Who's line is it?

I spent two days last week at a career transition seminar, it was part of my severance package. We spent most of the time concentrating on resumes and networking techniques. But some time on the first day was spent talking about transition and what it means while looking for a new job.

The speaker emphasized how important it is to spend time reflecting on what it is you want from your next job and what you want long-term. Once you know that it's easier to focus your time on jobs that will get you where you want to go. Those dreams will suddenly become reality, it's one of those "we create our own destiny" scenarios.

I've always lived this way. That book "The Secret" was no surprise to me. My problem with this way of thinking when it comes to jobs is: I THINK I know what I want but ultimately I'm capable of being happy where ever I may end up. Take for instance my last job, never in a million years did I think I'd be at REIT doing marketing for a cause I don't particularly believe in, yet I was happy there. I made the most out of it, learned a ton and made a lot of friends.

So as I do the job search it's hard for me to rule things out simply because it's not in my line of vision (and for the record, I think my age makes my line of vision more narrow than it should be, simply because I have limited experiences...). Who am I to say "yes" or "no" to opportunities simply because I haven't yet dreamt of the idea?

For instance I had an interview on Friday at a capital management firm. I went in thinking it was strictly administrative based on the job posting, and should I get an offer there was no way I'd accept it. Turns out it was more or less what I was doing at my old job; something I know I'm capable of and somewhat enjoy doing. Although it wasn't something I would normally picture myself doing I really believe it was something I'd enjoy. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on what comes to fruition), however, they decided I wouldn't be happy there long-term. (Which is a whole other discussion.)

For the most part I know what I'm looking for and intend on making something along those line happen. But for the most part, when it comes to the job search I really like the "what's meant to be will be" approach. I'm not really the only person in charge here. I just need to keep an open mind and be willing to give anything a try.

Unemployment

I like that I can come back to my blog as things in my life change, or as I have some extra time and the need to write!

I was laid-off a few weeks ago-hence the abundance of time! I'm still kind of sad about it, I put everything I had into that job for the past 3 years. It might have not been my dream job but I really enjoyed going to work everyday and made some wonderful friends.

I made it to our company holiday party last night, my closest coworkers insisted I be there. It wasn't as awkward as I had imagine, just a few people I avoided. All in all we eat and drank and danced till they kicked us out. Nothing beats partying on the company's dime!


And now I continue the daily search for employment and answers to BIG life questions. I suck at making decisions. I feel like there are an infinite amount of paths before me and no matter which one I take my life will go in a completely different direction. Depending on the day this "freedom" is both liberating and exhausting. I have to remind myself, it must be taken one day at a time, and I really should be thankful for the chance to start over without any strings!

I'm not the kind of person to get stressed or over anxious about things that might be or never are. I do what can; send out resumes to jobs that interest me (in a variety of locations), run, read and eat up my days surfing the web. So as much as I hate being idol and waiting for something to come along, that's just about all I can do for now....and besides that means you might just get to hear a little more from me! :-)