at and then search for positions that matched it based on my experience. I finally figured out that I’m qualified for not only a lateral position (duh) but had I still been employed at this point and searching for a new career, I’d be looking up the ladder. I’ve spent so much time on just trying to land a position that I can do and not enough time looking for something that will challenge me. How odd. In the work world, I continually look for change, for improvement. What happened to me that I lead me to be looking for “good enough?”

So I started a new route. I changed my job search agents to reflect the true skills, passion, and drive that I have. What came up were not only director level positions, but AVP and VP, even a CMO or two. Huh. What a dope I’ve been. I think that being unemployed I was being too hard on myself. I’ve continued my education, something I’ve wanted to do but traveling for work made it nearly impossible. I’ve been volunteering at a couple of charitable organizations that need marketing help, I’ve helped two friends with their marketing plans for their new businesses, and I’ve counseled a friend going back to school later in life who wants a new career in marketing. I’ve kept my skills sharp. I’ve kept my competitive edge. I’ve figured out why I’ve been overqualified for the other positions.

A new route. And it has already started to pay off. Within a few days of applying for these better matched positions, I’ve gotten phone calls. That’s what it’s all about. I’m really excited about what the new route will bring.