The January thaw has come to an end but Bruno still thinks the weather is delightful for his morning walk. Last week we enjoyed the freezing fog – on the trees, not so much on the sidewalks. The fog painted the trees with a delicate white lace of ice that was simply beautiful. Bruno was able to take in some very strong smells, too. The heavy air kept scents close to the ground. He considered that heaven.
Last week I was blessed with three great interviews. One was a second interview for a marketing director position at a bank that I’m very excited about. I think I could do really well for this company and be a strong contributor to their goals. I’ve been able to talk to a current employee by connecting to him through a mutual friend. It was good to hear similar comments about the culture and pace from him that I’ve heard from HR and the President and Senior Vice President. It means a move, but then all of my current opportunities mean a move. Hassle? Yes. Concerned? Absolutely not! Love the locations of all of them!
The other two are vastly different. One is a media buying position in television. I’ve bought media before so I know I can do the work, as did the hiring manager who interviewed me. She commented that she was only speaking to candidates who had the skills necessary. What she was really looking for was the right fit within the company. It’s a small office with an open design. Everyone must be able to get along with their co-workers. The office had such a homey and comfortable feel that I could see why it would be easy to spend long hours there. Many times the environment is cold and sterile but this one truly was inviting!
The third interview was with a company that interviewed me last spring but chose to hire someone else. I have a strong advocate there who continues to go to bat for me (thanks, Steve!) and pass along openings with other companies. I don’t know how I will ever repay his kindness to me but I will think of something. Even if he has no direct hand in me becoming employed, his support has been inspiring to me. Oh, yes. He forwarded another opportunity late last week that isn’t even posted yet and connected me with someone on the inside. How cool is that?
This week, I need to continue to try to follow up with a VP of Sales and Marketing that another fabulous friend, Grant, sent my resume in for me (he introduced me to Steve, by the way). He knows her and quickly forwarded my resume for me. I’ve been trying to reach her but this company has recently been awarded quite a few contracts and is probably quite busy managing everything. It’s a solid company that has had openings in marketing but I just can’t seem to get interviewed. A quick phone call with the VP might help…I’m hoping so.
I also have an interview with the State of Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture. I passed an exam and qualified for an interview as an Economic Development Consultant. My past experience working overseas, importing and exporting goods and services has come into play. I don’t know what to expect with this interview but I do know that they are very structured. There could be as many as 10 of us interviewing but since we’ve all passed the exam, we are now equals, if I read the documentation correctly. The best part of the day will be having lunch with an old friend. I’ll be able to relax just before my interview and I’m sure he’ll give me some pointers because he currently works for the State of Wisconsin. He can’t give me any direct help but he can be encouraging and give me a general overview of what to expect.
So that makes four opportunities that I need to keep fed and watered. Some people call it juggling, others plate spinning, and still others say they have lots of balls in the air. I just know that I am very lucky to have so many possibilities and I must remain dedicated to each of them. The waiting is the hardest part. This has already been a very long week.
I’ve been asked which of all of these opportunities is the one I really want. The one that provides me with a challenge, good environment to work in, great people to work beside, and fair compensation is my favorite. That sounds like all of them right now! Sorry. I’ve got to run. I think my garden needs tending.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
January Thaw
Sun streaming in the windows. Balmy morning walks with the beast. Slush in the streets. It makes me yearn for spring. I figure the January thaw is mean, really. It teases us with its pleasant weather and then wham! Back into snow falls measured in feet and temperatures measured by what it feels like and how fast exposed body parts can be frostbitten. But I’m enjoying it now … staying in the present.
I haven’t been able to attend my regular networking meetings for quite a while. Between personal appointments and interviews, I haven’t had the time. It’s a good-bad thing. I miss seeing everyone and I don’t know who has become employed. Not everyone posts celebratory statements at LinkedIn or at our network subgroup sites so I don’t get to hear the good news. I feel a bit cut off. But I’m happy for my situation having turned to a much more positive direction.
I’ve landed a second interviewnext week for a marketing director position. I’ve been in this spot before over the last year but this feels different. The first interview felt right. And, if the people in the next interview are as described, it should feel right again. I learned long ago to listen to my little voice inside. No, I don’t “hear voices.” It’s my intuition that can size up a situation and while I can’t describe it any better, I just know when it’s right and when it’s wrong. I didn’t listen to it once when I was quite young. I had been offered a job as a marketing director and my little voice said, “Don’t do it.” Well, I did it. On day two of my employment, the EVP (whom I had not met before), let me know in no uncertain terms that I shouldn’t get delusions of “having the President’s ear,” that if push came to shove, he would always win. The EVP didn’t believe that the company needed marketing and that this was all a waste of money and effort. I didn’t see that one coming. I went home that night and cried. I stuck it out for three years and was recruited to work at another firm before I even began to look for another position. I did learn a lot in that position and because I didn’t have a lot of money to work with, I became incredibly savvy and creative. And, as it turned out, the EVP and I became good friends. I’m glad I didn’t listen.
I also passed an exam for a position in the Department of Agriculture with the State of Wisconsin and I scored well enough to earn an interview. It’s in two weeks. Once you get to an interview, everyone is considered equal. I’m pretty excited about this opportunity, too. It would use my past experience working internationally. I enjoyed those years even if the travel was wearisome. I don’t think this job would require the same amount of travel that I did in the past so that’s good. And, I’ve always been a big advocate of Wisconsin products, trying to buy locally whenever I can so this could be a good fit. I won’t know until I get to the interview. I have a friend who works in continuity planning for the State of Wisconsin so I’m going to try to meet with him for lunch. I don’t think I’ve seen Art in 10 years but we’ve remained friends and try to stay in touch.
Both opportunities are very good ones. I'd be honored to work at either of them. A good start to the New Year. Seems it’s more than the weather that’s thawing.
I haven’t been able to attend my regular networking meetings for quite a while. Between personal appointments and interviews, I haven’t had the time. It’s a good-bad thing. I miss seeing everyone and I don’t know who has become employed. Not everyone posts celebratory statements at LinkedIn or at our network subgroup sites so I don’t get to hear the good news. I feel a bit cut off. But I’m happy for my situation having turned to a much more positive direction.
I’ve landed a second interviewnext week for a marketing director position. I’ve been in this spot before over the last year but this feels different. The first interview felt right. And, if the people in the next interview are as described, it should feel right again. I learned long ago to listen to my little voice inside. No, I don’t “hear voices.” It’s my intuition that can size up a situation and while I can’t describe it any better, I just know when it’s right and when it’s wrong. I didn’t listen to it once when I was quite young. I had been offered a job as a marketing director and my little voice said, “Don’t do it.” Well, I did it. On day two of my employment, the EVP (whom I had not met before), let me know in no uncertain terms that I shouldn’t get delusions of “having the President’s ear,” that if push came to shove, he would always win. The EVP didn’t believe that the company needed marketing and that this was all a waste of money and effort. I didn’t see that one coming. I went home that night and cried. I stuck it out for three years and was recruited to work at another firm before I even began to look for another position. I did learn a lot in that position and because I didn’t have a lot of money to work with, I became incredibly savvy and creative. And, as it turned out, the EVP and I became good friends. I’m glad I didn’t listen.
I also passed an exam for a position in the Department of Agriculture with the State of Wisconsin and I scored well enough to earn an interview. It’s in two weeks. Once you get to an interview, everyone is considered equal. I’m pretty excited about this opportunity, too. It would use my past experience working internationally. I enjoyed those years even if the travel was wearisome. I don’t think this job would require the same amount of travel that I did in the past so that’s good. And, I’ve always been a big advocate of Wisconsin products, trying to buy locally whenever I can so this could be a good fit. I won’t know until I get to the interview. I have a friend who works in continuity planning for the State of Wisconsin so I’m going to try to meet with him for lunch. I don’t think I’ve seen Art in 10 years but we’ve remained friends and try to stay in touch.
Both opportunities are very good ones. I'd be honored to work at either of them. A good start to the New Year. Seems it’s more than the weather that’s thawing.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Preparations
Finally, temperatures in the double digits. Our walk this morning, while brisk, felt good. We went down Verbrick, turned left on Bouten, left on Seymour and then left again on Memorial Drive bringing us back to Verbrick and into Cherry Court. We hadn’t done this route in many weeks so Bruno was extra interested in sniffing the way. So many smell changes since our last visit. A young man walked a few paces ahead of us as we turned onto Memorial Drive. Bruno excitedly sniffed his footprints and raised his hackles. He didn’t know this person but was getting to know him in his own way. Having someone to follow increased our walking speed. Usually at this point in the walk, Bruno is starting to seriously slow down. It’s why I say, “I’m taking Bruno for a drag.” You never really walk a basset hound.
After my post Friday, I had good activity on the opportunities that I submitted to last week. Two phone calls and one email resulting in an interview tomorrow. All three were inquiring where I lived which opened the door for me to allay concerns about not being a local candidate. When I first started this blog, my house had just been put on the market. Our plan has been to move closer to family if I am unable to find a great career opportunity somewhere first. I explained to the inquirers that I am in the transition process so while I physically live at one address for now, I am preparing for a move and there’s no reason why that move couldn’t be to their town, on their schedule. It’s a bit of a relief to learn that one of the reasons I’m not hearing from really great fits is my address. But at least I’m opening doors a little more and getting the chance to chat with HR or the hiring manager, and convincing them that the move is such a trivial thing for me. And it really is. All three of them said that I have great qualifications so now I just have to prove I’m the right person for their company. It was a tremendous boost.
Tomorrow I travel for an interview and it is a great opportunity! I’ve been preparing by reading through their Web site and their holding company’s Web site. I want to learn as much as I possibly can before I meet with anyone. I’m also searching through LinkedIn to see if there are any network connections to people who work there, and I’m sending emails to friends who live in that area, again, looking for connections. My other preparations extend into “pre-answering” the standard interview questions to make sure I’m sharp, making my own list of questions, and looking at the backgrounds of their list of employees posted on their Web site. Sometimes you find common interests, experiences, or education with people who already work there. It gives me more to talk about and shows that I’m doing my homework. It can take 10-15 hours to prepare for one interview that lasts, if I’m lucky, an hour. But it’s well worth it. I know that my preparation shows and when I can get that offer, I know it will have paid off.
After my post Friday, I had good activity on the opportunities that I submitted to last week. Two phone calls and one email resulting in an interview tomorrow. All three were inquiring where I lived which opened the door for me to allay concerns about not being a local candidate. When I first started this blog, my house had just been put on the market. Our plan has been to move closer to family if I am unable to find a great career opportunity somewhere first. I explained to the inquirers that I am in the transition process so while I physically live at one address for now, I am preparing for a move and there’s no reason why that move couldn’t be to their town, on their schedule. It’s a bit of a relief to learn that one of the reasons I’m not hearing from really great fits is my address. But at least I’m opening doors a little more and getting the chance to chat with HR or the hiring manager, and convincing them that the move is such a trivial thing for me. And it really is. All three of them said that I have great qualifications so now I just have to prove I’m the right person for their company. It was a tremendous boost.
Tomorrow I travel for an interview and it is a great opportunity! I’ve been preparing by reading through their Web site and their holding company’s Web site. I want to learn as much as I possibly can before I meet with anyone. I’m also searching through LinkedIn to see if there are any network connections to people who work there, and I’m sending emails to friends who live in that area, again, looking for connections. My other preparations extend into “pre-answering” the standard interview questions to make sure I’m sharp, making my own list of questions, and looking at the backgrounds of their list of employees posted on their Web site. Sometimes you find common interests, experiences, or education with people who already work there. It gives me more to talk about and shows that I’m doing my homework. It can take 10-15 hours to prepare for one interview that lasts, if I’m lucky, an hour. But it’s well worth it. I know that my preparation shows and when I can get that offer, I know it will have paid off.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Focus
Welcome back! It’s been a month since my last post and a lot has happened. I’m still searching for that great opportunity, or maybe it’s still searching for me, but many other things have taken place since we last met.
Bruno continues to beg to play in the snow. Wednesday was a delightful day for a walk. Even though the temperature was in the mid-teens, I took Bruno through the Gardners Row triangle. It’s a bit of a longer walk and I was concerned about his ears freezing but I guess that won’t happen when they’re dragging through fresh snow that has a temp in the upper 20s. I enjoy watching his brisk shuffle, big paws flipping up snow almost to his nose (when it isn’t glued to the ground plowing the white stuff). And I get a chuckle when he brings his head up and that perfect cone of snow balances on top of his nose. I want to brush it off but then he puts his wiper on (his tongue) and everything gets cleaned up.
So, I’ve teased you about happenings since my last post. In a nutshell…lots of drama the weekend of Dec. 19 with a friend who needed her and her daughter’s evening gown altered for a debutante ball in three days after the professional seamstress literally butchered them (one rescued, one destined for small claims court), phone call from my sister-in-law inviting me to Christmas Day at their house (haven’t spoken to her in five years – very long story but this was a good sign), melt down in my stove – literally – that could have destroyed it but didn’t, and an unrelated to the melt down in my stove visit to the ER with my husband.
The week of Christmas, I heard from two dear friends. One was seriously unhappy and disillusioned with her job. It was time to start making career decisions because the current situation was going nowhere and she’s far too young to be in a dead-end job. I gave her some suggestions were to get help and answers. And the other was potentially seeing “the handwriting on the wall” not because of performance, but possibly the whim of a boss. She asked if this was the case and was told, “There’s no timetable for that yet.” What does THAT mean and how do you fix it? You can’t. You just do your best and forge ahead or look for another route.
The holidays this year were especially hard because it’s the second year without a job, no presents, no party of our own, and my husband’s impending surgery on the 28th. A year ago I said to myself, “In a year, this will probably be over and we’ll live happily ever after.” Shouldn’t have said that. Boxing Day had another trip to the ER making the surgery on the 28th more complicated. We counted our blessings that we delayed the surgery because those two trips to the ER revealed issues needing to be fixed that would have presented themselves a few weeks later, requiring another surgery. Friends came to us on New Year’s Eve and we toasted a fresh start. New Year’s Day we were back in the ER – a hematoma but not critical. Ice would take care of it – who knew? Was this our fresh start?
That brings us to this week. And what a week for a career search it has been! On Monday and Wednesday, I found the focus in my search and uncovered 32 excellent opportunities that suit me well. About 25 of them required 10+ years of experience. Finally, it seems they are looking up the ladder for new blood. Thursday there were eight more and this morning, another three so far. Tuesday was a bit of a disappointment, but that's OK. I had a long awaited interview for a job that was completely out of field but something I thought I could do. Very low pay, lots of overtime, no time off the first year – a bad combination if I wanted to continue searching for the right fit but still have an income. The worst part is that I would have been crushed emotionally by being in this position. It was a position as an adjudicator that required me to take sides. One party would always be, at the least, unhappy but likely quite angry. I’ve spent a good part of my career learning how to make every situation into a positive, the win-win. This job did not allow for that, at all. It was converse to my very being. Even when I have had to deliver the worst of news to a customer or my employer, I have always found a way to focus on the positive. That’s my nature and I’m good at it. I had to walk away.
Yesterday I connected two friends who have needs and talents that could help each of them start their businesses. One needed graphic design help (and marketing advice from me so I’m guess I’m providing consulting services now – for free - it feels good being needed) and the other wanted to do some freelance graphic design work. I think their personalities will mesh very well and that they have strengths that will complement each other. I’m glad I’ll get to see how this works out.
Oh yeah, already this week I’ve been contact by two of the 43 companies. That’s a 4% response rate – pretty darn good! Seems my focus is back in focus.
Bruno continues to beg to play in the snow. Wednesday was a delightful day for a walk. Even though the temperature was in the mid-teens, I took Bruno through the Gardners Row triangle. It’s a bit of a longer walk and I was concerned about his ears freezing but I guess that won’t happen when they’re dragging through fresh snow that has a temp in the upper 20s. I enjoy watching his brisk shuffle, big paws flipping up snow almost to his nose (when it isn’t glued to the ground plowing the white stuff). And I get a chuckle when he brings his head up and that perfect cone of snow balances on top of his nose. I want to brush it off but then he puts his wiper on (his tongue) and everything gets cleaned up.
So, I’ve teased you about happenings since my last post. In a nutshell…lots of drama the weekend of Dec. 19 with a friend who needed her and her daughter’s evening gown altered for a debutante ball in three days after the professional seamstress literally butchered them (one rescued, one destined for small claims court), phone call from my sister-in-law inviting me to Christmas Day at their house (haven’t spoken to her in five years – very long story but this was a good sign), melt down in my stove – literally – that could have destroyed it but didn’t, and an unrelated to the melt down in my stove visit to the ER with my husband.
The week of Christmas, I heard from two dear friends. One was seriously unhappy and disillusioned with her job. It was time to start making career decisions because the current situation was going nowhere and she’s far too young to be in a dead-end job. I gave her some suggestions were to get help and answers. And the other was potentially seeing “the handwriting on the wall” not because of performance, but possibly the whim of a boss. She asked if this was the case and was told, “There’s no timetable for that yet.” What does THAT mean and how do you fix it? You can’t. You just do your best and forge ahead or look for another route.
The holidays this year were especially hard because it’s the second year without a job, no presents, no party of our own, and my husband’s impending surgery on the 28th. A year ago I said to myself, “In a year, this will probably be over and we’ll live happily ever after.” Shouldn’t have said that. Boxing Day had another trip to the ER making the surgery on the 28th more complicated. We counted our blessings that we delayed the surgery because those two trips to the ER revealed issues needing to be fixed that would have presented themselves a few weeks later, requiring another surgery. Friends came to us on New Year’s Eve and we toasted a fresh start. New Year’s Day we were back in the ER – a hematoma but not critical. Ice would take care of it – who knew? Was this our fresh start?
That brings us to this week. And what a week for a career search it has been! On Monday and Wednesday, I found the focus in my search and uncovered 32 excellent opportunities that suit me well. About 25 of them required 10+ years of experience. Finally, it seems they are looking up the ladder for new blood. Thursday there were eight more and this morning, another three so far. Tuesday was a bit of a disappointment, but that's OK. I had a long awaited interview for a job that was completely out of field but something I thought I could do. Very low pay, lots of overtime, no time off the first year – a bad combination if I wanted to continue searching for the right fit but still have an income. The worst part is that I would have been crushed emotionally by being in this position. It was a position as an adjudicator that required me to take sides. One party would always be, at the least, unhappy but likely quite angry. I’ve spent a good part of my career learning how to make every situation into a positive, the win-win. This job did not allow for that, at all. It was converse to my very being. Even when I have had to deliver the worst of news to a customer or my employer, I have always found a way to focus on the positive. That’s my nature and I’m good at it. I had to walk away.
Yesterday I connected two friends who have needs and talents that could help each of them start their businesses. One needed graphic design help (and marketing advice from me so I’m guess I’m providing consulting services now – for free - it feels good being needed) and the other wanted to do some freelance graphic design work. I think their personalities will mesh very well and that they have strengths that will complement each other. I’m glad I’ll get to see how this works out.
Oh yeah, already this week I’ve been contact by two of the 43 companies. That’s a 4% response rate – pretty darn good! Seems my focus is back in focus.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Following the plan.
A brisk walk today. Single digit temperatures energize Bruno and that means much of the walk is actually a canter for him. The faster pace keeps him warm. Still, his ears flap in the wind he creates and I worry about frostbite. He just doesn’t seem to notice. We made it short walk – the Ravinia route – but the cold tires him out. I have a sleeping pooch at my feet as I write. Correction – a snoring pooch. Ah, the sound of contentment.
Still no word from the local opportunity that I interviewed with in early November. I find it disappointment when a company promises to contact you by a certain date “because we don’t want to keep people hanging,” and then doesn’t follow through. It’s troublesome for me being that I am so very customer-centric. I realize that this is an employer’s market but you still need to follow whatever plan you’ve put into place. Otherwise, I have to wonder how good you are at serving your paying customer. Yet, that means you really NEED ME! Hahaha! I’ve just amused myself with that logic.
I did get contacted by the State of Wisconsin for an interview. Get this…I took the exam for an Unemployment Benefits Specialist 1 back in June, did rather well, and now I’m being interviewed (not until January 5) for one of four positions (two permanent, two temp) that are available in Appleton. Boy, do I have experience on this subject! I’ve had to call several times with questions and I feel pretty confident about being able to handle what they call, controversial situations. I know that I’ve probably been one of the nicer callers they get in the course of a day but I go out of my way to be nice to them. For the number of calls each person takes from people in sad, awful situations, I’m sure that the specialists get blasted on a regular basis. Lots of people need to vent. I hope that the conversation they have with me is pleasant and feels like a bit of a break. And now, I have the potential of being one of them. You know, it’s a great fit. Knowing exactly how the caller feels and understanding that not everyone goes at their situation with a positive attitude comes naturally to me. The bad thing is that it’s pretty low pay but we’d be able to make it. I’d be able to stay in my house, pay all my bills, and have great benefits. At some point I’d also have the inside track for other positions or have the opportunity to be promoted. See…positive attitude.
Doc and I continue to follow our plan. I'm searching for whatever assistance for which we now qualify and I’m amazed at how much there is. I don’t know if funding is there, but I’m certainly willing to do the work filling out forms and waiting in line. I am so grateful for the programs that exist. Even if we can’t be funded, I’ve seen people in far off worse situations than we are and I feel for them. This month, if you can do it, please buy one of the pre-packaged sacks of food at your local grocery store for your food pantry, donate old towels, blankets, or cleaning supplies to your pet shelter, or pull an ornament from a merchant’s donation tree to buy a basic necessity for someone who doesn’t have shampoo, deodorant, or shaving cream. I have. It’s part of our plan.
Still no word from the local opportunity that I interviewed with in early November. I find it disappointment when a company promises to contact you by a certain date “because we don’t want to keep people hanging,” and then doesn’t follow through. It’s troublesome for me being that I am so very customer-centric. I realize that this is an employer’s market but you still need to follow whatever plan you’ve put into place. Otherwise, I have to wonder how good you are at serving your paying customer. Yet, that means you really NEED ME! Hahaha! I’ve just amused myself with that logic.
I did get contacted by the State of Wisconsin for an interview. Get this…I took the exam for an Unemployment Benefits Specialist 1 back in June, did rather well, and now I’m being interviewed (not until January 5) for one of four positions (two permanent, two temp) that are available in Appleton. Boy, do I have experience on this subject! I’ve had to call several times with questions and I feel pretty confident about being able to handle what they call, controversial situations. I know that I’ve probably been one of the nicer callers they get in the course of a day but I go out of my way to be nice to them. For the number of calls each person takes from people in sad, awful situations, I’m sure that the specialists get blasted on a regular basis. Lots of people need to vent. I hope that the conversation they have with me is pleasant and feels like a bit of a break. And now, I have the potential of being one of them. You know, it’s a great fit. Knowing exactly how the caller feels and understanding that not everyone goes at their situation with a positive attitude comes naturally to me. The bad thing is that it’s pretty low pay but we’d be able to make it. I’d be able to stay in my house, pay all my bills, and have great benefits. At some point I’d also have the inside track for other positions or have the opportunity to be promoted. See…positive attitude.
Doc and I continue to follow our plan. I'm searching for whatever assistance for which we now qualify and I’m amazed at how much there is. I don’t know if funding is there, but I’m certainly willing to do the work filling out forms and waiting in line. I am so grateful for the programs that exist. Even if we can’t be funded, I’ve seen people in far off worse situations than we are and I feel for them. This month, if you can do it, please buy one of the pre-packaged sacks of food at your local grocery store for your food pantry, donate old towels, blankets, or cleaning supplies to your pet shelter, or pull an ornament from a merchant’s donation tree to buy a basic necessity for someone who doesn’t have shampoo, deodorant, or shaving cream. I have. It’s part of our plan.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
What’s the right thing to do?
It finally snowed! Bruno loves the snow. He’s a completely different dog in the snow - full of energy, happy wagging tail, and that "puppiness" (I know, not a word) bounce that very young bassets have. We call him a “plow hound” because he thrusts his nose into the snow down to the ground and plows, snorting all the way. Sometimes the snow sticks to his snout and if it’s really cold, he gets little icicles. That’s gotta hurt but he doesn’t seem to mind. I never know if I should wipe him off or leave it alone.
Today we’re waiting for “the big one.” Doc just left for the grocery store to stock up. It sounds so funny but we’re preparing for a couple of days without an outing. Late this afternoon we’re headed off to Dottie’s for a bit of social time. Dottie is one of our retired neighbors and has become a close friend. We call visits to her home mini-mental health breaks. She loves many of the same things we do: opera, public radio, the symphony (Dottie plays the viola in the Fox Valley Symphony) and theater. We miss living near Chicago – we were members of the Lyric Opera and on our local Chapter board of directors, we attended Chicago Symphony performances, and we looked forward to programs at Ravinia. At least these visits with Dottie satisfy much of those needs. She’s a great neighbor who is trying to do the right things where we are concerned.
I have a question for all of you. My friend Dan has interviewed for a technical writer position with a great company that is growing at leaps and bounds. Lucky man! He followed up last week to get information about his status and was told by the hiring manager, not HR, that out of the group that they interviewed for the position, he was the only person who did not receive a rejection letter. OK, here’s where you go “Woo-Hoo!” right? Wrong. Dan was told “not to buy a new wardrobe just yet,” that they were going to continue searching for candidates. Apparently, if they can’t find someone with experience in a particular software package and an electrical engineering background, Dan might be the person they want. Talk about a blow that takes the wind out of you. When he told me the story, I felt so bad for him having to be on the roller coaster. Yippee! He’s not rejected! Dang! He’s not hired. So now what? What’s the right thing to do? Keep your hat in the ring and hope that being not quite the right person is good enough for you because you really need the job, or walk away because you don’t want to be second best and KNOW it? If I got an offer today, I would not know if I was the first, second or even third choice. I don’t want to know, ever. I want to go to my next employer with a full heart thinking and feeling that I am the best fit.
And here comes the snow.
Today we’re waiting for “the big one.” Doc just left for the grocery store to stock up. It sounds so funny but we’re preparing for a couple of days without an outing. Late this afternoon we’re headed off to Dottie’s for a bit of social time. Dottie is one of our retired neighbors and has become a close friend. We call visits to her home mini-mental health breaks. She loves many of the same things we do: opera, public radio, the symphony (Dottie plays the viola in the Fox Valley Symphony) and theater. We miss living near Chicago – we were members of the Lyric Opera and on our local Chapter board of directors, we attended Chicago Symphony performances, and we looked forward to programs at Ravinia. At least these visits with Dottie satisfy much of those needs. She’s a great neighbor who is trying to do the right things where we are concerned.
I have a question for all of you. My friend Dan has interviewed for a technical writer position with a great company that is growing at leaps and bounds. Lucky man! He followed up last week to get information about his status and was told by the hiring manager, not HR, that out of the group that they interviewed for the position, he was the only person who did not receive a rejection letter. OK, here’s where you go “Woo-Hoo!” right? Wrong. Dan was told “not to buy a new wardrobe just yet,” that they were going to continue searching for candidates. Apparently, if they can’t find someone with experience in a particular software package and an electrical engineering background, Dan might be the person they want. Talk about a blow that takes the wind out of you. When he told me the story, I felt so bad for him having to be on the roller coaster. Yippee! He’s not rejected! Dang! He’s not hired. So now what? What’s the right thing to do? Keep your hat in the ring and hope that being not quite the right person is good enough for you because you really need the job, or walk away because you don’t want to be second best and KNOW it? If I got an offer today, I would not know if I was the first, second or even third choice. I don’t want to know, ever. I want to go to my next employer with a full heart thinking and feeling that I am the best fit.
And here comes the snow.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Being caretaker.
Bruno is adapting to his diet rather well. Almost too well. He seems to be satisfied with his new food and the amount he gets. I wonder how long that will last. I just want to get this "fixed" before he notices.
Morning walks at 6:30AM are increasingly dark as we approach the winter solstice. But I don’t feel uneasy because of the hour and the amount of people out and about. Last Saturday, Bruno and I took the Grove and Lynch Roads route going past a favorite Christmas tree vendor. Bruno sniffed a few trees and I made sure that he had poor aim, if you get what I mean. It put the Christmas spirit into my head so later that morning, Doc and I returned to the tree lot to get our fresh Christmas tree. It's the only live tree in our house - there are usually 15 others that are artificial. The lot owners are great people and we’ve bought our tree from them before. This time, he asked how our year had been and we told them about being unemployed for the second Christmas in row but that we remained positive about the future. He asked what I did for a living and I shared my business card. Marketing. He said that marketing was what was probably needed for his two businesses but that right now he was having a tough times and couldn’t afford it. We picked out a tree and a couple of bundles of boughs and he said, “$25 for the tree; the boughs are free because you’re unemployed.” We argued that it was in our budget but he insisted. I’m going to go back next week to see what I can do to help him get more business without spending a lot of money, or any at all. He paid it forward and I'm sure there is something I can do for him. In fact, I have a couple of ideas already.
Yesterday was a day of taking care of others. Part of my morning was spent conducting a workshop teaching other unemployed professionals how to complete a good professional summary and then from it, writing a short bio. For most people, the hardest part of the process is identifying special skills. We’re taught as children to be humble and not to brag. It’s not a lack of confidence about what we can do because in any given situation, if someone has a particular strength for a needed task, they generally jump in and do it. But to talk about, in a bio or cover letter, can be very hard. I shared some of the dozen or so bios that I helped people create. I have their permission to share them and I’m glad for that – it shows that my workshop with them paid off. They feel the bio accurately reflects them and should be shared. My class yesterday knew some of these folks and they agreed about the accuracy of the bios. Now I’m eager to help this new class capture their strengths. I love that "Aha!" moment.
Later that afternoon, I took Doc to a doctor appointment. Sigh. A hernia that had been repaired 30 years ago is back. That means more surgery. Now is not a good time for a lot of reasons. Everyone agreed that he could wait until the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, except, of course, if an emergency occurs. He's already met his health insurance deductible (he has his own coverage, separate from mine) so at least our financial exposure is limited but it still means he has exposure to the risk of surgery. He’s had several abdominal surgeries in the last four years and I worry how this one will impact his digestive tract. We’ve adapted pretty well to his food issues and are thankful that we can “figure it out.” I wonder if this will change what food he can enjoy – we love food! We’ll see.
In the evening, I spent a good hour with Laura on the phone. She is tying up loose ends with her former employer and getting her resume in shape. She sounded pretty good on the phone and yet I could still hear the pain. Not so much for losing her job but more about the effort finding a new one will be. A career search is a full-time, plus overtime, job. The thought of it never goes away. Weekends are just short work weeks. There are no breaks from the career search and networking. Speaking of networks, a big “Thank you,” to Josh and Pete from my CCN group (and any of you who have contacted her directly) for reaching out to Laura with job opportunities and including her in your own network. She is very appreciative of your kindness. I can’t believe what great people I’ve met during this time and I am so very glad that you’re part of my new life.
Morning walks at 6:30AM are increasingly dark as we approach the winter solstice. But I don’t feel uneasy because of the hour and the amount of people out and about. Last Saturday, Bruno and I took the Grove and Lynch Roads route going past a favorite Christmas tree vendor. Bruno sniffed a few trees and I made sure that he had poor aim, if you get what I mean. It put the Christmas spirit into my head so later that morning, Doc and I returned to the tree lot to get our fresh Christmas tree. It's the only live tree in our house - there are usually 15 others that are artificial. The lot owners are great people and we’ve bought our tree from them before. This time, he asked how our year had been and we told them about being unemployed for the second Christmas in row but that we remained positive about the future. He asked what I did for a living and I shared my business card. Marketing. He said that marketing was what was probably needed for his two businesses but that right now he was having a tough times and couldn’t afford it. We picked out a tree and a couple of bundles of boughs and he said, “$25 for the tree; the boughs are free because you’re unemployed.” We argued that it was in our budget but he insisted. I’m going to go back next week to see what I can do to help him get more business without spending a lot of money, or any at all. He paid it forward and I'm sure there is something I can do for him. In fact, I have a couple of ideas already.
Yesterday was a day of taking care of others. Part of my morning was spent conducting a workshop teaching other unemployed professionals how to complete a good professional summary and then from it, writing a short bio. For most people, the hardest part of the process is identifying special skills. We’re taught as children to be humble and not to brag. It’s not a lack of confidence about what we can do because in any given situation, if someone has a particular strength for a needed task, they generally jump in and do it. But to talk about, in a bio or cover letter, can be very hard. I shared some of the dozen or so bios that I helped people create. I have their permission to share them and I’m glad for that – it shows that my workshop with them paid off. They feel the bio accurately reflects them and should be shared. My class yesterday knew some of these folks and they agreed about the accuracy of the bios. Now I’m eager to help this new class capture their strengths. I love that "Aha!" moment.
Later that afternoon, I took Doc to a doctor appointment. Sigh. A hernia that had been repaired 30 years ago is back. That means more surgery. Now is not a good time for a lot of reasons. Everyone agreed that he could wait until the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, except, of course, if an emergency occurs. He's already met his health insurance deductible (he has his own coverage, separate from mine) so at least our financial exposure is limited but it still means he has exposure to the risk of surgery. He’s had several abdominal surgeries in the last four years and I worry how this one will impact his digestive tract. We’ve adapted pretty well to his food issues and are thankful that we can “figure it out.” I wonder if this will change what food he can enjoy – we love food! We’ll see.
In the evening, I spent a good hour with Laura on the phone. She is tying up loose ends with her former employer and getting her resume in shape. She sounded pretty good on the phone and yet I could still hear the pain. Not so much for losing her job but more about the effort finding a new one will be. A career search is a full-time, plus overtime, job. The thought of it never goes away. Weekends are just short work weeks. There are no breaks from the career search and networking. Speaking of networks, a big “Thank you,” to Josh and Pete from my CCN group (and any of you who have contacted her directly) for reaching out to Laura with job opportunities and including her in your own network. She is very appreciative of your kindness. I can’t believe what great people I’ve met during this time and I am so very glad that you’re part of my new life.
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